Sum Theatre is painting the town red, blue…And every other colour of the rainbow in an all-new Theatre in the Park adventure The Colour of the Town.

This is a story about personal choice, differing opinions and the importance of finding a way to get along as the people of Taupe Town are challenged by their young residents to look beyond their current colour preference and embrace all the possibilities.

This year’s Theatre in the Park is a gentle look at democracy

“The Colour of the Town will hit close to home for many folks,” says Sum’s Artistic Director Mackenzie Dawson. “This year’s Theatre in the Park is a gentle look at democracy and how it can be intimidating to have a different opinion. It’s so important to talk to our neighbours, especially when we disagree. We need to come back to that sense of commonality and find a way to live together.”

No one has a wrong favourite colour and together it’s all beautiful

In its 14th season, Theatre in the Park brings the magic of live theatre to our neighbourhood parks with the original story, live music, giant puppets, and crowd participation that audiences have come to know and love. Jenna “JB” Berenbaum has been a part of the summer tradition as an actor for several years and this year takes on the role as playwright.

“I wanted the story to be accessible to everybody, and there’s plenty in the story for the whole family,” says Berenbaum. “It’s about being open to newness at any age. Being open to new ideas and opinions. No one has a wrong favourite colour and together it’s all beautiful.”

Every show is so fun and imaginative

The story starts with the playwright but the show that families will see in the park is a creation of the whole team. Actor Miranda Hughes-McKnight has enjoyed Theatre in the Park with her family as an audience member and this summer, she’s stepping into the park as Azure, one of the kids in Taupe town.

“I’m excited to be a part of Theatre in the Park. My sons were blown away by the dragon last year,” says Hughes-McKnight. “Every show is so fun and imaginative and it’s magical to be outside, hear the music, watch the story, and know you’re in for a good show.”

This year we are ready to welcome our 100,000th audience member

Theatre in the Park is an annual tradition providing free, professional, live theatre to families throughout the province. The tour will include stops in Saskatoon, Regina (3 new neighbourhoods added), as well as several stops in Northern Saskatchewan (it’s the 5th year up North). Everyone is welcome, no tickets necessary, just a blanket or lawnchair. This year’s team can’t wait for you to join in on the fun.

“Every day we perform we have dozens of kids who’ve never seen a live theatre performance before,” says Dawson. “This year we are ready to welcome our 100,000th audience member and make sure they experience something they’ll never forget.”