NEXT Magazine Fall 2023

THE BEACHES

Breakups power band’s breakout new sound

FALL ARTS

PREVIEW

OMEGA MIGHTY

TAVIAH M’CARTHY

Best theatre, comedy, dance, visual art and more

LATE NIGHT BITES

+ + +

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Perfectly situated in Toronto's Downtown East – where Regent Park meets Cabbagetown – Daniels on Parliament offers a unique blend of affordability, accessibility, rich arts & culture, and a vibrant, growing community, making this condominium residence your perfect place to call home.

TOP 6 SIX IN THE

The 6 can’t-miss things happening in The Six this season

NATIONAL TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY

Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation: Andrew Balfour, Marie Gaudet, Jimmy Dick, Julian Taylor, Zoey Roy and more

Tickets start at $40 Koerner Hall

Fri., Sept. 29, 8 pm

rcmusic.com/concerts

National Truth and Reconciliation Day is September 30, a time to reckon with the harms Canada has in icted on Indigenous Peoples since its inception. It’s also a time to honour the strength of Indigenous Peoples and the resilience of Indigenous languages and cultures in the face of genocide. Yes, wear orange for Orange Shirt Day, but remember also that true reconciliation takes more than low-stakes gestures. Educate yourself on the ongoing harms of the residential school system, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, listen to and elevate Indigenous voices and celebrate thriving Indigenous cultures at events happening in Tkaron:to/Toronto this fall. On Fri., Sept. 29, Indigenous artists gather at Koerner Hall “to honour those affected by residential schools and offer hope for the future.” Hosted by spoken-word artist Zoey Roy, it features singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, Juno Award-nominated composer Andrew Balfour and more. Partial proceeds go to the Woodland Cultural Centre on the Six Nations of the Grand River. Other events include the Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square, Fri., Sept. 29 through Sat., Sept. 30, and the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto’s 26th annual Community Pow Pow at Dufferin Grove Park (875 Dufferin St.) on Sat., Sept. 30 at noon.

THE HOTTEST PODCASTS AT HOT DOCS

Hot Docs Podcast Festival

Tickets $33 – $39 per show; all-access pass $249 ($239 for members)

Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

Thurs., Oct. 19 – Sun., Oct. 22 hotdocs.ca/festivals/podcast-festival

Hot Docs hosts the eighth edition of its Podcast Festival with a stacked lineup that includes Canadaland — Canada’s best newspaper that’s actually a podcast — celebrating its 10th anniversary with a live taping featuring regular Canadaland contributors and special guests. Plus, tapings of The New Yorker Fiction Podcast with special guest Margaret Atwood, Under the In uence with Terry O’Reilly, Q with Tom Power with guest Broken Social Scene’s Kevin Drew (pictured above). Tickets are available for individual shows, but true podcast fanatics can buy passes to attend all the above and more. Also at Hot Docs: don’t miss Naomi Klein on Mon., Oct. 2 discussing her new book, Doppleganger, which exams the distorted “mirror world” of identity and the far right on the internet.

CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS FILM AND MEDIA

Top 6 In The Six

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival

$10 per screening (free Fri. Oct. 20); festival passes available

TIFF Bell Lightbox and Online

Sat,. Oct. 17 – Fri., Oct. 22 (in theatres) and Sat., Oct. 23 – Fri., Oct. 29 (online) imaginenative.org

The 24th annual imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival celebrates Indigenous storytelling in lm, audio and interactive digital spaces through screenings, exhibitions and special events, both in person and streaming online. The theme of this year’s festival is “Homecoming,” incorporating feelings of welcoming, warmth and kindness.

4

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

ROM After Dark

$40 ($36 for ROM Patrons/Members)

Royal Ontario Museum

Fri., Sept. 22 & Fri., Oct. 27, 7:30 pm rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/rom-after-dark

Once a month, after the sun sets, the Royal Ontario Museum transforms into a completely different, 19+ experience. Featuring live music, performances, food and drink, this adults-only, “After Dark” evening inside an iconic Toronto landmark doesn’t sound anything like the Ben Stiller movie.

DRAKE COMES HOME

Drake: It’s All a Blur Tour Tickets start at approx. $629.51 Fri., Oct. 6 & Sat., Oct. 7 Scotiabank Arena ticketmaster.ca

When he left the city earlier this year to embark on his It’s All a Blur Tour, Drake wrote on social media he was going out there to “make you proud once again.” He signed off with “See you in October.” As promised, October’s Very Own is coming back to the Six, but be prepared to spend a small fortune if you want to be there for his homecoming. At the time of writing, tickets range from roughly $600 to more than $1,000. Hard to tell what’s more expensive: going to see a Drake concert or paying rent for a shared bedroom in a West End basement.

Editor/Publisher

Michael Hollett

Associate Editor Rayne Fisher-Quann

Advice Columnist

Amy Millan

Content and Marketing Specialist William Molls

Art Director Jefferson Wilde

Contributors

Away, Matais Bessai, Adam Davidson, Liam Donovan, Latoya Elle, Neal Ganguli, Daniel Hartman, Barb He er, Ammar Karam, Sarah Khan, Zack Kotzer, Amy Lloyd, Gabrielle Marceau, Ozioma Nwabuikwu, Nicole Richie, Laura Robinson, Nicholas Sokic, Sierra Stone, Helen Toner, Karen K. Tran, Caely White, Sanjeev Wignarajah

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MARCH FOR THE LAND

March for the Land: Walk with Land Alliance Queen’s Park Wed., Sept. 27, noon freegrassy.net

Five First Nations from Northern Ontario are coming to lead a march to Queen’s Park calling on Premier Doug Ford to end unwanted mining activity on their territories. Walk with the ve First Nations of the historic Land Alliance as they ght for control over their lives and their lands

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Food

Fine dining is — ne. But sometimes we just want a late-night grub hub made to feed the drunk and hungry. These are our picks for best spots to make sure you go to bed fed.

By: Nicole Richie

Sneaky Dee’s - 431 College St

Midnight Madness

It wouldn't be a late-night eats list without mentioning Toronto's best-known Chinatown haunts. But as Toronto's nightlife returns to its pre-pandemic pandemonium, along comes the desire for more after-hours menus.

Chinatown legends:

noodles until the wee hours. Open until 4 am on weekends and until midnight Sunday through Monday, you can get your pho x whenever the craving emerges. Fresh, bright and avourful, pick this noodle house when looking for a lighter option in this neighbourhood.

Rosewood

463 Dundas St. W.

jerk chicken after 10 pm, Jerk King has the hearts of many when it comes to a nocturnal bite in the city. The Bloorcourt location, arguably the best, is also open latest. Find dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken roti and fried plantain until 4 am daily and until 5 am on Saturdays.

Extra Burger

1265 Dundas St. W.

This no-frills spot at the corner of Dundas and Dovercourt is exactly the kind of place to end your night. Starting as a burger stand in 2017, this smash patty spot now has a brick-and-mortar location that serves diner staples like crinkle-cut fries, grilled cheese and onion rings along with its signature cheeseburgers. Open until 1 am Fridays and Saturdays.

household name in Toronto, but the Geary location is a serious spot for night owls looking for some ’za. Open until midnight and tucked into the back of the Greater Good, you will nd a pizza oven pumping out hot and delicious pies and garlic knots that are sure to help minimize the effects of tomorrow's hangover.

PJ Clucks

610 College St. & 1112 Queen St. W.

Pinkertons

1026 Gerrard St. E.

Rol San

388 Spadina Ave.

After 28 years on the other side of Spadina, this long-time Chinatown destination closed its doors only to reopen months later across the street. The incomparable late-night dim sum mixed with Chinese menu classics makes this plastic tablecloth stalwart a must on our list. Smaller than its original location, the new Rol San still sports this same enormous menu, bright neon sign and service until 4 am.

Canton Chilli

418 Spadina Ave.

Under the big red sign, you’ll nd a room encapsulated by past diners. Drawings, notes and letters from adoring patrons hang on the walls, stained by grease and oil from years of wear and tear. Open until 2 am, this Cantonese restaurant is known for its Manchurian-style spicy Hakka chow mein. Bold and spicy Indian in uence makes this a go-to to avoid a nasty hangover.

Pho Pasteur

525 Dundas St. W. Compact and tucked away just past the corner of Dundas and Spadina, this little cash-only Vietnamese restaurant is slinging

Open since 2011, this AYCE Hong Kong-style dim sum and Cantonese restaurant is open until 3 am daily. With rounds of dumplings delivered in steaming baskets and whirled around on lazy Susans, this is as good as it gets when you’re looking to carbo-load after a night on the town.

House of Gourmet

484 Dundas St. W.

An institution in Toronto, this iconic bustling dining room and its late-night Chinese BBQ have been serving nighthawks for almost three decades. Known for its unbeatable wonton noodles with crispy duck, this place has got comfort food on lock. Not into slurping down some soup? Pick from the 800+ menu items for something that’s sure to please. Open until 1 am daily.

Greasy must-haves:

Sneaky Dee's

431 College St.

Looking for a mountain of nachos to go with your next pitcher? Well, look no further than this College and Bathurst haunt. Graf ti bull skulls coat the exterior of this corner building and, inside, you won’t nd an inch that hasn’t been touched by Sharpie or some other signage. Since 1987, Sneaky Dee’s has been serving college students and punk a cionados cheap, cold beer and piles on piles of cheesy chips until 2 am nightly.

Look, who doesn’t want a bag of fried chicken to cap off an evening of debauchery? Brown paper bags lled with salty fried goodness emerge from a window, and suddenly all is right in the world. Open until 4 am on weekends, 3 am on Thursdays and midnight the rest of the week, this window is delivering hot, fried chicken, sandwiches and tenders for the masses.

Looking to keep the night going? Try:

Great music, great food and even better cocktails, this Gerrard Street haunt is known in the East for having the best bao and the loudest most raucous crowd almost every night of the week. Pop in after midnight on Tuesday through Sunday and you’ll be met by an eclectic neighbourhood crowd sinking Tiki-inspired drinks and pan-Asian dishes that are exactly what the doctor ordered.

Jerk King

1104 Bloor St. W., 275 Dundas

St. W, 522 Bloor St. W. and more

As a long-time proprietor of some of the best curry goat and

Square Boy

875 Danforth Ave.

Find yourself roaming the Danforth after a show at the Music Hall? Take a walk down to Square Boy for some Greek eats. Open until 12:30 am every weekend, this old-school burger joint is a staple in the East End. Find juicy souvlaki, cheap gyros and charred burgers all located in a time capsule of the 1960s.

North of Brooklyn

229 Geary Ave.

North of Brooklyn may be a

Bar Bowie

180R Ossington Ave.

Hidden under a laundromat, this dimly lit basement bar is an inmate spot made for midnight snacks that aren’t going to send you to the pillow. Order a martini and a couple of small plates, like hot crab dip, garlic prawns and cucumber salad, to keep you level while you cosy up to some friends and let the night slip away.

416 Snack Bar/ Short Turn

181 Bathurst St. & 576 Queen St. W.

Whether you’re in the OG Snack Bar location or its sister run-off location around the corner, the outcome remains the same. Asian-inspired small plates that won’t leave you unbuttoning your pants like some of the aforementioned Chinatown spots, but that will ll you up and allow you another cheeky cocktail.

Oddseoul

90 Ossington Ave.

This dive bar and Korean-inspired restaurant is a must when looking for a bite and a drink after a long night of partying. With some of the best japchae in the city, this late-night eatery takes its liberties with some dishes, like the beloved Loosey. This ode to a Big Mac is kind of Korean in that it’s schmeared with a kimchi hollandaise, but it’s really an American sandwich made for a half-in-the-bag bar y.

