New Stages Theatre Presents ‘Sweat’ by Lynn Nottage

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New Stages Theatre concludes its 25th season with a one-night-only staged reading of ‘Sweat’ starring Christopher Allen, Andrew Chown, Beau Dixon, Kait Dueck, René Escobar Jr., Catherine Fitch, Tony Munch & Ordena Stephens-Thompson June 11 at Market Hall.

photo courtesy of new stages theatre.

Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, SWEAT is set in a small Pennsylvania city, proudly built on its manufacturing industries – a city not unlike Peterborough. SWEAT is the story of factory workers, of friends and family members, who find their fortune and dreams on the brink of collapse. Shifting between 2000 and 2008 financial crisis, racial and class tensions shatter the surface when desperation rises and people feel their backs against the wall. SWEAT is a devastating powder-keg of a play, and a must-see for Peterborough audiences.  

This play has an award-winning cast – Christopher Allen and Ordena Stephens-Thompson starred in the Toronto production of Sweat, and René Escobar Jr starred in the Hamilton Ontario production. They are joined by Catherine Fitch and Tony Munch, along with Andrew Chown and hometown heroes, Beau Dixon and ReFrame Film Festival Director, Kait Dueck.

Artistic Director Mark Wallace will be announcing the amazing plays lined up for the 2023-2024 season. Come and SWEAT with New Stages on Sunday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $22, and $11 for students, under-waged and artworkers available on the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte Street) website.

Content Advisory: this play contains themes of racism and uses words that are offensive and demeaning, including the n-word. Recommended audience: 14+

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Norm Foster’s ‘The Long Weekend’ Presented by the Peterborough Theatre Guild

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The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced the final play of the season ‘The Long Weekend’ written by Norm Foster, coming to the Theatre Guild July 5 to 9 and July 12 to 15.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The Long Weekend is a full-length comedy by Norm Foster. During a weekend visit between two couples, the true nature of their relationships come to the surface as the four so-called 'best friends' slowly discover how they really feel about each other. 

Successful lawyer Max and his wife Wynn are about to show off their beautiful new their summer home to their best friends, Roger and Abby. But it doesn't take long to uncover the true feelings behind this long friendship. What is meant to be a relaxing holiday weekend turns into a battle of wits as their pasts catch up with them, the gloves come off and old scores get settled in comedic fashion.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

The Theatre Guild’s adaptation is directed by Jason Shulha, with project manager Margaret Pieper, and will feature David Adams, Siobhan MacQuarrie, Chelsey Mark and Jennifer Hilborn. The July 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances July 9 and 15 beginning at 2 p.m.

Norm Foster’s writing delivers non-stop mischievous fun and scrumptious plot twists. The production is described as a hilariously tangled web of truths, deception and surprises that will leave the audience guessing – and laughing – all the way to the final curtain.

Tickets for the show can be purchased for $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students online or via phone.

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Edmison Heights Public School Presents The Wizard of Oz

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Edmison Heights Public School is performing The Wizard of Oz May 2 to 4 at Adam Scott CVI.

Photo courtesy of edmison heights Public School.

The play features over 50 Grade 4-6 students on stage and behind the scenes.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $5 and are available for purchase at the door. 

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New Stages Theatre Presents Staged Reading of ‘New Magic Valley Fun Town’ at Market Hall

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New Stages Theatre is presenting a staged reading of ‘New Magic Valley Fun Town’ by Daniel MacIvor for one night only at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre March 26.

photo courtesy of new stages theatre.

MacIvor is one of Canada’s greatest playwrights and winner of the Siminovitch Prize.

Set in a trailer on Cape Breton Island, old friends reunite after 30 years apart for a night of drinks, laughter and memories, but some of those memories aren’t easily washed away. MacIvor’s bittersweet comedy tackles sensitive topics that many Canadians will be familiar with, yet he handles them with such compassion and humour that you are left feeling shaken but somehow lighter and more hopeful by the end. The play premiered in 2019 to great acclaim.

“I wish only that both the audiences who have followed MacIvor and those who have never heard of him to see this play and marvel at a voice maturing into a new form of greatness,” said J. Kelly Nestruck, The Globe and Mail Theatre Critic.

New Stages is welcoming an all-star cast to town for this staged reading. Dora-winning actor, Maritimer Shawn Wright, who joins us on his day off from playing Voldemort in the spectacular Mirvish production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Local legend Beau Dixon returns to Peterborough’s stages after years of performing onstage in Toronto, Stratford and on hit TV productions like Station Eleven and The Expanse. Linda Kash is well-known to Peterborough audiences and Peyton LeBarr, who has been a performer for over 20 years working across Canada and the UK, and she now calls Peterborough home.

Tickets for this one-night-only event at Market Hall (140 Charlotte St.) are $22 ($11 for students, under-waged and artworkers) and are available online. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

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Something Rotten! Coming to The Peterborough Theatre Guild This April

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The Peterborough Theatre Guild is putting on the production of Something Rotten! written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell starting April 28.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as ‘The Bard.’ When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. Amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten! was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years".

