DOCTOR HER
Doctor Who on the big screen is one of the best bets for entertainment this week.
WEDNESDAY Doctor Who
Watch this if: You want to ring out the old Doctor and ring in the new. If you were too busy to see the Doctor Who Christmas special “Twice Upon a Time” on the Space channel on Christmas Day, catch up at your local Cineplex. It’s Peter Capaldi’s last episode as the Time Lord and the first for his replacement Jodie Whittaker ( Broadchurch), the first female Doctor. Capaldi will team up for his final adventure with a previous incarnation of the Doctor played by David Bradley (a.k.a.
Game of Thrones’ Walder Frey) and erstwhile companion Bill (Pearl Mackie). And cinema viewers will get bonus features. (Various Cineplex theatres beginning at 12:30 p.m., see cineplex.com for details) —Debra Yeo
THURSDAY Jurassic Park in Concert
Watch this if: You read the book, saw the movie, got the ringtone. Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster spawned a franchise, with the latest instalment coming this June. But if you can’t wait for that, this replay to a live orchestra accompaniment should be on your list. Conductor Evan Mitchell handled the baton for last year’s E.T. in this series and he’s back to coax every little ounce of emotion out of John Williams’ typically majestic, heart-tugging score. Come early; it’s general seating and this opening night of the two-night engagement includes a pre-show commentary from Mitchell and film critic Richard Crouse. (Sony Centre, 1 Front St. E., 7:30 p.m., sonycentre.ca) —Chris Young
FRIDAY Goldlink, River Tiber
Watch this if: New R&B just doesn’t sound new enough for you. Washington, D.C., rapper Goldlink’s year has been one of steady ascent, starting with debut LP At What Cost, continuing through heavy touring and capped with a Grammy nomination last month for the record’s swaying lead single, “Crew.” On its own, his hip hop-meets-EDM “future bounce” hybrid stands out from the crowd and would be enough to attract interest; the guy can sing, too, though with his live set barely touching an hour it’s no wonder he’s brought some friends. That would be Atlanta rapper J. I. D and T.O. singer-composer River Tiber, the latter of whom has been putting out fresh sounds pretty much non-stop over the past few years and just last week was among Daniel Caesar’s guests at his comingout party. (Mod Club, 722 College St., 8 p.m., ticketmaster.ca) —C.Y.
Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music
Watch this if: You want to release your inner Von Trapp. The Lightbox doesn’t have any hills, but its halls will most definitely be alive with whatever sounds leak out of the cinema hosting TIFF’s most cherished seasonal tradition. The 1965 screen musical starring Julie Andrews as a clearly overworked yet indefatigably cheerful governess, The Sound of Music is presented in all its Technicolor glory with vocal accompaniment supplied by you, the audience. Patrons are also encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters so feel free to break out the lederhosen. There are screenings on Dec. 30 and 31, too. (TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., tiff.net) —Jason Anderson
SATURDAY Room for Mystics
See this if: The season of light has you feeling dark. Holidays being what they are, we can all use a bit of a breather from the avalanche of consumption/family/gluttony that this time of year inevitably becomes. That makes the timing of
Room for Mystics, Sandra Meigs’ soothingly magical exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the perfect balm for what ails you. Thirty-odd paintings bathed in warm light, with the accompanying burble of long, low musical tones, are just the thing to put you back on kilter and keep the holiday blues at bay. (Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St. W., until Jan. 14, ago.net) —Murray Whyte
Here
See this if: Your Canada isn’t all maple syrup and beavers In the art world, Canada 150 brought about less heartfelt tributes to the true north, strong and free than the paroxysms of an identity crisis: about what, exactly, “Canadian” actually is and, more importantly, who does it exclude? Here, a cross-section of Canadian artists from an array of diaspora, serves as a quietly clarifying challenge to our Eurocentric view: that there are many ways to be Canadian, with more cropping up all the time. (Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr., until Jan. 7, agakhanmuseum.org) —M.W.
SUNDAY The Dude’s New Year
Watch this if: You want to spend the big night in a bathrobe . . . in public Every New Year’s Eve, the city’s self-styled dudes, nihilists and “little achievers” converge on the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema for a raucous showing of The Big Lebowski, the Coen brothers’ cult comedy starring Jeff Bridges as an entirely accidental detective. The festivities include live comedy by host Thomas Rivas as well as a White Russian Express Bar. As always, sunglasses and bathrobes are the recommended attire, though truly stylish patrons will opt for a purple bowling jumpsuit just like John Turturro as Jesus. (Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 9:30 p.m., hotdocscinema.ca) —J.A.
New Year’s comedy specials
Watch this if: You figure laughing at 2017 is better than crying. The veteran of New Year’s Eve satire, the Air Farce, celebrates its 25th year-ending comedy special with Air Farce New Year’s Eve 2017. Look for founding troupe members Don Ferguson and Luba Goy, along with Jessica Holmes, Craig Lauzon, Darryl Hinds, Chris Wilson, Isabel Kanaan and newbie Lisa Gilroy to skewer everything from President Trump to Quebec’s antiburka law and The Handmaid’s Tale (CBC at 8 p.m.). Then it’s the Beaverton’s turn with The Beaverton’s Year in Review: 2017, The Year That
Sadly Was. Co-anchored by Emma Hunter and Miguel Rivas, the special will take aim at both Trump and Trudeau along with lots of other targets. (CTV at 10 p.m., also airing Jan. 1 at 10 p.m. on the Comedy Network) —D.Y.
Bad Dog Theatre’s New Year’s Eve Theatresports
Watch this if: Your resolution is to laugh more in 2018. Toronto’s favourite unscripted theatre is giving NYE-goers two all-star shows to catch to close 2017 on a lighter note. Their signature improv show Theatresports starts at 8 p.m., featuring performers like Dan Beirne, Kirstin Rasmussen and Jess Bryson and leaving plenty of time to bar-hop afterwards. Or stay for HOOKUP, which constructs a romantic comedy using the turnons and -offs of two audience members and includes a midnight toast. Say “Yes, and” to 2018! (Bad Dog Theatre, 875 Bloor St. W., baddogtheatre.com) —Carly Maga
Dwayne Gretzky New Year’s 2018: The Infinity Ball
Watch this if: 2017 has felt like an eternity. Toronto’s favourite cover supergroup Dwayne Gretzky’s biggest show is always its New Year’s Eve blowout and this year they’re stepping up their game. In a bigger venue, Dwayne Gretzky is joining forces with other installation artists like Thank You Kindly, Sandro Petrillo and the Broadbent Sisters, and local food and drink vendors to create The Infinity Ball. After the year we’ve had, why not spend the last night of 2017 pretending this party lasts forever? (Heritage Court at the EnerCare Centre, 19 Nunavut Rd., ticketfly.com) —C.M.