LoPan

530 College St.

Located on top of its adored sister restaurant DaiLo, LoPan is one of the city's best-kept secrets. This late-night snack bar is open at 11 pm for a weehours menu created by chef and owner Nick Liu. Known for his Chinese-inspired, dim sum-style snacks, Chef Liu, better known online as Ninja Chef, experiments with classics and gives them his own spin. Try the Big Mac bao, pastrami spring rolls and truf e fried rice and wash it down with one of the creative cocktails.

THE BEACHES

Beaches blast back with best album yet after major label, lovers say “buh bye”

By Karen K. Tran

BBreakups are hard — but it’s easier to cope when you’re going through it with your friends. The members of Toronto pop/rock band The Beaches went through a tumultuous time in their personal and professional lives in recent years, but they got through it together. Almost everyone in the group broke up with their partners, and an even bigger breakup loomed overhead: the band got dropped from their major label. Has Mercury been in retrograde for too long? Or do we have Venus to blame this time? Either way, instead of speculating on star sign incompatibility or other astrological events, The Beaches came to a conclusion: Blame My Ex, the album. Amidst the chaos of their scheduled content- lming day, the four bandmates are multitasking by entertaining members of the press while pulling out t options for photoshoots or touching up their makeup.

Sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller and their best friends Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel pull up cushions to have a casual chat with me about music, their astrological big threes and the cons of being even a little bit famous (having a pro le on wikiFeet).

The conversation is paused momenContinued next page »

Photos by Meg Moon

tarily by a male photographer on assignment who asks the girls to pose for a photo: “Smile more! Get in close, like you actually like each other!”

When we resume the interview, Eliza and the band look to me

“I just zoned out / I was thinking about girls / supporting other girls / then I woke up in a meeting / with a bunch of random dudes / telling me what I should Though it seemed scary to be on their own, the band also cher-

and con rm, “You saw that happen, right? He wouldn’t have said that if we were an all-male band.”

It’s microaggressions from older men like these that make The Beaches feel like getting dropped from their label maybe wasn’t such a bad thing.

It’s the rst time that the band have written candidly about their career relationships, which, Jordan explains, they’ve been meaning to do for a while. On Everything Is Boring, she sings,

ished the freedom of having full creative control as independent artists. They took a step back to re-evaluate what kind of music they wanted to write, worked their way through their imposter syndrome and successfully capitalized on their relationship woes by releasing their biggest streaming single to date, the viral TikTok sensation, Blame Brett.

It’s easy to make it seem like it’s all fun and games because the girls don’t take themselves too seriously on songs like Blame Brett and Kismet, but they do break new ground in their artistry by being more honest with themselves on more low-key tracks on the album, such as If a Tree Falls.

“I never really write from an earnest place,” says Jordan. “I’ve written about sad and painful experiences before, but they’re usually dripping in irony and jokes. This is the rst time I’ve ever stood still and said, ‘I’m so desperately sad and I don’t know how I’m going to get out of this.’”

Blame My Ex

Genre: Pop/rock

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Sound: Approachable pop music with an attitude

If you like: MUNA, Beach Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo

Best track: Blame Brett

Why you should listen: The Beaches take risks in their new music with lead vocalist Jordan Miller’s vocals and fully believe in the skill of their songwriting. There’s playfulness, sorrow and a sisterhood that makes this album the quintessential introduction to who The Beaches are.

She’s also made a push to elevate her vocal performance, which feels distinctive on songs like Me & Me and What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid. She credits this shift to doing her homework by listening to contemporary female artists like girl in red and Angel Olsen to home in on what she could do to improve her own vocal style.

My Body ft Your Lips is the horniest track on the record, which features guest vocals from Nick Santino of Beach Weather, with whom they’ll be touring in the fall for a headlining beach-powered super tour — and it’s already sold out.

“I heard them on the radio last year with Sex, Drugs, Etc., and we fell in love with them, so we reached out for the tour,” explains Leandra. “Then we thought it would be perfect to sing a song together on that tour, so we sent them the whole album to listen to. Nick has such a sexy voice, so we thought, ‘Let’s give him the sexiest song on our album.’”

Though the album has a pretty prominent breakup theme, the band didn’t intend to make a breakup album.

“We wanted a lot of people to be able to connect with the album no matter their age or where they come from,” says Kylie. “I don’t know what the hell is happening — Mercury has just been in retrograde it seems —

but everyone is breaking up, so this is the album to fuel that; RIP Joe and Sophie!”

Maybe it’s just a drop in the bucket, but The Beaches want to do what they can to make the music industry a better place for women by writing music that’s supportive of sisterhood. In the 10 years they’ve been releasing music, they’ve come a long way from showing up to the gig and being mistaken by security as fans trying to sneak in backstage — though that’s more of a re ection of the male-dominated industry than a comment on their ability as musicians.

As for their current dating lives, The Beaches are all in a better place than they were when making the album. The band joke

about Eliza and her boyfriend basically being a married couple at this point; Kylie announces her very new long-distance boyfriend; Leandra still meets up with her ex but is in what she describes as “full rat-girl mode,” which means she’s enjoying kissing whoever she wants and exploring polyamorous relationships; and Jordan has learned that she is a relationship anarchist and is in a non-hierarchical polyamorous relationship. Relationship gossip aside, Blame My Ex is The Beaches at their most con dent, authentic selves. The rest of us with dating issues can only hope of moving on from toxic relationships by making beautiful art with our best friends.

“Mercury has just been in retrograde it seems — but everyone is breaking up, so this is the album to fuel that; ”

Members of the Toronto pop/rock group, The Beaches (clockwise from top), Jordan Miller, Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl, and Eliza Enman-McDaniel.

Listen to the Full Album

Spotify

Apple Music

Music

Omega Mighty assumes throne as dancehall’s Unbothered Queen

Hip hop powers little sister Haviah’s rise to the top while dancehall drives Omega Mighty

By Ozioma Nwabuikwu

Her little sister, Haviah, might be the one grabbing an impressive haul of accolades, including the Polaris Prize and Juno for best hip hop album of the year, but Omega Mighty continues to make it clear there is more than one star in the family. And her latest EP, Notorious & Noble, is a dance hall-powered party pack with a winning sound of her own.

After Mighty’s camera and mic connect on the Zoom call and we exchange quick hellos, I realize that she is as regal as I’ve read, even on a relaxed Saturday evening. Ahead of her EP release, we sit down to discuss what inspired her to go deeper into dance hall after having released R&B- and hip hop- avoured tracks.

Mighty rst fell in love with dancehall after discovering Vybz Kartel and other popular dancehall artists through passa passa party music and competing in local dancehall crew competitions in the early

2000s. After growing up in a spiritual household in Brampton that played a lot of roots reggae artists like Peter Tosh and Luciano, one would expect her to go reggae all the way. “I fell in love with dancehall because of how it really infuses and embeds the Jamaican culture in all of its being,” she says. “My take on dancehall is a bit more female-empowerment-inspired than reggae.”

Mighty was a regular guest at her sister’s early shows, and she says there’s never been an issue for them to share the stage because of how they were raised.

“If one of us makes it, we all make it,” she says.

Even after being surrounded by the con dence and talent in her musical family, Mighty had struggles with self-acceptance: “I’m a bit of an oxymoron … born and raised in Canada, raised in a Rastafarian household … these things don’t generally go together.”

Living under those contradictions as a Black woman didn’t make things any easier. Her music is a way for her to

continuously reject stereotypes and encourage all of us to do so as well.

“I think it’s important for us to be liberated and free as women because we have been governed by so many societal pressures that have not allowed us to truly just be ourselves and accept ourselves.”

The aesthetics and messaging of this new EP were inspired by her rst trip to West Africa last year when she visited Lagos and Accra with family and friends. What was initially a social visit became a powerful reminder of her history.

“Putting a visual to the painful yet rich West African history and the humble beginnings of my Caribbean people,” she says. “Being able to experience so much rich history that is preserved that we don’t have here and that is not taught here showed me that’s an issue. In order for us to heal, we have to recognize that these are the things that took place and take action in current day.”

But she’s far from stuck in the past as she brings current

issues to the forefront throughout the album.

Her little sister helps her do just that on the EP’s track Rush Dem, which tackles current political and racial struggles only heightened during the pandemic.

“Those things have never gone away, but we just got to have more eyes into it because we relied so much on social media during that time.”

The “notorious” part of the record references the “notorious stereotype that is casted upon us (Black people)” during this time as well as historically.

Mighty is excited about her upcoming gig at the Drake, and I ask her for advice on how to become a “Whine Masta” ahead of the show.

Her advice? Let loose, be free and she reminds me, “You do not need to look like anybody else; you just need to look like you.”

That’s not only great advice but also a great encapsulation of Mighty’s message on her new release. Now, excuse me while I go get ready for the show in case she pulls me up on stage.

Notorious & Noble

Genre: R&B and Dancehall

Rating: NNNN (out of 5)

Sound: Perfect blend of infectious beats, smooth vocals and bold anthems encouraging you to step out as your true self.

If you like: Shenseea, Spice, Lila

Ike Best track: Gi Dem

Release date: Fri., Oct. 6

Next: Album release show, Drake Underground, Wed., Oct. 4

Why you should listen: If you’re tired of internalizing shame, put this EP on to whine away the weight of the world’s expectations. Feel free to appreciate your unique self while doing so.

Toronto clubs, concert halls and stadiums are lling up with some of the biggest names in music this fall while local rising stars ensure there are great acts to see every night, Check our best bets for this music-packed season.

September

Who: Måneskin

When: Wed., Sept. 27

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Rock

Why you should go: Raw chaotic energy: that is one way of describing the Eurovision winners who took the world by storm in 2021. The Italian rock band is bringing back the unadulterated fun that rock and roll used to represent and generate an incredible atmosphere for the crowd. It is one you do not want to miss.

Who: Rock of Fame

When: Thurs., Sept. 28

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: ’70s and ’80s classic

Why you should go: The roots of Canada’s amazing music scene are celebrated by honouring 13 acts who helped create the scene. All the acts be there, most will be performing and there will be special sets with special guests. Honoured bands include, April Wine, Chilliwack, Glass Tiger, Lee Aaron, Lighthouse, Loverboy, Max Webster, Michel Pagliaro, Platinum Blonde, PRISM, Rough Trade, The Parachute Club and Trooper

Who: Steven Page with Craig Northey, Kevin Fox, and special guest Tom Wilson

inductee Steven Page brings friends Craig Northey (of the band Odds) and cellist Kevin Fox to perform literate, catchy songs about love and life. They will be joined by the ve-time Juno Award-winning Mohawk singer and bandleader Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Lee Harvey Osmond, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings).

October

Who: Wu Tang Clan & Nas

When: Sun., Oct. 1

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Hip hop

Why you should go: It is not every day that you get the chance to see two of the all-time hip hop greats on the same night, but Toronto is in for a treat as Nas and Wu-Tang Clan headline a huge show at the Scotiabank Arena. As hip hop turns 50 this year, this concert is a timely reminder of the legacy that these greats have left behind as the old-school can still perform on the biggest of stages.

Who: Lil Yachty

When: Mon., Oct. 2

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.

Genre: Rap

Who: SZA

When: Sat., Sept. 30

Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W.

Genre: Soulful pop

Naked no more, singer, songwriter, Barenaked Ladies co-founder, and Canadian Music Hall of Fame

Why you should go: Lil Yatchy broke through during the “Soundcloud rapper” generation but has recently veered off from traditional rap and experimented with his sound, as seen in his latest album Let’s Start Here. He is taking risks and pushing himself as a creator. His live shows represent that shift as he blends the soul and psych-rock of his latest projects with his mosh-pit-inducing songs.

When: Wed., Oct. 4

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: R&B

Why you should go: Following the release of her second studio album SOS, SZA reached stratospheric new heights and has become one of the biggest names in music. The SOS Tour is one of the shows of the year and is a true mark of SZA’s artistry as she takes the audience on an im-

mersive and exhilarating journey across the seas.

Who: Cian Ducrot

When: Wed., Oct. 4

THE BEACHES FALL

Where: The Axis Club, 722 College St.

Genre: Indie Pop

Why you should go: The Irish singer-songwriter released his debut album Victory last month, which went No.1 in the U.K., and recently supported Ed Sheeran for big arena shows. He is having

a huge breakthrough moment, and his show at The Axis Club will be a perfect opportunity to see a superstar in the making in a small, intimate venue.

Who: Hemlocke Springs

When: Thurs., Oct 5.

Where: Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W.

Genre: Alternative, Indie

Why you should go: Hemlocke Springs rst went viral on TikTok last year with her song Girlfriend

Bahamas plays two shows, including a matinee, Sun., Oct. 29 at Massey Hall

PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Gillespie

and has already had cosigns from the likes of Steve Lacy and Grimes. The U.S. artist brings her unique style and anthems to Toronto for an intimate show at Drake Underground.

Who: Drake

When: Fri., Oct. 6 & Sat., Oct. 7

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Rap, R&B, Pop

Why you should go: When Toronto’s very own Drake announced a joint tour with 21 Savage, fans went into a frenzy and rushed to the internet to snap up tickets. If you were lucky enough to get tickets then you will witness an incredible show with one of the all-time greats. You never quite know what to expect from a Drake concert as, so far on this tour, he has brought out the likes of J. Cole and Travis Scott, and he will inevitably have some surprises up his sleeve for his beloved hometown crowd.

Who: Little Simz

When: Sun., Oct. 8

Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.

Genre: Rap, R&B

Why you should go: Fresh off the success of Top Boy Season 3 and her critically acclaimed album NO THANK YOU, Little Simz is a force. There is no stopping the British rapper as she embarks on a North American tour and will show, once again, why she is one of the U.K.’s best talents.

Who: Martin Loomer and his Orange Devils

When: Mon., Oct. 9

Where: The Monarch Tavern, 12 Clinton St.

Genre: Jazz

Why you should go: Martin Loomer and his Orange Devils are back with their monthly residency at The Monarch Tavern. The band will play a two-hour-long set full of hard-swinging big band sounds from the likes of Count Basie and Earl Hines.

Who: Tommy Stinson

When: Wed., Oct. 11

Where: Bovine Sex Club, 542 Queen St. W.

Genre: Rock

Why you should go: Former bassist for The Replacements and Guns N’ Roses, Tommy Stinson embarks on a solo tour

of Canada, including at his fave, the Bovine. There will be a great atmosphere in the intimate venue as Stinson takes the audience on a journey through his career, including music from the latest Cowboys in the Camp re album, Wronger.

Who: James Blake

When: Thurs., Oct. 12

Where: Rebel, 11 Polson St.

Genre: Electronic, R&B

Why you should go: James Blake is touring in support of his September release Playing Robots

Into Heaven. The British artist, who has collaborated with the likes of Travis Scott, ASAP Rocky, Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar, brings his DJ/electronic background to the forefront when performing live, which inevitably leads to unpredictability and excitement on the night.

Why you should go: We’re promised “An Evening with” from veteran Toronto indie darlings Metric, so expect a deep dive into their impressive catalogue. All in the new, old venue on Yonge where Zeppelin and hundreds more once played.

Who: Nick Cave

When: Sat., Oct. 14

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: Alternative

Why you should go: Australia’s veteran performer Nick Cave delivers incredible live performances that are versatile and commanding, taking the audience on a journey through his 40-year career that can be at times fun and emotional.

Who: Gaidaa

When: Sun., Oct. 15

Where: The Garrison, 1197 Dundas St. W.

Genre: R&B, Soul

Why you should go: The Dutch-Sudanese rising star will bring her R&B ballads to the stage for an intimate show at The Garrison, where fans can enjoy her silky-smooth vocals.

Who: Amindi

When: Thurs., Oct. 19

Where: Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W.

Genre: Rap

Who: Daniel Caesar

When: Fri., Oct. 13

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: R&B

Why you should go: This is somewhat of a homecoming event for Oshawa’s Daniel Caesar as he headlines a huge arena show, supported by Moses Sumney, Charlotte Day Wilson and BADBADNOTGOOD. Caesar is known for his incredible vocals and this translates perfectly to live performances. Not reliant on special effects, he simply lets the music do the talking.

Who: Metric

When: Sat., Oct. 14

Where: Concert Hall, 888 Yonge St.

Genre: Indie rock

Why you should go: The rising star comes to Toronto for a show that fuses her Jamaican heritage with her L.A. upbringing. The rapper, who started on Soundcloud, is an exciting talent and is expected to break through to bigger stages soon.

Who: Don Broco

When: Sat., Oct. 21

Where: The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.

Genre: Alternative Rock

Why you should go: The British rockers, led by Rob Damiani, are known for their infectious stage presence and high-octane energy. Don Broco will have fans jumping, moshing and singing along to hits like Gumshield and Pretty during a memorable night.

Who: Shania Twain

When: Sun., Oct. 22

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Pop

Why you should go: Canadian icon Shania Twain brings her Queen of Me Tour to Toronto for a huge arena show. There is one thing we know and that is that the Man! I Feel Like a Woman! hitmaker always puts on a show to remember, full of special effects, fashion and unmistakable stage presence. These are a few of the reasons why she has remained at the top for so many years and shows no sign of slowing down.

Who: Joji

When: Tue., Oct. 24

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: R&B

Why you should go: The former YouTuber decided to pursue a career in music in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since. His live shows can be only described as a fever dream; they blend the beautiful with the surreal as you can never quite expect whether he will perform a skit or a beautiful melody — either way, it is unpredictably thrilling.

Who: Ms. Lauryn Hill and The Fugees

When: Thurs., Oct. 26

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: R&B, Rap

Why you should go: Both as lead singer of The Fugees and as a solo artist, Lauryn Hill is responsible for some of the best hip hop in the ’90s — perhaps none better than her seminal album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The iconic artist will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this album and shall also reunite with co-headliners The Fugees in what promises to be a historic night in Toronto.

Who: Bob Dylan

When: Thurs., Oct. 26 & Fri., Oct.

27

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: Folk, Rock

Why you should go: Arguably the greatest male singer-songwriter of all time, Bob Dylan will grace the stage for two nights at Massey Hall as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. The tour is stripped back to basics but thrives with the bare necessities as Dylan performs predominantly newer tracks in an intimate setting. He has omitted many of his

best-known tracks from his setlist on this tour, but the audience won’t feel short-changed as he puts on a show to remember.

Who: Laufey

When: Fri., Oct. 27

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.

Genre: Jazz

Why you should go: Following the release of her critically acclaimed album Bewitched, Laufey is hoping to cast a spell on the Toronto crowd with her stunning vocals and theatrical performance.

Who: Mavis Staples

When: Sat., Oct. 28, Where: Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor

St. W.

Genre: Gospel, soul R&B

One of the greatest singers of her generation, the iconic soul/ gospel/R&B pioneer returns to Koerner Hall. The is a civil rights icon, a multiple Grammy Award winner, a chart-topping soul/ gospel/R&B pioneer with her family group The Staple Singers, a member of both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall

of Fame, a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient, and a Kennedy Center honoree.

Who: Bahamas

When: Sun, Oct. 29, two shows 3 and 8 pm

Where: Massey Hall, 178 Victoria St.

Genre: Country-infused rock

Why you should go: Bahamas’ main man A e Jurvanen is working hard to pretend to be everyone’s dad, but his heartfelt, smart tracks heavily in uenced by Nashville recording sessions for his excellent new, Bootcut have freshened this troubadour’s sound. And there’s even a matinee for “the kids.”

November

Who: Depeche Mode

When: Sun., Nov. 5

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Rock, Pop

Why you should go: Following the untimely death of Depeche Mode’s co-founder Andy “Fletch” Fletcher last year, the surviving members of the band set out on

the Memento Mori tour. The tour returns after a spring stop in the city and is a reminder to live life to the fullest and with the multitude of hits that the ’80s pop stars have at their disposal, the show will inevitably have a celebratory feeling that mirrors this.

Who: We Are Scientists

When: Mon., Nov. 6

Where: The Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W. Genre: Rock

Why you should go: The rockers kickstart their North American tour with a date at the ’Shoe. We Are Scientists are made to be heard live, with an emphasis on catchy melodies and beats that will be enhanced in a buzzing crowd.

Who: Wizkid

When: Thurs., Nov. 9

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Afrobeats

Why you should go: Wizkid was one of the rst Afrobeats artists to break through to the mainstream and has collaborated

with Justin Bieber, Beyonce and Drake. The Nigerian artist continues to break down barriers and push Afrobeats to new heights on a global scale, and this arena show is a testament to that legacy. He brings an infectious energy to all of his performances as he commands the stage like it’s his own living room.

Who: Bruce Springsteen

When: Tue, Nov. 14 – Thurs., Nov. 16

Where: Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay St.

Genre: Rock

Why you should go: We don’t need to tell you why you should go see The Boss. Springsteen’s classic hits, legacy and incredible stage presence speak for themselves, and even after so many years, he’s still one of the hottest tickets in town.

Indie faves, Metric, play an “Evening With” hometown show at the Concert Hall, 888 Yonge Sr., Sat., Oct. 14

Fall Theatre Preview

By Liam Donovan

September equals back to school for the city’s theatres: after a summer off, stages return full force. This fall is by no means the busiest in history, but there will still be many shows every week. Here are a few solid bets:

Speaking of sneaking

Tue., Sept. 19 – Sun., Oct. 1 (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and groundwork redux) Creator-performer daniel jelani ellis has been working on this solo show for over 10 years. Now, his multidisciplinary mashup of dance, poetry and pantomime is getting a full production at the same theatre where it was rst developed. Produced in association with Obsidian Theatre and inspired by experiences of growing up queer in Jamaica before nding a home in Canada, the show is directed by the proli c d’bi.young anitafrika. “Let’s get into the dancehall of it all,” says ellis online.

Sea Wall, Thurs., Sept. 21 –Sun., Oct. 8 (The Assembly Theatre)

One Four One Collective is a company of an increasingly rare breed in Toronto: it’s truly indie, truly scrappy and truly dedicated to presenting carefully conceived, full-scale productions. Its latest, a solo show by British writer Simon Stephens, is about a young photographer vacationing in the south of France. Belinda Cornish will direct, Jamie Cavanagh will act.

Asses.masses and Work.txt, Fri., Sept. 22 – Fri., Sept. 29 (The Theatre Centre)

This lovely Queen Street West performance venue has two very digital shows coming up. Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim’s asses.masses is an interactive, video-game-like experience that lasts seven hours and has four intermissions, with food provided. Meanwhile, British theatre artist Nathan Ellis’s work.txt unpacks contemporary notions of labour and work, especially as they play out in capitalist metropolitan cities. It, too, is interactive: to discover insights about work, audience members themselves must work. See either and then stroll over to Parkdale for momos.

SIX, Sat., Sept 23 – Fri., Dec 17 (Mirvish Productions)

Most Mirvish musicals are imported tours starring Americans, but every so often they showcase local talent. SIX, the fast-paced pop musical hit about Henry VIII’s six wives, is case and point. Most of the cast is Canadian, and many are making their Mirvish debuts. Jaz Robinson, from Whitby,

plays Catherine of Aragon; Julia Pulo, from Mississauga, plays Anne Boleyn; and Maggie Lacasse, from Montreal, plays Jane Seymour. Elysia Cruz, who’s taking on the role of Katherine Howard, is even a fresh graduate of Sheridan College. Expect a pop-concert vibe and mountains of energy.

Appropriate, Sun., Sept. 24 – Sun., Oct. 15 (Coal Mine Theatre)

After a re, a move down the Danforth and some delayed shows, Coal Mine is getting back into the start-of-season groove with a production directed by its artistic director Ted Dykstra. (“A plague, a re … things have been Biblical around here,” he said in a speech after their excellent July production of The Effect.) The play is by popular American playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, last seen in Toronto via ARC Stage’s punchy 2022 production of Gloria. Though the venue is small, there’s a large team, including an eight-person cast of faces, new and old.

CAMINOS, Wed., Sept. 27 –Sun., Oct. 1 (Aluna Theatre) This packed festival at Factory Theatre will showcase 15 works in process from 21 different groups over ve days. The offerings span the range of dance, musical theatre, installation, performance art and theatre. Tickets are on a per-night basis, so you’ll always get to see at least three shows. One of them, DOUBLE, played at this year’s SummerWorks Performance Festival: it’s a dance-theatre piece with beautiful experimental video projections by Alejandra Higuera.

Groundswell Festival, Mon., Oct. 2 – Thurs., Oct. 5 (Nightwood Theatre)

Over four days, this stalwart feminist theatre company will premiere six new plays by emerging and established writers; they’re readings, but cheaply priced. The full-length scripts are by Yolanda Bonnell, Poonam Dhir, Whitney French, Jan Alicia Jennings, Lara Lewis, and Maezy Reign — but on some nights, there will be short excerpts by other writers before the main event. It’s all

going down at the Aki Studio, across from Regent Park.

Heroes of the Fourth Turning, Tue., Oct. 3 – Sun., Oct. 22 (Crow’s Theatre and The Howland Company)

Another American script? ’Tis the season, I suppose. But this one, by playwright and filmmaker Will Arbery, might be the buzziest of any on offer. The Pulitzer-nominated play is recent, having premiered in New York to plenty of raves and awards just before the pandemic. The show offers a look at a community of Christian conservatives in Wyoming and is directed by the wonderful Phillip Akin in the intimate Crow’s Theatre studio space.

Refracting giants, Thurs., Oct. 5 – Sat., Oct. 7 (Toronto Dance Theatre)

The culmination of Leelee Oluwatoyosi Eko Davis’s twoyear residency at TDT, here’s something rare for Toronto: “a co-devised physical theatre performance.” The artists involved — isi bhakhomen,

The Six Stunning Queens of SIX

TThis spring, the theatre artist worked on two shows at Canadian Stage: he directed Fairview, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the white gaze, and he acted in Maanomaa, My Brother, a play he co-wrote. Meanwhile, at Soulpepper Theatre, he performed in the South African play Sizwe Banzi is Dead.

ext, M'carthy is set to direct a Canadian Stage production of Suzan-Lori Parks’s much-acclaimed American play Topdog/ Underdog.

He’s been a fan of Parks’s work for a long time. “She’s quite spectacular,” says M’carthy in a mid-rehearsal Zoom interview. “As a Black artist in North America, I’ve gained quite a bit from her writing.”

Her plays unpack the contradictions that de ne American life. “America is great when you talk about technological advancements, but they also have a history that’s dark. So, they have a light and a darkness,” he says. “The purity with which she exposes that in her writing is what I fell in love with.”

Its societal critiques aside, Topdog/Underdog is mainly about brotherhood. “[The

show] is about two brothers navigating their love and their relationship with one another, under the pressures of the world,” he says. “It’s something most people can relate to. How we navigate our relationships with our loved ones — it’s a reality of our lives.”

M'carthy’s last two directing projects — before Fairview, he helmed a production of Death and the King’s Horseman at the Stratford Festival — were much larger in scale. At Stratford, he worked with a cast of 25. But Topdog/Underdog is a two-hander. Perhaps surprisingly, M’carthy nds this smaller scale more challenging, because “the level of trust and intimacy” he has to develop with his cast is much greater. “It’s harder because it demands more of you. But it pays off.”

When I asked M’carthy about his recent hot streak of theatre work, he said the last year hasn’t felt as different as you might expect — after all, he’s been working hard to get here for over a decade. “The reason why I ended up where I’m at is because of the work I’ve been doing that people didn’t see publicly,” he says. “The fact that you didn’t see me on stage … doesn’t mean that I wasn’t working.”

M’carthy makes his mark

BY LIAM DONOVAN

What: Topdog/Underdog

Where: Canadian Stage, When: Opens Weds., Sept. 22 until Sun. Oct. 15

Why you should go: Red hot actor-director Tawiah M’carthy turns his attention Suzan-Lori Parks’s much-acclaimed American play Topdog/Underdog.

So, his advice for young artists is to keep making stuff, no matter what anyone says. “If other people are not offering you the opportunities, try as much as possible to make the opportunities for yourself,” he says. “If this is what you want to do, just keep creating. Just keep creating, just keep writing. Whenever you get the opportunity to practise, just be in practice.”

Topdog/Underdog runs from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15 at Canadian Stage.

BY DANIEL MACIVOR

A Factory Theatre Production

DIRECTED BY SOHEIL PARSA

STARRING KARL ANG

NOVEMBER 16 –

DECEMBER 10, 2023

BOOK ONLINE: FACTORYTHEATRE.CA

BOOK BY PHONE: 416 504 9971

BOOK IN PERSON: OUR BOX OFFICE OPENS 1 HOUR PRIOR TO SHOW TIME FACTORYTHEATRE.CA

BY DANIEL MACIVOR

HERE LIES HENRY

A Factory Theatre Production

DIRECTED BY TAWIAH M’CARTHY

STARRING DAMIEN ATKINS

NOVEMBER 23 –

DECEMBER 17, 2023

BOOK ONLINE: FACTORYTHEATRE.CA

BOOK BY PHONE: 416 504 9971

BOOK IN PERSON: OUR BOX OFFICE OPENS 1 HOUR PRIOR TO SHOW TIME FACTORYTHEATRE.CA

Jordan Campbell, brawk hessel, Anna Malla and Merlin Simard — practise a mix of disciplines and styles. To our eyes, refracting giants looks well-primed for some serious experimentation.

WILDWOMAN, Thurs., Oct 5. – Sun., Oct. 29 (Soulpepper Theatre)

This new Kat Sandler play, about three women navigating the 16th century French court of King Henry II, would pair well with a visit to the queens of SIX. Sandler, also the director, has put together a great ve-person cast: Rosemary Dunsmore, Dan Mousseau, Rose Napoli, Tony Ofori and Gabriella Sundar Singh.

(Everyone I Love Has) A Terrible Fate (Befall Them), Tue., Oct. 10 – Sun., Oct. 29 (VideoCabaret)

Cliff Cardinal’s last play, William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, A Radical Retelling, went as viral as a solo show can. After its 2021 Toronto premiere, it toured the country before returning home for a Mirvish engagement. Cardinal’s latest, produced in association with Crow’s Theatre, will premiere at VideoCabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre, a somewhat under-used black box in the east end. Karin Randoja will direct this apocalyptic play.

A Poem for Rabia, Tue., Oct. 17 – Sun., Nov. 12 (Tarragon Theatre)

Last year’s Tarragon season was stuffed with exciting, divisive work that genuinely took risks. So, Nikki Shaffeeullah’s new play looks appropriately ambitious: it weaves together the stories of three queer women

from the same bloodline. The twist? They all live 100 years apart. The show is produced in association with Nightwood Theatre and Undercurrent Creations and will be co-directed by Clare Pruess and Donna-Michelle St. Bernard.

Next Stage Theatre Festival, Wed., Oct 18 – Sun., Oct. 29

This smaller, curated fest from the folks behind the Toronto Fringe used to happen in January; from now on, it’ll be an October moment. This year, there’ll be six shows, all performed at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. The offerings range from a puppetry-infused solo show (Something in the Water), to sketch comedy (Dead Parents Society), to a modern retelling of the myth of Echo and Narcissus (ECHO). And no — we’re not

just recommending the festival because of its name.

WaterFall, Fri., Oct. 20 – Sun., Nov. 5 (Theatre Gargantua) Devised theatre? In this economy? The only one who consistently dares it is Gargantua, and it’s been at it for three decades. The company develops shows over two years, going from vague concepts to nal productions involving interesting tech and live music. Its newest collective creation, directed by Jacquie P.A. Thomas, is about water. Perhaps it’ll make waves …

Doc Wuthergloom’s Here

There Be Monsters, Wed., Oct. 25 – Sun., Nov. 5 (Red Sandcastle Theatre)

If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed show, here it is. Eldritch Theatre, the Red

Sandcastle’s house company, is all about scares, frights and creeps. This particular show, created by artistic director Eric Woolfe, is billed as a “ghoulishly giddy series of tales about the monsters, cryptids, and weird creatures that haunt our mortal realm.” Expect fanciful design from Melanie McNeill, along with clever stagecraft.

Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish, Sat., Oct. 28 – Mon., Nov. 6 (Young People’s Theatre) This music-infused production, recommended for kids ages 5 through 8, is by Vancouver’s Axis Theatre. Directed by Chris McGregor at YPT’s 433-seat mainspace, masks will feature in playwright Joseph A. Dandurand’s telling of a Kwantlen First Nations legend about a cheese-stealing mouse, a hungry ogress and other animal pals.

Masterful ‘The Master Plan’

REVIEW

BY LIAM DONOVAN

Acclaimed Canadian playwright Michael Healey’s latest satire

The Master Plan chronicles Google’s failed attempt to build a smart city along Toronto’s waterfront. The show, expertly directed by Chris Abraham at Crow’s Theatre, sautés and eats for dinner the ridiculous corporate and political gures behind the ill-fated project.

The main players are Waterfront Toronto — a government-created organization that owns “Quayside,” a 12-acre parcel of land by the water — and Sidewalk Labs, a Google urban planning subsidiary looking to buy and develop the area.

The four actors playing the Waterfront Toronto team (Tara Nicodemo, Philippa Domville, Ben Carlson and Yanna McIntosh) offer realistic portrayals of hardened, stressed-out Torontonians. What’s brilliant is how different the Sidewalk Labs employees feel.

As cocky CEO Dan Doctoroff, Mike Shara gives the most heightened and satirical performance in the show. By contrast, Christopher Allen’s portrayal of emotional young designer Cam is

gorgeous and down to earth. Cam and Dan are opposites, but they share an American direct-ness that the Waterfront Toronto folks have little access to.

The production’s design — which includes glowing panels that reach to the theatre’s ceiling, along with video screens — is as mature as any show you’re likely to see in Toronto this year. And the show’s climax is absolutely thrilling: it blends together ashing lights, booming sound design and unrestrained physicality to create a moment of total theatre.

The show is a comedy, but it asks a question of tragic proportions. A question that threatens to tumble the walls of the Streetcar Crowsnest and snake down Carlaw like a river of hot magma until it reaches the lakeshore, where it’ll smack into the E. coli-infested water, shoot up a column of steam and call out to the gods above: “Why the fuck can’t Toronto get anything done?”

The Master Plan plays until at least October 8. Check the Crow’s site for news of possible further extensions, and read the full review at NEXTmag.ca

What: The Master Plan

Where: Crow’s Theatre, 345 Carlaw Ave.

When: Now, until Oct. 8

Highlight: The show’s thrilling climax, which blends together ashing lights, booming sound design and unrestrained physicality.

Rating: NNNNN (out of 5)

Why you should go: The production’s design is as mature as any show you’re likely to see in Toronto this year.

Mike Shara

Screens

Fall Movies, Festivals and Streaming

By Gabrielle Marceau

There’s a chill in the air, which means summer is of cially over. That means it’s the perfect time to take in some moving images. From highly anticipated Hollywood dramas like Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon to spooky screenings at Toronto’s rep cinemas to the soon-to-be talked about streaming series. So, grab a light jacket and make the trek to your local theatre (or just your couch) — they’ll be happy to see you!

Beans (Free Screening. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Fundraiser)

What: Movie

Where: Revue Cinema

When: Sat., Sept. 30

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Revue Cinema is hosting a free/pay-what-you-can screening of Tracey Deer’s rousing coming-of-age drama, Beans. It’s the summer of 1990, and 12-year-old Beans has to learn what it means to be a ghter during the national upheaval of the Oka Crisis. Invite your friends: all entry donations will bene t the Indian Residential School Survivors Society — and it is a superb lm!

SEPTEMBER

Drive-Away Dolls

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Sept. 22

Genre: Comedy

Why you should watch: It’s a brave new world for moviegoers now that famed lmmaking duo the Cohen Brothers have gone their separate ways. If you didn’t quite like Joel Cohen’s deadly serious 2021 adaptation of Macbeth, Ethan’s new lm may be more your speed.

It stars Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as two friends (one fun-loving, one uptight) whose spur-ofthe-moment road trip turns into a raucous game of cat and mouse when they pick up the wrong rental car. Whether or not Ethan’s queer, buddy crime-comedy works, we can probably guarantee it won’t be boring.

Dumb Money

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Sept. 22

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: If you needed someone to explain the GameStop Short squeeze (the coordinated efforts of a subreddit to wreak havoc on the stock market) to you, you might be interested in Dumb Money. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) and boasting an ensemble cast (including Paul Dano as Roaring Kitty, the subeditor who started it all, and Seth Rogen as a nance bro), Dumb Money, which screened at TIFF, is an entertaining and even educational watch. Get ready to relive one of the strangest events of the last week of January 2021 (it was a strange year).

Agnes Varda and Jacques

Demy

What: Movies

Where: Paradise Theatre

When: Sat., Sept. 23 and Mon., Sept. 25

Genre: Various

Why you should watch: Agnes Varda and Jacques Demy are two of France’s most beloved lmmakers, they were also beloved to one another. In honour of the two visionary directors (and once-married couple), the Paradise Theatre is hosting two nights of double features from each. On Saturday, Sept. 23, see Demy’s ebullient musical

The Young Girls of Rochefort followed by Varda’s touching abortion drama One Sings, the Other Doesn’t. And on Monday, Sept. 25, catch Demy’s elegant romantic drama Bay of Angels paired with Varda’s gorgeous autobiographical lm The Beaches of Agnes. Don’t miss this tribute to two artists’ love of cinema.

Toronto Palestine Film Festival

What: Film Festival

Where: Various theatres

When: Wed., Sept. 27 – Sun., Oct. 1

Genre: Various

Why you should watch: The Toronto Palestine Film Festival returns for its 16th year. Using an admirably loose interpretation of “ lm festival,” TPFF also features art workshops, concerts and in-conversations with an author and a chef. The festival takes a multidisciplinary approach to re ecting the work, art and community of contemporary Palestinian life in Toronto and beyond. Be sure to check out Alam (2022), a taut coming-of-age drama about Palestinian students in Israel who plan to raise their ag at school; Inas Halabi’s exploratory documentary about the lives of a Druze community, We No Longer Prefer Mountains; and the festival’s closing night lm, Mediterranean Fever, a psychological thriller directed by Maha Haj.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World with Humber Student lms

What: Movie

Where: Fox Theatre

When: Thurs., Sept. 28

Genre: Comedy

Why you should watch: It’s back to school at the Fox Theatre and, in the spirit of the season, it’s hosting a special screening of Edgar Wright’s Toronto teen classic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Featuring performances by before-theywere-big stars like Brie Larson, Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick and wearing its Toronto location on its armband-wearing sleeve (how many TO landmarks can you spot?), love it or hate it, Scott Pilgrim is a veritable time capsule of the late 2000s. The lm will be preceded by a selection of Humber College student lms, so keep your eye out for the next Toronto talents.

Gen V

What: Series

Where: Prime Video

When: Fri., Sept. 29

Genre: Action

Why you should watch: If you love the superhero satire series

The Boys (or if you’ve never

watched it but have been told by friends with good taste that it’s “actually great”), then maybe you’ll be intrigued by Gen V. The new spinoff series is set at Godolkin University, a school for young adult “supes,” which seems to uplift its student body but actually has a darker purpose.

Dicks: The Musical

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Sept. 29

Genre: Musical

Why you should watch: Maybe “from the director of Borat” is all you need to know about this fall’s most provocatively titled lm, but just in case you need more: Dicks: The Musical follows two coworkers who realize they’re brothers and hatch a plan to get their estranged parents back together. It’s brought to you by the indie studio A24 and features comedy favourites Nathan Lane, Megan Mullaly and chart-topping rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Depending on the viewer, Dicks: The Musical might seem like the most insufferable movie on earth or it might be exactly your bawdy cup of tea.

OCTOBER

Goethe Films at the Lightbox

What: Movie Series

Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox

When: Tue., Oct. 3, Thurs., Oct. 5 and Tue., Oct. 10

Genre: Various

Why you should watch: The TIFF Bell Lightbox is partnering with the Goethe Institute to bring the best of German cinema to Toronto. This year’s lms include Rheingold (2022), a crime drama by Fatih Akin about an Iraqi-German rapper who gets involved in drug running; Axel Ranisch’s Orphea in Love (2022), a modern, musical version of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice; and the indie ensemble comedy set in a music club, Leif in Concert (2019), by Christian Klandt.

Thanksgiving at the Revue

What: Movie Series

Where: Revue Theatre

When: Sat., Oct. 7 to Mon., Oct. 9

Genre: Various

Why you should watch: If you aren’t going out of town to visit family this Thanksgiving and you won’t be cooking dinner for an army of close friends, maybe you’ll enjoy spending the holiday in a dark room with strangers! Join the Revue theatre for its lineup of Thanksgiving-themed lms, including the 2021 indie drama The Humans (Sat., Oct. 7), the 1987 slasher Blood Rage (Sun., Oct. 7 and Mon., Oct. 8), the crime drama, Four Brothers (Tue., Oct. 9), and the classic reunion drama, The Big Chill (Mon., Oct. 8).

The Fall of the House of Usher

What: Miniseries

Where: Net ix

When: Thurs., Oct. 12

Genre: Horror

Why you should watch: At this point, Mike Flanagan has created a cottage industry out of adapting horror literature into Net ix content. From Haunting of Hill House (2018) to Gerald’s Game (2017) to The Midnight Club (2022), Flanagan has effectively translated (and sometimes distorted) the breadth and scope of these well-loved novels to the miniseries format. If you enjoy a good jump scare (and can tolerate long dialogue scenes), Flanagan’s Haunting anthology series is a Gothic literature guilty pleasure, and his upcoming adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher promises to be much the same.

Frasier

What: Series

Where: Paramount+

When: Thurs., Oct. 12

Genre: Comedy

Why you should watch: The latest bene ciary (or victim) of the TV reboot craze is our favourite radio host/therapist, Dr. Frasier Crane. In the new series, Frasier returns to Boston to be closer to his adult son, Freddy. Sadly, David Hyde Pierce won’t be returning to the series, and we won’t have that iconic Seattle skyline. But if you missed the tasteful suits, slapstick scenarios and opera references of the original series, you’ll be delighted with Frasier’s return to your TV (or laptop ... or phone).

Anatomy of a Fall

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Oct. 13

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: Justine Triet’s knotty courtroom drama is poised to be the latest Cannes Palme D’Or Winner to wind up as one of the most-talked-about films of the year (think of 2019’s Parasite and last year’s Triangle of Sadness ). Following the investigation and trial of a woman accused of murdering her husband, this tangled psychological study of a couple in crisis, featuring a blis tering performance by Sandra Hüller, will certainly give audiences a lot to talk about.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu with Live Score by The Invincible Czars

What: Movie

Where: Fox Theatre

When: Fri., Oct. 13

Genre: Horror

Why you should watch: There is no shortage of Halloween-themed screenings in the city this month, but a double feature of two indisputable horror classics scored by a live band just might take the cake. Don’t miss the chance to see the ground-breaking German expressionist lm The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and the horror masterpiece Nosferatu back to back with an original score. Get your tickets before they sell out!

Silver Dollar Road

What: Movie

Where: Prime Video

When: Fri., Oct. 20

Genre: Documentary

Why you should watch: Fresh from its premiere at TIFF, Raoul Peck’s documentary Silver Dollar Road tells the timely (yet timeless) story of a family’s ties to tradition, to history and to their land. The Reels family has lived on the same piece of land in North Carolina for generations, but they have gone to court defending their right to stay on it. Silver Dollar Road explores the inheritance of slavery, the dangers of gentri cation and the resilience of a family.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Oct. 13

Genre: Documentary

Why you should watch: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is a strong contender for the biggest tour of all time ... and it isn’t nearly over. The accompanying concert lm, imaginatively titled Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, will have a theatrical run this fall (one year before the actual tour comes to Canada) and has already beaten pre-sale ticket records. The pop star has set her sights on the multiplex,

and I guess it’s up to you if that’s for better (our theatres could certainly use the attendance boost) or for worse.

imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival

What: Film festival

Where: Various theatres

When: Tue., Oct. 17 – Sun., Oct. 29

Genre: Various

Why you should watch: The always innovative imagineNATIVE festival celebrates its 26th year this fall. The extensive program features documentaries, ction, experimental lms and

visual art. Don’t miss the opening night lm, Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone as Jax, who steps in to take care of her niece after her sister goes missing. Other highlights include the personal documentary I Am Love (Kymon Greyhorse) and the abduction thriller Redlights (Eva Thomas).

Neon

What: Series

Where: Net ix

When: Thurs., Oct. 19

Genre: Comedy/ drama

Why you should watch: Netix’s upcoming action/comedy follows three friends who move to Miami, FL, to try their luck at a career in reggae. But the reggaeton world is not as easy to navigate as they hoped. Set in a subculture not often seen on screen, Neon might be bold and funny enough to break through the overwhelming number of series and lms being released on Net ix every season.

Bleeding Edge presents: What Doesn’t Float

What: Movie

Where: Revue Theatre

When: Fri., Oct. 20

Genre: Indie

Why you should watch: For more adventurous viewers, The Bleeding Edge screening series (which brings the most exciting independent lms from the U.S., Europe and Canada to Toronto) will screen Luca Balser’s What Doesn’t Float, starring Pauline Chalamet (sister of Timothée). What Doesn’t Float is a New York anthology lm that follows two locals at the ends of their ropes.

Priscilla

What: Movie

Where: In theatres and Net ix

When: Fri., Oct. 27

Genre: Biopic

Why you should watch: After the success of last year’s Elvis, in which Baz Luhrmann wielded his bombastic style to tell the outsized tale of the star’s rise and fall, it’s entirely tting that So a Coppola would use her careful, minimalist approach to tell his wife, Priscilla’s, story. Shot in Toronto, Priscilla is based on Presley’s own memoir, Elvis and Me, and appears, from the trailer, to be a sober,

melancholic re ection on fame, love and coming of age.

Fingernails

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Oct. 27 (Apple+ on Fri., Nov. 3)

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch:

Like a number of other 2023 releases (including Foe, The Beast and Dream Scenario), Christos Nikou’s Fingernails straddles the genres of drama, romance and science ction. The Toronto-shot indie follows Anna (played by Jessie Buckley), who works at a mysterious institute that can gauge the sincerity of romantic feelings in a relationship. She begins to doubt her relationship with her boyfriend, Ryan (Jeremy Allen White) and develops feelings for her co-worker Amir (Riz Ahmed). Fingernails could tap into our current fears around AI and alienation and how this will affect our capacity to love.

The Killer

What: Movie

Where: In theatres (and Net ix on Fri., Nov. 10)

When: Fri., Oct. 27

Genre: Thriller

Why you should watch: Based on Alexis “Matz” Nolent’s graphic novel about a contract killer in an existential crisis, The Killer is the highly anticipated return of director David Fincher. It’s also, hopefully, a return to form after 2020’s divisive Mank. Starring Michael Fassbender as the titular hitman, The Killer will deliver on familiar Fincher features like muted tones, sharp editing, pristine compositions and violence.

Fellow Travelers

What: Miniseries

Where: Paramount+

When: Sat., Oct. 28

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: Based on Thomas Mallon’s novel of the same name, the miniseries spans decades in the lives of two gay men (played by Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey) who begin a relationship under the shadow of the regressive McCarthy era. Through this changing relationship, we see the tectonic shifts in 20th cen-

“Sassy and wicked smart, Decolonize Drag is an invitation to revel in the unlimited joys of non-binary world-making.”

—Jasbir Puar, author of The Right to Maim

tury America, from anti-Vietnam protests to the drug-fueled ’70s and the outbreak of AIDS in the ’80s.

The Perfect Date: Halloween

45th Anniversary Screening

What: Movie

Where: Revue Cinema

When: Tue., Oct. 31

Genre: Horror

Why you should watch: What could be more perfect than watching Halloween on Halloween? Well, maybe John Carpenter’s 1978 lm itself — still considered the pinnacle of the slasher genre, featuring a perfectly distilled vision of evil (in the form of Michael Meyers) — presented on a new digital restoration. Sure to attract an enthusiastic crowd, the Revue’s screening of Halloween is indeed the perfect date ... if that date is October 31st.

NOVEMBER

Fitting In

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Thurs., Nov. 2

Genre: Coming of age

Why you should watch: If you feel compelled to support home-grown lm this fall, check out the coming-of-age indie lm, Fitting In. Directed by Molly McGlynn, the lm follows a teen girl as she receives a reproductive diagnosis, unable to undertake the sex life she has planned, she embarks on a bid for self-discovery and satisfaction. Starring Maddie Ziegler, Fitting In takes on an often-ignored side of women’s experiences with humour and care.

All the Light We Cannot See

What: Series

Where: Net ix

When: Thurs., Nov. 2

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: If prestige period-piece miniseries are your thing, you have an embarrassment of riches this fall. There’s Lessons in Chemistry, The Buccaneers, Fellow Travelers and the World War II drama All the Light We Cannot See. A blind girl, Marie-Laure Leblanc (Aria Mia Loberti), broadcasts a radio show amongst the ruins of a French town, which have cap-

tured the imagination of a Nazi soldier. Mark Ruffalo plays her father and a possible jewel thief.

Quiz Lady

What: Movie

Where: Disney+

When: Fri., Nov. 3

Genre: Comedy

Why you should watch: If you’re a fan of romps featuring regular women pulling off highstakes gambits, you should make time for Quiz Lady, another TIFF highlight. Directed by Jessica Yu, Quiz Lady follows Anne (Awkwa na), a shy, buttoned-up quiz show fan who has to use her smarts to pay for her irresponsible mother’s gambling debts with the help of her turbulent big sister Jenny (Canadian icon, Sandra Oh).

The Marvels

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Nov. 10

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: As the sort-of sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, The Marvels comes out at a time when the chokehold Marvel lms had on the box of ce (and in lm culture discourse) seems to be losing grip. The plot follows Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) who, after taking revenge on the Kree, is sucked into a wormhole (stay with me) and feels her power intermingled with two heroes, Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), creating the Marvels. If there’s still some juice left in the Marvel machine, maybe The Marvels will recapture the fans.

Dream Scenario

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Nov.10

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: Nicholas Cage gives what might be a career-best performance as Paul, a university professor who mysteriously appears in strangers’ dreams. The unexplained phenomenon turns the average, slightly passive Paul into an overnight celebrity, with all the bene ts and pitfalls that entails. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli (who helmed 2022’s buzzy and boundary-pushing Sick of Myself), Dream Scenario

Killers of the Flower Moon

What: Movie

Where: In theatres and Apple+

When: Fri., Oct. 20

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: Perhaps the most anticipated lm of the fall is Martin Scorsese’s revisionist western, Killers of the Flower Moon. Based on the book of the same name, the lm tells the true story of a mysterious series of murders that took place in the 1920s on land belonging to members of the Osage Nation. Starring his frequent collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio and the magnetic Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon is a passion project that has taken Scorsese into the dark heart of American exceptionalism and capitalist greed.

takes a measured, oddly funny look at cancel culture and the pursuit of success. Another TIFF highlight — this one with a star at the premiere.

May December

What: Movie

Where: In theatres

When: Fri., Nov. 17

Genre: Drama

Why you should watch: Todd Haynes’s new lm is loosely inspired by Mary Kay Letourneau, the elementary school teacher (and convicted sex offender) who began a relationship with one of her young students and married him after her time in prison. Haynes puts

an All About Eve spin on the story when a young actress (Natalie Portman) visits the older woman (Julianne Moore) to study her for a role. With performances from two bona de movie stars and direction from one of our great auteurs of sexual mores, May December promises to be, at the very least, a compelling and campy time at the movies.

Sort Of

What: Series

Where: CBC Gem

When: Fri., Nov. 17

Genre: Comedy

Why you should watch: Don’t miss the premiere of the

third season of CBC’s breakthrough hit, Sort Of . If you haven’t been watching, the series follows Sabi Mehboob as they navigate the complexities of being non-binary, being Pakistani-Canadian, dealing with confusing relationships and the changeable nature of frienships. Starring Bilal Baig (who also created the show with Fab Filippo) in a touchingly deadpan performance, Sort Of vividly captures the awkwardness of young adulthood, the difficulty of reconciling identity and expectation, and the constant pursuit of self-definition.

Comedy

Can’t-Miss Comedy this Fall

By William Molls

The annual Toronto edition of the Just for Laughs festival is always a star- lled comedy extravaganza, including the return of a free, three-day outdoor festival. Here’s what you don’t want to miss at JFL this year:

Free JFL Shows

Who: Fred Armisen

When: Fri., Sept. 22, 4 pm –10:30 pm

Where: Front Street East and Berczy Park

Why you should go: Day 1 of the free Just for Laughs street festival gets going with a big star as its headliner. The Saturday Night Live alum and occasional Late Night with Seth Meyers bandleader is bringing his touring show Comedy for Musicians but Everyone Is Welcome to the free outdoor party happening just outside of

Meridian Hall. With food trucks and a fully licensed 100,000 sq. ft. of space, get your Friday night started with an evening of free music and laughs in Berczy Park.

Who: Reggie Watts

When: Sat., Sept. 23, 1 pm –10:30 pm

Where: Front Street East and Bercy Park

Why you should go: The free, outdoor Just for Laughs street festival continues on Saturday, headlined by Late Late Show with James Corden bandleader Reggie Watts. Also known for his time on Comedy Bang!

Bang! with Scott Auckerman, Watts uses his voice, keyboard and looping machine to create completely improvised comedic and musical soundscapes. The stand-up comedy gets going at 7:30 pm with a showcase of rising stars in Canadian comedy, including the hilarious Brendan D’Souza and Natasha Lynn Myles, before Watts takes the stage around 9:15 pm.

Who: Jinkx Monsoon

When: Sun., Sept. 24, 1 pm –10:30 pm

Where: Front Street East and Berczy Park

Why you should go: Winner of the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, the “Queen of All Queens” is coming to Toronto to headline the nal day of the free Just for Laughs street festival, happening outside Meridian Hall. Known for their razor-sharp wit and frequent collaborations with Drag Race co-star BenDeLaCreme, Jinkx Monsoon is drag royalty. The street festival kicks off with fun for the whole family at 1 pm with Drag Queen Story Hour, featuring local queens Baby Bel Bel and Lucy Flawless, followed by an experiential, interactive performance by Ruploops. The live music gets going around 3:15 pm with Teeno, Nino Brown, Young Teesh, Myst Miland and Witch Prophet, before the “Queerly Canadian” showcase of LGBTQ2+ comedy and drag at around 7:45 pm, featuring Gay Jesus and DJ Sophie Jones. Monsoon takes the stage at around 9:15 pm.

"Disinformationist" Reggie Watts

Just for Laughs Toronto: DeAnne Smith Award-winning Net ix star happy to be “returning home” to live comedy

By William Molls

What: DeAnne Smith

When: Thurs. Sept. 21 – Sat. Sept. 23

Where: Comedy Bar (Sept. 21, 7:00 PM), Rivoli (Sept. 21, 9:00 PM), The Garrison (Sept. 22, Sept. 23)

Why you should go: Cool guy Smith is one of the funniest and most insightful voices in comedy right now

DeAnne Smith is doing four shows at Just for Laughs Toronto this year – something of a homecoming for the American-Canadian comedian on a busy, world-touring schedule that has included stops in Melbourne, New York City and Oakland.

“I used to run a show at Bad Dog Theatre – which doesn’t exist anymore – with my friend Jess Soloman that we called ‘Soloman and Smith’. And those shows were always absolutely off the rails and really, really fun,” says Smith. Coming back to live comedy after virtual shows during the pandemic feels “so good” says Smith. “It’s very much a feeling of being home, or returning home.” The pandemic “had a very big effect on me mentally, in some ways more than other comics that I know. Comedy, for me, is such a special and such a sacred thing, so to have it suddenly taken away didn’t just affect my career, but it effected my mental health, my sense of self – everything, really.”

Melbourne’s The Age referred to Smith’s show as “better than therapy”. When asked about the therapeutic value of their act, Smith says “I really like personal comedy – I’ve always loved Maria Bamford, Andy Kindler – so,

I’m always trying to take what’s on the edge of my consciousness, or something I may have just learned about, and to share that type of information and go ‘Hey, I learned this thing about me,’ in the hopes that there might be somebody sitting in the audience who’s going ‘Wait a minute, I’m that same way. Maybe it’s okay to be like that,’ or ‘Maybe I’m not alone.’”

Smith was most recently in Toronto to headline the Gay AF Comedy Pride-a-Palooza at Buddies in Bad Times. The real highlight of the show, though, was that “a friend of mine was sitting right in front of my ex, who happened to show up. And what’s really funny about that was that I was doing a fair amount of jokes about top surgery – I had an elective mastectomy last year – and one thing I return to in that bit is I keep going ‘Oh, but my rack was so sick. It was such a sick rack!’ And apparently my ex kept nudging the person that they brought, and was like ‘No, it really was, though. It really was, though.’”

On what the comedy scene in Toronto is like today, Smith says it “feels pretty inclusive, but then again, I don’t know who we’re missing, or what voices we’re not hearing from.

For me, it started with Crimson Wave – I don’t know when they started their open mic, but many, many years ago. I was coming from Montreal at that time, and it was a little shocking to me that somebody could even promote [an open mic show] as ‘This is feminist’, ‘This is queer-inclusive’, ‘This is a diverse line-up, we don’t punch down here’. That was the type of comedy

I was doing in Montreal, but it never even occurred to me that you could really market a show that way. I think the culture had changed just enough that people could admit that that’s what they wanted, and they would actually come out for that sort of thing. So, in my experience, since starting comedy ages ago, I feel like I’ve only seen it get more and more inclusive, which I love.”

Fall

Ticketed JFL

Who: Nicole Byer

When: Fri., Sept. 22, 9:30 pm

Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St. E.

Why you should go: You have a dif cult choice to make about which headliners to see at the festival, but Nicole Byer stands out from the rest. The rst-ever Black woman to be Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program for Nailed It!, Byer is hilarious, brilliant and mega-talented while being unapologetically herself in everything she does — which is a lot. A writer, actress, comedian, author and podcaster, she hosts the weekly and award-winning Why Won’t You Date Me?, which sees her inviting friends and guests to discuss their dating lives all while trying to gure out her own. Her energy on stage is infectious, her voice is unique and her delivery is hilarious. Her book, #VERYFAT #VERYBRAVE: The Fat Girl’s Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Downin-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini is a joy-centred exploration of body positivity in which she also serves you 100 bikini looks. Of the festival’s headliners, Byer is the one you don’t want to miss.

Who: Ron Funches

When: Thurs., Sept. 21 – Fri., Sept. 22

Where: The Royal Theatre, 608 College St.

Why you should go: Appearing on hit shows like Drunk History, Bob’s Burgers, Adventure Time, Final Space and a writer on shows like The Eric Andre Show and Kroll Show, it is, in fact, impossible not to love Ron Funches. How could anyone not be charmed by his child-like wonder and sing-song delivery while talking about wanting to impregnate Mary Berry from The Great British Bake Off? The comedian, actor, writer, Twitch streamer and self-proclaimed “King of Sharks” is always a delight on stage.

Who: Dulcé Sloan

When: Sat., Sept. 23 – Tue., Sept. 26

Where: The Garrison (Sat.,

Sept. 23, Tue., Sept. 26), The Royal Theatre, 608 College St. (Sun., Sept. 24, Mon., Sept. 25)

Why you should go: Best known as a correspondent on The Daily Show and as Honeybee Shaw on The Great North, Dulcé Sloan is a rising star who is razor-sharp. Smart, original, incisive and always hilarious, Sloan is worth seeing every time she comes to Toronto for her unique and brilliant voice. Sloan is a future festival headliner, so don’t miss your chance to see her now.

Who: Rory Scovel

When: Fri., Sept. 29 – Sat., Sept. 30

Where: Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St.

Why you should go: Going from performing at The Royal at the 2017 edition of the festival to a grand venue like the Elgin this year shows how quickly Rory Scovel’s star has risen. In 2018, Comedy Central greenlit Robbie, a scripted comedy series written, produced and starring Scovel about a glory-hound churchleague basketball coach. He also plays the lead in Distance Socially, a pandemic-produced comedy lm shot remotely via iPhone. The trailer for his Net ix special, Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time, features Scovel’s celebrity friend Jack White pitching ideas to executives about “a guy who doesn’t know what he’s doing, is completely out of his element, unattractive, probably not that funny — what would that be like?” Scovel’s nonstop, high-energy delivery is anything but, and it shows in how big his following has become.

Who: Robby Hoffman

When: Wed., Sept. 27, Thurs., Sept. 28, Sat., Sept. 30

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor, 945 Bloor St. W. (Sept. 27, Sept. 28), Rivoli, 334 Queen St. W. (Sept. 30)

Why you should go: American-Canadian Robby Hoffman recorded her rst one-hour stand-up special here in Toronto in 2019 — available on Crave — and is back in the city after having headlined the New York Comedy Festival for

a second time. A writer on The Chris Gethard Show, Workin’ Moms and Baroness von Sketch Show, Robby won a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on Odd Squad. A queer, ex-Hasidic New Yorker raised in Montreal, her accent — whether you think it’s a New York accent as a Canadian or a Canadian accent as a New Yorker — and unique perspective makes her stand out as one not to miss whenever she’s performing.

Who: Jeremy Hotz

When: Thurs., Sept. 28, 7 pm

Where: Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave.

Why you should go: Veteran Canadian comedian Jeremy Hotz was a mainstay on the Comedy Network throughout the 2000s, whether it was recordings of his appearances at Just for Laughs in Montreal or his memorable Comedy Now special. Known for always being on the edge of either laughter or righteous fury while on stage, and his signature delivery of burying his face in his hands after every punchline, Hotz is bringing his new show Up Close and Miserable to Toronto for this year’s festival. Getting the chance to see him live is a delight for young comedy fans who grew up with him on their televisions.

Just because there’s a big comedy festival going on doesn’t mean there aren’t other comedy shows worth checking out this Fall:

over three decades. Her REMIX tour is stopping in Toronto at Roy Thomson Hall and is billed as “a chance for Eddie to remix and re-imagine some of her own favourite comedy bits from her last 35 years of sold-out shows.” Expect fresh takes on her most famous and enduring bits, including “The Death Star Cantina” and “Cake or Death!”

What: Second City Improv Brunch

When: Weekly shows

Where: Second City Toronto Mainstage, 110 Harbour St.

Why you should go: How better to beat a hangover than some “hair of the dog comedy” every Sunday afternoon at Second City? Improv comedy is served on offer from Second City’s nest, with food and mimosas available to help your Sunday afternoon recovery.

What: Midnight Madness

When: Thurs., Sept. 21 –Thurs., Sept. 28

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor, 945 Bloor St. W.

Why you should go: Every night during the Just for Laughs festival, the party continues at Comedy Bar with a midnight show, hosted by the “Human Potato of Comedy” Jeff Paul and featuring local favourites Tom Henry and Zabrina Douglas. The billing promises that “you never know who from the festival is going to come by.”

What: Two Dykes and a Mic

When: Thurs., Sept. 28 – Fri., Sept. 29

Where: Comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave.

945 Bloor St. W.

Why you should go: A different show every week featuring a rotating showcase of the best names in the Toronto comedy scene, including rising stars like Adam Christie, Tim Gilbert, Jackie Pirico, Chris Locke and Tom Henry. Always one of the highlights on the Comedy Bar calendar and worth checking out any week.

Who: Randy Feltface

When: Sun., Oct. 15, 7:30 pm

Where: The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W.

Why you should go: The purple puppet with a cult following, Randy Feltface brings his world tour and existential, fourthwall-breaking style to Toronto this fall. After having made his American television debut on NBC’s Bring the Funny in 2019, Randy will undoubtedly be picking up new fans north of the border with his high-energy, biting observations and rapid arm movements.

What: The Comedy is Art Festival

Where: The Theatre Centre

When: Wed. Oct. 24 – Sat. Oct. 28

Who: Eddie Izzard

When: Mon., Sept. 25, 8 pm

Where: Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.

Why you should go: Eddie Izzard is a legendary talent and has been one of the biggest names in comedy worldwide for

Why you should go: L.A.-based comedians McKenzie Goodwin and Rachel Scanlon host this weekly comedy podcast and touring live show that promises to have “your body rocking with laughter and sexual tension.” Segments include “Gay News,” relationship advice with “Ask a Dyke,” dating horror stories with “Bumble Fumbles” and fan favourites like “What’s Gayer” and “Who Tops Who.”

What: Laugh Sabbath

When: Weekly shows

Where: Comedy Bar on Bloor,

Why you should go: Comedy is art! The Theatre Centre is bringing this festival back for its fourth year to celebrate that fact, featuring ve nights of “excellent comedy and good vibes” curated by comedian and storyteller liza paul. The festival kicks off with backto-back solo shows by Aliya Kanani and Al Val, then continues Thursday with musical comedy “Ms. Titaverse” by “the Spice Girls of Comedy”, the all-Filipina Tita Collective. On Friday, sketch and stand-up showcase “The Minority Report” promises “different POVs from POCs” and a stellar lineup that includes Just for Laughs stars Jean Paul and Jay Martin. The festival closes with “Kaiju Comedy Presents: Intertribal”, taking inspiration from Pow Wows (a celebration deeply ingrained within Indigenous culture) and intertribal dances (where everyone is welcomed to the dance ground). Comedy deserves to be recognized as an art form like any other, so come out and see why!

and otherworldly with this annual, night-long phenomenon. Contemporary art, including dance, is at the centre of this celebration, which has its interdisciplinary participants focusing on the natural world for the 2023 theme of Breaking Ground.!

Refracting Giants

What: Expressive dance

Where: Winchester St. Theatre, 80 Winchester St.

When: Thurs., Oct. 5 – Sat., Oct.

7

Why you should go: A culmination of choreographer Leelee Oluwatoyosi Eko Davis’s three-year residency at the Toronto Dance Theatre, Refracting Giants is an experimental piece that aims to showcase the creative exchanges that manifested during ensemble group sessions. With the unique perspective of a self-described “disabled, transgenderqueer artist of Nigerian/French/ Algonquin descent,” Eko Davis’s production promises to push boundaries and challenge the audience to interpret and understand body movement from whole new angles.

Näss

What: Street dance mixed with traditional North African danceWhere: Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W.

Fall for Dance North

What: Dance festival

Where: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St. E. and various other downtown Toronto venues

When: Tue., Sept. 26 – Sat., Oct. 7

Why you should go: Explore dance from across the world as part of this annual festival packed with online events, workshops and live compilations made up of performances from multiple dance companies. With free events interspersed with affordable tickets, this festival is one of the dance scene’s best chances to see breaking-edge shows without breaking your budget. Look out for the two Signature Programme pieces, Heartbeats and Unbowed, which tackle the issues of human connection, relationships and activism.

Jump (or rather, jeté) into fall with a great selection of dance with premiere performances, old classics and contemporary pieces.

By: Helen Victoria Toner

In Time – At the Intersection of Music & Dance

What: Classical choir meets contemporary dance

Where: Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W.

When: Fri., Sept. 22 & Sat., Sept. 23

Why you should go: Experience elegance with the city’s nest baroque choir combined with contemporary dance, set in the magni cent Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church. This performance, which is a

tribute to female strength and resilience, includes works by Handel, Bach and Caroline Shaw.

Nuit Blanche

What: Modern art and dance

Where: Dozens of venues across Toronto, Etobicoke and Scarborough

When: Sat., Sept. 23

Why you should go: Stay up from sunset to sunrise and travel across the city to experience everything from the strange and seductive to the charming

Why you should go: Be the rst to see Emma Bovary when it makes its world premiere with the National Ballet of Canada this fall! Choreographed by award-winning Helen Pickett and set to a newly commissioned score, this ballet explores the inner turmoil of Gustave Flaubert’s titular character from his renowned novel, Madame Bovary. After intermission, experience principal dancer Piotr Stanczyk’s nal pre-retirement performance in Passion, a study of two separate love stories set to Beethoven’s Concerto for Piano in D, Op. 61a.

Stations

What: Contemporary danceWhere: Fleck Dance Theatre, 207 Queen’s Quay W.

When: Nov. 23-25

Why you should go: Order of Canada winning dancer Louise Lecavalier takes the stage by herself in this intense performance. Separated into four separate “stations” of life, the choreography aims to exhibit distinct, relatable seasons that we all go through. Dancing to live instrumental accompaniment, this former collaborator with David Bowie aims to take the audience to new heights, albeit hopefully not in a tin can like Major Tom.

Onegin

When: Thurs., Oct. 26 – Sat., Oct. 28

Why you should go: Transport yourself to Morocco with this physically intense performance that examines what it means to be a man, both as an individual and as part of a greater community. For this piece, choreographer Fouad Boussouf created his own style of movement by fusing urban hip hop with traditional North African movement to contrast and combine the past with the present. Prepare yourself for boundless energy, strong rhythm-based beats and street dance at its rawest.

Emma Bovary & Passion

What: Ballet

Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.

When: Sat., Nov. 11 – Sat., Nov. 18

What: Ballet

Where: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen St. W.

When: Wed., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 26

Why you should go: Travel to 19th century Russia and meet Eugene Onegin, a irtatious young man saturated in money but lacking a good heart, who meets his counterpart in the shy yet passionate Tatiana. Based on the novel by Alexander Pushkin and set to lesser-known Tchaikovsky compositions, Onegin has been a pillar of the National Ballet of Canada’s repertoire since its introduction in 1984. A must-see for fans of Jane Austen and Bridgerton, prepare yourself for achingly beautiful choreography, attering double-breasted dress coats and tissue-worthy heartbreak.

ART

BY WILLIAM MOLLS

Shellie Zhang: Elemental Patel Brown

Gallery, 21 Wade Ave., #2

On now until Sat., Nov. 4

Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist Shellie Zhang unites “both past and present iconography with the techniques of mass communication, language and sign” to “the contexts and construction of a multicultural society by disassembling approaches to tradition, gender, history, migration and popular culture.”

Kim Dorland: A Small Digital Print Show

Patel Brown Gallery, 21 Wade Ave., #2 On now until Sat., Nov. 4

Kim Dorland’s A Small Digital Print Show is exactly that. Dorland is known for his impasto oil paintings but has been working digitally for more than a decade, “using technology as an extension of his painting practice.”

Nuit Blanche

Locations across downtown, Etobicoke and Scarborough

Sat., Sept. 23, 7 pm – 7 am Nuit Blanche returns for its 17th annual edition, ushering in the beginning of fall with an all-night celebration of contemporary art that transforms the city. This year’s theme is “Breaking Ground,” encouraging exploration of issues related to nature and pioneering change within the arts community — speci cally, exploring themes of “climate change, the impact of urban development on communities and collective responsibilities around land and stewardship.”

Caitlyn Murphy: Artifacts

Dianna Witte Gallery, 1122 Dundas St. E.

Thurs., Sept. 21 – Sat. Oct. 14

Reception: Fri., Sept. 22, 7 – 9 pm

Artifacts is a solo exhibition from Caitlyn Murphy that captures a collection of chaotically displayed objects as seen “through the powdery front window” of a St. Clair West junk shop over the progression of the store’s closure and eviction.

The collection is a resumption of Dorland’s longstanding interest in the overlap of identity and place.

Seeing the Invisible Museum of Contemporary Art, 158 Sterling Rd.

On now until Sat., Sept. 30

Seeing the Invisible is an augmented reality (AR) contemporary art exhibition presented for the first time by a museum and in free public spaces. The exhibition includes AR works by 13 internationally recognized artists: Ai Weiwei, Jakob Kudsk Steensen, Sarah Meyohas, Timur Si-Qin, Isaac Julien CBE RA, Ori Gersht, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Pamela Rosenkranz, Mohammed Kazem, Mel O’Callaghan, Daito Manabe and Sigalit Landau.

Liz Magor: The Separation Museum of Contemporary Art, 158 Sterling Rd.

On now until Sun., Feb. 4

This solo exhibition at MOCA emphasizes the tensions in Liz Magor’s work, playing rough against re ned, imsy against sturdy, fashionable against passé and custom-made against mass-produced.

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody Art Gallery of Ontario

Wed., Nov. 8 – Sun., Mar. 17

Celebrating Keith Haring’s creativity and activism, this fall, the AGO welcomes a major exhibition of the late artist’s vast output through more than 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant colour, energetic linework and iconic characters, like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s artwork continues to dissolve barriers between art and life and spread joy.

Donnelly, better known as KAWS, bridges the worlds of art, popular culture and commerce with sophisticated humour and insightful appropriation. Renowned for his larger-than-life sculptures of cartoon-inspired characters and exuberant hard-edge paintings that playfully emphasize line and colour, much like 1960s Pop artists, he blurs the boundaries between populist and elite art, bringing mass media imagery into traditional art spaces.

Cities in Flux

from the AGO Collection. Highlighting various economic, political and cultural realities underpinning the urban experience, the exhibition showcases photographs, postcards and albums — many on view for the rst time — made since 1850.

Her Blood Spoke: Joscelyn Gardner, Kara Springer, Alberta Whittle

Art Gallery of Ontario

On now until Sun., Oct. 29

KAWS: Family

Art Gallery of Ontario

Member access starts Wed., Sept. 27, general admission

Wed., Oct. 11

Making his Canadian museum debut, Brooklyn-based artist Brian

Art Gallery of Ontario

On now until Sun., Dec. 3

Criss-crossing the globe from Chicago to Tokyo via Prague and Mumbai, with a stop-over in Toronto, Cities in Flux is a wide-ranging exploration of the city told through a selection of 100 photographs

Her Blood Spoke presents 16 artworks by three artists of Barbadian descent, re ecting on contemporary and historical experiences with Black maternal health and bodily autonomy. This installation offers a consideration of the ways in which Black women’s bodies have long been sites of con ict.

Keith Haring, Untitled, 1982. Enamel and Dayglo on metal, 182.9 × 228.6 × 3.8 cm. Private collection © Keith Haring Foundation

Big city puzzles “small-town

Dear Amy:

I’m a 19-year-old, classic smalltown girl who likes roots music and has come to Toronto to study for a music career. Just got to town and am afraid I’ll be lonely — what should I do?

— KINCARDINE KID

Dear KK:

There’s so much great live music in Toronto! Head to the Horseshoe for some shows, The Cameron and the Rex always have amazing shows all day! Seek out open mics around the coffee clubs.  Also, sometimes in roots music, being lonely is part of the job. Look within the loneliness with a song.

—Amy

Dear Amy:

I’m an aspiring singer-songwriter and I feel con dent about my arts skills — not so much about

the business. I like to focus. If I were to pick just one next step, what is it: get a manager, booking agent, publicist, backup players, join a band? Help. I want to be methodical!

— NEXT STEPPER

Dear Next Step:

Try to play as much as possible. Make a demo and book some gigs yourself. Record the music then play the music live. There are no shortcuts, but it is possible to be very self-suf cient in the new world of the web. Try to do as much as you can yourself so you don’t have to split the pie. The songs will help you nd your way.

— Amy

Dear Amy:

Never had a roommate before, got two now — at school — and, surprise, they’re driving me crazy. They never put their

stuff away and seem to have no ambition. Even the way they just slouch and spread out on the living room furniture bugs me. I think one even smells bad. Any tips for surviving shared space?

— IRATE ROOMATE

Dear Irate: House meeting! Have a set of rules for the apartment. Tell them to write down what they want from the experience and then you write down what you want. Compare notes. Put it on the fridge. Make a joke about their behaviour and try to get them on track.   Make your own room a sanctuary where you can leave them behind. Bring delicious-smelling candles into your room and a computer. Housing is hard these days. Make the space you have as much your own as possible.

— Amy

Got a question? Ask Amy

ASK AMY

By Amy Millan of Stars and Broken Social Scene

Dear Amy:

The good news is I’m nally in a great relationship with a great guy after many years of dating disappointment. Bad news is my lifelong BFF literally hates him and won’t see me if I’m with him. What do I do? My relationship with her is like family.

— CAN’T WIN

Dear Can’t Win:

There is no need to soup your life. We don’t always have to throw everything into the same relationship pot. Separate the feelings and the people and start there. Plan special events with your best friend that don’t need to include your new guy. Boundaries can put up the right kind of walls to protect yourself and those around you. She doesn’t need to have him as a boyfriend if he’s already yours. Awkward is other people’s issues if you are moving through your friendships with love, but you can’t force a cat to love a dog.

— Amy

Dear Amy:

I want to try co-writing songs, but I don’t want to be stuck in a room all day with someone who is basically an acquaintance. Is it possible to write remotely, or do you have to be in the same place to get the right mood and connection?

— CO-WRITING WRONGS?

Dear Co-writing:

Over-wire jams can be the best! You can start with music and send to someone who could start the lyrics or vice versa. I’m with you: I don’t really love writing in the presence of others, more because I’m a bit shy. Stars sends me music and I spend hours alone with it, shaping the song. It’s never been easier since we all got used to virtual life during the past dif cult bubble of the pandemic. Songbird wires, y!

— Amy

Amy Millan is a Candian indie rock singer and guitarist. She records and performs with Stars and Broken Social Scene and has a successful solo career.

girl”

After Olivia Chow’s victory in the recent mayoral by-election, progressives might ( nally) be feeling hopeful about Toronto’s future.

But while City Hall may be under new management, it’s status quo at Queen’s Park; Premier Doug Ford continues to wage his relentless war on Toronto, ferociously pushing city-busting plans including building a stadium-sized mega-spa at Ontario Place and demolishing the Science Centre — plans that have been criticized by experts and city staff alike. Grassroots community groups Ontario Place for All and Save Ontario’s Science Centre have quickly sprung up to push back against these plans, and Mayor Chow recently urged the premier to respect the wishes of Toronto residents. But City Hall can’t stop these changes alone — at least, not without support from ordinary Torontonians piling on the pressure to change course.

WHAT’S AT STAKE AT ONTARIO PLACE?

• Over 800 carbon-eating trees on the West Island in a beautiful setting along Toronto’s downtown waterfront, with a clean pebble beach, walking trails and a quiet place to sit by the lake and relax, all available freely and year-round for people who don’t have a cottage outside the city to escape to (unlike the premier).

• A natural spot for local wildlife, including beavers, mink, migrating birds and others who call Toronto home.

• $400 million of money you paid in taxes to pay for a ve-level underground parking garage for 2,000 more cars being driven into downtown, bringing with them more noise, congestion and carbon emissions.

• Selling off public space that belongs to you to a private, Austrian spa company for nearly a century, as part of a secretive, behind-closed-doors deal made by your provincial government in which you had no say in.

As Ontario Place for All CoChair Norm Di Pasquale puts it, if ordinary Torontonians don’t push back now against Ford’s plans for Ontario Place, the city might lose what he calls a public

“gem on the waterfront” — and not just for today, but “for generations.”

This is the “407 all over again,” says Di Pasquale about the shady, 95-year lease Ford’s

here in Ontario and around the world, that produces exhibits for other science centres and educational hubs, all made right here in Toronto.

• The Centre is also a huge

your city councillor, MPP and MP.

Ontario Place for All is asking the federal government to intervene by using the Impact Assessment Act to review the province’s plans for the waterfront —

government signed in secret with Austrian spa company Therme, invoking the memory of the controversial 99-year lease agreement signed by Mike Harris’s Conservatives in the 1990s to privatize a new highway outside

source of pride, employment and education in the local, underserved communities of Flemingdon Park and Thorncliffe Park. Internationally renowned Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, who designed the building

something worth mentioning when you talk to your MP.

Di Pasquale recommends visiting the Ontario Place For All website and clicking on the “Take Action” button. “There’s petitions you can sign” and “get

of Toronto. In 2018, tolls collected from drivers on the 407 made over a billion dollars in revenue — money that didn’t go towards funding public services but into the bank accounts of its Spanish, for-pro t, private owners.

WHAT’S AT STAKE AT THE SCIENCE CENTRE?

• A world-renowned hub of scienti c education and learning that has been inspiring young minds to dream about a career in STEM for generations.

• An architectural gem designed by a famous and internationally acclaimed Canadian architect, nestled in a beautiful spot along the Don Valley.

• A critical resource for scienti c educators and popularizers,

in the 1960s, died earlier this month, and his rm, Moriyama & Teshima Architecture, recently commented on Ford’s plan noting that the Science Centre was designed by Moriyama to be for a “institution of international signi cance” and that “the purpose of the Science Centre is inseparable from the site it currently inhabits.”

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Di Pasquale says, “David Crombie told me something very powerful: ‘Talk to ve people about the issue’.” He says he followed that advice, and “next thing I knew, I was talking to 500 people” about it.

Among the people to whom you should be reaching out are

your friends and family to sign.”

You can also nd pre-written templates for letters to send to your elected representatives and other key decision-makers.

There’s already reason to believe that keeping up the public pressure is working. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently said it would be “pausing” its partnership with Therme in response to public opposition to its plans for Ontario Place.

Di Pasquale mentions the “Better Idea” proposal they’ve put forward, which highlights the role the new Ontario Line subway will play in linking the two attractions from end to end, but only if we work hard, right now, to save them for future generations.

(That means you.)

Ontario Place is and was a Crown Corporation so as to serve the public of Ontario – those living in the GTA and visiting from away. It would be a shame and a disservice if commercial gain replaced the public interest on the present site of Ontario Place.”

– Progressive Conservative Premier William Davis, whose Tory government created Ontario Place in 1971. You listening Doug?

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