Author: Don Kearney-Bourque

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Review: Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto

Posted on December 14, 2023

By Mike Renzella | The Haldimand Press

December 14, 2023

PORT COLBORNE — If your holiday season has been light on laughter so far, you should run, not walk, to Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre and catch Lighthouse Festival’s first-ever holiday pantomime production, Jack and the Beanstalk, before its final show runs on December 17.

The Panto is an interesting experiment for Lighthouse. Setting the tone immediately, the show actively encourages audience participation, with characters interacting directly with those off the stage and music cues telling the audience to boo the villain, throw out ridiculous animal calls, yell advice to characters, and sing along with those on stage.

Eliza-Jane Scott, Sal Figliomeni & Stephen Ingram in Ligthouse Festival’s pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk (December 2023)

It’s a truly fun and unique evening that is sure to please the younger crowd with bright sets, inventive lighting, and over-the-top costumes and performances, while the older crowd is sure to enjoy the show’s onslaught of zingers. The talented cast is game for all the silliness, bringing affable charm to their over-the-top caricatures.

As Jack, Eliza-Jane Scott brings a snot-nosed, Bart Simpson-esque energy to the classic role of the boy duped into selling his cow for a bag of magic beans. His mother, Dame, played by Sal Figliomeni in a tour-de-force performance with no less than 10 impressive costume changes, shines in a role designed to wring every single laugh possible out of the premise of an aging Italian man playing a female protagonist.

If you’ve seen Disney’s animated Robin Hood movie, then you’ll recognize that movie’s snively king in Allan Cooke’s performance as he plays, well, a snively king. With the role, Cooke adds another memorable comedic character to his long and impressive list of Lighthouse performances, having most recently been seen as one of a pair of bumbling thugs in the theatre’s summer-ending show ‘A Pack of Thieves’.

As the aptly named Villain, Cyrus Lane brings a 1930s gangster, scene-chewing energy to a hilariously over-the-top depiction of corporate greed in his Lighthouse debut. His desire to tear down farmland and replace it with “condos, condos, condos as far as the eye can see” seems tailor-made to get Haldimand Norfolk residents booing him with gusto from their seats.

We would be remiss not to mention Stephen Ingram, the show’s Music Director and on-stage narrator. Ingram wanders in and out of the show amiably, always singing a catchy song, and he keeps the show moving at a brisk pace, playing the keyboard with ease and adding musical flair to the show’s sharp comedy.

Director Jonathan Ellul keeps everything moving at a frantic pace, and although the actions unfolding onstage are undeniably silly, the show itself is well-paced and well-produced, shined to a polish. Every sound cue hits right on time, with backstage rimshots aplenty timed to the show’s many intentionally silly dad jokes, and the show has a lot of visual creativity on display, including the titular beanstalk which impressively rises to the rafters to end the show’s first half.

It’s easy to see why Lighthouse Artistic Director Derek Ritschel has been pumping up this production all year. It really is a great, local option for families looking for something to do together during the holidays, and we hope this year’s inaugural panto is just the first in a new local tradition to cherish.

For tickets and more information, visit lighthousetheatre.com.

After studying journalism at Humber College, Mike Renzella desired to write professionally but found himself working in technical fields for many years. Beginning in 2019 as a freelancer, he joined the team full-time later that year. Since then, Mike has won several awards for his articles thanks to his commitment to presenting an unbiased, honest look at the important news and events shaping our community.

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Meet the Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! | Katie Edwards as The Princess

Posted on November 29, 2023

Meet Katie Edwards! She’s graced the Lighthouse stage as Grace in RUM RUNNERS and as Danny in ONE MOMENT but she’s very excited to be starring in Lighthouse Festival’s first Pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk. We chatted about what she does before going on stage, why she wanted to be involved in our pantomime and how she’s similar/different from her character.

Katie Edwards

Lighthouse Festival (LF): Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Katie Edwards (KE): I’ve had the privilege of performing with Jonny Ellul two times throughout my career. I think he is one of the kindest and most creative artists I’ve ever worked with. So, when I heard that Jonny was directing a panto at the Lighthouse, all I could think was, “That show is going to be so much fun. I have to be a part of it!”

(LF): What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage/the curtain goes up? 

(KE): I recite any monologues I have in the show to make sure I haven’t forgotten any lines!

(LF): How is your character like you? Different?

(KE): I think the princess and I are quite similar, as we both like to fight for marginalized communities and we love the great outdoors. How are we different? Alas, I am not royalty, nor am I trained in hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, ju jitsu and karate.

(LF): If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?

(KE): Definitely Urinetown!

(LF): What sort of person is going to love this show?

