A diverse lineup of entertainment designed to appeal to a wide audience was announced at the Sanderson Center on Tuesday.
“It’s kind of a get back to normal season,” said theater manager Glenn Brown. “But it’s also a bit of a COVID hangover.”
The lineup includes 10 shows that had to be postponed because of pandemic restrictions.
“We are back to a regular experience at the theatre,” said Brown, noting the return of intermissions allowing people to mingle in the lobby where full bar service is available.
“We are encouraging people to wear masks in the theater, and we have a healthy visit policy that allows you to get a full refund if you’re not feeling well and can’t attend.”
Ballet Jorgen’s Anne of Green Gables — The Ballet will be performed on Oct. 12.
“Anne of Green Gables premiered right before the pandemic shutdowns, and is working its way back to stages,” Brown said. “It’s a great way to bring the story to life through dance, and is an exciting one for us.”
Other dance performances include No Woman’s Land on March 16, described as a “beautiful contemporary piece” chronicling the struggles of women refugees, and Raven: a circus piece centered on motherhood by three female performers, all of whom are mothers.
On the music front, Classic Albums Live will present three shows this season. Heart – Dreamboat Annie, and Billy Joel are new to Sanderson Center stage, while Pink Floyd – a fan favorite – returns once again.
Concerts at the Sanderson will include performances by Gowan, Jann Arden, Ricky Skaggs, The Irish Rovers, Serena Ryder, Jesse Cook, Bachman and Bachman, and Big Wreck.
Returning as well is a full lineup of matinee programming –geared to the tour bus market – with Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show, Men of the Deeps, John McDermott and the Ray Charles tribute, Ray On My Mind.
Hyprov returns for an encore performance in February. Hypnotist Asad Mecci will hypnotize audience members, who are then engaged in improv comedy by Canadian actor and comedian Colin Mochrie.
“It was an amazing show last time, so we’re bringing them back,” Brown said.
The popular Artist in Conversation lobby series offers a cozy setting to learn about artists, including Murdoch Mysteries creator Maureen Jennings and musicians Luke McMaster and Stephen Fearing.
“We had a great response in our centennial season to the return of classic films from the theater’s 1930-1986 movie era,” said the theater manager. “We have a return of film programming with seven titles, each celebrating the anniversary of the film’s release date.”
Programming for area school students will return in the fall, including performances of The Mush Hole, and Twin Flames, among others. Brown said information would be sent directly to local schools.
Brown said he encourages patrons to consider making a donation to the Sanderson Center’s Share the Love of Theater campaign. Donations can be added on to a ticket purchase, with tax receipts provided.
“It’s for all the people who understand the feeling you get at a live performance, how important that is, and how it can inspire you if arts is part of your life,” he said.
The campaign helps provide tickets for schools, or to area families through member agencies of the Brant United Way.
Words and Music Brantford is presenting the Brantford Summer Music Festival from July 13 to 17 in collaboration with the Sanderson.
“Summer programming is a little bit new for us and it’s something we wanted to support with this festival,” Brown said. “We are presenting Tomson Highway, who recently received a Governor-General’s Performing Art Award.”
Tea Indigenous playwright, storyteller and composer will do a cabaret performance of Songs in the Key of Cree.
The festival also will feature the Toronto Mass Choir directed by Karen Burke, and concert pianist Bryn Blackwood from Norfolk County.
For a full list of 2022-2023 season shows, visit sandersoncentre.ca