The Guelph Little Theatre is marching on into its 76th season.
Since it first opened its doors at the Guelph city hall auditorium in 1935, the troupe has remained true to its roots by offering affordable entertainment.
Today, people can buy tickets for four evenings of live theatre for as little as $50 a person.
With its mandate to provide a recreational, educational, and theatrical environment for all ages, Guelph Little Theatre has thrived and become an award-winning community theatre.
The troupe is a completely volunteer organization. It is composed of people who love theatre and enjoy working on a variety of tasks. Their only payment is laughter they hear from those who see the fruits of their labour.
Props, furniture and costumes are borrowed, begged, and created so the audience can be whisked into a land of fantasy and make believe.
The 76th season will be marked by a varied program. The four-play subscription series begins on Oct. 14 with a relatively new play by a Canadian author, Robert Ainsworth.
Frozen Dreams is a warm hearted comedy about life on the streets and the relationships created there.
It will be directed by Alan Quinn. Although not part of the subscription series, the next production is Alicia in Wonderland, a Christmas performance beginning Nov. 25, written by local author Don Macrae, with music by Ted Blackbourn.
GLT director Jeff Dakin said there will be surprises, as the modern Alicia encounters unusual creatures in her version of Wonderland. The show tickets must be purchased separately and it offers many matinees to make it accessible to the entire family.
The theatre’s second main stage show and its Western Ontario Drama League Festival entry this year is Picasso at the Lapin Agile opening Feb. 3. Written by Steve Martin and directed by Gerry Butts, the comedy is designed to create smiles.
The third of the series, starting April 13, is by Tennessee Williams, The Glass Menagerie. It is to be directed Tony de Ciantis.
The final show is an exploration into the depths that mankind may sink as well as the heights of compassion that he may achieve.
The Laramie Project is written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project, and is to be directed by Joe Brenner. It begins May 25.
The cost of a subscription to all four shows is $50. Subscription and individual tickets may be purchased by contacting the box office at 519-821-0270 and leaving a message, or by purchasing tickets at www.guelphlittletheatre.com.
The theatre is located at 176 Morris Street.
The troupe welcomes volunteers for all facets of theatre production.