(KE): Anyone of any age who enjoys funny, musical entertainment.

News

Lighthouse Theatre preview: This ain’t your grandparent’s Jack and the Beanstalk…

Posted on November 25, 2023

By Mike Renzella | The Haldimand Press

November 23, 2023

PORT DOVER—This holiday season, Port Dover’s famous Lighthouse Festival Theatre is offering something new. Adding to their highly successful and frequently hilarious summer festival series, the creative team at Lighthouse is proud to present a new annual tradition: the holiday pantomime (panto for short).

This year’s inaugural offering, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, is playing in Dover from November 29 to December 9 and at Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre from December 13-17.

While Lighthouse Artistic Director Derek Ritschel has been thrilled to see the show develop behind the scenes, bringing together a mix of skilled comedic actors from across Lighthouse’s summer season, he said so far it’s been a bit of a tougher sell to the general public.

Allan Cooke & Katie Edwards rehearse a scene of Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto!

The common hurdle he’s faced has been the perception that the show is aimed at children. Not the case at all, noted Ritschel, describing the show, in essence, as, “How would a comedy sketch team do Jack and the Beanstalk?”

Show director Jonathan Ellul elaborated, characterizing the upcoming production as, “Imagine everything you love about the Muppet show, the Gong Show, and Buggs Bunny and you’re getting closer to what this show is going to be like! And the audience is as busy as the actors on stage cheering the good guys, and heckling the villain, and singing along.”

Ritschel added, “It’s a fairytale for adults. The kids can come too. Kids can always come to a panto.… The actors are using Jack and the Beanstalk as a loose storyline to follow and to mine for laughs.”

For those needing further explanation, picture the popular animated film series Shrek, which similarly takes familiar fairytale characters and then applies a Saturday Night Live style comedy approach as it skewers its source material.

“It’s just so good,” said Ritschel. “I really want people to see this show.”

Both Ellul and Ritschel know they have their work cut out for them, but they are looking ahead and excited about building the panto into a new beloved local tradition for families in the area.

“My wish is that after the show people will talk about it and think, ‘next year we’ll bring the grandparents too’, or ‘my sisters’ family will love this, let’s all go together next year’,” said Ellul.

Ritschel added, “We just need those people that come to have a good laugh and spread the word. What more can we ask for? When the team finally came together, we felt super confident that we may not have the biggest audiences because no one knows what the heck we’re doing, but the people that do come are about to have their heads blown off.”

While hopeful that this year’s panto comes out of the gate hot, Ritschel and his team have the patience to let their baby grow. 

“The next couple of years will be the education years,” said Ritschel. “Three years from now you won’t be able to get a ticket to the panto. In the UK, they sell their pantos out eight months in advance.”

Ellul called the creative process a “different sort of animal” than a regular production. 

“This script was written for the actors who were cast in the roles. Ken MacDougall has worked with most of the cast and knows their voices and humour, and he has written the script with those actors in mind,” explained Ellul. “Then when we go into the process of rehearsing and putting it on its feet, the actors improvise and riff on what was already written. You wouldn’t do that in a scripted play. Here, that’s what it’s all about!”

Sal Figliomeni & Eliza-Jane Scott rehearse a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto!

Ritschel praised the skilled cast: “In the summer, we expect the actors to be word-perfect to the script, but here, there’s a lot of improv. They’ll do the storyline, but if something happens, if the audience reacts a certain way, the actors are 100% prepared to go off-script. They almost always do.”

Ellul added, “The cast is a group of very smart and funny people. I have worked with all of them before, but this is the first time most of them have worked together. Their inventive approach and willingness to play has created a tight ensemble already!”

He encouraged the younger crowd to wear costumes to the shows, noting, “If you are the sort of person who likes to wear sparkly dresses, and fairy wings, and rainbow unicorns? This is the show to dress up in those costumes for! We have a princess and fairy who would love to see young people dressed up! We even love seeing ninja-turtles and Hogwarts costumes! This is the place to wear those awesome threads! All you need to do is show up, and we will make it worth your while! We can’t wait to see you!”

Ritschel concluded, “It’s comedy for the whole family. There’s nothing more powerful than seeing grandparents, parents, and kids, the whole generational span of a family laughing together. I don’t know how much more powerful that can be, especially in today’s day and age where we all need a laugh, and we need holiday cheer.”

For more information on Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto or to purchase tickets, visit lighthousetheatre.com or call their box office at 519-583-2221.

After studying journalism at Humber College, Mike Renzella desired to write professionally but found himself working in technical fields for many years. Beginning in 2019 as a freelancer, he joined the team full-time later that year. Since then, Mike has won several awards for his articles thanks to his commitment to presenting an unbiased, honest look at the important news and events shaping our community.

