Something for everyone in the 20th Highlands Summer Festival Season
It is going to be a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious theatre season next summer. Artistic director of the Highlands Summer Festival, Scot Denton, unveiled the line-up for the twentieth season, on Sunday, November 18 at McKeck’s Tap and Grill.
Mary Poppins
“The season opens with the fabulous stage musical Mary Poppins,” he told the audience. “Guaranteed to steal your heart, this tune-filled musical will be a must see for everyone in the family. Like the fabled nanny herself, you’ll fall in love all over again with the practically perfect classic songs like ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’, ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ and the tongue-twisting ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, as they come to life in the beloved musical.” Denton noted, in recognition of the universal appeal of the original stage musical, Highlands Summer Festival will be offering youth tickets (18 and under) for all three matinee performances of Mary Poppins. “The ticket price for anyone in that age group, for those performances, will be $20,” he told the gathering. Performances June 30 (7:30 p.m.), July 1 (2 p.m.) July 2-4 (7:30 p.m.), 5 & 7 (2 p.m. matinee), 8 & 9 (7:30 p.m.).
See a profile of the actors playing the Banks children, Jane and Michael at: http://www.haliburtonecho.ca/mary-poppins-kicks-off-theatre-dreams?id=876
Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks
By Richard Alfieri
From the singing and dancing of the Mary Poppins, patrons might be looking for some dance instruction. The second in-house production is the funny and provocative Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. “The show pairs a gay dance instructor with the elderly wife of a Baptist minister in a Florida setting,” Denton noted. As the lessons play out, personalities clash and sparks fly until the surprising conclusion. Written by Richard Alfieri in 2001, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks opened in Los Angeles before moving to Broadway. Performances July 15-18 (7:30 p.m.),19 & 21 (2 p.m. matinee), 22 & 23 (7:30 p.m.).
The Ladies Foursome
By Norm Foster
“And if dancing is not your thing, perhaps a round of golf has appeal,” Denton said introducing the third production, The Ladies Foursome. Written by Canada’s most prolific playwright, Norm Foster, three friends head out to the links for a memorial round, following the funeral of their golf partner. Filling the missing spot, is another acquaintance of the deceased, who is unknown to the other three. As they chat their way through 18 holes, surprises, secrets and confessions come to the surface during this hilarious and heartwarming round of golf. Absolutely no topic is off limits with this foursome as they take on the challenges of the course … and each other. Performances July 29 – Aug 1 (7:30 p.m.), 2 & 4 (2 p.m. matinee), Aug 6-8 (7:30 p.m.).
Trudeau Stories
By Brooke Johnson
“Trudeau Stories is a one woman show written and performed by Brooke Johnson.” A remarkable story of a surprising friendship, this show has been affecting audiences and wowing critics across the country. In 1985, while she was a student at the National Theatre School in Montreal, Brooke Johnson became friends with Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Through reminiscences, journal entries and correspondence, Brooke gives us a personal insight into the man and the times that is “not to be missed.” Three performances only, July 10, 11 and a matinee on July 12.
TorQ Percussion Ensemble
Also this year, we welcome percussion quartet TorQ to our stage. One of Canada’s premiere percussion ensembles TorQ consistently brings new vitality to percussion repertoire and performance in every situation and opportunity. Renowned for their engaging performances, members Richard Burrows, Adam Campbell, Jamie Drake and Daniel Morphy are committed to making percussion music accessible to audiences that span generations. Three performances only, July 24, 25 and a matinee on July 26.
“We have crafted a varied and entertaining mix of productions this season and we think the program will appeal to a broad cross-section of our community,” Denton commented. “There is something here for everyone and we look forward to seeing you at the theatre,” Highlands Summer President Jack Brezina added.
Passes for the 20th season of the Highlands Summer Festival are now on sale at $160 for all five productions. That is a saving of more than 17% over the single ticket price of $37.50. Passes can be ordered by calling 705-457-9933 or 855-457-9933 or online at our secure ticket portal www.highlandssummmerfestival.on.ca
Everyone at Highlands Summer Festival looks forward to seeing you at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion this coming summer!
TD Waterhouse 2018 Curtain Talks
Once again this year, the Highlands Summer Festival was pleased to present “Curtain Talks”, sponsored by TD Waterhouse. After selected performances, the audience was invited to stay to talk to the cast and crew of the production. We will be offering TD Waterhouse Curtain Talks during the 2018 season. See the Calendar on the Tickets Page for the schedule and view the ones already recorded below.
Romeo & Juliet
July 8: https://vimeo.com/279747935
Not Quite Sherlock with Chris Gibbs
Cliffhanger
Weimar to Vaudeville
The Dining Room
TD Curtain Talks From Past Seasons
Please click here to enjoy the Curtain Talks from our past seasons as recorded by Sticks and Stones Media.
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Front of Line service when you make a donation
When purchasing your tickets, please consider making a donation to the Highlands Summer Festival one of the most vibrant community theatre companies in Ontario. As a not-for-profit registered charity, we will provide you with a receipt which you can use for income tax purposes. The more than 150 artists and volunteers who make the annual Highlands Summer Festival season happen are heartened by endorsement of their efforts through the purchase of season passes. However, additional funds are needed to ensure the continued viability of the company.
Your donation has additional benefits for you, including front of line ticket ordering priority, recognition on our website and in the program and the satisfaction of supporting one of Ontario’s outstanding summer theatre companies. Note: donations are receipted for the tax year in which they are received.
See you at the theatre
Jack Brezina,
President
