Spring has sprung and that means lots of creative events and fun, here in Orillia.
This Thursday is opening night for Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Blithe Spirit. Written by Noel Coward, Blithe Spirit is one of those plays that will make you laugh, and cry, and laugh again. With an incredible MAT cast and set, you will love this spring introduction to theatre season here in town. Go see it, guaranteed worth your money. For tickets, www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Speaking of theatre, Arts Orillia has a cool theatrical experience for both the young and old, coming up. Theatre and Cross Creativity 2023 is at the Orillia Opera House April 23 to 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. This is the second iteration of this interesting workshop-style event which is being billed as a theatrical project for inter-generational community sharing.
Basically, Arts Orillia (AO) is looking for 10 people over the age of 65 and 10 people under the age of 25 to participate in a creative theatre and storytelling project, through four daily workshops, culminating in a public community performance at the Orillia Opera House Studio Theatre on April 27 at 7 p.m.
Interested participants are asked to bring something that helps them tell the story they are looking to share. It’s free and a light dinner will be supplied partway through the evening.
Workshops will be facilitated by Iain Moggach, artistic director of Theatre by the Bay; and Clara McBride, artistic director of amphibious works and theatre arts coordinator of Act II Studio, Toronto Metropolitan University.
“This is a project that's giving voice to stories that are not always shared in a spotlight," said Arts Orillia Artistic Director Kate Hilliard. "They might be everyday stories ... they might also be extraordinary stories told by someone living down the road from you.
"It's a program that brings our community participants into contact with leading Canadian theatre directors. We're thrilled to have Clara and Iain here working with youth and senior members of Orillia.”
If you are any of those ages and have a story you would like to share, you can sign up here.
Also this weekend, The Cellar Singers first in-person Gala since the pandemic is happening this Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at St. James’ Stubley Auditorium. It’s billed as Puttin’ on the Ritz and will be an arts deco/swinging 20’s extravaganza of décor and music, food, and a silent auction.
It’s not too late to grab your $40 tickets and/or participate in the auction, which is virtual. You can bid from your phone, and don’t need to be a ticketholder to do so. To register for the auction, click here. You can get tickets for the Gala at the door for $40 cash or cheque or here before the event. Have fun!
The Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival concluded its third and last week last Friday, in its first in-person festival since the pandemic. Lots of gorgeous and joyous music was heard from instrumental participants young and old in this final week.
Next up for the Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival? The Festival Encores Show on Monday May 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House. This performance will showcase participants of all ages especially chosen by the adjudicators. Admission is free, however donations to the Orillia Kiwanis Music Festival will be very gratefully received. See you there!
Speaking of festivals, do you have your main-stage tickets yet for Roots North Music Festival? It’s coming up fast, April 21 and 22 at St. Paul’s Centre. With Tommy Youngsteen, Michael Kaeshammer, Ronnie Douglas, Kellie Loder and Meredith Moon, the bar, and the arts market, St. Paul’s will be the place to be Friday and Saturday night of the festival. Don’t delay, get your tickets today here.
On Thursday (April 13) at 6:30 p.m., come and meet the artists of Hibernation Arts art gallery at 17 Peter St. S. There are some new permanent artists there as well as a special guest for the month of April, Alina Hromko, a photographer who has moved here from Ukraine. She has recently done some photo shoots with women, so her show is called Inner Women. Come see it all Thursday.
Also Thursday, but at 6 p.m., there’s a Ukelele Jam at the Orillia Public Library. Go check it out. This Saturday, Karaoke at Lake Country Grill is happening at 8 p.m. And don’t forget Picnic Tapas Wine Bar’s Sunday show, with great music every Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.
Have a great week. If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