News

‘Just bring your joy’: Inside Lighthouse Theatre’s new all-ages holiday pantomime

Posted on November 24, 2023

By Nathaniel Hanula-James | Intermission Magazine

Friday, November 24, 2023

“There are no mimes in pantomime.

So said Derek Ritschel, artistic director of Lighthouse Festival, in an interview with Intermission. Next week, the company opens Jack and the Beanstalk, a production Ritschel hopes will inaugurate a new tradition in the Port Dover and Port Colborne communities that Lighthouse serves: an annual holiday pantomime.

Although the pantomime — or “panto,” for short — is a thriving tradition with a long history, especially in the UK, it’s relatively little-known in Canada. According to Ritschel and Jack and the Beanstalk’s director Jonathan Ellul, the confusion of mime with pantomime is a common misconception. “I would say that 85 per cent of our audience has no idea what a panto is,” said Ritschel. 

But if a panto isn’t the Marcel Marceau-show, what the heck is it? 

“It’s as though the Muppets were going to do their version of Jack and the Beanstalk, but we got hold of the script,” said Ellul. “In terms of the humour, I always think panto must have been the precursor for all those Bugs Bunny cartoons. It’s a heightened telling of a familiar story, and it’s going to go every which way.” 

In other words, a pantomime takes a well-known fairy tale, throws it in a blender, and adds a healthy dose of zany hijinks. A traditional pantomime features a “pants role,” or a young male hero played by a woman, as well as a “pantomime dame” in drag. (Though the latter role is “more Miss Piggy than RuPaul,” said Ellul.) 

Panto hallmarks also include a good fairy, an over-the-top villain, original songs, a slapstick chase scene, contemporary references to the local community, and plenty of audience participation. (A classic example: yelling “THERE’S A MONSTER BEHIND YOU!” at a dim-witted character who just won’t take the audience’s advice.) Theatregoers can expect all this and more from Lighthouse Festival’s Jack and the Beanstalk.

If the experience sounds overwhelming, fear not. The level of panto knowledge required of a first-time audience member is none whatsoever. “We’re going to be setting up those things within the show,” Ellul assured me. “The audience member who’s never seen [a panto] will be able to fully partake.” 

There’s no question that Jack in the Beanstalk’s audiences will be in good hands: Ellul and Ritschel have assembled a dazzling team of Canadian comic talent. The cast of seven includes Eliza-Jane Scott as Jack, Cyrus Lane as the Villain, and Lori Nancy Kalamanski as the Fairy. “It’s been amazing for me to watch how they’re feeding off each other and coming together as an ensemble,” Ellul confided. “It’s been amazing to watch seven individual clowns develop.” 

According to Ellul, once playwright Ken MacDougall knew the casting, he tailored the script to fit the voices and talents of each actor. Even so, Ellul continued, “the script is very much a blueprint. There’s a setup and a joke, with the caveat that, if you’ve got a better one, let’s hear it in the rehearsal room. [The actors] didn’t waste a second.” 

On the day I spoke to Ellul and Ritschel, comic genius had struck twice. Eliza-Jane Scott had “realized that Jack didn’t have a moment where he kind of encapsulated everything,” Ellul told me. “So she went home and wrote a song based on a line that was in the script and summarized… everything that [Jack] had been through. She sent it as an email and I was listening…on my phone in a restaurant. I was laughing so hard I was in convulsions, all by myself — I looked like a crazy man in hysterics in the corner.”

Meanwhile, Ellul continued, Lane had completely rewritten the lyrics for the Villain’s big musical number, “and made it current and topical.” 

Pantomime’s embrace of improvisation means the show will keep transforming even after it opens. “The panto is like the ultimate playground for theatre,” said Ritschel. You get to interact with the audience and feed off [their] energy. If the audience gives you something that night, it’s going to be a different show.”

Unlike in more serious theat-ah, “the greatest gift that can happen is that somebody’s cellphone goes off in the audience,” Ellul added. “These [actors] will stop and say, ‘you better get it.’” 

Ellul and Ritschel took care to stress that all this fairy-tale funny business isn’t just for kids: this Jack and the Beanstalk has jokes for all ages. In fact, one of Panto’s superpowers is its ability to get every generation cackling. 

“I don’t think there’s anything more powerful than seeing three generations of a family laugh together in a theatre,” said Ritschel. “That doesn’t happen in other genres.”

Although this is the first time Lighthouse Theatre has staged a holiday panto, Ritschel and Ellul hope this is only the beginning of a new tradition. 

