Simcoe Little Theatre presents Art as the second production of the 2024/25 Season
Posted on January 7, 2025
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Tony-Award Winning Play, written by Yasmina Reza & directed by Courtney Deelen, will be on stage at Simcoe Little Theatre from March sixth through 16th and features a cast of local acting luminaries.
Simcoe, ON – January 7, 2025 – Simcoe Little Theatre is thrilled to announce that Yasmina Reza’s celebrated play, Art, will grace the stage from March sixth to 16th, 2025. This razor-sharp comedy, directed by Courtney Deelen, explores the complexities of friendship through wit, humour, and thought-provoking dialogue.
Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play, Art is a timeless exploration of how personal taste and perspective can challenge the bonds we hold most dear. The story begins with Serge, played by Matt McGregor, purchasing an expensive piece of modern art: an all-white painting. This decision sparks an uproar among his closest friends, Marc (played by Dave Deelen) and Yvan (played by Randy McGivern), leading to hilarious yet poignant confrontations that test their decades-long friendship. As tensions rise, the trio must grapple with questions of loyalty, honesty, and what it truly means to be a friend.
Director Courtney Deelen, known for her dynamic approach to theatrical productions, shares her thoughts about bringing Art to Norfolk County audiences: “Do their reactions to this provocative canvas mirror more dangerous perceptions of their longtime friendship? The matter of personal relationships, outlooks of life, loved ones and family also strategically weave throughout this play. Art is a look at how vastly different perspectives and opinions can challenge even the closest of friendships.”
Deelen further explains the play’s enduring appeal: “It all begins with a piece of art. Or “art” according to at least one of our heroes. This play is a quirky, fun, feel-good play with substance. It follows 3 friends, played by Matt McGregor (Serge), Dave Deelen (Marc), and Randy McGivern (Yvan) and the question; is it really art or is it not?”
Featuring a stellar cast, Art promises to be an unmissable theatrical event. Matt McGregor’s portrayal of Serge promises depth and charm to the art enthusiast whose purchase sets the story in motion. Dave Deelen’s Marc will deliver sharp wit and a commanding presence, while Randy McGivern’s Yvan will add a dose of comedic brilliance with his chaotic and endearing personality.
Performances will run at Simcoe Little Theatre from March sixth to 16th, 2025, with evening and matinee shows available. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at simcoelittletheatre.org or by calling the box office at (519) 583-0505.
Join us for an unforgettable exploration of friendship, art, and the ties that bind us. Secure your tickets early – this is one production you won’t want to miss!
Randy McGivern as Yvan
Dave Deelen as Marc
Matt McGregor as Serge
About Simcoe Little Theatre
Simcoe Little Theatre is a non-profit community theater located in Simcoe, Ontario in beautiful Norfolk County. For over 60 years, Simcoe Little Theatre has been dedicated to providing quality theatrical productions and fostering a love for the performing arts in the local community. With a talented team of actors, directors, and volunteers, Simcoe Little Theatre continues to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. For more information, visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org. Where Community Stars Shine!
Simcoe Little Theatre 33 Talbot Street North Simcoe, ON N3Y 4L2 519-583-0505
For media inquiries, cast & creative interviews, and further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing & Communications Manager Lighthouse Festival & Simcoe Little Theatre don@lighthousetheatre.com Direct: (226) 290-0070 Cell: (289) 541-7410
Theatre has survived another year, and audiences are returning to performances in greater numbers. But there are still too many empty seats to celebrate a return to pre-pandemic levels.
Only the most popular shows sell out these days and the uncertainty of sales is frightening to even the most celebrated companies.
Here’s to a better 2025 and a major return to prosperity in the theatre world. And here’s to seeing you in a theatre soon.
In no particular order, here are the 13 best shows I saw this past year.
“Ragtime” at Encores City Center New York. This rangy, sprawling musical with its passionate score and stunning cast was a magnificent reminder of how powerful great theatre can be. Hamilton-born star Caissie Levy played Mother and she stopped the show cold for six minutes while the audience stomped, cheered and screamed the place down. Her version of “Never Go Back to Before” was riveting.
