Today in Toronto: Pongapalooza, West Side Story and more

Baobab This version of a West African legend uses masks and puppetry to tell the story of a boy born from a baobab tree. The poor kid must find a way to end the drought that has plagued a local village. Remembering to turn off the tap after brushing seems like a snap in comparison. Ages four to eight. Find out more »

How to Disappear Completely Vancouver lighting designer Itai Erdal has created a documentary–style show about the last nine months of his mother’s life, which he recorded through photography and film after moving back to Israel to be with her. Find out more »

Pongapalooza Literature and table tennis go together like peanut butter and chocolate at this fundraising tournament for First Book Canada, an organization that provides new books to needy children. The chance to see literary types like Nino Ricci, Rebecca Eckler and Vincent Lam act as Ping Pong team captains is worth the price of admission alone. Find out more »

West Side Story Spoiler alert: Maria feels pretty, and the Jets try to keep cool while a bunch of Sharks tear it up somewhere in America tonight. No surprises in this New York–set take on Romeo and Juliet, but after 50-plus years it might be fair to say the show has as much staying power as its source material. Find out more »