Something Rotten! features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters including Robert Ainsworth, Nate Axcell, Kate Brioux, Paul Crough, Rachel Dalliday, Mark Hiscox, Matt Kraft, Marsala Lukianchuk, Brian MacDonald and Brandon Remmelgas who are each given their own special moment in the show to shine.

Shows take place at the Peterborough Theatre Guild (364 Rogers St.) on April 28, 29, 30 (matinee) and May 4, 5, 6, 7 (matinee), 11, 12, 13. Matinee performances begin at 2 p.m., and evening shows at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $32 and can be purchased online or via phone.

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4th Line Theatre Presents Community Reminiscence of The Ontario Farmerettes

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4th Line Theatre’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell invites members of the community to join her and playwright Alison Lawrence to share stories and memories of the history of the Ontario Farmerettes.

The Ontario Farmerettes. Photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

This gathering will aid in the development of Lawrence’s play Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, based on Bonnie Sitter and Shirleyan English’s book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes.

During the Second World War when farms were short of labourers, thousands of young women kept Ontario farms afloat and the people of Ontario fed while the young men were overseas fighting. The young women, known as Farmerettes, planted, hoed, hand-weeded and harvested fruit and vegetable crops for long hours. It was part of a provincial program to replace male labour in the agricultural sector. The Farmerettes came from all across the province, most with no previous farming experience.

This public reminiscence will take place on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kitchener Public Library (meeting room D/E, at 85 Queen Street N.) The Kitchener Public Library is fully accessible, and registration is not required for this free in-person event.

The reminiscence will take place in Kitchener as many of the Farmerettes who are still alive live in western Ontario.

“Reminiscences give us first-hand accounts of the history we are researching and are an essential part of developing our plays. Without this, our productions would not have the authenticity and realism our patrons have come to expect.”

Past productions developed through reminiscences include Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow’s Doctor Barnardo’s Children, Leanna Brodie’s Schoolhouse and Maja Ardal’s The Hero of Hunter Street.

For those who cannot attend in person and would like to join virtually, visit the link to register. Those who register will receive an email prior to the event with a link to the meeting via Zoom.

Questions, concerns or technical assistance requests can be directed to admin@4thlinetheatre.on.ca

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Peterborough Actor Stars in Toronto Production Of Rock of Ages

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One of Broadway’s longest running hit musicals Rock of Ages will star Peterborough actor Jonathan Cullen at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto beginning Feb. 23.

photo courtesy of jonathan cullen, facebook.

A concoction of power rock and hilarious comedy, this reimagined version of the iconic 80’s-inspired production promises top tier talent and an unforgettable performance. 

The show, presented by More Entertainment, will hit the stage from Feb. 23 to May 20.

Cullen plays Stacey Jaxx in the production, alongside a rockstar line-up of performers in the cast including AJ Bridel as Sherrie Christian, Trevor Coll as Drew Boley, Kent Sheridan as Dennis Dupree, Louise Camilleri as Justice Charlier and Steffi DiDomenicantonio as Regina Kunz.

“We’re very similar in a lot of ways,” says Cullen about his role in Rock of Ages. “He’s been caught in the underbelly of the rock-n-roll scene in L.A. in the 80’s, so he kind of represents the mountainous highs and the dark, dark lows of super stardom. He’s become lost in that world. There’s a large part of me that can feel compassion and empathy for that as a human.”

Cullen has wowed audiences on stages across North America since 2010. Growing up doing community theatre in Peterborough, he starred in many local productions such as State Fair and The Sound of Music.

“I feel proud to be from Peterborough. I have a very fond place in my heart for where I grew up. There’s such an amazing artistic scene in Peterborough so it’s very nice to be bringing some of that energy to the big City, and on a bigger scale,” he said.

photo courtesy of Strut Entertainment.

He has also toured across Canada with his award-nominated pop/soul group, Silver Lining, and was cast in the Mirvish production of ground-breaking Broadway success Billy Elliot.

Most recently, he played a leading role on the first national tour of the Broadway smash-hit The Book of Mormon.

In Rock of Ages, Cullen says the music will be enjoyed by both a Toronto and Peterborough audience.

“Peterborough has a wonderfully diverse and large artistic scene, the music that comes through our music festivals and the theatre productions by our high schools and community theatres is truly wonderful. The music from the 80’s was such a strong genre and raw musical era, and anyone who enjoys a little bit of rock and a little bit of alternative music would totally dig this show,” said Cullen. “It’s a very music driven show, and I think Peterborough is such a community steeped in music that anyone from (the area) would just love the show.”

For tickets and more information on Jonathan Cullen and Rock of Ages, check out the link.

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Felicia Massey


Lakefield College School Presents 'Something Rotten' Musical

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Lakefield College School is bringing Shakespeare and rock-and-roll to the stage with the musical production of ‘Something Rotten’ starting Feb. 28.

A cast and crew of over 50 staff and students from Lakefield College School (LCS) have been working since October to bring this production of the annual musical to the Bryan Jones Theatre.