“Salesman in China” at the Stratford Festival. This was the most compelling theatre experience of the Stratford season, recalling the great playwright Arthur Miller’s experience directing his heartbreaking play “Death of a Salesman” in Beijing with an all-Chinese cast. At Stratford, Tom McCamus, Ying Ruocheng, Sarah Orenstein and George Chiang gave stirring performances that buried themselves deep into the imagination. An illuminating experience.
“Maggie” at Goodspeed Opera House in Goodspeed, Conn. This musical, originally produced at Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius, was even better in its American iteration with the astounding Christine Dwyer in its titular role. Everything about Mary Francis Moore’s elegant direction was braver and richer in Connecticut.
“Something Rotten!” at Stratford Festival Theatre. Yes, this is only a so-so musical with a lot of silly business and not so memorable songs, but director Donna Feore made up for that with smart staging and stunning choreography. She is a wizard at making the ordinary spectacular. Long may she set folks dancing at Stratford.
“The Master Plan” at Theatre Aquarius Hamilton. No, not everyone liked this powerhouse play by Michael Healey, but it was sensational theatre, acted by a crack cast and directed by the gifted Chris Abraham. The energy, pace and star power of its cast, led by Mike Shara, Philippa Domville and Ben Carlson, was superb. The show deserved sold-out houses in Hamilton — sadly, it didn’t get them. Great theatre is hard to come by and this was great theatre.
“Next to Normal” at Wyndham’s Theatre London, England. Hamilton’s Caissie Levy was again burning a patch off the stage in a power-packed performance as a woman haunted by the death of her son. This was Levy’s second time in this role and she led an amazing cast. She was nominated for an Olivier Award as Best Actress. She didn’t win. Doesn’t matter. She was terrific.
“Mary’s Wedding” at Lighthouse Festival Theatre Port Dover. Forget the perch at the restaurant, this was the reason to go to Dover this summer. A first-class production of Stephen Massicotte’s Canadian play was directed beautifully by Derek Ritschel. Every shade and nuance was carefully etched into exquisite performances by Daniel Reale and Evelyn Wiebe.
“Water for Elephants” at New York ‘s Imperial Theatre. Burlington-born choreographer Jesse Robb was nominated for a Tony for his work on this stunning show and Paul Alexander Nolan, who has starred at Theatre Aquarius, was superb in it. This show has everything: fine music, a great story about finding yourself and dance to die for. It’s closed now after a good run. Maybe it will come to Toronto. We can always hope.
“Beautiful Scars” at Theatre Aquarius Hamilton. This rangy musical about the epiphany that gave Hamilton musician and writer Tom Wilson a whole new world was written alongside Shaun Smyth, with larger than life music by Wilson. It was a knockout in a visual kaleidoscope of a production smartly directed by Mary Francis Moore.
“The Hills of California” at the Broadhurst Theatre, New York. It’s too late to catch this one in its outstanding U.S. premiere, but someone will do it in Toronto, or maybe even Hamilton. Jez Butterworth’s script about a dysfunctional family is excoriating and Sam Mendes directed a brilliant cast that shone through the play’s hills and valleys of hope and despair. A real stunner.
“Come From Away” at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. OK, it’s been around the block and just won’t go away — and that’s because it’s good. Back in Toronto, the show is still telling a heartwarming story about pluck and courage and Canadian good manners. And Hamilton’s Kristen Peace is still in it and terrific as usual.
“The Marilyn Conspiracy” at Park Theatre in London, England. This play about what might have happened to Marilyn Monroe is a real shocker, with some heavyweight accusations about some very famous people. Performed at a small theatre in London, it was riveting theatre with Genevieve Gaunt as a clone of Monroe. The Kennedys would certainly never endorse this stunning conclusion to the mystery of Marilyn’s death. Maybe someone will do the play here. It will certainly shock you silly.
“A Christmas Story The Musical.” Hamilton’s Theatre Aquarius offered a terrific production of what is really just a so-so musical to bring family entertainment back to their stage. Performers Jamie McRoberts, Adam Brazier, Finn Kirk and Addison Wagman made it work, along with some smart direction by Mary Francis Moore.