“The best thing I could hope for,” said Ellul, “is that people come out with a seed planted…‘Next year we’re bringing the grandparents, too.’” 

Panto “doesn’t care where you’re from,” insisted Ritschel. “[It] doesn’t care what other theatres you go to. It doesn’t care what your age is. Doesn’t care what your background is.”

So what does pantomime care about? 

“Joy,” said Ritschel. “Don’t worry about anything else. Just bring your joy.”

Jack and the Beanstalk opens at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover on November 30 and runs until December 9. In Port Colborne, the production opens at the Roselawn Theatre on December 13 and runs until December 17. You can learn more about the show here.

News

Magic Beans and Katie Edwards are set loose in Port Dover theatre’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’

Posted on November 22, 2023

Rehearsing is a blast and she has never laughed so much in all her life, Edwards tells Gary Smith.

By Gary Smith | Special to the Hamilton Spectator

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Katie Edwards grew up watching her mom and dad act on local theatre stages.

“I have so many memories of watching them rehearse when I was quite young. I watched them in awe, feeling so proud to be related to them.”

Along the way, she just knew she would have to find her own place on a theatre stage one day.

“After watching my parents perform, it meant so much for me to follow in their footsteps. My parents’ passion for theatre greatly impacted my need to pursue a professional career in the arts.

“I had been a very busy kid. My parents enrolled me in children’s programs at Theatre Aquarius and at Student Theatre in Burlington. These were great, but my real joy was actually being on stage. My first show was in Village Theatre Waterdown in1997. It was called ‘Clowns.’ I was nine years old.

“By the time I got to high school, the stage was one of the few places I felt calm and confident.”

For Edwards, performing is a gateway to freedom.

“It gives me a creative outlet and allows me to escape my own reality and play characters that I admire. I love playing strong, courageous, intelligent characters and I hope they empower young girls in the audience, as much as they have empowered me.”

Allan Cooke as The King & Katie Edwards as The Princess rehearsing a scene from Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! at Lighthouse Festival’s Rehearsal Hall in Port Dover.

Edwards is getting ready to put on another princess dress and help Jack fight the giant in Port Dover’s Lighthouse Theatre production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

“It’s a pantomime and some people aren’t quite familiar with what that means. It’s not a silent mime show. It’s a musical comedy that includes singing and dancing, topical jokes and stock characters. It’s typically based on a well-known fairytale. Pantos are great fun because they provide dual entertainment for children and adults, by incorporating double entendres and adult humour into a children’s story. It’s also a form of participation theatre. The audience is encouraged to boo and heckle the villain, shout out to the performers, and sing along with some of the songs. I can’t wait to get in front of an audience with this show because they are such a big part of what happens.”

Edwards says rehearsing is a blast and she has never laughed so much in all her life.

“Working in the theatre is a challenge,” Edwards says. “It’s challenging to earn enough from theatre work alone. Some years all my money came from theatre contracts but I wasn’t able to save for my future. It took me a while but I realized I have many different passions and I didn’t have to choose just one of them. I went back to school 10 years ago to study sociology and women’s studies at York University. Since then, I have worked as a choreographer, director, drama and mindfulness teacher, theatre workshop facilitator and fundraiser. I’ve even written a few shows. Right after graduation I was asked to co-write the university’s orientation play on consent, which was a wonderful way for me to combine my education in women’s studies and theatre.”

Edwards has starred in “Anne” at Theatre Orangeville, playing Anne of Green Gables. She has played Grace in Rum Runners at Port Dover and was in Ross Petty’s Toronto pantomime “The Wizard of Oz.”

Sal Figliomeni at Jack’s Mum (background), Lori Nancy Kalamanski as The Fairy, and Katie Edwards as The Princess, at the Lighthouse Festival Rehearsal Hall in Port Dover working on a scene for Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! coming to the stage on November 29th to December 17th in Port Dover and Port Colborne.

“That one was my intro to panto,” Edwards says. “They are probably my favourite type of show to perform in.”

Edwards is philosophical about life and the arts world she inhabits.

“I took a break from acting for several years to gain experience in other fields. I’ve stayed connected to theatre by teaching drama and mindfulness classes at Forma Theater in Toronto. When COVID-19 hit, I felt very fortunate to have a stable job, as the pandemic was particularly challenging for actors.”

“Two years ago, my partner and I moved to Hamilton and we had our beautiful son Jamie. I love being a mom more than anything, but it does make it challenging. Almost every gig I’ve landed has been outside the city I’ve lived in. Of course, right now I’m living in Port Dover and I can only see my two-year-old on weekends. But, from the moment I was asked to be involved in this show I had to say yes. I just couldn’t turn it down. And I am so excited for my son to see the show and to have him watch me up there on the stage the way I used to watch my mom and dad when I was little.”

