Author: Don Kearney-Bourque

Lighthouse Festival unveils casting for 2025 summer season (Intermission Magazine)

By Krystal Abrigo | Intermission Magazine

Wednesday, April 16, 2025


The Lighthouse Festival has announced casting details for its 2025 summer season. A mix of returning favourites and new faces will appear in five productions across its two venues in Port Dover and Port Colborne.

“This year, we have an incredible lineup of plays, all guaranteed to bring joy, humour, and a sense of togetherness to our patrons,” wrote artistic director Jane Spence in a press release. “It’s a celebration of great stories and incredible talent, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it all.”

Listed below is the full season lineup, including casting.


The New Canadian Curling Club

Written by Mark Crawford
Directed by Jane Spence
May 22 – June 8 in Port Dover, June 12 – 22 in Port Colborne

A misfit group of newcomers signs up for a “learn to curl” class taught by a reluctant, injured curler with something to prove. This heartfelt comedy explores identity, immigration, and what it means to be Canadian, on and off the ice.

Starring Frank Chung as Mike Chang, Mahsa Ershadifar as Fatima, Chiamaka Glory as Charmaine Bailey, John Jarvis as Stuart McPhail, and Andrew Prashad as Anoopjeet Singh.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson
Directed by Andrew Scanlon
June 12 – 29 in Port Dover, July 3 – 13 in Port Colborne

A fast-paced spoof of the Sherlock classic, performed by three actors collectively playing 17 roles.

Starring Jonathan Ellul as Watson, Sweeney MacArthur as Jason (and others), and Andrew Scanlon as Javier/Sherlock.

“The type of person that is going to love this show,” quipped MacArthur, who juggles a dozen characters in this production, “is the type of person that uses a funny voice to talk to their pets at home, then uses a different funny voice to answer!”

Hidden Treasures

Two one-act plays by Norm Foster
Directed by Derek Ritschel
July 3 – 20 in Port Dover, July 24 – August 3 in Port Colborne

Presented as a single evening of theatre, this double bill features My Narrator and The Death of Me — two short comedies infused with Foster’s signature warmth and wit.

Starring Jennifer Dzialoszynski as Lacy/Cassie, Melanie Janzen as Barb/Angel, David Leyshon as Miles/John, and Stephen Sparks as Bob/Doctor.

Pinkerton Comes to Prospect (World premiere)

Written by Jamie Williams
Directed by Steven Gallagher
July 25 – August 10 in Port Dover, August 14 – 24 in Port Colborne

Developed during Lighthouse’s 2025 Play Development Festival, this Western-inspired comedy follows Herschel Pinkerton, a hapless newcomer who rides into the dusty town of Prospect and finds far more trouble than he bargained for.

Starring Ryan Bommarito as Herschel Penkerton, Matt Olver as Doc, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski as Amos, Jessica Sherman as Tallahassee Trigger, and Evelyn Wiebe as Lacy.

Here on the Flight Path

Written by Norm Foster
Directed by Derek Ritschel
August 14 – 31 in Port Dover

John lives on a quiet balcony near the airport, where over the years he encounters three very different women next door. This Foster favourite is a tender, funny look at love, growth, and the connections we make along the way.

Starring Julia Dyan as Fay, Angel, and Gwen, as well as Reid Janisse as John.


Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at the company’s website. You can also check out its summer season preview video for more information.

Lighthouse Festival is an Intermission partner. Learn more about Intermission’s partnership model here.


Krystal is Intermission’s Publishing and Editorial Assistant. A Scarborough-based writer of Philippine and Egyptian descent, she graduated cum laude with an Honours BA in Professional Writing from York University, specializing in Book Publishing and Corporate/Organizational Communication. She enjoys reading bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin. At any given moment, you can probably find her at a concert or on a long walk somewhere in Toronto.

For Immediate Release – Lighthouse Festival thanks Ontario Arts Council and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady for Supporting the 2025 Summer Season

Port Dover, ON – April 15, 2025 | Lighthouse Festival is pleased to announce it has received vital support from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) to help bring its 2025 Summer Season to life in Port Dover and Port Colborne. This funding will directly support the production of five professional plays, helping Lighthouse continue its mission of delivering world-class comedy rooted in the Canadian experience.

