DAYTIME
The Power Plant: Winter Exhibitions
A swarm of 30,000 black paper moths attached to a wall – how did they get there? Perhaps through the Power Plant’s smokestack, but more likely by Mexico City-based artist Carlos Amorales, whose Black Cloud (one of four new exhibitions now up at the contemporary gallery) is an intriguing infestation and a cautionary tale relating to the sootiness of coal consumption.
To May 15. Free. 231 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4949 or thepowerplant.org.
NIGHTTIME
Tafelmusik: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is viewed with wildly varying assessments, but if it isn’t the symphony to end all symphonies it is at least the final of the German master’s full nine to be tackled by Tafelmusik. It took the Baroque enthusiasts 18 years to do it, but with four concerts and a live taping next week, the orchestra and chamber choir will complete the cycle of Beethoven’s symphonic oeuvre, ending it all with the elating Ode to Joy.
Feb. 4 to 7. $31 to $131. Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W., 416-408-0208 or performance.rcmusic.ca.
LAST CHANCE
Phase Space
“Collaborating,” says Peggy Baker, “has allowed me to completely transcend the structures of my own solo performance life.” A new piece from the Canadian modern dance icon utilizes the contributions of six dancers, who will excerpt choreographic snippets from Ms. Baker’s impressive repertoire. Expanded, compressed and otherwise rejigged, the fragments become new moments that represent the next phase in her inimitable, evolving career.
To Jan. 31. $23 to $28. Betty Oliphant Theatre , 404 Jarvis St., 800-838-3006 or peggybakerdance.com.
FOR THE KIDS
Splash’N Boots
The duo’s yellow is not mellow. Nick Adams and Taes Leavitt are a Juno-winning double dose of song, smiles and dance, with a healthy following among the pint-sized. They appear daily on Treehouse TV, where their blue and yellow garb mesmerizes distractable eyeballs. Songs include Jig Through the Grump, a perfect lesson for children prematurely world-weary and easily disillusioned.
Jan. 31, 2 and 7 p.m. $34 to $39 (family four-pack, $100). Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., 905-305-7469 or markhamtheatre.ca.
FUNDRAISER
LOL for YPT: A Night to Laugh at the Funny Side of Parenting
The programming at the Young People’s Theatre is geared to school children, but the not-for-profit theatre company is well aware of who pays the bills. A fundraiser hosted by Adam Growe from television’s Cash Cab includes performances by Kate Davis and Chris Gibbs, comedians who find humour among the endless drool, diaper-fill and joy children endlessly produce.
Feb. 3, 7 p.m. $100 to $200. Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E., 416-363-5131, ext. 248 or youngpeoplestheatre.ca.