Since last fall, a dedicated crew of volunteers has been working away on the production of this year’s annual Rotary musical Kiss Me Kate. This continues a tradition now more than 30 years old, going back to the very first production in 1978 of another Broadway classic, South Pacific.

During the intervening decades, thousands of volunteers have made new friends, laughed and joked through the hard work of rehearsals, played their instruments, slathered on paint, hammered at sets, and above all sung, danced and acted their ways into the hearts of appreciative audiences. The Rotary Club of Bracebridge, which produces these shows, considers this tradition an important community service. The army of alumni and current volunteers would all agree.

This year’s show is no exception. Under the talented leadership of director Pru Donaldson and producer Carol Bridle, a team of dedicated thespians is once again bringing this Cole Porter classic to the Bracebridge stage. It is especially exciting that this show will be in the new Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre in Bracebridge. Expectations are high for the new facility, especially since the return to Bracebridge follows a dozen successful years at the congenial Opera House in Gravenhurst.

During the Rotary show’s sojourn at the Opera House, production standards rose notably, in large measure to meet the expectations created by such a magnificent venue. It is expected that the new stage will foster a continuation of those high standards. This is community theatre at its best.

Audiences will be delighted with the show. It is filled with the witty words and lovely melodies for which Cole Porter was renowned, being acted and sung by performers who have been polishing them for months. Longtime fans will be delighted to recognize many of the actors from past Rotary shows, while several new folks have joined the Rotary musical family. The four leads include Lisa Friesen, Earl Ingelson, Aussa Penniall and Mike Quemby, while fan favourites Mike Provan and veteran Alec Hollands are a comedic highlight.

Rob Knighton is conducting the orchestra, which will share the stage with the actors. The music they will be playing includes It’s Too Darn Hot, Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Wunderbar, Always True to You (In My Fashion) and the ever-popular I Hate Men. These songs and more will be beautifully sung by a cast practised under the guidance of choral director Carol Terry, another dedicated veteran of Rotary musicals.

It is now less than a month to opening night. The Rotary Club of Gravenhurst continues its tradition of organizing an opening night gala on Feb. 21 (tickets available through Gravenhurst Rotarians). The remaining evening shows (starting at 8 p.m.) are on Friday, Feb. 22, Saturday, Feb. 23, Thursday, Feb. 28, Friday, Feb. 29 and Saturday, March 1. The cost is $15 per person.

There is one matinee show — at the family friendly price of $12.50 — on Sunday, Feb. 24. Since ticket sales for the Rotary show traditionally take place at the last minute, you can get great seats by acting now. Get your tickets through the Rene Caisse Theatre box office in person, by telephone (645-8400) or through www.renemcaissetheatre.ca. You will have a wunderbar time!