Trending in Theatre This Week: Hamlet, Laura’s Cow, Toronto Puppet Explosion, Cabaret, Next to Normal

By Brianne Hogan

Hamlet (Image: Cylla von Tiedemann)

Shakespeare’s formidable drama gets the ballet treatment thanks to American-born choreographer Kevin O’Day and the National Ballet of Canada’s most splendid dancers. Of course, the question we’re all asking is: “To plié, or not to plié?”
Four Seasons for Performing Arts Centre, 145 Queen St. W., 416-345-9595. Till June 10.

As part of Luminato, this kid-friendly opera celebrates the myth and the reality of one of Canada’s most famous heroines. Hint: she wasn’t really a chocolatier, but she did save British and Canadian forces during the Battle of Beaver Dams (yes, a real thing) during the War of 1812.
Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay W., 416-368-4849. June 6-10.

A poetry slam with puppets? As if you need another reason to check this show out.
Puppets + funny = there’s nothing better in life.
Comedy Bar, 945 Bloor St. W., 416-551-6540. June 6.

Catch a show at the seedy Kit Kat Club with the young cabaret singer Sally Bowles. We’ll always love the Liza Minnelli version (even though Joel Grey creeped us out), but we’re sure this production will have you singing “Mein Herr” all the way home.
Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave., 416-504-7529. June 7-10.

The 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for Best Drama is actually a rock musical about a mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family.
Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827. June 7-17.