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The Weekender

The Weekender: April 10-12

Our picks for the best events of the long weekend include a female Hamlet, a Biblical burlesque and a Queen West food fest By Stacy Lee Kong

1. EAT THE STREET
The Parkdale Pumas (students from Parkdale Public School) take on West Queen West once again, though this time the battle is over food, not haircuts. Having suddenly morphed into restaurant critics, the Pumas will be checking out the nosh at 11 Queen Street restaurants and giving their brutally honest opinions. The kid- (and foodie-) friendly tour runs until May 11; this weekend’s event is at Czehoski. April 11, 7 p.m. Mains $9–$23. Czehoski, 678 Queen St. W., 416-366-6787, www.eatdastreet.blogspot.com.

2. IMAGES FESTIVAL
Catch the tail end of this annual film fest and media arts showcase. With a mandate that includes breaking down the walls between cinema, performance, music and installation (the tagline is “showcasing films not coming soon to a theatre near you”), this 22-year-old festival is a haven for hipsters and artistic types. We’re looking forward to Art Since 1960 (According to the Internet), a multimedia presentation on the ways in which art is discussed on-line (Friday, 7 p.m.). To April 11, various times. Up to $10 per screening. Various locations, 416-971-8405, www.imagesfestival.com.

3. THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
A remount of Stephen Adly Guirgis’s funny, critically acclaimed and Dora Award–winning 2005 play, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is set in an imagined world between heaven and hell, at the trial of “God and the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth versus Judas Iscariot.” Everyone from Sigmund Freud (Alon Nashman) to Pontius Pilate (Philip Akin) is called to the stand to testify and help determine the fate of the Bible’s most famous betrayer (Garnet Harding). To April 15, 8 p.m.; April 8, 11 and 15, 2 p.m. $40. 55 Mill St., The Fermenting Cellar, 416-536-6468, www.birdlandtheatre.com.

4. BIBLICAL BURLESQUE
This one is not Grandma’s traditional Easter dinner. Skin Tight Outta Sight, the 10-year-old troupe of agents provocateurs, will be spicing up this Easter weekend with their Biblical Burlesque. Expect appearances by Jesus, Satan and Eve, who stars in a reverse striptease. The show has received rave reviews proclaiming it both “sexy and sacrilegious,” but it can’t be that bad; a previous edition was filmed by the religious network Vision TV. April 11, 9:30 p.m. $25. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4635, www.gladstonehotel.com.

5. METRO HOME SHOW
A whole new pad is probably out of the question these days, but a new wall colour or some new curtains can be more than enough to update a home. The show promises advice, savings and style tips, not to mention a chance to hobnob with such stylish TV personalities as CityLine’s Janette Ewen, and Cheryl Torrenueva of Colin and Justin’s Home Heist. April 10 and 11, 9–9; April 12, 9–6. $13. Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W., 416-263-3000, www.metrohomeshow.com.

6. HAMLETTE THE DAME
This retelling of the Bard’s longest play shakes things up a little. For one thing, the main character is now a girl, Hamlette, played by Lynne Rafter. The play is billed as a punk rock tragedy in which Claudius is a slick businessman, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are sexed-up punks and Ophelia is a hipster boy named Aphelio. And forget Shakespeare’s original play-within-a-play. Hamlette features a rotating schedule of local bands to catch the conscience of the king. To April 25, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. $15. Studio BLR, 15 Lower Sherbourne St., www.myspace.com/studioblr.

7. EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA
This annual Easter egg hunt is a hit with the kids. Upon arrival at the zoo, little ones receive a passport that guides them to the animal exhibits and the chance to obtain chocolate rewards. While checking out the lions, tigers and bears, sharp-eyed tots may also catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny. There are even take-home treats once it’s time to leave. April 10 to April 13, 9:30–3:30. $13. Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave., 416-392-5929, www.torontozoo.com.

Related: Looking for a good Easter brunch? Check out our picks

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