The marquee welcoming visitors to Lighthouse Festival Theatre shines brightly thanks to the support of community partners like the Demeyere family and the Norfolk Community Foundation.

Doug and Starr Demeyere were civic-minded residents who gave back to many good causes around Norfolk County. After their untimely passing in 2015, the Doug and Starr Demeyere Fund was created to continue the couple’s legacy of community service. The Demeyere children advise the Norfolk Community Foundation as to how the fund’s proceeds should be distributed each year in the form of grants to projects and organizations that benefit Norfolk County.

In honour of Doug and Starr, who were regular patrons at Lighthouse, the foundation committed $10,000 over four years in support of recent campaigns to redo the front entryway and replace all the theatre seats.

“Anything to do with the arts, my mom was big into,” Derek Demeyre said, adding that Starr brought the family to many Lighthouse performances and special events.

“Lighthouse was a real passion of hers,” he said.

Derek Demeyere and Norfolk Community Foundation grants chair Bruce Shoff walked through the new entryway and up into the theatre to present Lighthouse Festival Theatre Artistic Director Derek Ritschel and Executive Director Nicole Campbell with the donation from the Doug and Starr Demeyere Fund.

“It’s so inviting. Just beautiful,” Demeyere said of the renovations. “The support from the whole community is incredible.”

“When you look at what’s been achieved here and what the theatre contributes to the community, it’s amazing,” Shoff added.

Campbell said undertaking these two major projects would not have been possible without the support of community builders like the Demeyeres.

“We are so grateful to the Demeyere family and the Norfolk Community Foundation for helping us continue to bring live professional theatre to Port Dover and Norfolk County,” she said.

“Our goal is to champion Canadian theatre while being a gathering place for the community, and this generous donation helps make that possible. We are honoured to receive this gift in memory of Doug and Starr Demeyere, and we thank the family and the foundation for their continued support of Lighthouse Festival Theatre.”

First comes loves, then comes marriage, then comes…dating? Comedian Anne Marie Scheffler returns to Lighthouse on February 23 with MILF Life Crisis, a show about the craziness of dating after divorce that proves “Mothers are Incredible, Lovely and Fantastic.”

MILF Life Crisis replaces Person of Interest as the second show in the 2019 One Act Festival playbill. Person of Interest, starring Melody Johnson, moves to the 2020 festival lineup.

Lighthouse Artistic Director Derek Ritschel is thrilled to welcome Anne Marie Scheffler back to Port Dover for a sassy show that’s sure to spice up your winter.

“Bringing Anne Marie and her show MILF Life Crisis to town may have been the easiest artistic adjustment I’ve made in years,” Ritschel said. “Her talents are widely respected in the entertainment industry and I look forward to enjoying the show right along with the LFT audience.”

MILF Life Crisis is written by Scheffler based on her own experiences as a divorced mom getting back in the dating game. Does she really need to go through first dates and bad judgement all over again, while juggling a parenting schedule with her ex? Is this a tragedy or a wonderful new beginning?

Lighthouse audiences will recognize Scheffler from her 2016 One Act Festival show, Suddenly Mommy, which took a comedic look at the tribulations of parenthood. Her Suddenly Mommy/MILF Life Crisis tour has played to rave reviews across North America, from the Windy City to Hollywood. She is the star and creator of eight solo comedy shows, one of which, Not Getting It, was turned into a one-hour TV comedy special. She also co-wrote Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody.

Now the actor, screenwriter, and Second City improv comedy alumna returns to Dover with an acclaimed “post-relationship comedy” that has proven to be a hit with hot mamas and those who love them.

Tickets to the One Act Festival are $65 for a three-show subscription or $25 each. To purchase tickets or learn more about the shows, click here.

We are proud and excited to officially welcome Nicole Campbell as the Executive Director of Lighthouse Festival Theatre!

Growing up in Norfolk County, Lighthouse has always had a special place in Nicole’s heart, from seeing productions here as a child to playing Alice in a Young Company production of Alice in Wonderland.

Nicole was hired as publicist in 2014, and she soon found herself making key contributions to the success of major projects, renovations, and donor campaigns. She even filled in for an ailing actor at the last minute during our 2017 Community Show production!

Working closely with her predecessor, Helen Wagenaar, Nicole has spent the past four years getting to know every facet of Lighthouse’s operations while deepening her appreciation of the quality theatre that takes place on our stage.

In leading the theatre into a new era, Nicole will focus on celebrating what makes Lighthouse a celebrated part of the Canadian professional theatre landscape and an economic driver for Port Dover and the region.

“At its core, my job is to to support Derek’s artistic vision by creating an environment in which the incredible talent that fills our stage can shine,” said Nicole.

“I am thrilled for the opportunity to evolve with this thriving organization that I am so passionate about. I’m excited to be working with our dedicated and vibrant team to drive further growth and build upon the theatre’s strong foundation.”

Reichheld is linchpin of giant musical production of Mary Poppins

Those watching Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins won’t see Heather Reichheld on the stage, but the Jarvis resident plays a central role in bringing the beloved family musical about the practically perfect nanny to life.

As stage manager, Reichheld is the linchpin of the production. She co-ordinates scheduling, communicates with the cast and crew, keeps track of all the blocking and choreography, ensures the sets, costumes and props are on schedule, controls the lights and sound, and prepares a report after each performance to address any issues that arise.

Lighthouse artistic director Derek Ritschel likens the role to an air traffic controller who makes sure the actors, technical staff and backstage crew can do their jobs without interfering with each other.

“The stage manager is the entire support system for those actors and technicians, who rely on the stage manager to be calm, collected and know exactly what to do next,” he said.

Reichheld was already an accomplished community theatre performer and production assistant before she started stage managing the Lighthouse community shows, a tradition at the Port Dover theatre that sees local amateur actors perform in a venue that is usually home to professional shows.

