Fergus Theatre Festival Features Song & Dance

From Arts in Guelph- July/August, 2006

by Anna Contini

For those seeking a unique summer theatre experience, the Fergus Grand Theatre awaits. Located in charming downtown Fergus on the banks of the Grand River, the historical edifice is now home to the new Fergus Theatre Festival. The inaugural summer season presents three lively musicals, each running for one week.

The series recently kicked off with I Do! I Do! June 21 to 24, a charming portrayal of the ups and downs of fifty years of marriage. The next show Side by Side is scheduled for July 19 to 22 and features Sondheim's works with song and dance. The summer season wraps up with Dames at Sea August 23 to 26, a tongue-in-cheek look at movie musicals of the 1930s.

At the helm is Artistic Director Jeffrey Morden, who has spent the past year and a half planning for the season. A Fergus native, Morden spent 22 years in Toronto gaining valuable experience in the theatre and entertainment industry. "My dream was always to come back to Fergus and start a theatre company," says Morden adding that the Fergus Grand Theatre was the perfect venue.

The Grand Theatre was built in 1928 as a movie house and later underwent renovations in 1946. During the 1960s the building was used as a television store and in 1968, the theatre was restored and began to present live performances. Today the building is used by a various amateur groups such as the Elora Community Theatre who has used the venue for over 35 years!

The Grand Theatre offers an intimate cozy feeling for audiences, says Morden, pointing out that the seating capacity is just 262. He cautions folks that shows are filling up fast, interestingly, primarily by non-locals. "We specifically chose light, summer entertainment that would appeal to the whole family," says Morden. Tickets are only $20 but special group rates, flex subscriptions and family packs are available.

Although the Fergus Theatre Festival has begun with a summer season, it will continue throughout the year. Plans are already in place for Holiday Sparkle which is slated for December 12 to 16, to be followed by a spring show. Stay tuned for details. In the meantime, don't forget to plan your summer entertainment. Come discover the Fergus Theatre Festival…you'll be singing and dancing all the way home!

To order tickets for the Fergus Theatre Festival, call the Grand Theatre Box Office at 519-787-1981.