And that’s it. The best of 2024. Have a very happy 2025 and support theatres everywhere. They need us more than ever.
Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator, as well as a variety of international publications, for more than 40 years.
When theatre producer Ross Petty announced his retirement from his annual holiday pantomime in 2022, he left a gaping hole in Canadian theatre. The “Petty panto,” as it was lovingly known by Toronto theatre fans of all ages, was a tradition — a yearly excuse to celebrate all things silly with big dance numbers and naughty innuendos.
Thanks to Canadian Stage, the pantomime is back in Toronto this year, with Petty serving as executive producer emeritus.
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical by Canadian Stage at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres Centre in Toronto. (Dahlia Katz)
Over the last few decades, holiday pantos have cropped up across Canada, each one a little different in terms of how they pay homage to their respective communities. Most of them hold fast to the form’s usual features — audience participation, singalong dance numbers and melodramatic conflicts — and most theatre artists credit Petty for kick-starting the panto trend in Canada.
What is a pantomime?
A pantomime is a family-friendly musical typically produced in the lead-up to Christmas, although the show seldom touches on religious or holiday themes. What typically makes pantomime fun for all ages is the element of audience participation — spectators are encouraged to boo the villain, cheer for the hero and sing along to their favourite pop songs, which are often woven into the musical score of the show.
Simon Sladen, senior curator of modern and contemporary theatre and performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, has dedicated his career to researching the phenomenon of pantomime. In 2013, he launched the National Database of Pantomime Performance, enabling researchers to track every professional pantomime in the U.K. and beyond.
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical by Canadian Stage at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres Centre in Toronto. (Dahlia Katz)
“Pantomimes are often considered popular art, something that isn’t in the same cultural hierarchy as, say, Shakespeare,” Sladen tells CBC Arts. “But there’s no reason for that apart from cultural snobbery. Pantomime is a very important part of British Christmas. It’s a form that’s survived centuries, and it’s enjoyed by millions of people in the U.K. each year.”
Sladen includes Petty in a group of theatre creators who helped to usher pantomime beyond the British Isles, and says Petty’s work has helped to keep panto alive in Canada.
“He’s a great performer,” says Sladen. “His villainy is just amazing. A Ross Petty panto is anarchic and eccentric, and those are things I love in a panto. They’re cartoony, and they have interesting morals in them. They’re not constrained by expectations of tradition, which can happen a bit here in the U.K. They don’t have the same cultural straitjacket. They can present panto as a bonkers British genre but with its own spin, which I think is fantastic.”
Reviving the Ross Petty panto in 2024
Brendan Healy, artistic director of Canadian Stage, says taking the panto under his company’s wing was an easy decision. Canadian Stage is famous for its Dream in High Park summer theatre series, and according to Healy, there was interest in finding a family-friendly winter counterpart to the annual Shakespeare tradition.
“When Ross was retiring in 2022, we thought there was an opportunity for us to pick up the panto and make that our family winter offering,” he says. “I have a very strong belief that Canadian Stage needs to do its part in fostering the next generation of theatregoers, and provide opportunities for younger people to experience live theatre. Dream in High Park does that, but Ross has introduced literally thousands upon thousands of children to theatre. That’s what plants the seed for a lifetime of interest in the art form.”
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical by Canadian Stage at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres Centre in Toronto. (Dahlia Katz)
Petty vividly remembers the first call he got from Canadian Stage, during which it became clear both to him and the new producers: “The panto cannot die after 27 years.”
“I’m delighted that Canadian Stage came forward with this proposal,” he says. As executive producer emeritus, Petty contributed a few of his relationships in advertising and sponsorships, and he sat in on a few rehearsals, but for the most part, he has been hands-off with this production. That’s part of his “running off into the sunset” dream of retirement, he says.
“The whole creative team is stellar — Ted Dykstra has directed five of the pantos in the past, and music director Mark Camilleri has done them for several years. I trusted each member of this team implicitly.”
