New theatre company marks return of 'well-loved dinner theatre' to Algoma

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA REPERTORY THEATRE
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An ambitious new theatre company is starting up in Sault Ste. Marie.

Algoma Repertory Theatre (ART) is the brainchild of local theatre veterans Marc Beaudette and Sandra Forsell, who saw the opportunity to give a platform to more voices in the arts community, produce interesting and modern pieces, and to bring back the well-loved format of dinner theatre.

“I've been thinking about dinner theatre for a while now,” said Beaudette. “Something in the tradition of Pull Chain Theatre or Family Life Theatre. Those two groups gave a lot to this community and we felt we could create something to fill the cultural void they left behind – great food paired with top notch entertainment. We've assembled a dynamic team and are now ready to bring the concept back to the city."

Last week, ART elected their first Board of Directors, which will include Beaudette and Forsell, as well as Kara Colynuck, Elora Nelson, Kaila O’Callaghan and Megan Wigmore. The first season for the company has been set, with the premiere production – A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters – slated for April 3-6, 2019.

Love Letters is the story of two childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. As they grow up, apart, and together again, they continue to exchange letters across the years and across the world. The story is a funny, touching, timeless piece about the connection between two people.

The Grand Gardens Downtown (68 Dennis St.) will play host to this and future dinner theatre productions. Tickets are $65 per person and include a delicious five-course dinner. Come as a single, couple, or fill a full table of 10 – tickets are available through Grand Gardens North or online through Eventbrite.

Tickets for the rest of the company’s season will go on sale soon. The season will include:
    •    Death and the Maiden – June 5-8, 2019
    •    Evil Dead the Musical – Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2019
    •    It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play – Dec. 18-21, 2019

Follow the Algoma Repertory Theatre Facebook page or visit www.ARTinSSM.com to sign up for their mailing list and stay up-to-date on the company’s latest information.

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