Outdoor Theatre Makes a Comeback in August

Muskoka’s Dot The T Productions returns for its third season of original theatre and live concerts, this time in a unique outdoor setting. Running from August 10 to August 30, 2020, the theatre company will present four plays, two of which are world premieres, as well as two music concerts – all featuring professional Muskoka artists. Bring your own lawn chair and your own refreshments. For a suggested minimum donation of $20 be prepared to experience the work of some of the region’s best actors, playwrights and musicians.

Dot The T’s outdoor setting has proved a boon in these difficult times as all indoor performances have either been canceled or severely limited in scope. Observing all necessary guidelines, the company will help people navigate through the social fears of gathering once again. Tactics include hoola-hoops to demarcate physical distance bubbles, a limit on the number of guests in attendance, keeping events to 1- 2 hours in length, and providing a port-o-potty (complete with sanitizer) for comfort.

Another unique aspect of Dot The T’s summer season will be the return of their very popular “STAGED READINGS.” The only difference between a staged reading and a full blown performance is that the actors remain in a set position and, as the name suggests, read from a script. In the hands of professionals, a staged reading loses nothing in the translation and, as previous audiences have observed: they feel, in a way, more complicit with the actor. “It’s like getting a look behind the curtain.” There will be two staged readings this season, both clearly indicated.

ON THE PLAYBILL:

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOOD MAN (World Premiere)

Aug 10-15 – 4:00-6:00 PM (grounds open @ 3:30) An UN-romantic comedy, written by Jan Jacklin. Performed

by *Joan Bendon,*Robin Clipsham and *William Colgate

STAGED READING

2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

IN SEARCH OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE (A homage to the full length Broadway comedy written by Emmy Award-winning playwright Jane Wagner)

Aug 16-19 – 4:00 – 5:00 PM (grounds open @ 3:30) performed by Muskoka’s Queen of Comedy *Robin Clipsham

STAGED READING

2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

YOU FANCY YOURSELF

Aug 20-22 – 4:00 – 5:15 PM (grounds open @ 3:30)

FULL PERFORMANCE

2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

Written, Directed and performed by Award-winning

Playwright, *Maja Ardal, “You Fancy Yourself” is a hilarious and poignant tale set in the world of playground politics and childhood loyalties, and has been highly praised for its ability to awaken the youthful memories in all of us.

CHRISTINA HUTT AND BET SMITH IN CONCERT

Aug 23
4:00 – 6:00 PM (grounds open @ 3:30) 2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

SHAKESPEARE: A MOST RARE VISION (World Premiere)

Aug 24-29 –4:00 – 5:00 PM (grounds open @ 3:30) Written by William Shakespeare (additional dialogue by *William Colgate) In which Mr. WILLIAM COLGATE Esq., as sole performer, under the direction of Ms. Joan Bendon, will undertake to essay diverse characters, speeches and scenes of a tragical, comical, historical and pastoral nature as penned by one William Shakespeare, Gentleman, late of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.

Directed by *Joan Bendon

FULL PERFORMANCE

2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

THE MIGHTY LOPEZ BAND IN CONCERT

Aug 30
4:00 PM – 6:00 (grounds open @ 3:30) 2371 Limberlost Road in Lake of Bays

For more info, contact Jan Jacklin: Artistic Director/Producer Dot The T Productions 705-380-7082 dotthet@yahoo.com https://dotthetpro.ca

ABOUT DOT THE T PRODUCTIONS: Dot The T Productions is a professional independent theatre production company based in Muskoka. Its mandate is three-fold: to bring professional theatre to the residents of Muskoka, Parry Sound & beyond; to create work for local professionals; and to provide a value-added experience for organizations and businesses, by using their existing facilities as venues for “pop-up” theatre. *Denotes member of Canadian Actor’s Equity Association

Lead photo by Srini Somanchi, Unsplash . All other photos courtesy of Dot The T Productions.