THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE, et al. Included in Odyssey Theatre's Summer Season

Odyssey Theatre announces its 26th season of Theatre under the Stars in Strathcona Park. From July 26 to August 26, 2012 the company presents Marivaux's comic masterpiece The Game of Love and Chance, while Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre's A Promise is a Promise will be offered to young audiences on Wednesday afternoons. Marivaux's 18th century classic comedy will delight audiences with its tantalizing and witty exploration of love and class prejudice. Aristocratic lovers, who have not met yet, disguise themselves as their servants to size each other up before agreeing to the marriage proposed by their fathers. To further the ruse, the lovers persuade their servants to assume identities as the masters. This enthralling play, imbued with sensuality, intrigue and disguises, deals with subtle psychological explorations of love in relation to forbidden passion, which still has relevance today.

Ottawa's Andy Massingham, winner of the 2011 Capital Critics Circle Award for best professional
actor for his performance in Odyssey's smash hit, The Fan, will direct the play. He will also create an original adaptation of the play suited to masked performances and explore how physical comedy
intertwines with emotional struggle.

Rag and Bone Puppet Theatre's A Promise is a Promise is an adaptation of the popular Canadian
book by Robert Munsch and Michael Kusugak about the Inuit and their vibrant culture. It is a beautiful tale about a heroine who discovers what commitment and honesty mean through her dangerous mission to escape from the captivity of the Qallupilluit, mythical sea monsters.

"We are very excited to present these two fantastic shows to our audiences," says Odyssey founder and Artistic Director Laurie Steven. "I am especially thrilled that Andy Massingham, after performing in three of our productions, will join us for his directorial debut with Odyssey Theatre."

A terrific design team includes Odyssey veterans: mask designer and creator Almut Ellinghaus;
costume and set designer Snezana Pesic; and lighting designer Ron Ward.

Performances will take place Tuesday through Sunday evening at 8 PM ($19-$24), Saturday and
Sunday Matinees at 3 PM (pay-what-you-can), and Wednesday Youth Matinee at 1 PM ($5/$10).

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