Guelph Little Theatre is all systems go for its 2023-24 season. It should be, it has certainly had a lot of practice.
“Guelph Little Theatre has been in existence since 1935,” said the president of the nonprofit’s Board of Directors, Shona Sneddon. “Originally, we were located on Dublin Street, but we have had our own space on Morris Street since 1993. We had a fire right before opening night in our original space, and moved to our present building, a former factory, which had to be repurposed to create the current theatre space!”
The organization has changed a bit since its inception almost 90 years ago. “Since the pandemic, we have broadened our focus to include more community events, and renting out our space to different community partners,” said Sneddon. “We host a Live in the Lobby music series, featuring local musicians. Last summer we also offered the Healing Thru Arts Workshop Series, which offered various arts therapies to the community.”
Sneddon added, “Every year we proudly produce at least a four-play season, and this year our season opens with a made-in-Canada comedy, “Bare Bear Bones”.
Here’s the story: “The play starts with a couple, Norman and Ruth, who are having some issues in their relationship. It is suggested that they go back to the places where they have wonderful memories. They fell in love at this campground and decide this is where they need to go, to reignite their feelings for each other,” explained Sneddon.
She continued, “Now, they get there late, and get all set up in the same spot they were in, so many years before. It’s only when they wake up the next day that they realise it’s now a clothing optional campground…and they are right beside the party place, officially called the PP, which stands for the Party Post.”
I am sure audience members can only imagine the hilarity and chaos that ensues!
“The play is full of laughs,” said Sneddon. “But it’s also about the ebb and flow of relationships, how couples relate, and stay together…all that good stuff as well,” she finished.
The set for the play is unique, as well. “We didn’t have to build a set at all,” said Sneddon. “One of our volunteer’s grandparents had an old pop-up tent trailer which was exactly what we needed. It fit through our loading bay doors with an inch to spare, and we were ready to go. It really adds to the realistic atmosphere of the set and saved us time and effort as well. Our labour went into strategically placing various flora and fauna, as well as blanketed clotheslines, at certain points on stage to camouflage the cheekiness of naked characters walking amid the alternative lifestyle campground,” she finished.
Despite some ups and down with the production-two actors had to leave their roles due to health issues, and the roles had to be recast-the play is now in fine form, and more than ready to present to Guelph audiences. “The show runs from October 26 to November 12,” said Sneddon. “Thursday to Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and then we have Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. We recommend that it is for mature, 18 years plus audiences only.”
Tickets for “Bare Bear Bones” are just $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and can be purchased at the website. See you at the show!
