OSC PRESENTS JULIUS CAESAR
The Ottawa Shakespeare Company, known for its interactive and contemporary takes on Shakespearean classics, will be staging Julius Caesar beginning this week. Charles McFarland, the play’s director and OSC founder, says they aim to make Shakespeare accessible and relevant for modern audiences. For those who need to brush up on their high school English texts, the play is about politics and power and follows Roman leader Julius Caesar in his campaign to become dictator. McFarland says this version of Julius Caesar will present theatergoers with an experience unlike any other in Ottawa, creatively utilizing technology and innovative staging, which enables select audience members to take part in the large public scenes of the play. Wednesday, October 24, to Saturday, November 3, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $20-$40, the OSC is selling the first 100 tickets for each performance at $10. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
MONSTER MASH II
Stay entertained this Halloween with a spooktacular party in support of the charities of the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation. Sure to keep you occupied into the wee hours of the morning are activities like a zombie walk, a Thriller re-enactment, live music, a fear factor food station, and a Gangnam-style flash mob (so very of-the-moment!). Pizza will be provided by Newport Restaurant, and OnScene FX Professional Makeup will be on site for makeup tutorials and application. Friday, October 26, 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. $45. Ukrainian Banquet Hall, 1000 Byron Avenue, www.dragonboatfoundation.net.
TARA HOLLOWAY AT RAW SUGAR CAFÉ
The first thing you notice about singer-songwriter Tara Holloway (who was born in Ottawa, represent!) is her grainy, versatile voice. Having spent over half her life on stage, Holloway, with the help of friends, has finally compiled her debut album, Sins to Confess. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of artists, the album features tracks like country soul number called “This Time Fer Sure,” and carnivalesque anthem “Boyfriend.” Artists Little Red Deer and Adam III are set to join Holloway as she rocks out this weekend. Saturday, October 27, 9 p.m. $10 in advance. Raw Sugar Café, 692 Somerset St. W., www.rawsugarcafe.com.
ENRICHED BREAD ARTISTS (FREE!)
Located in a former bread factory, Enriched Bread Artists is a collective of diverse Ottawa artists. Every October, EBA presents a studio open house for the community and this year they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary. Guests are invited to take part in events all weekend-long, including “From the bread factory to the barn: How the studio space influences the art practice,” and “Bearing Witness: Do we have social obligations within our art practice?” To culminate the weekend is Danny Hussey’s Pop Up After-Hours Club Rock and Projection Show Spectacular (now that’s a mouthful!). Friday, October 26, to Sunday, October 27, hours vary by day. 951 Gladstone Ave., www.enrichedbreadartists.com.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN CHARITY BALL
St. Brigid’s “Haunted Castle” in the ByWard Market is host to this year’s charity ball. Two levels (the main crypt and dungeon) will feature not-to-miss activities like ‘80s metal music, the Disco Dungeon with DJ BIGSTUFF Campbell, and on-site psychics. Make sure you and your pals dress up before piling into the souvenir photo booth. Proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society. Friday, October 26, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $27 online or $30 at the door. St. Brigid’s Haunted Castle, 310 St. Patrick St., www.greatpumpkinball.com.
SESAME STREET HALLOWEEN PARTY
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is celebrating Halloween with the Sesame Street characters. The kids can dress up in their favourite costumes and visit the museum for an afternoon of treats (edible and otherwise!). The event will feature snacks, mini-pumpkin decorating, a DJ dance party, and appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby. (Parents, don’t forget to bring the camera and snap a shot with your little ones and the gang!). Stop by the Children’s Museum to look for the 10 bats that have decided to make their nests in various places throughout the museum (if you locate all the hidden bats, you’ll win a special Halloween treat). Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with museum admission, $12, child $8. Canadian Museum of Civilization, 100 Laurier St., www.civilization.ca.
FINAL DAYS! EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Comedian Andrea Martin brings her one-woman show to Centrepointe Theatre for a one-night only performance. Inspired by her recently created bucket list (which includes everything from cabaret to cruise ships, from writing a book to running away with the circus), Martin uses this experience as the material for her laugh-out-loud show that straddles the line between comedy and musical. It’s no wonder Richard Ouzounian, a writer for the Toronto Star, describes her as “maybe the funniest woman in the world.” Saturday, October 27, 8 p.m. $49-$56. Centrepointe Theatre, 101 Centrepointe Dr., www.centrepointetheatre.ca.
INDIE-ROCK HALLOWEEN PARTY
If you’re in the mood for some serious head bobbing this Halloween, check out the latest in indie-rock this Saturday at Zaphod Beeblebrox. Prince Edward Island’s Paper Lions perform alongside Danielle Duval from Toronto, and Ottawa’s own Ashleys will be taking to the stage. Saturday, October 27, 8 p.m. $12 in advance. Zaphod Beeblebrox, 27 York St., www.zaphods.ca.