In just a few days, one of the biggest pop stars in the world will be in Toronto. While there are plenty of Taylor Swift-related events lined up, there’s much to check out this week unrelated to her Eras Tour.
Here’s what our culture critics suggest you make time for this week.
Movies: Heretic
In theatres starting Nov. 8
It’s Hugh Grant’s nastiest role ever: smiling yet scarily intense loner Mr. Reed, a man with Jeffrey Dahmer specs and a check print cardigan who corrals two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) inside his labyrinthine home. He insists he just wants to debate religion, although he also has strong thoughts about blueberry pie, fast food and the game of Monopoly.
Grant has reached what he calls the “freak-show era” of his career. It’s a dark distance from his romantic leading man days of the 1990s and early 2000s, when the English actor with the sheepdog bangs and jagged-toothed grin was internationally adored for playing the shy Romeo in such multiplex-fillers as “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.” —Peter Howell
Books: Old Book and Paper Show
Nov. 10 at Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
Searching for a first edition of your favourite novel or looking for a vintage print for your bedroom wall? You might find something at the Old Book and Paper Show, which bills itself as the GTA’s only old paper and antiquarian book show, featuring posters, paperbacks, autographs, historical documents, signed bestsellers and more.
Theatre: Playing Shylock
Through Nov. 24 at Canadian Stage
“Playing Shylock,” Mark Leiren-Young’s provocative solo play at Canadian Stage, offering a searing critique of cancel culture in the arts, could not have arrived at a more urgent moment — as the Canadian cultural landscape is at a crossroads. … It stars Canadian acting legend Saul Rubinek, who plays a fictionalized version of himself in a cancelled and charged production of Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.” His impassioned, one-act monologue feels deeply personal, but also raises important ideas about artistic expression. Don’t miss this show, one of the most provocative, disturbing and urgent productions of the year. —Joshua Chong
Theatre: What the Constitution Means to Me
Through Nov. 10 at Soulpepper Theatre
On paper, the Soulpepper and Nightwood Theatre co-production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” shouldn’t work. The subject of Heidi Schreck’s 90-minute play is, after all, the Constitution — a stuffy, old document that doesn’t necessarily scream “theatrical entertainment.” … I mean, c’mon. A play about the U.S. Constitution? Really?
Yes, really. And it works surprisingly well. Because “What the Constitution Means to Me” is neither stuffy nor old, instead brimming with humour, vitality and contemporary resonance. Such an achievement is this unassuming work that it should be requisite viewing for all — including a certain politician south of the border, and perhaps some Canadian ones, too. —Joshua Chong
Music: Kiss of Life
Missing Toronto’s Taylor Swift mania by just a day, South Korean pop quartet Kiss of Life will play Toronto for the first time on their Kiss Road world tour. The addictive dance for their catchy summer anthem, “Sticky,” having gone viral, Julie, Natty, Belle and Haneul are on their debut world tour just a over a year since forming.
I’ve been impressed by the group’s versatility, including their solid debut single, “Shhh,” and the Britney Spears and Cheetah Girls nostalgia of “Midas Touch.”
Comedy: Make It Reindeer
Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 at the Second City Toronto
Presented by the Second City, the “Make It Reindeer” holiday edition highlights a festive mix of sketches and songs from the comedy group’s archives as well as new bits that fit the season.