Lighthouse Festival would also like to extend sincere thanks to Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady for her ongoing advocacy and support of the local arts sector. Her efforts were instrumental in helping secure this grant, which will have a meaningful impact on the theatre’s ability to engage local artists, employ production teams, and welcome thousands of patrons through its doors.

“There’s such an abundance of talent in rural and smaller communities, especially in Haldimand-Norfolk,” said Bobbi Ann Brady. “When funding is put to good use as it is for supporting the Lighthouse Theatre, the whole community benefits – both audiences and everyone involved in the productions. Congratulations!”

The Ontario Arts Council’s investment reflects a continued commitment to fostering creative communities and supporting organizations offering opportunities for artists and audiences across Ontario. Lighthouse’s summer season includes five plays, four of which are written by Canadian playwrights. These plays showcase various comedic themes and styles while creating professional opportunities for actors, directors, designers, and technicians.

“Government support for the arts is so much more than funding – it’s an investment in vibrant communities, local storytelling, and creative expression,” said Jane Spence, Lighthouse Festival’s Artistic Director. “Thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council, Lighthouse Festival is able to bring Canadian stories to life, create jobs, and continue building meaningful opportunities in our region’s economy.”

“We’re proud to be part of a thriving arts landscape in Ontario and deeply grateful for the OAC’s continued investment in what we do,” said Nicole Campbell, Executive Director at Lighthouse Festival. “We also want to give a special thanks to our local MPP, Bobbi Ann Brady, for her advocacy and tireless support of arts funding in our community.”

The 2025 season includes The New Canadian Curling Club by Mark Crawford, The Hound of the Baskervilles adapted by Steven Canny & John Nicholson, Hidden Treasures and Here on the Flight Path by Norm Foster, and Pinkerton Comes to Prospect, a world premiere written by Jamie Williams. With a nearly all-Canadian lineup (plus one cheeky British import), the summer promises to be full of heart, hilarity, and high-quality storytelling.

Lighthouse Festival is a registered charity committed to celebrating Canadian stories and making live theatre accessible to audiences in southern Ontario. With locations in Port Dover and Port Colborne, Lighthouse continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s cultural identity.

For more information on the 2025 season or to purchase tickets, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com.

Cancellation of our 2025 Holiday Panto – The Wizard of Oz

Lighthouse Festival has reevaluated it’s upcoming winter season and has decided to cancel this year’s 2025 holiday panto, The Wizard of Oz. 

Due to popular demand, we have added more rental programming throughout the winter season and will be bringing you more musical concerts. Our website has regularly updated information on upcoming rental shows and productions. Please visit https://lighthousetheatre.com/events/ for more information.

We truly appreciate your support and understanding and are excited to continue offering shows you love.

Watch for an exciting 2026 holiday content announcement later this year. We can’t wait to share what’s coming!

For Immediate Release: Lighthouse Festival announces Cast for the upcoming 2025 Summer Season

Jane Spence

Port Dover, ON – April 2, 2025 | Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce the exciting cast for its 2025 Summer Season, which promises to be a hilarious, diverse, and entertaining collection of performances. The season will feature five incredible productions, including the world-premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams, Mark Crawford’s beloved comedy The New Canadian Curling Club, the classic mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles, the unique and memorable performance of Hidden Treasures, and the unforgettable Here on the Flight Path, both by Norm Foster.

“This year, we have an incredible lineup of plays, all guaranteed to bring joy, humour, and a sense of togetherness to our patrons,” says Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival. “From the world premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect to the heartwarming comedy like The New Canadian Curling Club, this season truly has something for everyone. It’s a celebration of great stories and incredible talent, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it all.”

Cast Announcement

The cast for the five productions has been carefully selected to bring these stories to life. Highlights include:

