"Glimpses," a series of eight vignettes outlining significant historical events in the UNESCO world heritage town, will be performed throughout the months of July and August at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic's Ice House Theatre.
Veteran performer Jon Allen says the cast is comprised of eight members, four male and four female, who "wanted to put something on in the summer, but we didn't want to be tied down every weekend.
"Most people are busy in the summer, so we tried to sort of compromise a little bit," he explains. "The play is designed to give some sort of flexibility to those involved, and although we need at least six actors, we have more than that in the troupe, so some of them can be doubled up."
Mr. Allen says the performances will be fast-paced, about 45 minutes in length, and will be held with minimal costumes.
Cast members Vince Morash and Dave Brumwell joined Mr. Allen in composing music and lyrics for the songs being performed in each sketch, and the entire cast will serve collectively in directing the production.
"Everybody contributes and everybody has equal say as to what goes on. We're trying to make it as relaxed as possible without much pressure," he added.
Topics being covered through the vignettes include the schooner Bluenose, the St. John's Anglican Church fire, the sacking of Lunenburg by American privateers in 1782, Lunenburg Academy and the Fishermen's Memorial as well as what Mr. Allen calls "gossip skits.
"Gossip has always been a part of the town," he laughs. "And we sort of thought if we get tired of a particular skit we can bring another one in - again, to give it flexibility and make it more refreshing to the actors, as well."
Of course no historical production would be complete without a narrator, who in this case was born in 1753, the year Lunenburg was founded.
"He's being reincarnated during his time, so to speak, so he's a link between each vignette," Mr. Allen explains.
"Glimpses" will open July 4 and performances will be held at the theatre each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evening at 7 and 8:15 p.m. through the months of July and August. There will also be Sunday matinees at 3:30 and 4:30. Performances will not be held during the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival or the Mahone Bay Classic Boat Festival.
There will be no admission charge, but a free-will offering will be collected with half the money raised going in support of the Lunenburg Heritage Society and half to the South Shore Players Theatre Troupe, several of whom are cast members in the production.
Mr. Allen says that hopefully, the performances will attract both locals as well as tourists, and help fill an evening entertainment void which has seemed to exist during recent summers in the town.
"It would be really nice if we could do that," he said.