Canadian Children's Opera: East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon
The 150 members of the Canadian Children's Opera Company team up with an eight-piece chamber orchestra to present this new children's opera, East o' the Sun and West o' the Moon, written by award-winning composer Dr. Norbert Palej and novelist K.T. Bryski, based on a Norwegian folk tale about a young farm girl who combines wits and will to outsmart an evil queen. To June 1. Adults: $35, Seniors: $20, Student/Child: $15 Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.). harbourfrontcentre.com or 416-973-4000.
Ethan Hawke, in Conversation at TIFF
Ethan Hawke is more than just a super-recognizable face that basically helped to define a generation. The actor, novelist and screenwriter looks back at his dynamic career and chats about his upcoming role in long-time collaborator Richard Linklater's new feature, Boyhood. June 1, 8 p.m. Rush tickets only. TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W.) tiff.net or 416-599-TIFF.
Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart
Canada's largest charity cycling event hits the pavement for its 27th year. Join an estimated 14,000 cyclists for a traffic-free fundraising ride along the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway to support research and programs that aim to stop heart disease and stroke in its tracks. June 1. rideforheart.ca or 416-486-RIDE (7433).
National Ballet of Canada's Physical Thinking
Choreographers Marco Goecke, Jerome Robbins and William Forsythe combine forces to present a trio of works both new and re-imagined – Spectre de la Rose, Opus 19/The Dreamer, and the second detail, respectively – to draw out the athleticism and intellectual prowess that underpin ballet as a medium. To June 1. $25-$244. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W.) national.ballet.ca or 416-345-9686.
Promises to a Divided City
Produced by The Theatre Centre and created by Mammalian Diving Reflex, Promises galvanizes a cast of more than 30 performers to mine socioeconomic data from local and international scholars and audience members alike, ultimately producing an interactive meditation on class, ethnicity and race in Toronto. Equal parts wonky and compelling. To May 31. $15 ($10 for seniors and students). The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. W.) theatrecentre.org or 416-538-0988.
Editor's note: A previous version of this article posted online included an incorrect phone number for the Ride for Heart.