  • The New Canadian Curling Club is a moving and comedic look at new Canadians finding their footing on the curling rink. It features Frank Chung as Mike Chang, Mahsa Ershadifar as Fatima, Chiamaka Glory as Charmaine Bailey, John Jarvis as Stuart McPhail, and Andrew Prashad as Anoopjeet Singh.
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock favourite starring Jonathan Ellul as Watson, Sweeney Macarthur as Jason, and Andrew Scanlon as Javier/Sherlock, all of whom will play 17 different characters.
  • Hidden Treasures: Our special presentation of two Norm Foster-penned, one-act plays presented as a single production starring Jennifer Dzialoszynski as Lacy/Cassie, Melanie Janzen as Barb/Angel, David Leyshon as Miles/John, and Stephen Sparks as Bob/Doctor.
  • Pinkerton Comes to Prospect: The world premiere of Jamie Williams’ newest work will feature an exciting ensemble cast, including the Norfolk County talent of Ryan Bommarito as Herschel Penkerton, as well as Matt Olver as Doc, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski as Amos, Jessica Sherman as Tallahassee Trigger, and Evelyn Wiebe as Lacy. Directed by Steven Gallagher, this laugh-a-minute western-themed play will have patrons rolling in the aisles and was featured in Lighthouse’s 2025 Play Development Festival.
  • Here on the Flight Path: Examining one man’s relationship with three different women over several years, this Norm Foster classic is helmed by director Derek Ritschel and stars Julia Dyan as Fay, Angel and Gwen, and Reid Janisse as John.

Spence continues, “Each of these plays has been chosen for their ability to make us laugh and connect with one another, and I can’t wait to see the joy they bring to the stage. I’m so excited for this journey and look forward to celebrating the magic of live theatre with our patrons.”

Andrew Prashad

Cast Reactions

Andrew Prashad, who plays Anoopjeet Singh in The New Canadian Curling Club, shares, “On their way home, the audiences will hopefully be thinking about the jokes and humour, but also how showing empathy for other people who are different, is a good thing in helping us understand one another.” He continues, “I love that my character is an honest, hardworking person who is trying to bring a smile to other people’s faces while doing his best for his family.”

Frank Chung

Frank Chung, who portrays Mike Chang in The New Canadian Curling Club, adds, “I think audience members will be thinking a lot about what it truly means to be Canadian in an increasingly diverse world, but they will perhaps also think about how much it would cost to attend a Learn to Curl session!”

Mark Crawford

Mark Crawford, the playwright of The New Canadian Curling Club, explains, “This play originally premiered in 2018. Sitting here in 2025, it strikes me that a story about immigration, prejudice, and national identity is more relevant than ever. With threats to our sovereignty, many Canadians are taking a closer look at who we are and what we stand for. Lots of us are experiencing a renewed sense of patriotism. (Elbows up!) But despite all her great qualities, Canada isn’t perfect. As a theatre-maker, though, that’s the good stuff: conflict! I’m excited for you to meet these characters as they learn to curl, face challenges in a new land, and attempt to change and grow.” He continues, “I hope The New Canadian Curling Club tickles your funny bone. I also hope it makes you reflect on this great country we call home. Thanks for supporting Canadian culture. Enjoy the show. Hurry hard!”

Sweeney MacArthur

Sweeney MacArthur, who plays Jason in The Hound of the Baskervilles, says, “I think the type of person that is going to love this show is the type of person that uses a funny voice to talk to their pets at home, then uses a different funny voice to answer!” He adds, “What I love most about my character in this show is there’s a dozen of them!”

This summer, Lighthouse Festival continues its legacy of offering funny, captivating, world-class performances in lakeside Port Dover and Port Colborne. The 2025 Summer Season promises to deliver unforgettable theatre moments, and the team is eager to welcome audiences back for another year of exceptional comedy.

Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2025 summer season are now on sale. For more information, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com or contact the box office at (888) 779-7703.

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, cast interviews 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
www.lighthousetheatre.com

Lighthouse Festival Celebrates World Theatre Day 2025

All the world’s a stage…. And today we celebrate it!

PORT DOVER, March 27, 2025 – On March 27th, 2025, Lighthouse Festival will join theatres around the world in celebrating World Theatre Day, an annual event that honours the power of live theatre to connect, inspire, and transform communities. As an integral part of the cultural landscape in Norfolk County & the Niagara Region, Lighthouse Festival is committed to the belief that theatre is more than just entertainment – it is a vital force for positive change, personal growth, and social connection.

“World Theatre Day is a reminder of the unique ability of live theatre to bring people together, to tell stories that reflect our shared humanity, and to create spaces where dialogue and empathy can flourish,” said Artistic Director Jane Spence. “Theatre is not just about performing on stage; it’s about creating a space where we can challenge our perceptions, celebrate our differences, and recognise the transformative power of art.”

