We are well into summer now, and well into Step Three of the province's reopening plan, which means there are actually events coming up, and lots of things to do in and around O-Town in the next little while. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for the outdoor events, and we can really enjoy our summer.
Big news: the Orillia Opera House (OOH) has a summer theatre show all ready to go! Norm Foster’s Old Love starts Aug. 18 and will run until Sept. 3 in the Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium at the OOH.
Old Love is a "play about three decades and a half a dozen meetings between a salesman and the widow of his boss. A clever and witty dialogue celebrating the pursuit of love!” notes the website.
This will be a fun and lighthearted offering for any adult, just the thing for summer theatre. For $35 tickets, click here.
The OOH is also selling tickets for Mariposa Arts Theatre’s Bard in the Yard offering, or Shakespeare outdoors at the Stephen Leacock Museum. This year’s play is Twelfth Night, one of my favourites. Here’s the blurb for that one: “Twelfth Night tells the story of a set of twins, separated by shipwreck, and their misadventures setting foot in Lllyria (or is it Orillia?) and follows an ensuing set of comical characters, misplaced lust and mistaken identity.”
The fun part about this show is MAT has set it in the 1930s, and is using the museum and grounds to create an immersive experience for the audience…think Shakespeare meets Sunshine Sketches, and you get the idea. This will be a fun event!
The show will be outdoors, and it’s BYOLC (Bring Your Own Lawn Chair). Social distancing will apply, so tickets are limited. You can get your $30 ticket through the OOH box office here.
Creative Nomad Studios (CNS) is presenting lots of events in the next while, as part of See You on the Patio, on their own, in person, and online. This Friday at 7 p.m., CNS is running a Paint Night where you will learn to paint a heron in the sunset, guided by local artist Michelle from Creative Cove. All materials will be provided, and the cost is $30. You can book your table of two, three or four here.
Also coming up, on Aug. 12, Mastering Brush Control in Acrylic; September 12, Plant Based Freezer Meals; August 12, Into the Light, eight artists create for your entertainment during See You on the Patio; and lots more. To check out all the events and to register, click here.
Don’t forget about Cloud Gallery, located inside CNS. Lots of incredible landscapes there to look at or buy, come and be inspired!
Of course, the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) has reopened, and has several exhibits on now until October, including The History of Medicine in Orillia, Views from a Canoe, Unfurled, and Will McGarvey’s Sticks and Stones.
In addition, OMAH is presenting week-long summer camps for kids all summer long, with various themes, and art activities for kids every Saturday morning, and every Friday night during See You on the Patio, for a nominal sum. Historical walks of Orillia are happening every Friday night as well, $10 per person. For more information and to book your walk, click here.
OMAH is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Stephen Leacock Museum has also reopened, and is offering private tours, which you must book in advance to satisfy COVID-19 protocols. You can book those tours here.
There is no charge to wander through the grounds, however, and they are spectacular this time of year. The gardens are in full bloom and the boathouse and waterfront is so picturesque, take the time to wander out there today and enjoy.
Live music is also back, finally! Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte is presenting an Endless Summer series, kicking off with some tribute bands this weekend, and then expanding into other special guests every weekend through August. You can find out all about it here.
As part of See You on the Patio, there is live music and entertainment throughout the downtown, and various bars and restos also have bands playing, including Thunderstealers Duo at Boston Pizza, and Unbranded Band at St. Louis Bar and Grill. Wander to downtown Orillia this Friday or Saturday night, have dinner, and check out all the entertainment.
Of course, part of the entertainment is the Friday Night Art Walk, each Friday night through the summer, in Orillia’s Arts District. Artists and tables of art will be out each week, galleries will be open, so come check it out and pick up something special for yourself or others.
Have a wonderful long weekend, hopefully exploring and supporting Orillia and entrepreneurs and artists here!
If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.