With exciting plays and comedy sketches opening in Toronto this week, it is hard to determine what is worth seeing. Luckily, our Best Bets are filled with performing arts recommendations to choose from, including a retelling of A Doll’s House and an improv show based on Heated Rivalry. For those looking for off-stage options, we’ve also included cultural events and stunning exhibitions to check out.
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The Second City Mainstage 91st Revue
At Second City’s 91st Revue, everyone is invited to be part of the creative process. While the cast focuses on crafting a brand-new show, the audience takes a stand, getting to select songs, influence sketches, and help develop characters in real time. This collaborative experience is rooted in Second City’s artistic legacy, bringing laughter and improvisation to crowds from all over the world for the past 65 years. More info.
When: Opens January 13
Where: The Second City
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The Image Centre’s Winter Opening Ceremony
The Image Centre is opening the winter exhibition season with an evening of light refreshments and guided tours. There are four exhibitions opening to the public, all free of charge. Magnum’s First will take people back to 1995 Magnum Photos’ debut exhibition, Face of Time. David Chim’s Children of Europe offers moving photographs that capture the lives of children during post-war Europe. When visiting Mark Igloliorte: Tuvak Akkusinialuk Siaggijâk, you’ll be taken on an adventure, following four Indigenous skateboarders as they travel through the frozen Dattah Ice Road. Lastly, Staging Celia Franca gives gallery attendees a glimpse into the National Ballet’s founder and artistic director’s off-stage wardrobe. More info.
When: January 14
Where: The Image Centre
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Make Banana Cry
Choreographers Andrew Tay and Stephen Thompson have resignified the meaning of “banana” in their latest production, proving that this term isn’t just a slang but a symbol of performance, erasure, and reclamation of self. As six East Asian artists critique and confront racial stereotypes, this show will pull audiences in with its ingenious wit, its blend of runway aesthetics and contemporary dance, as well as its unrelenting examination of Western xenophobia. More info.
When: January 14-17
Where: Buddies in Bad Times
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Rewind with Tynomi Banks: Dinner & Drag Experience
Dress to the nines and enjoy a lavish night out at Cassette with this dinner and drag show hosted by the legendary Tynomi Banks. Indulge in a delicious meal while listening to nostalgic hits in a night filled with music and humour. Tynomi will walk you through tracks from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and the 2000s all the while you grab a bite and jam along from your seats. More info.
When: January 15
Where: Cassette
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Mischief
Described as a heartwarming dramatic comedy, Lisa Nasson’s Mischief will take you on a journey alongside Brooke, a young Mi’kmaw woman whose life is disrupted by a mischievous visit from her ancestral world. While connecting with her community and culture, the protagonist feels a sense of empowerment and belonging. The production also focuses on the cost of justice, as Brooke reflects on who she can turn to when one act of mischief derails her peace. More info.
When: January 15-February 8
Where: Tarragon Theatre
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Jamaica in January 2026
It might still be chilly outside, but STACKT Market is ready to turn up the heat with a Caribbean cultural festival. Jamaica in January has become a winter ritual, bringing the warmth of Jamaican music, food, and energy to the 6ix. From a bingo jamdown to a playful scavenger hunt, each activity is meant to both bring attendees together and give insight into Jamaica’s influence in science, sports, art, and politics. There will also be a special appearance from Jamaica’s Mrs. World representative Shannon Green, a drumming session with Beats With My Soul, and a marketplace filled with Island finds. More info.
When: January 17
Where: STACKT Market
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A Doll’s House
In this modern retelling of a literary touchstone, Nora’s radical act of liberation feels more immediate and intimate than ever before. A Doll’s House premieres at the Bluma Appel Theatre this weekend, and audiences will surely be captivated by Nora’s quest for freedom from a marriage that prevents her from fulfilling her deepest desires. With Canadian talent bringing this classic to the stage under Brendan Healy’s direction, this is a must-see. More info.
When: January 17-February 1
Where: Bluma Appel Theatre
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Heated Rivalry: Improvised
The Everything Improvised crew is keeping the Heated Rivalry hype going with an improvised take on the steamy Canadian series. This comedy spectacle promises to bring you a reimagining of the forbidden hockey love story, by recreating iconic scenes (like those shower sequences and cottage trips) and acting based on fans’ live suggestions. Watch Toronto’s award-winning improvisers put their own spin on pop culture’s latest obsession. More info.
When: January 18
Where: Comedy Bar on Danforth
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