Out in Toronto: Oct 13–19, 2016

Choice events in the city this week


Thursday, Oct 13

The (Post) Mistress

Marie-Louise Painchaud is the endearing Métis postmistress of the fictional village of Lovely, Ontario. She has the ability to read the townspeople’s mail through the envelopes, and she turns what she learns into songs. The Toronto premiere of the acclaimed Tomson Highway’s musical includes songs with Cree lyrics, and performances in both French and English.

Runs until Sunday, Nov 6, various showtimes. Berkeley Street Theatre, 26 Berkeley St. theatrefrancias.com

Patricia Cano plays the lead role of Marie-Louise Painchaud in the Toronto premier of The Post Mistress, taking place at the Berkeley Street Theatre on Oct 13, 2016. Credit: Courtesy Bryan McNally

Bianca Del Rio

She’s been called the Joan Rivers of drag, and she calls herself a “clown in a gown.” Bianca Del Rio, the drag alter ego of comedian Roy Haylock, is the hateful, foul-mouthed, much-loved winner of season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race. And she’s performing in Toronto. Billing for the event is sparse, saying only that there is “adult content.” So, that’s ominous, I guess.

7–11pm. The Danforth Music Hall, 147 Danforth Ave. For more info, visit Facebook.

Friday, Oct 14

V is for Variety

The legendary Maggie Cassella once again hosts her new variety show at the local queer theatre. The line-up includes The B-Girlz, singer Jennifer Walls, storyteller Katie Ford, drag king Titus Androgynous, comedian Dawn Whitwell and others. Those others may include Ryan G Hinds over Skype for some reason. Funds raised will go to a complicated project that will likely be explained at the event.

7:30–11pm. Buddies in Bad Times, 12 Alexander St. buddiesinbadtimes.com

Rangeela: Randi

It is once again the time of year when folks from near and far make the pilgrimage to Rangeela, the fast-becoming-legendary queer South Asian dance party. Organizers go all out with themed decor and a slew of Bollywood-style performances. According to billing for the party, the Halloween edition will put the “Ho back into Jai Ho!”

 

10pm–4am. Club 120, 120 Church St. facebook.com/rangeelato

One of the biggest South Asian dance parties takes place on Oct 14, 2016 at Club 120. Credit: Courtesy Phil Villeneuve

Saturday, Oct 15

Cherry Bomb: October Action

The temperature may be dropping, but this recurring dance party for queer women is always hot (or “hawt,” if you prefer to misspell things). Brought to you, as always, by DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson, this is a great opportunity to make new friends — or lovers. Board games are available for those who arrive early. Takes place the third Saturday of each month.

10pm–3am. Round Venue, 152 Augusta Ave. facebook.com/cherrybombtoronto

DJs Cozmic Cat and Denise Benson spin at the October edition of Cherry Bomb on Oct 15, 2016 at Round Venue. Credit: Courtesy Troy Manning

Tapette: Édition Rénovation

Toronto’s nomadic French favourite, DJ Phil V, shuffles over to the village to throw a disco party. Since it’s taking place in the partially (it’s nearly done!) renovated new location of the much-beloved Glad Day Bookshop, this edition is drywall and clanky metal ladder-themed. And there’s a patio. And flirty garçons. And proceeds go to Glad Day.

11pm–2:30am. Bar 499, 499 Church St. facebook.com/tapetteto

On Oct 15, 2016, DJ Phil V throws a Tapette disco party at Bar 499 with proceeds going to Glad Day Bookshop. Credit: Courtesy Patrick Moher

Monday, Oct 17

Book Launch and Reading: Redheaded Stepchild

Openly redheaded author and playwright Johnnie Walker wrote a play. You may have seen it at the Fringe Festival. It’s the story of a 12-year-old ginger, and it’s very funny. And — late-breaking development — it’s just been published by Playwrights Canada Press. This event is a chance to hear Walker read from, and talk about, his play.

8–10pm. Bar 499, 499 Church St. For more info, visit Facebook.

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).

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