Since its founding, Lighthouse Festival has been a key player in Ontario’s cultural scene, offering a platform for stories that range from comedic to poignant, reflecting both the diversity and the unity of Canadian society. The theatre’s commitment to presenting high-quality, engaging productions ensures that every performance is an opportunity for audience members to experience something new, meaningful, and emotionally resonant.

“Theatre has the ability to change lives,” Spence continued. “It opens doors to new ideas, introduces us to different perspectives, and encourages us to ask the difficult questions. Whether you’re on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience, the impact of live theatre is undeniable. It creates lasting memories and ignites conversations that continue long after the curtain falls.”

Lighthouse Festival invites everyone to reflect on the role theatre plays in our lives and our communities on this special day. The theatre will be hosting various events, including free community gathering events, to engage the public in the celebration of this art form.

About Lighthouse Festival

Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of   new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support      and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres      operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, cast interviews and further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manage
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder LFT Community Play Coming in April (Port Dover Maple Leaf)

March 12, 2025

Port Dover Maple Leaf

By Donna McMillan

From April 11th to April 27th. The Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s much anticipated 2025 Community Show “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” will be hitting the stage in Port Dover with a “farcical romp” for cast and crew to sing and dance their way through.  

The Cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder rehearsing.

In an interview, Derek Ritschel, Director of the Community performance, described the Tony Award winning storyline as very quirky, musically complex and a lot of fun to unfold on stage.     Essentially, Monty Navarro is eighth in line to an earldom and works his way to the top through trickery and murder, he said.  And yet, you can’t help but like him in spite of the fact he is murdering for self – advancement!  Derek shared an ensemble of 17 actors has been rehearsing three nights a week since the beginning of January.

The Community play started and continues to be a fundraiser for the Not – For – Profit theatre, Derek said.    By buying a ticket,” it is a great way to donate to the theatre and get something cool in return.”   And for the cast and crew, who donate their time, it is an opportunity to work with a professional Director and Choreographer as well as having fun.   Fifteen of the ensemble are returning actors while two are new to the LFT Community Play, he shared.   

Heather Reichheld, a retired librarian from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, is the Stage Manager for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, her 11th show.  She has loved being involved in the Community Performance since her first “The Drowsy Chaperone” in 2014.   “I enjoy doing it and it is something my husband ( also a performer) and I can do together.”     J.P Antonacci, lead actor, described Heather as the nerve centre of the performance.   “She keeps us in line.  She has a big voice.”   Heather concurred, joking she likes telling people what to do, keeping the spreadsheets and keeping track of such a large cast.     Adding to the storyline of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”, she shared Navarro learned his late mother was disowned by her wealthy family.    Very poor, Navarro attempts to get a job with his rich relations.   They reject him.   Hence his determination to find a way into the family.  “It’s different from the Broadway play,” she said, in that the Broadway performance used one person to play all eight characters standing in the way to the Earldom.   Eight actors play those eight obstacles in Navarro’s way to the top in the community production.  

Port Dover resident and Hamilton Spectator journalist, J.P. Antonacci, is the lead actor playing Monty Navarro in A Gentleman’s Guide…..   This is his sixth Community Show.   As well he has performed in Simcoe Little Theatre Performances and conducts the Haunted Walks in Norfolk.   

In this play, he shared the audience will see a zany ensemble of characters through his character’s eyes and will have to decide if his protagonist role is evil or just fell into the circumstances.   “It was fun to play it,” he said.    The Community Play “is the most fun I have all year round,” JP said, “and I have a lot of fun,” mentioning also that he performs with the band The Shrubberies.  He shared how much he enjoys working with a positive, energetic and good spirited group.   “It fills me up,” he said.   

J.P. feels he has become a better actor and gained more confidence every community show he has performed in.   “I owe it to Derek and the Professional team here,” he said.   The audience is going to see a high- quality show, he shared.    The music is different; a faster pace; more operatic.   The challenge of his lead role is singing a lot of words in so many songs while dancing, he said.

Julie Buffett plays Miss Shingle, a “mysterious person” who gives help and sets the protagonist in motion in his quest to gain the Earldom of the wealthy, but not so nice D’Ysquith family.  A Social Worker, Julie is performing for the first time in the LFT Community play, but is no stranger to theatre.   She has worked backstage or on stage in theatres in Simcoe, Hamilton, Cambridge and Tillsonburg.   She directed Steel Magnolias and Nunsense in Tillsonburg.    She is embracing her role in “A Gentleman’s Guide…..”.   She’s great.  She’s eccentric, she shared.

