5 Cool Shows to See During High Performance Rodeo 2025

One of Calgary’s most popular arts festivals, High Performance Rodeo (HPR) is back from January 14 to February 2, 2025 with a fresh lineup of musical performances, plays, dance shows and more. Run by local theatre company One Yellow Rabbit since 1987, the festival brings together emerging and established artists for a stunning display of unique performances at venues around the city. This year, there are more than 20 shows taking place during the festival. If you’re struggling to decide which ones to see, here are five of the coolest shows to keep on your radar.

Rat Academy

When: January 15 to 18

Join the only rats left in Alberta at a performance of Rat Academy. The theatre production follows Fingers, Alberta’s last lab rat. After stumbling upon a fugitive lab rat named Shrimp, Fingers decides to forge the Rat Academy to school the runaway novice in maneuvering a rat-repulsed world.

Contemporary Calgary Auditorium, 701 11 St. S.W., hprodeo.org. 

Hot Dyke Party

When: January 16 to 18

This Vancouver band is ready to bring the party to its Alberta fans. A rock show mixed with a bit of theatre, the event celebrates queerness with a production that is explosive, expressive and fun. Help welcome the band as Calgary becomes its first official tour stop.

Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons, 234 9 Ave. S.E., hprodeo.org

Mump & Smoot in Exit

When: January 29 to February 1

The circus takes a dark turn in Exit, as clowns Mump and Smoot from the universe Ummo navigate their distorted world on a hunt for redemption. The pair of clowns created by Michael Kennard and John Turner have been captivating audiences for over 20 years. The show is not for children, but if you can find humour in the darkness, Exit just might be for you.

Martha Cohen Theatre, Arts Commons, 215 8 Ave. S.E., hprodeo.org

Taylor Mac in Conversation with Denise Clarke

When: January 18

In this live-panel discussion, Alberta dancer and choreographer Denise Clarke speaks with performing artist Taylor Mac to explore the magic of the once-in-a-lifetime musical show known as Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music. The conversation will cover the HBO documentary about Mac’s single 24-hour performance in Brooklyn in 2016, which chronicled the entirety of pop music in 24 hours. After the panel, guests can watch the documentary to be fully immersed in the spectacle.

Martha Cohen Theatre, Arts Commons, 215 8 Ave. S.E., hprodeo.org

Alexandrov, Nava and Nielson

When: January 30 to February 1

This talented trio is composed of pianist/percussionist Kristian Alexandrov, bassist Daniel Nava and tap dancer Danny Nielson, who will liven things up with a show that is a true fusion of jazz and tap dance. Watch Neilson tap dance to the live music by Alexandrov and Nava in this performance that seamlessly blends elements of jazz, pop, rock and hip-hop.

DJD Dance Centre, 111 12 Ave. S.E., hprodeo.org

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