By Matthew Behrens
After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the Classic Theatre Festival reopened this past August at Arts Court Theatre in Ottawa with its unique brand of timeless hits from Broadway and the London Stage.
The company’s production of Jan de Hartog’s Tony-Award-winning marital comedy The Fourposter drew strong houses throughout its 28-performance run, and its combination of masking, HEPA air filters and intense focus on surface and air hygiene ensured no Covid outbreaks would spoil the fun.
“We were thrilled to be back on the stage and meeting new people while reconnecting with long-time audience members from Ottawa and throughout Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and the US,” explained Artistic Producer Laurel Smith. “It’s strange to be doing live theatre in a pandemic, but with all the right health measures in place, it can be done.”
Among the many highlights of the summer were the first-time theatre visits of refugees, shelter residents, and other low-income community members who were able to attend through the Festival’s charitable Save-a-Seat program, which partners with social service agencies to provide free tickets. In addition, the company received many donations for its Loonie-Toonie Book Sale, the proceeds of which fund the program.
In addition, Smith points to a plethora of studies documenting how arts and culture tourists tend to be among the highest spenders when it comes to booking restaurants and accommodations to augment their theatre visit. She looks forward to working with Lowertown businesses on co-promotional opportunities to welcome next year’s audiences for lengthier stays in the area.
With the first Ottawa season under the Festival’s belt following an award-winning decade in Perth, the company plans to return in 2023 with two shows: the rediscovered masterpiece Affairs of State, an intriguing romantic comedy set in the backrooms of post-WW2 Washington, DC, and Sleuth, a mystery thriller that the Festival promises will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
“Affairs of State is one of those plays that reminds me of the great Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy comedies of the 1940s – fast-talking, witty, intelligent humour with totally relatable characters,” Smith says. “And Sleuth is a lot of mischievous fun, apparently inspired by the games-playing of the late Broadway musical theatre giant Stephen Sondheim.”
The Festival is offering 20% discounted vouchers for anyone who buys the two-show season up until December 31, and 10% discounts for one show. The vouchers can be converted into seats and dates at anytime during 2023.
To order discounted vouchers visit classictheatre.ca or call (613) 695-9330.
Matthew Behrens, Associate Producer, Classic Theatre Festival, Presenting the Classic Hits of Broadway and the London Stage