Laurie Elliott is a three-time Canadian Comedy Award-winner for Best Female Stand-up and recently received her fourth Canadian Comedy Award nomination.
Next Stage Theatre Festival
If one requires the 411 on Vancouver's Graham Clark, it is enough to say that the sociable fellow is comedian enough that he could read a phone book and still set off laughter. Indeed, his show at an annual festival of indie comedy, theatre and dance is Graham Clark Reads the Phonebook, a riffed homage to an outdated publication. It's one of 10 productions on tap – all robustly presented, none phoned in. To Jan. 18. $10 to $15. Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St., 416-966-1062 or fringetoronto.com.
Toronto International Boat Show
Taking its cue from an old Hues Corporation disco hit, this 57th annual trade fair absolutely does "rock the boat." It is not only a jumbo show for checking out the recreational boats that are most likely to be making waves this summer, but the family-friendly exhibition offers more than 200 related seminars and proudly boasts what it self-bills as the world's largest indoor lake. Jan. 10 to 18. $12 to $15. Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Blvd., 905-951-0009 or torontoboatshow.com.
Don Thompson Quintet: A Tribute to Kenny Wheeler
About the late, great Toronto-raised trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler, the fellow jazzer Don Thompson has praised the man's attention to detail, explaining that every note of his was the best possible one. This weekend, Mr. Thompson and an all-star grouping pay tribute with two evenings that raise funds for the widow of the mild-mannered but toweringly talented musician. Jan. 10 (6 to 9 p.m.) and Jan. 11 (7 to 10 p.m.). $10 to $15. Chalkers, 247 Marlee Ave., 416-789-2531 or chalkerspub.com.
In Conversation With: Keanu Reeves
The actor is famously chill, but this weekend he's the centre of attention for an hour or so at least. The Canadian star of Speed, Point Break and The Matrix trilogy chats with Toronto International Film Festival artistic director Cameron Bailey about the 50-year-old film star's passion for the art and technology of cinema, as well as his own excellent Hollywood adventures. Jan. 11, 3 p.m. $20. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433 or tiff.net.
West End Girls
A regular stand-up comedy showcase features a rotating roster of funny women, along with one token dude. Headlining this month's instalment is Laurie Elliott, a versatile comic whose credits make for a long, varied list and whose awards would fill more than one mantel. And while her style extends beyond the durable "Am I right, ladies?" device, the answer to that question is invariably affirmative. Jan. 10, 7 p.m. $10 to $15. Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., 416-551-6540 or comedybar.ca.
Brad Wheeler