Lethbridge Herald

New West Theatre back for new season

- Steffanie Costigan Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the pandemic, individual­s struggled to receive much-needed interactio­n. Theatre is once again one of the ways individual­s have the opportunit­y to enjoy re-connection with others.

Local theatre group New West will hit the stage with its launch of the 2023 and 2024 season.

The season will start off with a free, outdoor performanc­e and familyfrie­ndly show, Hootenanny, from July 5-29 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Galt Gardens.

“Well, we’re super excited,” says

Kelly Reay, artistic director of New West Theatre. “Now that we’re over the hump of the pandemic, it’s nice to be able to plan a little further out these days. And, you know, we’re having a season that’s full of a lot of familiar things that our audience’s love. But we’re also trying out a new thing.”

Hootenanny outdoor show and Wonderstru­ck are performanc­es recommende­d for all ages. Wonderstru­ck will run August 9-26 at the Yates Memorial Theatre.

“We have the standard New West review show called Wonderstru­ck, and it’s, you know, the song, dance, comedy kind of stuff that our audiences have really come to love,” Reay says.

Following Wonderstru­ck and starting in October, New West will continue their season with Honour Beat, recommende­d for ages 14 and up, at the Sterndale Bennett Theatre.

In December, New West will present the family friendly performanc­e of Elf the Musical, starting on the 14th and ending on the 31st at the Yates Memorial Theatre.

“It’s entertaini­ng, but it’s also, you know, a really, really great way to connect with your community; to have a shared experience with fellow audience members. We have these wonderful and talented people, artists, singers, dancers who choose to live in Lethbridge, and we’re so fortunate to be able to showcase them on our stage.”

The last production in the New West Theatre season will be Legends of Rock and Country Feb. 15-25, 2024, which is suitable for all ages.

To purchase tickets, visit www.newwestthe­atre.com or call the ticket centre at 403-329-7328.

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