Hi Folks – here we are, nearing the end of May.  The wonderful month of May!  There are plenty of reasons to love May – it’s the unofficial start of summer (June 21st being the solstice), flowers are blooming, and we can finally begin entertaining outdoors again ….  apparently and unfortunately not indoors!

It has been 436 days since the last performance on our stage – a 100 person preview of the play BURN.  Right after , we closed down for what I thought would be a couple of months.  Worst case, we’d surely be re-opening in September for our 108th season.  I mean, we had never ever missed a season, not through wars, fires, or previous plagues!

Ah, the innocence of ignorance! Or, as Amos Alcott (18th century American teacher, writer, philosopher, and reformer) said “ignorance is innocence – stupidity comes with experience.”  At this point we are all sadly way more savvy about global epidemics;, and at this point I am not going to be stupid enough to speculate on a re-opening of our beloved theatre.

But, I can say that for the first time in 107 years of OLT entertainment, we will have lost a full season – even more accurately a season and a half!  We did not open last September for the 2020/21st season; and we did have yet to complete the last four shows of the 2019/20 season.  That said, we will complete those shows sometime soon.  Because you already have tickets, and because we miss entertaining you!  Also I can say, with full conviction, we will have shows in 2022 (god, I hope)!   What happens between now and then is not for speculation at this time!

Which reminds me – for those of you with for sale signs on your lawns – of the Chinese Minister Xi Jinping’s quip a few months ago – “housing is for living in, not for speculation.”  But should you complete the sale, please send us your new address, so that we can keep you in the loop about the new season, sometime soon… god, I hope … (sigh).

So, rather than speculation, let me share some excerpts sent (emailed) from our own patrons (maybe not famous, but celebrities to us).  They are poignant, hopeful, warm and touching.  Below are my top 10, including my own pithy observations in brackets:

1.     “I have been attending OLT since the fall of 1968, what a wonderful journey it has been. Sadly we have lost two theatre friends to cancer.  We met for dinner in the market every month and have shared our whole lives with each other, so theatre has been a very unifying experience.” (it certainly is – I couldn’t count how many of our volunteers have found life-time friends and mates at the OLT)

2.     “2022 will be 75 years of my family having subscription to OLT. I told my Father that the only thing I wanted in his will were his subscriptions to OLT (and Orpheus). Really, not his decision but I still have the subscriptions.” (I hope the others in the family got something of rare value as well)

3.     “I’ve been attending OLT for a rather long time, going back to before the fire. The first play that I remember was “Bell, Book and Candle” with Flo Fancott in the leading role. Flo directed a play for the church’s AYPA, in which I had a role!” (me too, Flo was wonder!)

4.     “it’s been a long hiatus and us theatres goers are anxious to see a stage play. The end can’t come soon enough, and a maskless society will be a thankful society.  Keep the stage lights on as we are looking forward to the new season.” (not much I can add to those sentiments)

5.     “We are missing our theatre nights so much! Can’t wait to get back in our seats!” (many subscribers seem very attached to their seats)

6.     “We moved to Ottawa in 1967 and were encouraged by a co-worker to attend OLT.  We have had season tickets since 1868.” (sic – aren’t typos fun!)

7.     “We are very much looking forward to a new season. Thank you for your work on behalf of OLT during these difficult times.  We have missed going to the performances and I appreciate hearing from you, you are one of the very best!  Keep up the good work.” (how could we not with that praise in mind)

8.     ”I have been attending performances with close friends of the family for years.  One of the teenagers has left for university, but her brother is still very keen to continue.  All this to say your plays do have a wider appeal than you perhaps realize.” (That’s what the playwrights think too)

9.     ”Would love to return to the little theatre, but would appreciate it if all the patrons were fully vaccinated before they attend. Please advise, the percentage of patrons vaccinated.” (I may not know the percentage, but when we open we’ll have definitely reached herd immunity!)

10.     ”Although my partner and I haven’t been connected to the theatre for as many years as some of your other members, we fell in love with the productions and soul of the OLT. On a whim we picked up tickets for Gaslight last year, and by intermission we had already purchased season tickets!” ( wow, that must have been some show)

And, an honourable mention:

  • I have 3 seats for the season for many years, and my wife and daughter always enjoy the presentations.  Please accept the enclosed donation to stay alive and get back to entertaining your many fans ASAP!

So that’s just a few that came to mind.  There are many more and we are thankful for every message, because you care!

Getting any play ready for public performances takes months of lead time. The stay-at-home order will come to an end eventually. Public gatherings will be permitted again. Exactly when is difficult to predict, but we will be ready when it does happen.  Everyone who works in this building and gives so much of their time and energy is chomping at the bit.  We all really hope to see all of you again soon!

By the way, should you have questions or wish further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email noted below. And, I should add – or the editor will – that, despite the theatre’s COVID closing, the building doesn’t know it is a theatre and requires all the monthly care and feeding of any elderly building – cheques or bank transfers (president@ottawalittletheatre.com) are tax-receiptable (or CLICK HERE to make an online donation via CanadaHelps.org) and always appreciated!

Stay positive, test negative and social safely!!

Geoff Gruson, President

president@ottawalittletheatre