The Edmonton theatre scene is alive every night with big-time talent on small-venue stages! Refresh your perspectives on a classic play or find a completely new one at one of these eccentric shows. The best part? You don’t have to buy your tickets far in advance, as most will have some available that night at the venue. So move your usual evening plans upstage or downstage to one of these unconventional plays.
The Best Brothers | Through November 15
Anyone who’s ever had a disagreement with their sibling — whether they’re human or canine — will find an insightful takeaway at this play. After their eccentric mother dies at a Gay Pride Parade in an absurd accident involving a drag queen named Pina Colada, three estranged brothers — one of which is an Italian greyhound — must reunite to make her final arrangements. As arguments ensue over everything from flowers to the wording of the obituary, the characters begin to realize the bittersweet bonds beyond family that connect them all.
Shadow Theatre at Backstage Theatre | 10330-84 Ave. | 780-409-1910
The Rocky Horror Show | November 6 – 15
You’ve re-watched the campy cult film about a sweet transvestite mad scientist and his beautiful creation Rocky Horror many times, and now you can catch the equally fun stage version! A tribute to the sci-fi and horror B films of the 1950s, this kitchy show follows a newly engaged couple who are caught in a storm and seek refuge in Dr. Frank N Furter’s castle. Though you won’t be able to shout out your own additions to the dialogue at this show, no one will object if you dance the time warp in your seat!
Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway at La Cité Francophone | 8627 rue Marie-Anne-Gaboury (91 St.) | 780-463-1144
Iphigenia at Aulis | November 26 — December 5
Though it was Helen’s face that launched a thousand ships, Euripides’ Greek tragedy follows the story of another woman during the Trojan War: Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon. Worried about losing the war, Agamemnon makes the difficult decision to sacrifice his daughter to appease Artemis, goddess of war. Drama ensues as Clytemnestra and Achilles both try to protect Iphigenia from her father, but true to most tragedies, not all’s well that ends well.
U of A Studio Theatre at Timms Centre for the Arts | University of Alberta, 112 St. & 87 Ave. | 780-420-1757
Café Daughter | November 26 — December 6
An invigorating blend of power and humour, this one-woman play is based off the true story of Senator Lillian Dyck. As a young girl, Yvette Wong, who helps out in her parents’ café, is ordered by her mother to hide her Cree identity from everyone. But as she matures and tries to follow her dream of becoming a doctor, she’s taken on another journey to reclaim her heritage in this heartwarming play.
Workshop West at Backstage Theatre | 10330-84 Ave. | 780-409-1910