Jack and the Beanstalk — The Panto

Where Lighthouse Festival Theatre, 247 Main St., Port Dover

When Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 1-9 at 7:30 p.m., matinees Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 2-3 and 5, 7, 8, 9. at 2 p.m.

Tickets From $34 adults. Children and students under 18 from $30. Call 1-888-779-7703 or lighthousetheatre.com

Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator for 40 years as well as for a variety of international publications. gsmith1@cogeco.ca.

News

Meet the Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! | Stephen Ingram as Simon

Posted on November 18, 2023

In addition to playing the part of Simon, Stephen Ingram is also the Musical Director for Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! We asked him about what people will be talking about after the show, how important music is in a pantomime, and what he enjoys about playing his character.

Stephen Ingram

Lighthouse Festival (LF): What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

Stephen Ingram (SI): My hope is that every member of the audience will take home a little spark of joy, a little spring in their step, a little warmth in their heart. To me, a panto is all about giving such a ridiculous amount of silly joy and heart that the audience can’t help but find it contagious.

(LF): As the musical director for the show, in addition to acting in it, how do you balance both of those roles? 

(SI): We’ll find out, won’t we! It certainly requires more preparation in the weeks before rehearsals start, prepping sheet music and figuring out part-singing assignments. Once we get intro the swing of things I always like to be able to focus on my acting role as much as possible, as that’s something that is difficult to do on your own — I can bring the songs home, just not the actors! 

(LF): What do you love about the character you’re playing?

(SI): Simon is the musical centre of the show, and is always looking for a way to drag music back into it. He also always just sort of seems like he’s living in his own little world, and as a bit of a space cadet myself, I can relate! 

(LF): If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

(SI): My life wouldn’t be a movie, it would be either a musical or some kind of interactive concert. Brent Carver and Stephen Sondheim would have to come back from the dead to make it happen – Brent to play me, Stephen to write the music!

(LF): How important is music in a pantomime? 

(SI): A pantomime is all about being more over the top, sillier, larger than life — and what’s more over the top than bursting into song? Music takes everything about a pantomime that is already heightened, and heightens it ten steps further.

News

Simcoe Little Theatre presents heartwarming musical White Christmas

Posted on November 14, 2023

A large cast of local talent will perform in Simcoe Little Theatre’s production of White Christmas.

November 14, 2023

Simcoe Reformer

By Staff Writer

White Christmas, Irving Berlin’s classic and heartwarming musical will take the stage at Simcoe Little Theatre later this month featuring a large cast of local actors.

The production tells the story of two Second World War buddies who become successful entertainers after the war, meet two singing sisters, and end up putting on a show at an inn in Vermont owned by their former commanding officer.

The cast of White Christmas at Simcoe Little Theatre

“White Christmas will always be one of my favourite musicals,” said director Janet Dickson. “I hope the audience will laugh, be impressed with the talented cast, sing along at the ending and feel inspired by the integrity of the characters in the show.”

Dickson noted that she is excited to feature members of the Lisa Naves adult tap dance class, led by choreographer Teagan Davenport, that will tap dance in two numbers during the show.

“Rehearsals are on track to be ready for a fabulous opening night November 23 that will begin 12 shows over three weekends. I’m impressed with the dedication of the cast; some attending four rehearsals a week,” Dickson observed. “The chemistry among our cast members is palpable, and their dedication to delivering a heartwarming and memorable performance is truly remarkable.”

Performances run on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and weekends at 2 p.m. from Nov. 23 through to December 10, 2023.

Tickets are available by contacting the box office at 519-583-0505 or online at simcoelittletheatre.org.

News

Meet the Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! | Sal Figliomeni as Dame (Jack’s Mum)

Posted on November 11, 2023

For his first appearance on the Lighthouse stage, Sal Figliomeni is making it an appearance to remember. He’s playing the Dame (Jack’s Mum), something he’s very comfortable doing. We chatted with Sal about why he wanted to be in this production, what will surprise the audience and what he does when he’s not on the stage.

Sal Figliomeni

Lighthouse Festival (LF): Why did you want to be in this pantomime production?

Sal Figliomeni (SF): I Love Pantomime. I have been in many Panto Productions over many years playing all the types of parts. From “Buttons character”, to “Villian” to “Dame”. To be part of a new experience of Panto being brought to an audience for the first time is an amazing opportunity. I am honored to be part of that experience and am excited to share Panto.

(LF): How is this production bringing something new to this story? 

