Theatre Sarnia is getting ready for the curtain to rise for its 96th season which will include two "blockbuster musicals."
The lineup for the 2022-2023 season has been announced with subscriptions for the upcoming shows to go on sale Friday.
The lineup includes War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast in September, Disney's Beauty and the Beast in November, Clue: On Stage in January 2023, and Tarzan The Stage Musical in May 2023.
Executive Director Brian Austin Jr. said the first show retells Orson Welles' broadcast in 1938, an adaption of a sci-fi novel that caused some panic. The show will be complete with vintage commercials and live sound effects.
Clue: On Stage is based on the board game where a dinner party turns into a murder mystery. Two of the shows will be based on Disney classics with songs many have come to love.
"We're going to close by turning the stage into the west African jungle, complete with swinging vines and providing the perfect backdrop for the beautiful music written by Phil Collins for Tarzan The Stage Musical," said Austin Jr.
Those involved with the production are excited as it has been a while since the theatre hosted a full season.
"We didn't have full seasons for the 2021-2022 year," said Austin Jr. "We were able to complete four out of the six shows for 2019-2020 and then obviously we went into lockdown. So this is our return to a full season and we're very excited for it!"
Austin Jr. said subscriptions are the best way to see a full season of shows for the best price. Early bird subscriptions (four shows) range in price from $62.60 for youth to $115 for adults. After June 1, four shows will cost $125 for adults.
Tickets can be purchased through the box office by calling 519-344-7469 or emailing boxoffice@imperialtheatre.net.
Austin Jr. said masks are encouraged but not required. There are no capacity limits in place and there are 613 seats in the theatre.
