Well, Fringe is over, and post-Fringe depression is making us ALL question our reasons to go on, but there IS light growing on the horizon.   This of course can only mean more theatre is on the way, even if it isn’t of the five-shows-a-night variety.

– ROLLER DERBY SAVED MY SOUL by Nancy Kenny.  If you really and truly need another hit of Fringe, look no further, as Ottawa fav’rit Famous Actress returns for a one-night remount of her Rideau Award winning show on July 2nd at the Ottawa School of Speech and Drama before she takes it on the road.  Space is limited, and tickets are going fast, so strap on your skates and get going!  (Above photo credit: Richard Gilmore!)

– HENRY V by William Shakespeare and A Company of Fools.  Kicking off Ottawa’s Theatre in the Park season, the Fools are back with a girl-centric retelling of Billy Shakes’ epic tale of love and war, starring Margo MacDonald herself as Henry. Absolutely unmissable, folks.  Starts on the 2nd at Strathcona park and travels from there…check their website for a location near you!

– AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare and Bear & Co. Joining in the Park fun, the crew responsible for the completely sold-out Fringe run of ‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE are back with one of Billy’s lighter romps, directed by good guy Will Somers.  Kicking off on the 4th at Billings Estate and wandering from there…again, check the website for deets.

– THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE by Pierre de Marivaux and Odyssey Theatre.  The grandaddy of Ottawa theatre under the stars, Odyssey’s latest kicks off at their home in Strathcona Park on July 26th.  Directed by Andy Massingham, so you know it’s gonna be amazing.

– ST.LAWRENCE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL presents OTHELLO and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.  If you’re up for a wee road Trip, Prescott is ready for ya with this double-bill of goodness.  I’m still working out the logistics of a visit myself…if you’re planning a drive out, I may just want to chip in for gas and join you.

– A WALK WITH Mr.MCGEE by Talish Zafar and Obviously, a Theatre Company.  A very cool new bit of Canadiana, hosted in the supercool new theatre venue of the Bytown Museum, down by the locks.  I can’t wait.

– BOEING, BOEING by/par Marc Camoletti and/et Theatre de L’Ile.  Starting on July 4th over Gatineau way, I’m determined to make my first trip to L’Ile for this fun-sounding production, weak French skills be damned.

– SHORT SKIRT BUTCH by Lee-Ann Poole.  One night only on July 5th at Venus Envy, this show comes highly recommended from Al at Blunderrated, among may others. I hope to see you there!

– BLACK COFFEE by Agatha Christie and Ottawa Little Theatre.  July 17th to the 28th, OLT presents this Hercule Poirot whodunnit for your summerly entertainments, and this is a good thing.

– STITCHES IN TIME by John Hardie and Theatre Wakefield.  Starting July 25th in Ottawa-Gatineau’s ‘Piggyback’ home of Wakefield, at the Maison Fairbairn House Museum, and playing Wednesdays thru Sundays for two straight weeks.  A local production with roots almost literally at the venue where it’s being staged (out of doors, so bring a chair if you please).  2 shows a day, at 2 and 4 pm!

I could have sworn there was some cool dance happenings (and after HETEROLLECTUAL and MACSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM I am now obsessed with awesome dance happenings) , but I’ll have to track that info down again, if it existed at all.  Oh, and there’s also This Thing, which you probably already have a ticket for.  Fuckin’ Broadway.

Also, on July 7th at SAW Gallery, Red. Collective is having their season launch fundraiser, and everything about is sounds fucking amazing.  I’m very excited to hear what this mob of rabble-rousing theatre gangsters has planned next…so I’ll see you there, ya?

And hey Toronto!  I’m going to move Heaven and Earth to make a short but sweet pilgrimmage to the TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL sometime during your run, so be ready for that!  Jem Rolls, Zack Adams, Kirsten Rasmussen and Morro & Jasp are ALL on my must-see list!

So that’ s what I’m doing this month.  What about you?
Peace, love and soul,

The Visitor (and Winston)