(SF): This production is bringing surprise to its audience. The fun of call-outs from the audience in Panto. The built in audience participation. The fun of a new twist to a story that the audience THINKS they know.

(LF): How is your character like you? How is it different?

(SF):  My character, the ”Dame/Jack’s Mom”, is hard working, harsh but fair, rough but loving, campy yet sweet. This is just like me. That is why I love to play the traditional Dame role. 

(LF): What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?

(SF): I am part of a family-run spring water company called “Filane’s Canadian Spring Water” and bottles at source up north in Schreiber, ON. I am the sales manager and delivery man for the Greater Toronto and surrounding areas. My Dame persona has also grown into a full on drag character called “Shirley Happening” and I have created a one-woman show for her called “LIFE…. It’s Shirley Happening!”

(LF): What sort of person is going to love this show? 

(SF): This show is going to be loved by all. It has laughter, and joy, and excitement. Heroes and villains, and adventure, OH MY!!!!

News

A Panto is “absurd and joyous”

Posted on November 9, 2023
Lighthouse Theatre’s Head Technician Kassidy Sharp & Artistic Director Derek Ritschel look at a maquette of the set for the upcoming panto Jack and the Beanstalk, opening November 29th in Port Dover.

Local topics, slapstick comedy, music, dance, audience sing-alongs – all with laughter and family fun

November 1, 2023

Port Dover Maple Leaf

By Jacob Fehr

From November 29 to December 9, Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover will put on Jack and the Beanstalk—The Panto. But what’s a panto? The Maple Leaf sat down with Derek Ritschel, Artistic Director for Lighthouse Theatre, to let him answer that question. 

“It’s not Shakespeare, I’ll tell you that,” Mr. Ritschel joked. He explained that a panto is a kind of theatrical entertainment popular in Great Britain. Pantos include references to current events and local topics, slapstick comedy, music, dance, and audience participation, and are usually based on fairy tales and nursery stories. They subvert and “destroy” stereotypes with humor, often involving male actors playing female roles and vice versa, he said.

Pantos are typically performed at the end of a year to celebrate its conclusion. Mr. Ritschel emphasized that they bring family members together for “intergenerational laughs” because they are designed to appeal to all ages and to provide families with a shared activity around the holidays. He said tickets for pantos in England usually sell out quickly because families buy their tickets together.

Mr. Ritschel thinks pantos are “absurd and joyous.” They’re intended to unite families by providing everyone with something fun to enjoy, he said. And as he put it, there’s “nothing more powerful” than bringing families together through laughter.
“[A panto is] such a feel-good event, and now we’ll have it in Norfolk,” he said. 

In his opinion, Jack and the Beanstalk is “terrific” material for Lighthouse Theatre’s first panto because it is funny and full of tropes to subvert. He thinks it will be a great introduction to the style for local audiences. “It’s a strong opener,” he said. 
Lighthouse Theatre is fully producing the show, which will be split across two 45-minute acts. It was written by Ken MacDougall and will be directed by Jonathan Ellul. Mr. Ritschel said Mr. MacDougall has written pantos for decades and wrote this panto’s script specifically for Norfolk County. The theatre’s team has helped shape it too.

Mr. Ritschel stated he first contacted Mr. MacDougall in January 2022, meaning the play has been in production for nearly two years. “We want this panto to be something that Norfolk is super proud of and rallies behind,” he said.
He praised the panto’s cast, who he said are all accomplished Canadian theatre actors. “These guys know panto—they know comedy,” he said. 

The show’s cast includes Lighthouse favourites Allan Cooke (A Pack of Thieves), Katie Edwards (Rum Runners), and Eliza-Jane Scott (Come Down From Up River). Actors Lori Nancy Kalamanski and Cyrus Lane will perform in Port Dover for the first time. “I was stunned when Cyrus Lane signed on to be in the first panto at Lighthouse,” Mr. Ritschel said. Mr. Lane’s prior roles include recurring appearances on CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries. As for Ms. Kalamanski, Mr. Ritschel said she is “one of the funniest comedians you could possibly want.”

The theatre’s office and carpentry staff are working together on the panto’s set. They collaborated to construct props and paint set pieces. He said that with a break between the end of Lighthouse Festival’s summer season and the panto’s debut, the whole staff wanted to collaborate “hands on.” “That’s the beauty of theatre—it’s the most team-oriented kind of process,” he said.

Mr. Ritschel has plans for more pantos to come, including Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, but whether they happen depends on how their first panto does. “It’s now up to the audience to show up or we can’t do it again,” he said. “It’s an expensive gamble.”

