The Grove Theatre is back this year with a season big on variety, running from May 20 to June 19.

Having opened its doors in summer 2021 with a shortened season and reduced capacity, the return to live theatre without artist or audience restrictions, a full performance lineup and a variety of special events, makes spring 2022 feel like an inaugural season, according to a media release.

“It is a really important time for the theatre, the artists and the community,” says co-founder and Artistic Director Sean Cox. Located at the Fenelon Fairgrounds, the amphitheatre is a beautiful outdoor venue. Cox describes a magical quality about it. “When you’re standing in the middle of the venue you feel like you could be anywhere. The outside world disappears and you’re magically transported. After being stuck inside for a couple of years I think listening to live music under the stars will be a welcome change.”

Part of The Grove Theatre vision is to bring exceptional talent from around the country to provide audiences with pre-eminent artistic experiences. This season meets that vision, says the release, providing a long awaited opportunity for both the audience and the artists. “The community is excited for the incredible programming and our artists are excited about this new venue, about having a new opportunity to perform,” Cox says. “It is not just about putting on a show, but also about the effect on the people, on the community.”

The shows in the 2022 spring season cross several genres, from music to magic, theatre, comedy, and cabaret. “I wanted to have something for everybody—cross-generational programming. Our primary goal is to focus on fun, while ensuring a safe return.”

Opening the spring season is Sweet Alibi with Ben Kunder. Known for their soulful three-part harmonies, award-winners Sweet Alibi bring their folk roots-pop infused music to The Grove with Toronto singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ben Kunder whose music lives between folk, pop, and Cali-style Americana.

Other highlights include the internationally successful show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl, a one-woman musical starring Rebecca Perry; Neil Osborne of 54-40 and his daughter, singer/songwriter Kandle, making up modern day blues duo A Family Curse; and an ABBA Tribute Concert featuring favourites such as "Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “Honey Honey,” "Lay All Your Love On Me,” “Knowing Me Knowing You,” “Mamma Mia,” and more.

Perennial audience favourite The 39 Steps takes the mainstage this season. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit. This two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance!

“All of the actors and designers are overjoyed to be back at work, doing what they do best, the staff is thrilled to have such an incredible line up of events on The Grove stage, and the community is excited to see it. It’s been challenging but we have made it through and are back to live."

Visit grovetheatre.ca for more information.

FENELON FAIRGROUNDS (AMPHITHEATRE) PROGRAMMINGMay 20 | Sweet Alibi with Ben KunderMay 21 | Comedy Night featuring Kate DavisMay 22 | Brothers Wilde with James N WilsonMay 27 | Zachary Lucky and BandMay 28 | ABBA Tribute ConcertMay 29 | Confessions Of A Redheaded Coffeeshop GirlJune 09 | Country Legend Tribute with Alan Jackson and George Jones Tribute PerformancesJune 10 | Broadway Through the Ages – The 50’s & 60’sJune 11 | Neil Osborne and A Family CurseJune 12 | The TracksJune 16 | Comedy Night featuring Jason BlanchardJune 17 | Stories and Country MusicJune 18 | The Marvellous Magic ShowJune 19 | The Wonder Of It AllTickets for the 2022 spring season are on sale now. For more information, contact the box officeat 705.887.7937 or visit grovetheatre.ca.