Sum Theatre gears up for 12th season of Theatre In The Park

What’s better than the great outdoors, giant puppets, and original, ‘90s-themed tunes?

Sum Theatre is kicking off its 12th season of Theatre In The Park this week. Each summer, the theatre company takes a 45-minute musical on a tour of the parks and backyards of Saskatchewan.

Mackenzie Dawson, Sum Theatre’s artistic director, said the touring troupe is diving into the cyber realm for a look at the role the Internet plays in our lives in its new production, ‘The Reel Whirled.’

Dawson said the performance is an original piece of theatre, and every year’s theme is based on a pressing topic that communities are faced with.

“We’re trying to just give really tangible ways of reflecting what this social media experience is for the public,” he explained.

Sum Theatre is taking the show on the road around #Saskatchewan!

Check out my radio story and article here: https://t.co/QKQ1v30GsI

Check out this video preview I put together for @CKOMNews ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/L94eajQdEm

— Alex Brown (@AlexBrownYXE) May 14, 2024

This year’s show focuses on a conversation topic many families are debating round the dinner table: is the Internet a place of connection, or one of danger?

“I think it’s this question of ‘how do we find balance?’ and starting that conversation of ‘what does balance look like for our family?’ And understanding that the online space isn’t necessarily a negative space, because some people find their groups of belonging in these online spaces, in social media, and that’s a good thing,” Dawson explained.

“And at the same time, you need to be able to make time for connecting with our friends in this real world. The grass world. You know – offline.”

The story follows Gladly and her friends MeowMeow and BIM, as the young trio sets out on a quest to win the attention of world-famous influencer Gigi 5G.

Rebecca Spilchak, who plays the role of Gladly, said the themes in the show are especially relevant to youths right now.

“(The Internet) is a great tool and it’s a great space to connect with people who have similar interests to you, but I hope that kids take away that playing outside is just as fun,” she laughed.

The show features original music, giant puppets, magical sets and audience participation in an effort to captivate children and adults alike.

Plus, parents will be delighted with the live, ‘90s-themed soundtrack, composed by local artist Oli Guselle.

Theatre in the Park originally started in Saskatoon, but in recent years has expanded to Regina and northern Saskatchewan, including communities like Prince Albert and La Ronge.

Dawson said the shows are free, and always will be.

The Saskatoon Tour kicks off May 16 and runs until June 14, while the Regina tour dates and those for Northern Saskatchewan will be announced online.

Sum Theatre’s ‘The Reel Whirled’ will tour with around 15 actors and crew members to a number of Saskatchewan locations this summer. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)

Theatre in the Park performance dates:

• Thursday, May 16 – Grosvenor Park (GROSVENOR) – 7 p.m. (Preview)
• Friday, May 17 – Chief Darcy Bear Park (NUTANA) – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 19 – W.J.L. Harvey North Park (SILVERWOOD) – 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 20 – Alexander MacGillivray Young Park (STONEBRIDGE) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Tuesday, May 21 – Optimist Park (RIVERSDALE) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22 – Silverspring Park (SILVERSPRING) – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 23 – A.H. Browne Park (MAYFAIR) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Friday, May 24 – W.W. Ashley Park (QUEEN ELIZABETH) – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, May 26 – Al Anderson Park (HAMPTON VILLAGE) – 4 p.m.
• Monday, May 27 – Sidney L. Buckwold Park (COLLEGE PARK) – 1 p.m.
• Monday, May 27 – Swick Park (ROSEWOOD) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Tuesday, May 28 – City Park School (CITY PARK) – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 29 – Parc Canada Sportsfield (CONFEDERATION) – 1 p.m. and  7 p.m. (ASL)
• Thursday, May 30 – Funk Park (EVERGREEN) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Friday, May 31 – Ashworth Holmes Park (CASWELL HILL) – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 2 – Montgomery Park (MONTGOMERY) – 4 p.m.
• Monday, June 3 – Adelaide Park (ADELAIDE) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Tuesday, June 4 – Dr. Seager Wheeler Park (WESTVIEW) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 5 – H.S. Sears Park (FAIRHAVEN) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 6 – G.D. Archibald West Park (RICHMOND HEIGHTS) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Friday, June 7 – Lakeview Park (LAKEVIEW) – 7 p.m.
• Sunday June 9 – R.J. Gidluck Park (WARMAN) – 4 p.m.
• Monday, June 10 – Les Kerr Park (FOREST GROVE) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Tuesday, June 11 – Robert Hunter East Park (RIVER HEIGHTS) – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 12 – Grace Adam Metawewinihk Park (PLEASANT HILL) – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 13 – Mount Royal Park (MOUNT ROYAL) – 7 p.m. (ASL)
• Friday June 14 – Buena Vista School (BUENA VISTA) – 7 p.m.