Robert Tsonos, artistic director at Watermark Theatre in North Rustico, recently announced the spring and summer programming for 2023. The company is celebrating its 15th year producing professional theatre.
First up this spring is the second annual Watermark Children’s Theatre Festival, followed by the comedic drama Steel Magnolias and the thriller Gaslight throughout the summer. The theatre will also continue to present the Watermark Music Series on Sundays in July and August.
Two productions will be featured in the Children’s Theatre Festival. Birds of a Feather by Robert Watson, produced by Neptune Theatre (Halifax, NS) from March 31–April 2, and What If by Katey Hoffman, produced by Geordie Theatre of Montreal, April 14–16.
Directed by Samantha Wilson, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling will run from June 27–August 26. A group of Louisiana women bond and gossip at a local beauty shop while following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer’s daughters. As the title implies, these women can be as delicate as magnolias and as tough as steel. When tragedy strikes, they draw on their underlying strength and love. Steel Magnolias is a play that continues to speak to audiences all over the world about hope, loss and friendship.
Directed by Martha Irving, Gaslight by Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson will run from July 7–August 25. Bella Manningham hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. Is she losing her grip on reason, or is it being loosened for her? Bella thinks she’s losing her mind. The truth might be far worse. Based on the 1938 play Angel Street by Patrick Hamilton, the thriller spawned the term ‘gaslighting,’ a word now used to describe an insidious form of mental abuse.
Finally, the Watermark Music Series returns, curated by Hannah Melanson this year. As always, Island musical artists interpret classic composers. The dates are July 23, August 6 and 20.
More details, as well as fall and winter programming, will be announced at a later date. Tickets will be available soon at ticketwizard.ca and 963-3963.
