DAYTIME
Der Vampyr
A hit at its premiere in Leipzig in 1828, Heinrich Marschner’s swanky, German-sung supernatural opera Der Vampyr is revived occasionally, here for four performances by Summer Opera Lyric Theatre. The Russian-born baritone Andrey Andreychik sinks his teeth into the role of Lord Ruthven, a vampire protagonist and blood-sucking seducer.
Aug. 2 and 5, 2 p.m., and Aug. 8, 8 p.m. $22 to $28. Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College St., 416-366-7723 or www.stlc.com.
NIGHTTIME
Dusk Dances
It’s cooler at twilight, when the day settles down and the sun is at its most watchable. Which makes for a fine time for most things, including live dance in a park setting. This summer’s sunset program gathers five works, including a 10-minute short from choreographer Danny Grossman inspired by the operas of Puccini and a half-hour ensemble piece from dancemaker Tedd Robinson set to the music of Chopin.
Aug. 3 to 9, 6:45 p.m., with added matinees (1:45 p.m.) on Aug. 6 and 9. PWYC ($10 suggested donation). Withrow Park (at Danforth and Logan avenues), duskdances.ca.
FOR THE KIDS
HorseCapades
It’s nothing personal, but given their snout size, horses can’t help but look down their noses at us. They’re actually gentle, majestic beasts who put up with a lot. In advance of this summer’s CNE, an interactive program helps humans better understand their equine friends, through pony rides, grooming instruction and the trick-riding exploits of HorsePower Live. It’s all free – getting your filly has never been easier.
Aug. 2 to 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Horse Palace, Exhibition Place, 200 Princes’ Blvd., theex.com
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick
Peter Frampton wanted you to show him the way (“every day”) and Cheap Trick sang “I want you to want me.” Yes, the 1970s were a needy decade for rock stars, whose sense of entitlement was matched only by their appetites. A double bill pairs guitarist Frampton and the Budokan-playing power-pop troupe, two acts who share the accomplishment of releasing landmark live albums, back when such things mattered.
Aug. 5, 7 p.m. $43.75 to $117.25. Molson Amphitheatre, 909 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 1-855-985-5000 or ticketmaster.ca.
OUT OF TOWN
Cobourg Sandcastle Festival
Sandcastles are an existential metaphor – the transience of life, and the stubborn joy of building something that inevitably will collapse and be washed away. Or maybe playing in beach dirt is just buckets of granular fun. Either way, an event of sand, sun, dusk-set films and fireworks later is an excellent one-day affair – sand through a summer’s hourglass, if you will.
Aug. 1, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free (some activities, $5). Cobourg Beach, Cobourg, Ont., 1-888-262-6874 or cobourgtourism.ca/sandcastle