Kiana Littlemore, in her last year at Simcoe Composite School, has assumed a new role, along with Chrystal Stephens, of looking after Costumes and Props for this performance.    A veteran actor in Young Theatre Players, she has performed in Little Shop of Horrors, The Wolves, Mean Girls Junior and more.  She is enjoying the new experience of being in charge of costumes; making sure all costumes fit, is consistent with the time period and cast members can move easily in their clothing.   She found Sibella and Phoebe the most challenging to costume to keep them elegant and period appropriate.   She shared costumes have been collected from Simcoe Little Theatre, the Lighthouse Theatre wardrobe collection and some cast members have brought in their own.    Not to be missed, tickets go quickly for the Community Play.   For the April 11 to 27 performance tickets, contact Lighthouse Festival Theatre by visiting the Box Office at 247 Main St, Port Dover, calling 519 583 2221 or visit lighthousetheatre.com            

Review: Robin Hood Show at Lighthouse Festival’s March Break (The Abby Post)

Today I was at Lighthouse Theatre and I watched Robin Hood! 

March 11, 2025

The Abby Post

By Abby Mitchell


Today I was the @lighthouselft and I watched Robin Hood.

It was really good. 

I liked that people got to go up on stage and get to be part of the play. I also liked if you weren’t up on stage you got to still be part of it by yelling things out like “long live the king”! 

I got to be part of it because I was picked to be Maid Marion. It was very fun to go up. 

It was really funny

Tomorrow there will be Sleeping Beauty. You can still get tickets. 

In August there is going to be “Snow White”.  The actors for that one are all kids. I hope everyone gets tickets. 

@lighthouselft is very fun place to go to for entertainment. 


A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our March Break shows! We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: What do you see? Art challenges perception at Simcoe Little Theatre (NorfolkToday.ca)

March 3, 2025

NorfolkToday.ca

98.9 myFM Staff

Simcoe Little Theatre is bringing a thought-provoking and entertaining production to the stage this March. Art, is a witty and insightful play about friendship, perception, and the power of perspective.

The story follows three longtime friends who find themselves in a heated debate over a very expensive piece of white artwork. While one character sees depth and meaning, another sees nothing, and the third simply wants to keep the peace. As tensions rise, their differences threaten to unravel years of friendship, leading to both hilarious and emotional moments. To fully understand this play, Deelen dissected Art for its deeper meaning in order to bring it to life for the audience. Director Courtney Deelen shared that after reading the play, she knew exactly who she wanted to cast for each character.

Deelen added the cast was able to embody their characters so convincingly that she is confident that audiences will be immersed in their performances. She went on to describes Art as a play that will make audiences both laugh and reflect. Afterall, understanding another person’s perspective is a universal idea and opens the play to a broad audience.

You won’t want to miss Art at the Simcoe Little Theatre. The show runs from March 6th–16th, with tickets available at simcoelittletheatre.org.

Written by Jeremy Hall and Georgia Chambers

From Arts to Advocacy: Norfolk women share their stories at Lighthouse Festival Theatre on International Women’s Day (NorfolkToday.ca)

February 27, 2025

NorfolkToday.ca

98.9 myFM Staff

Norfolk County Economic Development and Lighthouse Festival are hosting an International Women’s Day celebration on March 6th , at Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover.

This event, running from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will feature networking opportunities and a panel of accomplished women sharing their experiences.

Speakers include:

Jane Spence (Lighthouse Festival Artistic Director) – The role of arts in empowering women’s voices
Jennifer Schooley (Apple Hill Lavender Farm) – Women-led businesses and sustainability
Claire Senko (Waterford Old Town Hall) – Community-driven arts initiatives
Carrie Sinkowski (McMaster University, Community Legal Clinic) – Women and access to justice
Abby Mitchell (The Abby Post) – Media, storytelling, and community connections

Attendees will gain insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy while enjoying light refreshments and networking opportunities.

All are welcome to join this inspiring evening.

Lighthouse Festival invites you to join us in celebrating the mixed media artwork of artist JC Lee

Please join us as we unveil the mixed media artwork of Norfolk County & Hamilton artist JC Lee that will hang in the box office lobby for the 2025 season at Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover. Champagne and light refreshments will be served and JC’s artwork will be for sale.