The Wizard of Oz: The Toto-ly Awesome Family Musical by Canadian Stage at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres Centre in Toronto. (Dahlia Katz)
On Dec. 11, at Toronto’s Winter Garden Theatre, the Ross Petty panto officially returned with a deliciously campy adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Playwright Matt Murray, who previously wrote six of Petty’s pantos, handled the pen once more for this milestone outing. And while, yes, this year’s choice of story was partly inspired by the recent film adaptation of Wicked, there’s more nuance to it than just that.
“I’m really feeling the sense that people genuinely missed this tradition,” Murray says. “I think people are really craving it. It’s been very exciting to feel the energy of getting this opportunity to bring this tradition back.
“We knew people would be loving Oz right now and wanting more of it,” he continues. “The enthusiasm is there. The show is really hitting the zeitgeist, and that’s really fun.”
Panto beyond Toronto
The Canadian panto craze extends far beyond Toronto. Around the GTA, loads of regional theatres stage annual pantomimes — inspired, of course, by Petty — but further adrift, smaller communities have taken the art form and made it their own.
Vancouver’s East Van Panto is a beloved local tradition that infuses pantomime with a sense of social justice. This year’s story, Robin Hood, comments on gentrification, and according to co-writer Jiv Parasram, is “a lot more politically engaged” than some of the other theatre happening in Vancouver.
East Van Panto Robin Hood by Theatre Replacement at the York Theatre in Vancouver. (Emily Cooper)
“It borrows the conventions of the traditional British panto, but has really morphed into its own thing,” says fellow co-writer Christine Quintana. “East Vancouver is a very artist-heavy, counterculture-heavy community.”
“I’m familiar with the Petty pantos from when I lived in Toronto,” says Parasram. “They’ll touch on politics, but it’s usually pretty light. The East Van Panto lives more in the political satire realm, and we really leaned into that this year.” According to Parasram and Quintana, their panto is loaded with esoteric local references, like an infamously weird sign warning hikers of deep mud at Trout Lake, which makes an appearance in the show.
“That kind of hyper-specific reference is really fun for us,” says Parasram. “It’s awesome to get to pay tribute and mythologize places that are real and that mean something.”
Cinderella by Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Colborne, Ont. and Port Dover, Ont. (Lighthouse Festival Theatre )
In southwestern Ontario, Lighthouse Festival Theatre is one of several companies with an annual pantomime. The company has theatres in two cities — Port Dover and Port Colborne — and the yearly panto is a highlight of their programming, which is otherwise concentrated in the summer months.
“Pantomime is such a participatory style of theatre,” says artistic director Jane Spence. This year, Lighthouse produced a panto-fied take on Cinderella. “We had a performance for 300 elementary school kids and it was magical. I’ve never seen an audience so engaged. They were all just ready to boo and cheer, and they sang along with some of the songs. It was such a beautiful moment — there was not one cellphone on in the whole audience.
“Everyone was just engaged, and there was so much excitement,” she continues. “I thought, ‘This is how you inspire the next generation of theatre-goers.'”
Aisling Murphy is a Toronto-based writer and editor. She is the Senior Editor of Intermission Magazine, and has previously written for the Toronto Star and CP24.She is the incoming Theatre Reporter for The Globe and Mail.
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Brad Hart as Drummer
Posted on December 15, 2024
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We sat down with drummer extraordinaire, Brad Hart, about Cinderella – The Panto! and chatted out the importance of music in a pantomime, what drew him to this role, and what are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of performing arts.
Brad Hart as Drummer (Sticks) in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): How important is music in a production like Cinderella?
Brad Hart (BH): I think there is a correlation between the effect that comedy and music have on an audience. It is an instinctual, reflexive response. Laughter as a reaction is mysterious and beyond our control, as is the emotional reaction to music.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of performing arts?
(BH): Live theatre is such a joyously collaborative experience during the rehearsal process — there is nothing else quite like it. As far as performances go, you get to create something with the audience that is only ever going to exist in that exact moment and then it is gone. The energy that passes between the audience and performers is beautiful — and reciprocal.
