Published online August 27, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
COMMUNITY PLAYERS TAKE TWAIN ON TOUR
The Pontiac Community Players wrapped up their fourth outdoor summer theatre performance on Saturday, August 23, at Mill Dam Park in Shawville with Twain’s Tales, an adaptation of Mark Twain’s short stories.
Staged from the troupe’s mobile wagon, the show transforms parks and main streets into the lobby of a once-beloved hotel, where neighbours gather to swap stories. Unlike the troupe’s early days of radio-style readings with few costumes, today’s productions are fully staged, adapted by the cast, and brought to life by local talent. This year’s roster features Sydney Côté, Ollie Côté, Gavin Murray, Robin Lottes, and newcomer Connie Harris.
“The stories are full of Twain’s wit, but we’ve given them a hometown twist,” said
co-director William Bastien, who shared duties with Valerie Twolan-Graham.
Free performances toured parks in Fort-Coulonge, Waltham, Litchfield, and Shawville, drawing enthusiastic audiences. The final stop will be at the Otter Lake Recreational Centre on August 30 at 2 pm.
“With Twain’s Tales,” said Grant Moore, a local resident, “the Players prove theatre doesn’t need a big city stage — just a good story, imagination, and a community ready to listen.” – Cathy Fox
Photo – The Pontiac Community Players perform Twain’s Tales at Mill Dam Park in Shawville, August 23. (CF)