When: Sunday, March 23rd | 2 PM to 4 PM

Where: Lighthouse Festival Theatre – Box Office Lobby | 247 Main Street, Port Dover ON

JC Lee is a Norfolk County/Hamilton, Ontario artist creating contemporary textured paintings of landscapes and nature with hints of fantasy!

His passion for art started during his childhood in Malaysia where he learned the basics of painting using watercolour.  After a long hiatus from painting as other life pursuits including moving to Canada became a priority, JC’s passion for art was rekindled by the beauty of the varied landscapes and wildlife in Norfolk County, Ontario while vacationing in Turkey Point.  He now splits his creative time between his Turkey Point cottage and Hamilton home, where he lives with his husband and two dogs while maintaining a tech job in the IT industry.

JC taught himself techniques of oil and mixed media painting.  He paints with a distinct personal style, creating a combination of textures with a variety of mixed media, especially mica powder, and blending with richly coloured oil paints to capture his inspirations, infusing them with emotion and magic on the canvas.  His artworks paint stories in the vein of Magical Realism – rooted in realism but enchanted with fantastical elements and perspectives.  

Artist Statement

“I draw inspiration from the diverse Canadian landscapes and natural environments, then combine my own life experiences and feelings to create stories through my paintings with a touch of fantasy.

My artworks are set in reality but I intensify magical elements in nature through juxtaposition of colours, textures, patterns, composition and perspectives.  I bring my detail oriented personality into my paintings, as a result, my work often feature highly defined textured foreground for an almost 3D effect and a detailed background. Transformative play of light, symbolism and metaphors are also recurring components of my paintings. Due to the variety of textured and shimmering media, many of my paintings are best appreciated in person.”

Please note tickets are not required to attend this opening reception as this is a drop in event. 

Visit JC Lee’s website at www.jclcreations.ca

Follow JC Lee on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/jclCreationsByJCLee

Instagram: instagram.com/jc.lee.artist/

Lighthouse Festival launching Play Development Festival (98.9 myFM)

February 25, 2025

NorfolkToday.ca

98.9 myFM Staff

Lighthouse Festival is launching its first Play Development Festival, a three-day event from March 3 to March 5, 2025, at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover.

This festival will showcase emerging Canadian comedic playwrights, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at new works through live readings and interactive feedback sessions.

Featured plays include:

March 3: Pinkerton Comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams
March 4: Baby Steps by Matt Gorman
March 5: Secret Service by Ephraim Ellis

Attendees can participate in post-reading discussions with the playwrights and creative teams.

A minimum $50 donation grants entry for two people, supporting Lighthouse Festival’s mission to foster new talent.

For theatre lovers eager to witness the future of Canadian comedy, this event is a must-attend.

Tickets and more information are available on the Lighthouse Festival website.

Simcoe Little Theatre production explores expensive art agitation (Brantford Expositor)

Remember the absolute Canadian outrage when the National Gallery of Canada spent $1.8 million on a two-toned striped painting called Voice of Fire in 1989?

February 3, 2025

Brantford Expositor

By Susan Gamble

That’s the same kind of angst provoked by Simcoe Little Theatre’s second production of the season, titled simply Art.

“It kind of weaves off exactly that scenario,” director Courtney Deelen says about the three-man production.

“It’s kind of life imitating art and it all comes down to perspective and what we find quality and value in.”

The production revolves around three friends and the conversations and introspection that follows when one of them spends a crazy amount of money on a completely white painting.

“For one person, it’s a piece of status, or belonging to a certain circle and it doesn’t matter if other people get it,” said Deelen, “while others are saying ‘This isn’t you’.”

Written by Yasmina Reza in 1984 and the winner of a 1998 Best Play Tony award, Art is dubbed a razor-sharp comedy, but Deelen says it carries some “weight” as the three long-time friends explore whether they really know each other.

It follows Little Shop of Horrors in the theatre’s 2024-25 season and will be followed by Jessica’s Fine Adventure.

Art features Matt McGregor, Dave Deelen (Courtney Deelen’s father) and Randy McGivern.

The show will run from March 6-16 with both evening and matinee shows available.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.simcoelittletheatre.org or by calling the box office at 519-583-0505.

SLT is a non-profit community theatre on Talbot Street North in Simcoe that has been fostering the local performing arts for more than 70 years

SGamble@postmedia.com