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella and why did you want to be a part of it?
(BH): I always had a deep envy of David Letterman’s drummer, Anton Fig — how he got to sit back and comment on the jokes by adding the odd rimshot to the proceedings! I couldn’t pass up the chance to do that in in the Cinderella Panto!
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Steve Gauci as as Dandy
Posted on December 14, 2024
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We chatted with our panto villain, Steve Gauci, about Cinderella – The Panto!, including what the audience will laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella, what drew him to this role, and what he’d do next if he had a magic wand.
Steve Gauci as Dandy in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): If you had a magic wand, what would you do next after Cinderella?
Steve Gauci (SG): After this show, I want to hang out and watch Christmas movies with my wife and girls. And, with a little magic, I’d love to start working in the voice industry.
(LF): What will the audience laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella?
(SG): The beginning of the show. No, wait! The end. No,wait! The middle .
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella – The Panto!?
(SG): Jonny (The Director). We’ve worked together many times, I was visiting this summer and he offered me the job. So, I took a leave from my teaching job in Victoria and here I am.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(SG): For better or worse, I’ve only done live theatre. I will say that 4 hours of choreography is a lot harder now than when I was 25.
(LF): What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
(SG): Trying to keep up with the rest of this very talented cast…and 4 hours of choreography!
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Katie Edwards as Cinderella
Posted on December 8, 2024
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We chatted with our favourite princess, Katie Edwards, about Cinderella – The Panto!, including what the audience will laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella, what drew her to this role, and what she’d do next if she had a magic wand.
Katie Edwards as Cinderella in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): If you had a magic wand, what would you do next after Cinderella?
Katie Edwards (KE): If I had a magic wand, the show I’d love to do next would be the musical, Annie. It’s such a fun show with fantastic songs and dance numbers. I always thought it would be fun to play Lily St. Regis.
(LF): What will the audience laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella?
(KE): In addition to some good old-fashioned toilet humour, the audience will likely laugh at almost everything the Fairy Godmother says or does. Raquel Duffy is hilarious in the role, and I’m truly terrified of cracking up on stage when we’re in a scene together.
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella – The Panto!?
(KE): I was obsessed with Disney princesses growing up, so getting to play Cinderella truly fulfills a childhood dream of mine. I’ve always appreciated her kindness and compassion, and I love how those lovely qualities are rewarded. Although, to be honest, in a Cinderella panto, I’d be happy playing a mouse! It’s just a joy to be a part of this magical show.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(KE): The biggest reward of live theatre is having an audience. Hearing an audience enjoy your performance can give you the biggest confidence boost! However, the challenge with doing live theatre is that sometimes you will make mistakes and the audience will notice – luckily we have the freedom to make fun of our mistakes in a panto!
(LF): What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
(KE): The biggest challenge is balancing the heart of the fairytale with the joy and silliness of a panto. Cinderella sometimes experiences sadness and doubt in the show, and yet we always have to keep the energy light and fun. It is quite the balancing act!
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Sal Figliomeni as Speline Dijon
Posted on December 7, 2024
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We chatted with the hilarious Sal Figliomeni about Cinderella – The Panto!, what are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting, what’s the funniest line of dialogue in the play, and what he’d do next if he had a magic wand.
Sal Figliomeni as Speline Dijon in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): If you had a magic wand, what would you do next after Cinderella?
Sal Figliomeni (SF): My magic wand would pick “ Mother Goose” the Panto.
(LF): What will the audience laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella?
(SF): The audience will laugh most at the tall, funny, stepsister.
(LF): Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
(SF): “Could we? Should we? We Must!“
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(SF): The rewards of live theatre, especially Panto, is the audience participation. The more they engage and respond, the better the whole show is for everyone.
(LF): What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
(SF): The biggest challenge about this role is sharing the “Dame” role with someone. It is usually all about me!!! Kidding… Not kidding. LOL.
Giving Tuesday – Illuminate The Future of Lighthouse Festival!
