Human Life Through Puppy Eyes

By: Meghan Yuri Young Video by: Thomas Obewu Photography by: Samuel Engelking Words by: Izabela Shubair UPDATE – February 2,

Jan 25, 2023/

NowPlayingToronto /

By: Meghan Yuri Young
Video by: Thomas Obewu
Photography by: Samuel Engelking
Words by: Izabela Shubair

UPDATE – February 2, 2023: Fifteen Dogs is now SOLD OUT

Fifteen Dogs, a Crow’s Theatre production, is much more than a canine adventure set in Toronto. It asks the profound question: If dogs were given humanity’s intelligence, would they be happier than us?

At the corner of King Street West and Bathurst Street in downtown Toronto, you’ll find the historic Wheat Sheaf Tavern. Open since 1849, it’s one of the city’s oldest pubs. The watering hole also sets the stage for a new theatrical adventure across Toronto — and into human consciousness — at Crow’s Theatre company’s Streetcar Crowsnest complex.

Fifteen Dogs, a Crow’s Theatre production, opens with two Greek gods having a drink at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern. It’s here that Apollo and Hermes, in an effort to settle the question, “is it possible to die happy?”, grant human intelligence to 15 dogs that are spending the night at a nearby veterinary clinic.

“It feels like the whole book is like a closeup of [Toronto] … There’s a very immediate experience of the city.” – Marie Farsi, Adapter and Director of Fifteen Dogs

Director Marie Farsi has adapted André Alexis’s acclaimed 2015 novel of the same name to the stage. Fifteen Dogs follows the pack of canines, which, to their surprise, are suddenly capable of complex thoughts and emotions. Their newfound intelligence splits the group into those who resist the new ways of thinking and those who embrace the change. Along the way, the production that stars an all-Canadian cast —including Dora Award winner Tom Rooney as Majnoun the poodle — offers hilarious and heartbreaking insight on love, power, and the nature of consciousness.

While Fifteen Dogs is completely SOLD OUT, ticket holds are often released back to the box office at the last minute and Sunday, February 5 and 12 there are Pay What You Can performances with an extremely limited number of tickets available for purchase in person.

Before You Go

Heading to Streetcar Crowsnest to check out Fifteen Dogs? Here’s what you need to know.

Tickets

Crow’s Theatre has added eight additional performances of Fifteen Dogs, but shows are selling out quickly. Secure your seats online or by calling the Crow’s Theatre Box Office at 647-341-7390, ext. 1010.

Location

345 Carlaw Ave. (at Carlaw Avenue and Dundas Street East)

Parking

Paid parking is available at P1 level of the complex, with elevator access to street level on Dundas Street East.

Public Transit

From Pape subway station, take the 72A or 72B Pape bus. You can also catch the 72B from Union Station. Get off at the Dundas Street stop. Alternatively, hop on the Gerrard or Queen streetcar to Carlaw Avenue. Then walk along Carlaw to find Crow’s Theatre.

Accessibility

Crow’s Theatre provides fully accessible spaces. Learn about its wheelchair seating, hearing assistance devices, and more.

A Show and Drinks

Grab a Fifteen Dogs-themed drink at the theatre’s Lobby Bar. Each of Crow’s shows features a signature cocktail inspired by the production’s theme. Want to skip the line? Pre-order your intermission refreshments from a bartender when you arrive at the theatre. When intermission starts, they’ll be ready for pick-up at a designated counter.

Under 30 Perk

Crow’s Theatre patrons aged 30 and under can access $20 tickets to any live 2022-23 season show, including Fifteen Dogs. Sign up to receive unique promo codes to purchase discounted tickets.

A COVID-19 Note

Crow’s Theatre has eliminated its vaccine and mask mandates. Wearing a mask is highly recommended during performances. Please note, during Tuesday evening and Sunday matinee performances masks must be worn unless eating or drinking at the bar.