By: Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Milton Theatre Company is bringing Neil Marr’s Bienvenue, Oh Trout Lake to the stage from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8, promising audiences a hearty mix of comedy and sentimental moments.
Set in 2010 at a Muskoka summer cottage, the play follows lifelong friends Max, Keith and Stan as they reunite to celebrate their 50th birthdays. What was supposed to be a relaxing weekend of golf and reminiscing takes an unexpected turn when Stan arrives with his new wife, shaking up the group dynamic. As the weekend unfolds, the characters navigate love, life, aging and marriage, all while delivering plenty of comedic moments.
Kristoffer Brown, the play’s director, brings a personal connection to the production.
“I just turned 50 myself,” Brown said. “Five of the actors in the play are also turning 50 at the same time. My wife, who is one of the cast, turns 50 a week after the play ends. So for me, this play is incredibly relatable — it’s about living in the moment while actually living in the moment.”
Brown highlighted how important the Muskoka setting is in shaping the play’s atmosphere. The set is carefully designed to split between indoor and outdoor spaces, bringing the feel of a cozy lakeside cottage to life. Clever lighting creates the illusion of tree shadows, while background sounds — like birds chirping, loons calling and the soft ripple of water — enhance the immersive experience.
While the play delivers humour, Brown noted that directing a comedy comes with its own challenges.
“Many of the cast members are my close friends, which makes it fun but also tricky when I need to be firm as a director,” he said. “We don’t get to rehearse on the actual stage until just before opening night, which means adjusting quickly to the set is always a challenge.”
Beyond the laughs, the show has plenty of surprises and subtle details for audiences to discover. The set is filled with hidden Easter eggs for those paying close attention. Brown encourages audiences to experience the magic firsthand.
“People are going to laugh, they’re going to relate, and they’re going to have a great time,” he said.
Bienvenue, Oh Trout Lake runs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8 at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. Don’t miss the chance to be transported to a Muskoka summer and share in the humour of this production.
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