Nevertheless, he predicts Jack and the Beanstalk—The Panto will be a hit, and tickets for future pantos at Lighthouse Theatre will be the hardest to get. He hopes to make holiday pantos an annual tradition for the theatre.
“Let’s all have some fun to close this 2026 out,” he said.

To learn more about or purchase tickets for the panto, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk/. Tickets can also be bought at the box office in the Main Street lobby at Lighthouse Theatre.

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Simcoe Little Theatre Presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a Heartwarming, Holiday Favourite

Posted on November 8, 2023

On Stage November 23rd to December 10th at Simcoe Little Theatre.

Large, local cast, crew, and musicians featured in production. Tickets on sale now as well as season subscriptions to save you 10% off the total ticket price.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Simcoe, ON (November 2, 2023) – Simcoe Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, bringing the warmth and magic of the holiday season to the heart of Simcoe. Directed by Janet Dickson, this timeless classic will be brought to life by a large cast of talented local actors and promises to be a holiday spectacle not to be missed.

White Christmas tells the heartwarming story of two Army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who become successful entertainers after World War II. Their camaraderie leads them to a chance meeting with two singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, and a nostalgic journey ensues. When they end up at a Vermont inn, they discover it’s run by their beloved commanding officer, General Waverly, who is going through tough financial times. To save the inn from ruin, they hatch a plan to put on a show that will bring the whole town together and ensure a White Christmas for all!

“White Christmas will always be one of my favourite musicals. My heart warms when I think of the loyalty of these men to their General,” said Director Janet Dickson.  “I laugh when Bob and Phil entertain us. I enjoy watching Judy flirt and Betty let down her guard to fall in love. Martha is a good-hearted meddler and housekeeper at the Inn, and the General’s grand-daughter Susan is ready to take on the world!”

“I hope the audience will laugh, be impressed with the talented cast, sing along at the ending and feel inspired by the integrity of the characters in the show,” she continued. “They might be surprised to see tap dancing in two of the show numbers. We are excited to be featuring members of the Lisa Naves adult tap dance class led by choreographer Teagan Davenport!”

The production will feature a talented ensemble of local actors, each bringing their unique charm to the stage. “Rehearsals are on track to be ready for a fabulous opening night November 23rd that will begin 12 shows over 3 weekends. I’m impressed with the dedication of the cast; some attending 4 rehearsals a week,” said Dickson. “The chemistry among our cast members is palpable, and their dedication to delivering a heartwarming and memorable performance is truly remarkable.”

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will run from November 23rd to December 10th, with both matinee and evening performances at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. This schedule allows families and individuals to choose a convenient time to enjoy the show. With tickets starting at just $24, it’s an affordable way for everyone to experience the magic of the season and the magic of live theatre.

Simcoe Little Theatre invites the community to embrace the spirit of the season by attending this heartwarming holiday production. To purchase tickets and get more information about the show, please visit our website at www.simcoelittletheatre.org or by calling the box office at 519-583-0505.

Subscriptions & Ticket Pricing

Single tickets are on sale now at simcoelittletheatre.org or by contacting the box office at 519-583-0505. The following prices for single tickets include all taxes and charges with no hidden fees:

Opening Night Tickets$27 (Opening night celebrations allow patrons to mingle with the cast and crew after the show while enjoying complimentary eats from local restaurants)
Single Tickets$24
Student Tickets$10 (21 years of age and under)
SINGLE TICKET PRICING

Subscriptions are back at Simcoe Little Theatre, allowing you to enjoy all the shows of the season at a discounted rate. Plus, being a subscriber adds you to our subscribers list, giving you access to upcoming events before the general public, as well as occasional subscriber-only promotions. The following prices for subscriptions include all taxes and charges with no hidden fees:

Regular Ticket SubscriptionOpening Night Subscription
Get 10% off when you buy a subscription to all three shows, plus early access to future SLT promotions.Opening night celebrations allow you a chance to mingle with the cast and crew after the show while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres. It’s a party!
$65$73
SUBSCRIPTION PRICING

Where Community Stars Shine

Since the 1940s, Simcoe Little Theatre has been a beacon of the arts in Norfolk County that provides a safe space for the community to develop their talents, passion and find a sense of belonging. All while producing quality amateur entertainment for the Norfolk County area. Simcoe Little Theatre operates by the motto: “Where community stars shine”. Now, following a partnership with Lighthouse Festival in the summer of 2021 that allows Lighthouse Festival to handle administration, facility upkeep, marketing, and publicity duties; Simcoe Little Theatre has the security to be viable for generations to come and embrace that motto. Local community artists and volunteers can continue to dream and inspire on the Simcoe Little Theatre stage and focus on what really matters, producing great community theatre!

