Stage Right

Yes, you love your movie popcorn but why not try having an affair with
the theatre? Here are our favourite productions hitting Torontos stages
this month:

Cruel and Tender
Still gutted at having missed its
presentation of Red before the holidays, Im determined to catch Canadian
Stages Cruel and Tender when it arrives at the Bluma Appel
theatre. In it, Atom Egoyan not only directs his wife for the first time
on stage but also brings to life Martin Crimps provocative and timely
story of love, war and ego. Opens January 21 (Tickets from $35).

Kims Convenience
A play many years in the making,
Soulpepper is presenting the Fringe Festival winner Kims Convenience
written by Ins Choi and directed by Weyni Mengesha. Set in a Regent Park
convenience store owned and run by Mr. Kim since the 1980s, this story
of a patriarch watching his children grow up and pursue their dreams is
said to be both hilarious and touching. Opens January 12 (Tickets from
$51).

The Golden Dragon
Something of a mystery set in a
bustling restaurant, it appears the dinner guests and kitchen staff at The
Golden Dragon may all have something to hide. Tarragon Theatre
presents the Canadian premiere of The Golden Dragon on January 10
(Tickets from $24).

Penny Plain
For a taste of something dark and a little
different, check out Penny Plain at The Factory Theatre.
Described as an end of the world romance, the story of Penny Plain is
told as only theatre artist Ronnie Burkett can tell it through
marionettes. Opens January 20 (Tickets from $38). Julie Whelan