Posted on December 3, 2024
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Dear Lighthouse Patrons,
On this Giving Tuesday, we are reminded of the profound impact art has on our lives. At Lighthouse Festival, we believe that theatre is more than just entertainment—it is a mirror of our shared humanity, a spark that ignites creativity, and a space where voices are heard, stories are told, and communities are united.
Each year, we bring fresh voices to the stage, offering playwrights, directors, and performers the opportunity to craft stories that reflect our diverse experiences, challenge our perspectives, and connect us as a nation. Your donations have made this possible—and together, we can continue to grow.
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in a special mission: to continue nurturing and celebrating Canadian artists, while enriching the cultural fabric of our communities. With your support, we can shine even brighter in 2025 and beyond!
Your Giving Tuesday gift directly supports:
Emerging Canadian Artists: Your donation helps fund the development and production of new plays by Canadian playwrights. These works often start as raw ideas, but with the help of our creative team and your support, they are nurtured into fully realized productions.
Community Engagement: Through outreach, community partnerships, and our annual festival, we provide access to high-quality theatre for people of all ages and backgrounds. Your gift helps make theatre more accessible and meaningful for thousands of audience members each year.
A Thriving Future: Lighthouse Festival is not just about celebrating the present. Your contributions allow us to look ahead with optimism and excitement as we plan new initiatives, expand our programming, and develop the next generation of Canadian talent.
With your support we will continue to have have privilege of welcoming new artists to our festival, and nurturing existing relationships with your favourite talent.
“I’ve been blessed to have been embraced several times as an actor and even once as a writer at Lighthouse. I’m always impressed by the community who is involved, artistically curious, and so supportive of what theatre can bring to their experience and enjoyment of life. It’s a magic place for all of us.” – Deb Hale, ‘Sheree Hollinger’ in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club
Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Your support makes all the difference, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the arts.
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Raquel Duffy as Fairy Godmother
Posted on December 3, 2024
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We sat down for a wee chat with Raquel about Cinderella – The Panto!, how she sees the role of theatre in today’s society, what’s the funniest line of dialogue in the play, and what is the biggest misconception about people who work in the world of theatre.
Raquel Duffy as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): How do you see the role of theatre in today’s society?
Raquel Duffy (RD): Many of us live/play/work in an alternate ‘cyber’ world. Theatre allows a shared experience–not only with friends and family, but with complete strangers. In my opinion, that group connection theatre offers is vital to the human experience.
(LF): What’s the funniest line of dialogue for you in Cinderella?
(RD): There’s a bit that starts with “pull my finger”. And yes, I have the same sense of humour as your average 10 year old. That’s all I’ll say for now:)
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella?
(RD): Well–bippity boppity boo!! I grew up reading this story, so to play the iconic role of the fairy godmother is a gift.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(RD): I think the challenge is the reward—having to repeat the same thing over and over again and keep it fresh each and every time can be hard, but within that structure, there’s a freedom that exists. The reward is when you hit that sweet spot, even if it’s only for a moment.
(LF): What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about working in theatre?
(RD): That theatre people are always living it up. Most of us are quite regimented due to the physical and mental demands of 8 shows a week. I won’t say that we’re boring, but perhaps not as wildly exciting as people might think.
For Immediate Release: March Break Family Fun at Lighthouse Festival with Dufflebag Theatre’s Interactive Shows
Posted on December 2, 2024
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December 2, 2024 | Port Dover, ON – Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, interactive theatrical adventure this March Break as Lighthouse Festival welcomes the nearly world-famous Dufflebag Theatre for two unforgettable family-friendly performances of Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty!
These delightfully funny and interactive shows are perfect for kids and parents alike. Tickets are only $17 each, or bring the whole gang with a family four-pack for just $60!
Performance Schedule:
Robin Hood: March 11th in Port Dover
Sleeping Beauty: March 12th in Port Dover, March 13th in Port Colborne
Dufflebag Theatre brings their signature brand of hilarity, heart, and improvisation to these beloved tales. With a twist: audience members are invited to join the cast on stage to become part of the story! Plus, kids and parents are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairy-tale or adventure characters to add to the fun.