Simcoe Little Theatre has maintained a proud tradition of community theatre run by the community for the community for over 75 years. Lighthouse Festival could not be prouder to support and empower all of the local artists who will continue to entertain the next generation of theatre lovers in Norfolk County.

Cast & crew are available for interviews

Contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing & Communications Officer

226-290-0070 or 289-541-7410 | don@lighthousetheatre.com                             

Tickets on sale now at simcoelittletheatre.org | 519-583-0505

Ticket Prices: $10 – $27

Full show descriptions available at simcoelittletheatre.org

News

Meet the Cast of Jack and the Beanstalk – The Panto! | Lori Nancy Kalamanski as The Fairy

Posted on November 4, 2023

Lori Nancy Kalamanski is making her Lighthouse debut in Jack and the Beanstalk but has an amazing theatre and television background, as well as a new sing along album to boot. We chatted with her about why she wanted to be in this show, what’s going to surprise people about it and what makes a good scene partner.

Lori Nancy Kalamanski

Lighthouse Festival (LF): Why did you want to be in this pantomime production?

Lori Nancy Kalamanski (LNK): One of my earliest theatre experiences as a child was seeing a pantomime. I am delighted to now be onstage sharing this fun tradition with the Lighthouse Festival community in their very first panto.

(LF): When you have a five-minute break during rehearsals, what do you spend your time doing? 

(LNK): A fairy never tells their secrets, but I assure you, it’s something good!

(LF): What’s going to surprise people about this show?

(LNK):  This is quite a modern take on the ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ story. Keep your ears open for nods to local community & current events. And though you’re welcome to just sit back & watch, we’d actually love it if you made a lot of noise!! Cheer for the good folks and boo the baddies. Don’t worry if you don’t know panto rules yet. Come to the show and my character will guide you through it.  

(LF): Besides this one, what’s your favourite stage show?

(LNK): Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine wrote a pretty fantastic musical called ‘Into The Woods’. It mashes together a whole bunch of fairy tales (including Jack & the Beanstalk) and cleverly explores what happens after you get your wish.

(LF): What do you think makes a good scene partner, especially in a pantomime? 

(LNK): An artist who is playful & smart, with the ability to improvise – not only with other castmates, but with the audience as well – is a dream. Pantomime has a long theatrical history of good standing up to evil. As the good fairy, I hope my evil scene partner is ready, because I promise to fight whatever they have in store for us & Jack!

Blog

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening & Halloween Dance a smashing success!

Posted on October 30, 2023

The antici…… pation for our annual Rocky Horror Picture Show screening and Halloween Dance had been building for months. As the calendar finally turned to October 28th, 2023, our excitement reached a fever pitch. It was a night that promised fantastic costumes, an interactive screening, delicious food, generous prize donations, and non-stop music. The stage was set for a Halloween extravaganza like no other!

The first thing that struck us as people arrived at the theatre were the incredible array of costumes. People had clearly poured their hearts and creativity into their outfits, and the result was very cool. We saw everything from classic horror movie icons to Rocky Horror Picture Show costumes and everything in between . The effort that went into these costumes was a testament to the dedication of fans of this movie, and it was impossible not to be impressed by the sheer artistry on display.

Of course, a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening wouldn’t be complete without audience participation. As the movie began, the room came alive with eager fans who had brought their own props, ready to play their parts in the interactive experience. There were shouts of “Dammit, Janet!” and “It’s just a jump to the left,” as we followed the lead of the characters on the screen. It was a wild and wonderful spectacle that drew us even deeper into the world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his eccentric entourage. Toilet paper? Check. Rice? Check. Confetti? Check. Toast? Check.

TwoEleven Main, one of our favorite local eateries, provided tasty finger food fit for the occasion. We were reminded once again of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

We also need to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to The Erie Beach Hotel and The Dover Cheese Shop for their generous prize donations. The raffle and costume contests were made even more thrilling thanks to their contributions. Winners went home with fabulous prizes and ghoulish statues, and it was a delightful surprise to see so many people walking away with big smiles and their hands full of goodies.

Of course, no party is complete without a killer soundtrack, and that’s where Black Creek Music came in. Their DJ spun tracks that kept the dance floor alive and electric all night long. The crowd grooved to classic Halloween hits, iconic Rocky Horror tunes, the latest chart-toppers and some 80’s glam. The atmosphere was electric, and we danced until our feet ached, a perfect conclusion to a night of unforgettable moments.

As we said our goodbyes and headed home, there was a sense of collective excitement and anticipation for what next year would bring. We can’t wait to see everyone again, to share in the magic of this unique tradition! Let the planning for the 2024 Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening & Halloween Dance begin!