5 thing to do in Toronto today: Wednesday, January 15

What wondrous whimsy was waiting on Wednesday? Let’s find out.

Head out to any one of these great events today and have some serious fun, Toronto.

LOOP

What: This art installation is an interactive retro-futuristic machine powered by you. Visitors can hop on two at a time into one of the six illuminated cylinders and pump a lever to activate the lights and glowing images within the loop. It opens today.

When: January 15 to February 9
Where: York Street Park — York and Harbour Streets
Admission: Free

• See also:
  • The 2020 No Pants Subway Ride took over the TTC this weekend (PHOTOS)
  • Toronto could be hit with up to 10 cm of snow this weekend

Catherine the Great: In Praise of Catherine O’Hara

What: In case you didn’t know this already, Catherine O’Hara is a national treasure and comedic genius. TIFF is running a selection of her films. Tonight’s work is the always classic Beatlejuice, where she plays a monied artist and mother of the woefully forlorn Winona Ryder.

When: Wednesday, January 15
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox — 350 King Street West
Admission: $14, available online

Maneka in Toronto

What: Good news everyone, Maneka are coming to Toronto all the way from Brooklyn. Come rock and dance to the sounds of their unique brand of post-punk music. The icons will be joined by local acts Bike Thiefs and JONCRO.

When: Wednesday, January 15
Time: 8 pm
Where: Rivoli — 332 Queen Street West
Admission: $10

Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”

What: Join opera scholar Wayne Gooding for a multimedia exploration of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville,” the most-performed comedy in the opera repertoire. Returning to the Canadian Opera Company later this winter, this session explores how Rossini fused the traditions of French farce and Italian ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ to create potent musical high jinx.

When: Wednesday, January 15
Time: 7 pm
Where: 888 Lawrence Avenue East
Admission: Call 416-395-5710 to register

Don’t Break the Chain

What: It’s the hardest working stand up show in Toronto! Comedians air out new material they’ve written within an hour that day. It’s all-new bits by these comics, which means all the excitement of raw, unpolished performance. Seating is general admission.

When: Wednesday, January 15
Time: 9:30 pm to 11 pm
Where: Comedy Bar — 45 Bloor Street West
Admission: $5 at the door