Out in Toronto: May 18–24, 2017

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, May 18

Strictly Ballroom: The Musical

Based on the much-loved Australian film by Baz Luhrmann, this musical adaptation follows ballroom dance champ Scott Hastings’s adventures on the dance floor and in love. Features classic songs from the film, including “Love is in the Air” and “Time After Time.” The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).

Runs until Sunday, June 25, various showtimes. Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King St W. mirvish.com

Strictly Ballroom: The Musical runs until June 25, 2017, at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Credit: Courtesy Alastair Muir

Friday, May 19

Kings and Classics

This night of performance is all about drag kings — old kings, new kings, everything in between kings. Presented by Pretty Munny Productions, this edition of the new monthly show includes performances by Kelsey Slammer, Mike Hunt-Black, Quinn and others. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).

10:30pm–midnight. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook

Spencer Munny (left) and Pretty Riikkii (right) put on the new monthly Kings and Classics event at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre to help new and emerging drag kings get their start. Credit: Nick Lachance/Daily Xtra

Saturday, May 20

Arabian Knights: Slick Saturday

This queer Middle Eastern dance party adopts a new theme: Slick Saturday. What this means in practical terms is that there are oil-covered go-go dancers wrestling each other (why not?) and shaking their glistening butts to Arabic house music. Everyone is welcome. Wrestling singlets encouraged. The venue is not accessible.

 

10pm–3am. The Black Eagle, 457 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook

Cherry Bomb: Queer Your Long Weekend Part 2

One of the city’s longest running dance parties for queer women and their friends helps you chill out for the long weekend. As always, the lovely DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson are at your service all night, tag teaming back-to-back sets of the best beats.

10pm–3am. Round, 152 Augusta Ave. For more info, visit Facebook

Sunday, May 21

Screen Queens: Spice World

Drag queen hosts give live and potentially drunken commentary for this screening of the classic — yes, classic — film Spice World. Starring The Spice Girls, this lighthearted film features cameos from everyone from Elton John to Bob Hoskins, and the lovely Stephen Fry plays a judge. Features drinking games, special guests, performances, surprises and debauchery.

7:45–11:30pm. The Royal Cinema, 608 College St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Go Hard: All White Everything Video Party

The immortal DJ Blackcat returns with another of his poppin’ dance parties and this time the theme and dress code is all white. Taking place on the Victoria Day long weekend, this event features a soundtrack of hip hop, soca, house and dancehall tracks from the 1990s to today. The venue is not accessible.

10:30pm–4am. Club 120, 120 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Tuesday, May 23

Condo Heartbreak Disco Launch

Queer artist and comic book creator (and former illustrator of a Daily Xtra column) Eric Williams launches his new graphic novel, Condo Heartbreak Disco. Features music by DJ Schramm and a performance by drag queen Allysin Chaynes. The venue is mostly accessible (there are no buttons to open the front door or accessible washroom door).

7:30–10pm. Glad Day Bookshop, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

The Launch of Eric Williams’ graphic novel, Condo Heartbreak Disco takes place on May 23, 2017, at Glad Day Bookshop. Credit: Courtesy Eric Williams

Hollywood Games Night: A Fundraiser for Rainbow Railroad

Drag performer Heroine Marks and event promotion group Mojo Toronto present a night of celebrity impersonations and unique takes on the classic game shows The Match Game, Hollywood Squares and The Newlywed Game. This night of performance raises funds for Rainbow Railroad. The venue is accessible (visit website for more information).

7:30–10pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Wednesday, May 24

Altered States: A Naughty Comedy Hypnosis Show

Las Vegas-trained hypnotist Brandon Dean’s monthly hypnosis show is a surprising, goofy and sometimes dirty peek into the subconscious mind. During his show Dean calls adventurous (or perhaps foolish) volunteers up on stage and guides them on a journey through imaginary environments for the amusement and delight of the audience.

8–11pm. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.

Hypnotist Brandon Dean’s show takes place on May 24, 2017, at Tranzac. Credit: Courtesy Alex Hill

For more event listings, visit dailyxtra.com/lgbt-events.

Jeremy Willard is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. He's written for Fab Magazine, Daily Xtra and the Torontoist. He generally writes about the arts, local news and queer history (in History Boys, the Daily Xtra column that he shares with Michael Lyons).

Read More About:
Culture, Event listings, Arts, Toronto

Keep Reading

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16, Episode 16 power ranking: An iconic final three

Only one can win, but all three fought hard to make their case for the crown

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16 finale recap: I hear it and I know

America’s Next Drag Superstar XVI is crowned!

Queer films to watch out for this spring and summer

From a theatre troupe in a maximum-security prison to hot bisexuals sweating it out on the tennis court, spring and summer have plenty of queer cinematic fare to offer

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16, Episode 15 power ranking: Losing is the new winning for one queen

Who is the champion of this season’s LaLaPaRuZa tournament?