The Illusionists offer large-scale magic, where the razzle is dazzling and the tricks are not just for kids.
The Illusionists
If the hand is quicker than the eye, then how come seeing is believing? Just something to think about when you take in an audacious Broadway production that causes jaws to drop, minds to blow and gobs to smack. This is large-scale magic, where the razzle is dazzling and the tricks are not just for kids. Dec. 13 to Jan. 7. $49 to $130. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St. W., 416-872-1212 or mirvish.com.
Gallery of Modern Design
The one thing better than sitting in an empty chair, it has been said, is to watch it and let it inspire you to think deeply. With a new gallery covering six design movements from 1910 to 1965, the Royal Ontario Museum celebrates things elegant and functional, covering decorative arts and furniture. Included are iconic chairs – Kaare Klint's Barcelona model, Eero Saarinen's Tulip sitter and Arne Jacobsen's Egg seat – which were created by designers who did their best dreaming while sitting down. $14 to $17. Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen's Park, 416-586-8000 or rom.on.ca.
A Tribe Called Red
From Ottawa comes a DJ trio that makes potent, unique electronic music, drawing on hip hop and traditional drums and chants. And while the threesome's latest genre-blurring album We Are The Halluci Nation preaches inclusiveness, leave the hipster headdresses at home – cultural appropriation isn't remotely cool.
Dec. 9, 8 p.m. $26.50 to $36.50. Rebel, 11 Polson Street, 855-985-5000 or ticketweb.ca.
It's a Wonderful Life
Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. And every time a ticket is bought for a Soulpepper production, founding artistic director Albert Schultz glows bright red and green for just a second. It's magical to see – and likely the company's staged radio-play version of Frank Capra's holiday-classic film will be as well.
Dec. 9 to 24. $32 to $89. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E., 416-866-8666 or soulpepper.ca.
Francis Alys: A Story of Negotiation
Running into a tornado is like catching a wave, the Belgian-born artist Francis Alys says. "Often, there's one following the other," he once told Vogue. "So if you miss the first one, there's a good chance that you get another." Wait, what? Yes, Alys "negotiates" with stormy situations, whether they be border wars, pressing social issues or dust-devil funnels. A touring exhibition of large-scale video works and a selection of paintings and drawings makes its lone Canadian stop.
To April 2, 2017. $11 to $19.50. Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., 877-225-4246 or ago.net.
Brad Wheeler