Watermark Theatre’s Artistic Director Robert Tsonos is delighted to announce the Spring and Summer programming for 2023. The company is celebrating its 15th year producing the finest professional theatre on the Island. First up is the Second Annual Watermark Children’s Theatre Festival in the Spring, followed by the comedic drama Steel Magnolias and the thriller Gaslight throughout the Summer. The theatre will also continue to present The Watermark Music Series on Sundays in July and August.
Two productions will be featured in the Children’s Theatre Festival. Birds of a Feather by Robert Watson, produced by Neptune Theatre of Halifax, from March 31st to April 2nd, and What If by Katey Hoffman, produced by Geordie Theatre of Montreal from April 14th to 16th. Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling will run from June 27th to August 26th and will be directed by Samantha Wilson. A group of Louisiana women bond and gossip at a local beauty shop while following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer’s daughters. As the title implies, these women can be as delicate as magnolias – and as tough as steel. When tragedy strikes, they draw on their underlying strength and love. Steel Magnolias is an iconic play that continues to speak to audiences all over the world about hope, loss, and friendship. Gaslight By Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson, based on the play Angel Street By Patrick Hamilton will run from July 7th to August 25th and will be directed by Martha Irving, who directed last summer’s hit production of Educating Rita. The thriller that spawned the term ‘gaslighting’, Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play gave us the word we now use for an insidious form of mental abuse. Bella Manningham hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. But is she losing her grip on reason, or is it being loosened for her? Bella thinks she’s losing her mind. The truth might be far worse. The Watermark Music Series returns, curated by Hannah Melanson. As always, Island musical artists interpret classic composers in a way that you have never heard before. The dates are July 23rd, Aug 6th and 20th, all at 7:30PM. Ticket Passes (4 Pack, 6 Pack) are now on sale at www.ticketwizard.ca or by calling the box office at 902-963-3963. Single tickets will be put on sale closer to production dates. Fall and winter programming will be announced in the next few months. Watermark Theatre’s MandateLocated in North Rustico, PEI, on land that is the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’Kmaq, the Watermark Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces time-honoured plays, as well as contemporary plays that resonate with our times. As a company we are led by the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and commit to incorporating these core values in everything we do. We prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainability. The Watermark Theatre is dedicated to the development of the next generation of theatre artists and arts administrators through mentorship and professional training.In all of our programming we strive for artistic excellence while endeavouring to inform, affect, and engage our audience and our community.