Globus Theatre debuting outdoor pandemic-inspired production
BOBCAYGEON — Globus Theatre has partnered with Toronto’s Sudden Spark Collective to light a fire under the world of dating while distancing.
“February: a love story” marks its world premiere on Feb. 26 but the “stage” is unlike anything local audiences have experienced.
The production, running until Feb. 28, takes place outdoors at the Lakeview Arts Barn near Bobcaygeon with bonfires and warm refreshments while adhering to public health guidelines.
The winter theatre romantic comedy touches on something many people have been experiencing for the last year: how does one create chemistry without getting close to someone else?
Starring Ellen Denny and Emilio Vieira, the production follows two mismatched millennials — he’s looking for feelings; she’s looking for a rebound — trying to stave off the pandemic blues by taking a stab at “short-distance dating.”
The production captures the magic and the challenges of connecting romantically in a physically distanced world, framing finding love not as a fairy tale, but as an act of resiliency and hope.
“As we continue to battle COVID-19, I see so much potential to give our audiences hope, joy and light through this shared experience,” stated director Mairi Babb. “This play is magic.”
The project marks a new collaboration between Globus Theatre and Sudden Spark Collective as well as Vieira and Denny.
Vieira has performed with Shakespeare in High Park, Crow’s Theatre (“Towards Youth”), Canadian Stage (“Tartuffe”) and the Stratford Festival.
Denny is best known for starring as Alice in “Life After” (Canadian Stage/Musical Stage) for which she received a Dora nomination and was named one of Now Magazine’s Breakthrough Toronto Stage Artists (2017). Denny’s “Pleasureville” premiered at Neptune Theatre in 2019, and she was a 2020 finalist for the Cayle Chernin Award.
Globus theatre says it is proud to offer a safe gathering place for those missing the shared experience of live theatre. This production will adhere strictly to all public heath guidelines.
Show times are 2:30 and 5 p.m. General admission tickets cost $25 — meal and drink options are available — and can be purchased by calling 705-7382037.