A New Theatre Company for Guelph

From Arts in Guelph - November/December, 2004

by Anna Contini

A brand new theatre company has been formed in Guelph that is sure to offer something for everybody. Theatre Guelph is dedicated to staging productions that the whole family can enjoy together, and River Run Centre has been chosen for the venue. Its inaugural show, A Christmas Carol, will run in Co-operators Hall during the two weeks prior to Christmas.

The company has been founded by a handful of Guelphites active in local community theatre including Dennis Johnson and Simon Leibovitz. Guelph Arts Council has also provided collaborative support, and will continue to play a supportive role. Johnson, who has over twenty years of experience directing theatre in Guelph, says Theatre Guelph is filling a specific niche in the community.

The new theatre company will focus on presenting a variety of plays of interest to a mixed-age audience. In addition, it will provide young people with role models and the opportunity to perform alongside seasoned professionals. Currently most of the educational opportunities for youth to study performing arts in Guelph are "ghetto" experiences involving an all-youth cast, and many require pre-payment of tuition, points out Johnson.

Another distinguishing feature of Theatre Guelph is an earlier curtain time of 7:30 p.m., enabling younger audience members to enjoy theatrical events, even on week nights. In addition, special ticket prices will be offered for children under 12 years of age, and eyeGO tickets will be available to high school students.

Theatre Guelph's production of A Christmas Carol will showcase the talents of several local actors with Gary Bryant playing Ebenezer Scrooge. The cast also features Carlo Adamo, Bob Brown, Deanna Clatworthy, Liz Dent, Max DeNardis, Marnie Jutzi, Beverly Matson, Kim Moffit, Julie Wheeler-Bryant, Dean Palmer, Tom Stinson and a host of youth ranging in age from 7 to 17. Dennis Johnson has adapted the production for the stage and is also the Director, working alongside Assistant Director Simon Leibowitz.

Don't miss this Charles Dickens classic brought to life on stage by Guelph's newest theatre company. Performances are December 17, 18, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and December 18, 19, 22 and 23 at 2:00 p.m. There is also a special preview performance on December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets or more information please call the River Run Centre (519) 736-3000.