National Geographic Live: Kenny Broad
Whenever diver and experimental anthropologist Kenny Broad explores an underwater cave, he’s always one wrong move away from death. But the payoff is worth the risk: he encounters extraordinary places and astonishing sights. Broad shares stories and photos of his adventures in Jamaica, Mexico, Micronesia, Cuba and other exotic locales, and advocates for the study and preservation of the underwater “blue holes” he explores. Jan. 15 to 17. $19.50– $79.50. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St., 416-872-4255, roythomson.com.
Jeff Dunham The confrontational ventriloquist is beloved for his comic assaults on elites and political correctness. Rest assured, Dunham’s posse of insolent puppets— Walter, the cranky geezer; Peanut, the alien monkey; and, of course, Achmed, the dead terrorist—will have plenty to say about the current scene down in D.C. Jan. 25. $44.50–$74. Air Canada Centre, 40 Bay St., 1-855-985-5000, ticketmaster.ca.
Spirited Away: The Films of Studio Ghibli When it comes to creating fantastic, unforgettable worlds, nobody does it like Studio Ghibli. This retrospective includes all the best-loved films from Japan’s legendary animation studio: My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and, of course, Spirited Away, all by the masterful Hayao Miyazaki. Meanwhile, other screenings, like Grave of the Fireflies and The Cat Returns, prove there’s more to Ghibli than its most famous filmmaker. To Jan. 6. $14. TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St. W., 416-599-8433, tiff.net.
Something Strange Circus Sideshow Festival Burlesque isn’t the only late-19th-century art form getting a second wind. This twoday festival, “the largest congress of freaks
in Canadian history,” is a time machine back to the age of circus sideshows, uniting strongmen, sword swallowers, clowns, contortionists and all manner of other performers who could have been X-Men in their day. Jan. 21 to 22. $30–$60. Mod Club, 722 College St. W., eventbrite.ca.
This Is That Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring bring their CBC Radio comedy to the stage. Sending up the clichés of public radio, This Is That’s improvised blend of mockumentary, interviews and newscast satire should only get cheekier with the help of a live audience. The tour comes shortly after the release of Kelly and Oldring’s first book, This is That’s Guide to Canada. Jan. 27. $30–$50. RBC Theatre, Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga, 905-306-6000, livingartscentre.ca.
Winterlicious Need another excuse to dine out? For the 14th year, more than 200 Toronto restaurants will offer discounted prix fixe three-course meals as part of this citywide culinary festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to drop by that restaurant you’ve been meaning to visit. Bar Buca, Canoe, Daish¯o, Café Boulud and Lee were all on last year’s lineup. Jan. 27 to Feb. 9. Various locations and prices. Toronto.ca/winterlicious.