DAYTIME
Magna Carta: Law, Liberty and Legacy
“The democratic aspiration is no mere recent phase in human history,” said Franklin Roosevelt, in his 1941 presidential inaugural address. “It was written in Magna Carta.” It was written 800 years ago, translating to “The Great Charter.” The loathsome King John signed off on it, only to renege on his royal seal later. The foundational law survived, however, and now the much-adored medieval parchment and its companion scrap the Charter of the Forest are on display as part of a touring exhibit that explains their history, significance and Canadian implications.
Oct. 4 to Nov. 7. $10 to $20. Fort York Visitor Centre, 250 Fort York Blvd., 416-392-6907 or toronto.ca.
NIGHTIME
Marlon Brando Retrospective
The Toronto Transit Commission could take lessons from Tennessee Williams on naming its vehicles more charismatically, just as any actor could (and did and still does) take tips on acting from Marlon Brando. In that spirit, the “Hey Stella” specialist is celebrated with a six-film mini-retrospective that covers his early hunky-lug characters (A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront, Oct. 3 and 4) as well as something later and lustier from 1972, when the actor was still not to be tangoed with.
Oct. 3 to 11. $9 to $13. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433 or tiff.net.
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life
While there is nothing at all wrong with enjoying a sound-alike Stevie in Motown: The Musical playing over at the Princess Alexandra Theatre, that live-jukebox show suffers in comparison with the real thing. For the second time in less than a year, Stevie Wonder arrives here with his full band and funk-making Clavinet keyboard in tow, to perform his landmark 1976 double-LP Songs in the Key of Life. The songs and spirit still ring true – music, like the 65-year-old Sir Duke singer himself, is one of the things that life just won’t quit.
Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $49.50 to $149.50. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca
FOR THE KIDS
High Park Harvest Festival
The tortuous practice of bobbing for apples is no longer allowed under the Geneva Conventions, but the curious ritual still thrives at autumnal fairs. And so on Sunday in High Park, kids will awkwardly dunk their faces at water-bound fall fruit, while others take part in less humiliating pastimes such as wagon riding, pumpkin carving, cider drinking, folk dancing and old-time fiddle-music appreciating.
Oct. 4, noon to 4:30 p.m. Free admission (activity and merchandise fees apply). Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr., 416-392-6916 or toronto.ca.
FREE
Food for Thought
And speaking of harvest time, Harbourfront Centre brings much to the table with five new fall exhibitions from 27 artists, with works in craft, design and photography that engage in the politics, infrastructure and cultural issues involved with filling our bellies. The exhibitions are titled Forage, Food for Thought, Trading Places, Set the Table and The Utensil, a multipronged take on the social mores and manners of eating. Art, then, is served.
To Dec. 24. Free. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-5379 or harbourfrontcentre.com.