Chautauqua Returns to the Lyric Theatre this week

Chatauqua’bout a great weekend! The Lyric Theatre presents the 11th Chautauqua Performing Arts Festival in Swift Current July 12 - 14. This year’s line-up offers audiences an eclectic mix of four plays with local and global themes, including one show perfect for families.

The Wild Dog Waits on the Concrete Path - Theatre Howl - July 12th, 2pm & 7pm

A young teacher from “big city” Saskatchewan arrives in a town overgrown by forest to be the principal of a school in a cage. Now a wild dog has figured out how to get through the fence… what has she gotten herself into? One versatile performer and three chalkboards tell a goofy and heartwarming story about a 23-year-old principal in Northern Saskatchewan.

Fire in the Meth Lab - Jon Bennett July 13 @ 7pm; July 14 @ 9pm

Fire in the Meth Lab tells of drug dealers, bikers, high-speed car chases, fights, crime, prison, vomit, exploding houses and even cancer. The show explores brotherly relationships and how siblings with the same upbringing can choose very separate paths.

Mother’s Apron - Madonna Hamel July 13 @ 9pm; July 14 @ 7 pm

Mother’s Apron is based on the centuries-old underground poem, My Mother’s Apron. In a series of woven monologues and songs Hamel pulls out of the apron pocket, stories of the stirrings and heart-breaks, myths and memories, jokes and dreams, beliefs and questions that comprised a whole new ‘breed’ of women and undergirded the maverick spirit of the West.

Smilin’ Rylan - a family show - July 13 & 14 - 2pm

Playing catchy, fun and honest children’s music in every style imaginable, Smilin’ Rylan relates broad ideas and themes like inclusivity, and specific lessons like traditional First Nations people’s relationship with the bison. Smilin’ Rylan: loved by kids, supported by teachers and approved by parents.

On Saturday, July 14th, children are also invited to the Lyric for a free make-yourown instrument workshop. Smilin’ Rylan will teach 4- to 7-year-olds from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., and 8- to 10-year-olds can build their instruments from 11:15 to noon. Bring them back for the 2 pm show!

Between shows, guests can enjoy pie and lemonade on the patio and be entertained by local artists Vanessa Gauvin, Dustin & Jess, Dillon Currie, Creek City, Josh Toner, Stew Tasche Quartet, Stacy Tinant, Jacqueline Hudec, Al Hudec, and Rib Rash.

Tickets are available at Pharmasave: Adults - $12 per show; Youth - $5 per show. Festival Pass - $40 (all 4 shows)

For more information please contact the office at The Lyric Theatre: 306-7736292 or email office@lyrictheatre.ca