Now that pandemic regulations have eased and LCS is able to invite a wider audience to the show, Something Rotten director and producer Geoff Bemrose says that he is excited to see the show come together.

“It’s kind of a show within a show. It’s a good send up of Shakespeare, tons of musical theatre and jokes as well,” he says.

The show is based off of the novel by Karen Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. Something Rotten takes place in 1595 London, England. The Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel are trying to find success by writing plays, but are outshined by the rock-star playwright of the Renaissance, William Shakespeare. Nick gets help from a soothsayer for the next big hit, who foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time. Nick and Nigel then set out to write the world’s first musical’ Omelette: The Musical.’ But amidst the excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being ‘true to thine own self.’

Ben Freeman, who plays Nicholas Bottom, has been apart of LCS musicals since Grade 9, and is now in Grade 12.

“They’re probably the most fun part of the year, although a little stressful. Because on top of classes and preparing for tests, I also have to memorize all my lines,” says Freeman. “At the end of the day it’s really satisfying and everyone really loves it. Not only the cast, but the people at the school because they get to see their friends on stage.”

“I’m also excited for my friends to see it. I’m not really like my character at all, he’s very egotistical. He’s almost polar opposite of me. So I’m excited to see how I can be like that,” says Alex Bemrose.

Alex, who plays William Shakespeare in his second musical production with the school, says that with many rehearsals under their belt the Something Rotten cast is enjoying the “fun part.”

“As (the show) goes on, you just get more comfortable, and it gets more fun,” he says. “And now we’re at the fun part. You know your lines, you get to play more, and you get to really get into your character.”

Along with the other seasoned musical theatre students, Isabelle Kim, who plays Portica, says that the seniors of the school help to foster a comfortable environment for newer performers.

“It’s been a really supportive, really fun team, and everyone’s just had this shared passion and I think that’s what makes it so fun. People feel free to express themselves, try new things and not be afraid to explore their characters,” she says. “That’s something really cool about Something Rotten, everyone has the ability to develop their own character and how they want that to translate on stage.”

Kim says that the students in the audience can look forward to some familiar jokes and characters in the performance.

“It aligns with what the different English classes are working on right now, they’re all studying Shakespeare, so I think it’ll be really cool for them to kind of connect those dots and see how many jokes they catch on to,” she says.

‘Something Rotten’ will run from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3 starting at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). The opening night show is already sold-out.

Those interested in seeing the production can purchase tickets online for $10 (plus applicable fees) here.

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Gibson and Sons Comedy Production Comes to The Peterborough Theatre Guild

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The comedy production Gibson and Sons, written by Kristen Da Silva, is coming to the stage at Peterborough Theatre Guild starting Feb. 24.

photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild.

Directed by Jerry Allen and produced by Pat Hooper, this comedy performance stars Luke Foster, Dan Smith, Lyndele Gauci, Jade O'Keeffe, Brian McIntosh, Bethany Heemskerk and Sheila Charleton.

Gibson and Sons at the Peterborough Theatre Guild has multiple dates with showtimes beginning at 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 24, 26, March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11), as well as matinee performances (Feb. 26, March 5) beginning at 2 p.m.

The cast and crew work together to tell Kristen Da Silva’s story of Harry Gibson, who helps his father run the family business (a struggling small-town funeral home) through he sees it beginning to interfere with his love life. Missing his recently departed mother, and hungry for companionship and the chance at having his own family, he secretly turns to an unconventional method of meeting a woman: an online Russian bride service. When his bride Katya and her acerbic older sister Eva arrive on Canadian soil, the sisters are plunged into culture shock while the Gibson family is thrown into a tailspin.

The Theatre Guild notes that the March 9 performance will have a reduced capacity with COVID-19 protocols in place, although masking is encouraged at all performances.

Tickets will be $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $15 for students and can be purchased online or by phone.

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St. Peter CSS Returns To the Showplace Stage With 'GREASE: The Musical'

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St. Peter Catholic Secondary School is set to return to the Showplace Performance Centre with the production of GREASE The Musical starting Feb. 15.

For the first time since 2018, St. Peter’s is taking the Showplace stage with Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s GREASE The Musical, running performances until Feb. 18.

The production includes close to 200 students and staff within the school community, and is directed by drama teacher and arts chair Paul Crough. St. Peter’s staff Jennifer Riel (choreographer), James Wright (music director) and Dyanne McDonald (stage manager) are among the production crew as well.

“It’s always an exciting time, we have students from Grade 9 through 12 in the musical. The part that I love about the whole experience that the audience doesn’t get to see is the process,” said Crough. “We have students who have never sung publicly in front of someone, and they’re terrified at auditions, and we witness the growth that takes place within their confidence with a like-minded group.”

Cast leads include Ryan Forsyth as Danny and Macayla Vaughan as Sandy. The two say they are excited to see the production come to fruition with all of the hard work going on behind the scenes.

“This is a dream role of mine, and as the first and last show I get to be a part of with this school, it is something special,” said Vaughan.

General admission tickets are $28.50 plus fees and are available for purchase at the Showplace Performance Centre box office (290 George St. N) or online.

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