“If you haven’t been to the theatre yet, this is the season that will bring you here,” said theatre manager Janice Frenssen.

Frenssen said performances will appeal to different ages and tastes.

Six-time Juno award winner Colin James, scheduled for Nov. 1, is expected to be a big draw for the theatre, now in its second season.

The show is scheduled as the Colin James Duo - Up Close, Personal and Slightly Unplugged Tour.

A blues-influenced rock musician, James is a well-known Canadian performer whose 25-year career has spanned generations. His appearance will probably bring in people from outside Bracebridge, as he has very few tour dates in this area.

“Hopefully more people will come and get to know the theatre,” said Frenssen.

The theatre features 300 seats, including a balcony and two boxes, as well as the most up-to-date sound and lighting.

New this season is a talent show called Muskoka Has Talent. The talent show is open to all ages and welcomes performers with ability in music, dance or theatre.

Auditions are on Jan. 3 and the finalist concert will be on Jan. 10. Applications for the show auditions will be available at the theatre after Oct. 1.

The 2008-2009 lineup will start with comedy play called Random Acts of Love, which runs from Sept. 10 to 13.

The play features two professional actors who also happen to cottage in the area. The play received great reviews and was featured in a festival in Toronto.

Fans of homegrown talent Deric Ruttan will be pleased to find the country singer is back for two shows on Sept. 20 and 21.

Frenssen said tickets are selling for the shows through word of mouth.

Ruttan is up for four Canadian Country Music Awards this year. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 8.

Musicians David Usher and Crash Parallel on Oct. 2 may appeal to pop fans. David Usher has won five Juno Awards and was at the top of the charts in 2007.

Crash Parallel has created a buzz in the college and online communities.

On Oct. 4, the classical music trio, Joe Trio, will appeal to CBC listeners, said Frenssen.

A Quartette Christmas on Nov. 28 will bring in fans of the Canadian singer/songwriters: Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick and Sylvia Tyson.

There will also be child-friendly, afternoon shows, including Brother’s Grimm on Nov. 29 and Tales from an Empty Fridge on Feb. 7.

Frenssen said Tales from an Empty Fridge is an inspiring tale that warms your heart.

BAM! Percussion Explosion, on March 28, will also appeal to children and adults.

Chic Gamine, the Winnipeg a cappella group, which draws inspiration from gospel, soul, world and roots music, will perform on Jan. 23.

Pop opera group Destino is scheduled for April 4.

Rounding out the season will be two tributes: The Caverners, a tribute to the Beatles on April 18 and Bookends - An Evening of the Music of Simon and Garfunkel with Kevin Fox and Patrick Allcock on May 9.

Theatre goers can get a $5 discount when purchasing three shows from the lineup, said Frenssen.

Tickets are available at the box office, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and one hour before show times.

They can be purchased on the phone at 645-8400 or in person.

For more information check out the website at www.renemcaissetheatre.ca.

In addition to the this lineup, more shows are scheduled through rentals of the theatre, when community groups will be putting on their own productions.