The Grove Theatre, a 450-seat open-air venue built into the garden grove of the Fenelon Falls Fairgrounds, is delaying its inaugural summer production due to the pandemic — but the outdoor amphitheatre will still be available for concerts, programming, and community events.
“After careful consideration, the team at The Grove Theatre has decided to postpone the mainstage production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Musical, initially scheduled for this coming July, until the summer of 2022,” states a media release, adding its top priority is “the safety of audiences, artists and the community.”
“Our aim is to ensure that the venue will be ready and available for use by the creative minds at The Grove Theatre, and by other members of our community, for events more suited to COVID-era restrictions than a major musical.”
The Grove Theatre says local bands, artists, and community groups have already inquired about using the venue when it is completed.
Despite the postponement of the summer theatrical production, work on the outdoor amphitheatre is continuing. A box office, concession stand, and technical booth will be constructed in the spring. A backtage area will be completed when the snow melts, with accessible paths and parking spaces created when the soil is dry.
“With the support of the Kawartha Lakes area, the team at The Grove Theatre has made this community-led dream a reality,” the media release reads. “The team wishes to celebrate everyone’s integral contribution to the immense success of this dream thus far, as the beautiful site continues to develop into a space that will enrich the lives of the community for years to come.”
