Robert Gleadow as Guglielmo, Paul Appleby as Ferrando, Wallis Giunta as Dorabella and Layla Claire as Fiordiligi in the Canadian Opera Company’s new production of Così fan tutte, 2014. Conductor Johannes Debus, director Atom Egoyan, set and costume designer Debra Hanson, and lighting designer Michael Walton.Michael Cooper
Cosi fan tutte
"Atom has no lowbrow side," a friend of the filmmaker Atom Egoyan once told The New York Times. "He doesn't even have a middlebrow side." The announcement that Mr. Egoyan would be directing the COC's production of Cosi fan tutte was met with surprise, given his arty, sober sensibilities and the comic opera's preposterous premise (involving dubious methods for testing the fidelity). But if there is farce, there is also Mozart's sublime score. And when it comes to Mr. Egoyan, the expectations that he will make this unlikely marriage work are as high as his brow. Jan. 18 to Feb. 21. $12 to $332. Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., 416-363-8231.
Neutral Milk Hotel
Indie-music nerds are in elevated euphoria, thanks to the long-lusted-for reunion of Neutral Milk Hotel, the band that in the late 1990s ruled the underground with important beards and earnestly baffling music. After 15 years, reclusive leader Jeff Mangum and crew are back together for a tour of sold-out halls, including a pair of concerts here at Kool Haus. Feet will stomp, memories will be revived and wishes will be granted. Mr. Mangum and his fans may have checked out of Neutral Milk Hotel, but it seems they never can leave. Jan. 19 and 20, 8:30 p.m. $35.50. 132 Queens Quay W., collectiveconcerts.com.
Toronto International Boat Show
With an indoor lake, stunt-happy professional wakeboarders and free rides on boats, canoes and kayaks, you might say that the life-jacket set is in for a "merry time" this weekend. (You might say that, but we will not.). Anyway, the annual event – which competes for attention against the Toronto RV Show & Extravaganza at the International Centre – is afloat for just a couple more days of out-of-season splashery and boat-buying fantasies. To Jan. 19. $15 to $18 (two-day passes available; under age 16, free when accompanied by an adult). Direct Energy Centre, 100 Princes' Blvd., torontoboatshow.com.
London Road
The murder in 2006 of five prostitutes in the town of Ipswich, England, was naturally a staggering affair. Likewise, a raw, documentary-style serial-murder musical inspired by the brutal event is startling theatre. Directed by Shaw Festival leader Jackie Maxwell, the British hit (soon to be developed as a film) makes its North American premiere here, featuring a strong ensemble cast and a dynamic staging. Jan. 23 to Feb. 9 (previews begin Jan. 19). $24 to $99. Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front St. E., 416-368-3110 or canadianstage.com.
Once Upon a Time
Led by the American conductor Rob Kapilow, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (with the Pickle Shoes Dance Company) performs for the pint-sized. Not only will the small people hear Prokofiev's Cinderella and Ravel's Mother Goose Suite, they'll learn how to hand-jive, which is a mix of pat-a-cake percussion and thumbing hitchhiking gestures. As well, a select few tykes will pop on stage to dance with brooms. Which is handy, because after all that activity, the tuckered little monkeys will likely be ready for some sweep. Jan. 18. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. $20 to $36. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416-872-4255.
Brad Wheeler