By Marc Venema
Volunteers of the Belleville Theatre Guild are hoping their 60th year in production will put people back into the theatre’s seats.
The theatre has struggled to fill its seats in the last five to 10 years, making it more important than ever to have a successful season, said Debra Tosh, public relations director at the guild.
She said to mark the anniversary, they are bringing back five of their favourite productions from the past 60 years.
“It seems like an ideal way to celebrate our past by picking five shows that were crowd pleasers,” Tosh said.
Tosh said musicals are usually a sure sellout. In fact, this year’s musical, Anne of Green Gables, has already created so much buzz that the theatre is considering adding an additional three shows.
“They’re are all going to be exceptional productions, however the biggest buzz right now is for the musical,” Tosh said.
“We always try to present a balanced lineup for each year so we have a couple of comedies, a mystery, something that will make them think and we like to put the icing on the cake at the end of the season with a musical.”
Tosh is hoping the theatre can overcome a recent decrease in sales at the box office.
“Every year we build on our success,” Tosh said. “However over the past 10 years with the recession and with so many new theatre companies opening up locally, we have found that it has become increasingly difficult to fill the seats.”
Although times have been tough in the past few years, Tosh says things haven’t always been this way.
“In the past, people would try to get tickets and they couldn’t,” Tosh said.
Now, she said, on almost all occasions, you can walk in and get a seat five minutes before a show.
“There is a perception in the community that our shows are always sold out and lately that’s just not the case,” Tosh said.
The volunteers of the theatre are hoping a newly designed website and Facebook page will help to attract an audience.
The theatre run completely by volunteers already has the season under way and will run until June.
Here is a list of performances for Belleville Guild Theatre’s 60th anniversary:
Jitters
October 13 – 29, 2011
Directed by Liz Marshall
Synopsis
This Canadian comedy takes place on the night of a preview of a new production. Within minutes, the audience is plunged into the world of theatre, a world of opening night jitters, instant loves and hates, easily bruised egos, and contradictory interpretations of role and script. First performed at the BTG in April 1982.
Little Women
December 1 – 17, 2011
Directed by Moira Nikander-Forrester
Synopsis
Set during the Civil War period, this play follows the “pilgrim’s progress” of four sisters and their mother, from one humble Christmas to the next. Follow Amy, Beth, Meg and Jo through their squabbles, their laughter, and their tears. Bring your family, and celebrate the Christmas season with this marvellous adaptation of a timeless and heart-warming American treasure. First performed at the BTG in November 1959.
Wait until dark
February 2 – 18, 2012
Directed by Steve Forrester
Synopsis
A young blind woman is left alone in her Greenwich Village apartment where she is harassed by a trio of criminals in search of a doll filled with heroin. Could her husband be implicated? This tense thriller follows a young lady as she sees “the light” and waits for the “dark” that may save her. First performed at the BTG in January 1970.
Play it again, Sam
March 29 – April 15, 2012
Directed by Phil Bowerman
Synopsis
After a messy divorce, Allan, a neurotic San Francisco movie critic, spirals into a deep depression and looks for solace in classic movies, particularly the romantic saga Casablanca. His fantasies lead him to seek advice on romance and masculinity from his idol, Humphrey Bogart. However, Allan’s love life is clearly going nowhere, until events unexpectedly lead him into the arms of Linda. First performed at the BTG in October 1980.
Anne of Green Gables
May 31 – June 16, 2012
Directed by Lise Lindenberg
Synopsis
Anne Shirley, Lucy Maude Montgomery’s indomitable character from PEI, is the world’s most beloved redhead. Follow the humorous adventures of the poor spunky orphan as she charms Matthew Cuthbert and thaws Marilla’s frosty heart with her genuine originality and wit. Enjoy musical favourites like “Kindred Spirits”, “Open the Window”, “Ice Cream” and “Anne of Green Gables”. First performed at the BTG in March 1976.