Robin Hood delivers a rollicking ride through Sherwood Forest as our hero battles the bumbling Sheriff of Nottingham along with Maid Marian—all while stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Expect sword fights, silly jokes, and a few surprises as the audience becomes part of the Merry Men!
In Sleeping Beauty, witness the chaos when a feisty princess, a trio of wacky fairies, and one not-so-frightening villain collide in a timeless tale of true love—with a comedic twist. Will the prince get lost on the way? Will the audience become the fairy-tale kingdom? You’ll have to come to see!
“Dufflebag Theatre is thrilled to partner with Lighthouse Festival to bring these stories to life in the most unexpected and hilarious ways,” said Marcus Lundgren, Artistic Director of Dufflebag Theatre. “The magic of these performances is how the audience helps create the story—it’s live theatre at its most fun!”
Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival, added, “This is a perfect way to enjoy March Break with your family. Dufflebag Theatre’s energy and creativity are unmatched, and we can’t wait to see families in our community laughing, cheering, and dressing up for these shows!”
Don’t miss out on this must-see March Break experience. Tickets are available to the public starting on December 5th, 2024 at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 888-779-7703.
Media Contact For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque Marketing & Communications Manager Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation don@lighthousetheatre.com Direct: (226) 290-0070 Cell: (289) 541-7410
Meet the cast of Cinderella – The Panto! | Helen Belay as Prince Charming
Posted on December 2, 2024
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We chatted with Helen about Cinderella – The Panto!, what are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting, what drew her to this role in Cinderella, and what she’d do next if she had a magic wand.
Helen Belay as Prince Charming in Cinderella – The Panto!
Lighthouse Festival (LF): If you had a magic wand, what would you do next after Cinderella?
Helen Belay (HB): There are a variety of pieces I’m interested in, sure, but I’ve also found that the most enticing or special experiences of my career thus far have been the pieces I never saw coming. I think one of the beautiful things about theatre is the work we’ve yet to see or even dream of. That said, I also have a soft spot for the classics, so something in the realm of that would be a real treat!
(LF): What will the audience laugh at most during a performance of Cinderella?
(HB): There’s a buffet of laughs to be had, I think! I’m really enjoying watching the many reworked versions of tunes we all know, and the moments of silliness that run on the ethos of, “More! More! More!”
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella?
(HB): The opportunity to make people laugh. I’ve always loved laughing and making people laugh, and it’s been a hot minute since I’ve had the chance to do so.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(HB): I think the challenge of theatre lies in the essence of it being live — where there are no second takes, where mistakes must not only just be forgiven, but arguably, celebrated and where the pursuit of spontaneity and “aliveness” are perpetual — but that’s also what’s beautiful. I was once told that if we’re all doing our job right, the hearts of everyone onstage and offstage, in the audience, are in sync. Is there anything cooler than that? That has to be one of my favourite parts of the theatre — feeling and hearing the ensemble and audience, and getting to a place of ease where that dynamic is a dance.
(LF): What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?
(HB): Not corpsing when receiving the bounty of delightful offers from the rest of the cast, and not judging myself when heaving my own into the mix! P.S. For those who might not know, corpsing isn’t anything serious — it just means bursting into laughter when you shouldn’t! In answering this, I learned that it’s called that because the worst time to burst into laughter is when you’re playing a corpse, hahaha.
It was a panto. It is different than other plays. You are participating in the story.They ask you questions and you yell things back.
The stepsisters were very, very, funny. I really liked the tall sister and my brother liked the short one.
I liked that there were a lot of jokes. There was also a lot of dancing.
I really liked the music. They took songs that you knew and changed the words.
They help tell the story. I like how they sang a song about bananas
The actors came right up to people in audiences and interacted with them. I heard a lot of people laughing the whole time. I like that the audience was singing and dancing.
I Loved Cinderella. If you want to have a good time for a family night I would suggest going to see Cinderella. It plays in Port Dover until December 7th.
Next December there is another panto and it is the Wizard of Oz. I can’t wait to see it.
Thank you Lighthouse Theatre for inviting me to review Cinderella.
A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our holiday panto! We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival
