If you have time this weekend to help with flood relief (bringing supplies, sandbagging etc) please check out this list at CJAD.com to find out help how to help. It also has resources for people affected by flood levels.
Cirque de soleil's classic, blockbuster show gets an update with Alegria: In a New Light. When the King disappears, the monarch's fool Mr Fleur jockeys for power while being surrounded by different factions. The show first premiered in 1994, setting the standard for Cirque's brand and aesthetics. The acts, costumes and music have been revamped for this staging. I especially loved the Crossed Wheel (think human gyroscope) and the Fire Knife Dance, where the performer fearlessly toys with fire. At the Big Top in the Old Port until July 21.
Favourite local son Gino Vanelli performs his hits Friday and Saturday at Théâtre Maisonneuve. Grunge band Alice in Chains rocks out at MTelus on Saturday. And cover band Cadillac Music delivers rock 'n roll magic, with music by The Beatles, Elvis, Van Morrison, The Temptations and more. Friday at The Wheel Club, 8pm.
An aspiring ballerina struggles to understand why her teacher is treating students differently in Reaching for Starlight, a world premiere of a show by the very talented Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Presented by the kids-oriented Geordie Theatre, the show opens Friday at DB Clarke Theatre at Concordia.
Cindy Lauper's Broadway musical Kinky Boots is the story of the heir of a struggling shoe factory who decides to take a glamorous gamble to save the family business. Theatre St Denis, Friday and Saturday.
A lucky member of the audience gets to go on a totally improvised, heartfelt first date with Mimi in Blind Date at The Centaur. The run it has just been extended for a few more shows into next week!
In 1923, the cast of a Broadway play called God of Vengeance was arrested on obscenity charges, thanks to a lesbian love story, prostitute characters and more. The play about that play is called Indecent, and it starts Sunday afternoon at the Segal. I will be hosting a panel at 11am that morning, all about the trials and tribulations of bringing a theatrical production to life. Join us for free coffee, danishes and conversation!
Rosie Adoption Agency in the West Island is celebrating 18 years with their first-ever dog fair. Pick up a free cupcake for your dog, browse local vendors and socialize with other canine companions. (Good) dogs on leashes welcome! Saturday, 11am to 3pm at Karnak Shriners, 3350 Sources in DDO.
The theme of this year's Beltain Spring Fair in Montreal West is The Secret Garden. Join a chant, learn about safe foraging, take part in cosplay and stick around for the raffle. Vendors will have jewelry, tarot readings, candles, knitted products and more. There is Sunday, 10am to 5pm at the Montreal West Curling Club.
It's a neoburlesque extravaganza at Bagel Burlesque Expo! The spring festival celebrates a quirkier, lighter side to burlesque with shows at L'Astral, Friday and Saturday. Catch local favourites like Sucre à la crème and Jessica Rae and visiting dancers from all over North America like Violette Coquette, Champagne Splitz and Newfound Lad. And don't miss Canadian legend Judith Stein, who will be telling stories during scheduled workshops midday Saturday.