DAYTIME
Point & Punch: Historical Editorial Cartoons of J.W. Bengough and Sam Hunter
Much attention came to cartoonists when editors and illustrators of the satirical French weekly Charlie Hebdo were murdered early this year, but a better kind of interest in lampoonery happens at the Royal Ontario Museum. An exhibit focuses on a pair of pencil-wielding Canadian pioneers, who in the early 20th century surveyed the political landscape of the day and drew their own conclusions.
To Sept. 18, 2016. $14 to $17 (museum admission). ROM, 100 Queens Park, 416-586-8000 or rom.on.ca.
NIGHTTIME
Cirque de la Symphonie: Holiday Hits
Seasonal music meets circus derring-do inside Roy Thomson Hall, where the top is just big enough. But with strongmen, silk artists, contortionists and acrobats sharing the stage with the holiday-mood Toronto Symphony Orchestra, we have to wonder if there will be enough oboe room for all concerned.
Dec. 8 (8 p.m.) and Dec. 9 (2 and 8 p.m.). $34.75 to $107. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416-872-4255 or tso.ca.
FOR THE KIDS
Tricks
Though David Ben’s previous show The Conjurer was a success here a year ago, a different magic revue was in the cards for this season. For Tricks, the poof-and-presto artist is inspired by unique people, places and things, from Frank Sinatra to Southern Baptist preachers to cherry blossoms in Japan. His greatest trick though is holding the attention of youngsters, a feat that leaves slack-jawed parents in a how-does-he-do-it state of mind.
To Jan. 3. $25 to $69. Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, 416-866-8666 or soulpepper.ca.
LAST CHANCE
Seminar
Satiric and facile, Theresa Rebeck’s comedy concerns a belligerent novelist who leads a writing workshop. On Broadway, it was Alan Rickman who played the lead, but in this Mirvish-Manitoba Theatre Centre co-production the acidic lines and disdaining temperament belong to the talented Tom McCamus, an actor who in the prized role gives lessons on playing big.
To Dec. 6. $19 to $89. Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., 416-872-1212 or mirvish.com.
ONE TIME ONLY
Third Annual Tribute to Stompin’ Tom Connors
A spud-spouting songster is saluted at the Horseshoe Tavern, literally the man’s former stomping grounds. Writer-musician and Stompin’ Tom torch bearer Dave Bidini hosts, with the Rheostatics acting as the house band for guests Brendan Canning, Doug Paisley, Terra Lightfoot and others. And while the late troubadour is far from Canada’s best ever, on Thursday evening he’s the only one you can name.
Dec. 10, 8:30 p.m. $15. Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen St. W., 416-598-4226 or ticketfly.com.