New West Theatre is back for another season with four major shows planned between August and February. Shows range from Honour Beat, a heart-wrenching tale of resilience and culture, to Elf the musical.
“There is so much thought careful consideration that goes into programming a season. First and foremost, we are looking for shows that we know or think people will be interested in coming to attend because it is a business too. We have to program a season that we are confident will appeal to ticket buyers, but also offer a real broad range of entertainment and engagement,” says Kelly Reay, New West Theatre’s artistic director.
Last year, the theatre company raised money to keep its doors open and Reay says the community showed up and made it possible to move forward. He adds the organization has budgeted conservatively this year he believes the established brand of New West and the show’s broad appeal will bring people in.
BACKGROUND: New West Theatre looking to raise $150K to keep doors open
“Last year had it’s challenging times — I think the whole performing arts industry from across the country were challenged as audiences were maybe a little more hesitant to return or the economy not being super strong right now, folks seemed to be much more selective with where they are spending their money,” he says. “We hit a bump in the road but got through that. We called out to our community and our community showed up in a really wonderful supportive way and got us over the hump and here we are being able to move forward with a pretty meaningful season.”
Other shows lined up this season include Wonderstruck, a celebration of the wonders of the world infused with comedy, music and performance, and Legends of Rock and Country, which will pay homage to performers such as Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac and Madonna.
The theatre is also putting on Hootenanny for the fourth summer. It is a free outdoor show for all ages every Wednesday to Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Galt Gardens from July 5-29.