Reichheld says working alongside Ritschel in Lighthouse’s professional environment has taken her skills to a new level.

“I like the whole organizational part of stage management,” Reichheld said. “The director tends to depend more on the stage manager here (at Lighthouse) to do things and get things organized. And then they hand it all over after opening night, and it truly is the stage manager’s show.”

Reichheld’s dedication and precision while working on seven community shows so impressed Ritschel that he brought her on board as an apprentice stage manager for Lighthouse’s summer season, an experience she found invaluable.

“Because of the opportunity I had to work with professional stage managers, it’s given me a lot more confidence in what I’m doing and helped me pass that on to other people,” said Reichheld, who now mentors young stage managers at local community theatres.

“Heather’s knowledge base is massive. Her arc of learning has been huge,” Ritschel said. “I could take Heather into a professional theatre and do a full-scale musical, and none of those professionals would know the difference.”

Mary Poppins sold out its entire springtime run at Lighthouse, prompting the decision to bring the cast of 23 local performers back for five more performances from Nov. 22 to 25.

Reichheld said remounting a giant musical like Mary Poppins is a challenge because everyone has to get back up to performance speed after months away from the show, but she’s confident that this cast and crew can pull it off.

“The people here at Lighthouse, they bring it,” Reichheld said.

“Even if they’ve done a matinee and then they’ve got to do an evening show, and you think, my gosh, they’re probably exhausted. But they give 110 per cent, every performance. And that’s what I love.”

Mary Poppins is at Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover from Nov. 22 to 25. Tickets are $24. Visit lighthousetheatre.com to learn more.

This article was first published in The Sachem and at sachem.ca.

The unsung heroes of Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins are the chimney sweeps, a group of young performers who move dozens of set pieces and props while seamlessly changing scenes from the rooftops of London to the park or the Banks family’s parlour.

The sweeps keep the action moving before stopping the show with their high-energy dance number, “Step in Time.”

One of the sweeps is Jada Dawson, a Grade 11 student from Jarvis who is thrilled to bring the beloved Disney film version to the Port Dover stage from Nov. 22 to 25.

“Because it’s a classic and all of the songs are so much fun, it’s been enjoyable for me, and I think it has been for other people too, because it’s for everyone,” Dawson said.

Jason Mayo had never been in a play before being cast as a sassy bellhop in Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s 2016 community show, Lend Me a Tenor. Three Lighthouse productions later, the Jarvis resident says the stage feels like a second home.

“I love working at the theatre,” said Mayo, a high school drama teacher and past MasterChef Canada finalist.

“It gives me the opportunity to let everything out, sing and dance, and hang out with people who are like-minded — theatre folk,” he added. “I love those personalities and all that talent. We’re like a family — an oddly dysfunctional, hilarious family, but very much a group that works well together and performs beautifully together.”

Mayo stars in Lighthouse’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins as the larger than life Mrs. Corry, who runs the “talking shop” where Mary creates the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

“Mary Poppins has always been my favourite film, since I was a child. It’s part of the reason that I teach, because I always wanted to be like Mary Poppins,” Mayo said.

“I wanted to help children, and be fun but firm and fair, but still magical and interesting and odd — emphasis on odd,” he said with a laugh. “So to have the opportunity to be in this show and have such an over-the-top part has been incredible. It’s a dream come true.”

Mary Poppins, featuring 23 performers from Norfolk and Haldimand, sold out its 11-show springtime run at Lighthouse, setting the stage for a five-show remount at the Port Dover theatre from Nov. 22 to 25.

“The show tells a different story — it’s not all about the children,” Mayo said, explaining that the Disney film focuses on the magical nanny’s adventures with the Banks children, while the stage musical delves into the darker reason Mr. Banks starts the show emotionally distant from his family.

As for what makes Lighthouse’s production special, Mayo said the fact that it’s coming back by popular demand is a clue.

“The talent speaks for itself, really,” he said. “The singing is wonderful, the dancing is excellent, the set is beautiful. And it’s that nostalgia. Parents are going to be happy to see those old memories, and kids are going to make some new ones.”

Mayo loves being recognized on the street by adoring fans and enjoys running into cast mates of all ages and from different walks of life who have become friends.

“We all have hidden talents, and it’s really nice to be able to show those talents and have people appreciate them,” he said.

Mayo encourages Haldimand residents to make the drive down Highway 6 to take in Mary Poppins, and consider auditioning for future Lighthouse community shows, such as The Wizard of Oz, slated for 2019.

“Even though the theatre itself is in Norfolk, it’s so close to Haldimand that it would be ridiculous to not come,” he said. “You have this beautiful opportunity in your backyard. There’s lots of talent. Come out and see it.”

This article was originally published in The Sachem and at sachem.ca. 

Ask anyone who saw our Community Show production of Mary Poppins last spring how they liked the show, and they’ll break into a big smile.

The energy. The talent. The emotion. This show captured the imagination of the community and had sold-out audiences buzzing about the explosion of colour, music and dance that brought the beloved Disney movie to life on the Lighthouse stage.

Mary Poppins was the first Lighthouse Community Show ever to sell out its entire 12-show run, setting the stage for an unprecedented five-show remount from November 22 to 25.

Artistic Director Derek Ritschel says Mary Poppins is Lighthouse’s most ambitious Community Show yet.

“There’s no question that producing Mary Poppins is a huge undertaking,” Ritschel said. “Most theatres shy away from it because of its production demands, but I’m proud to say we were able to find clever and inventive ways to deliver the splendour of Mary Poppins to Norfolk County. Bringing it back will, again, be a giant undertaking, but it’s one we all can’t wait to pull off.”

Join Bert and his fellow chimney sweeps on the rooftops of London. Young Jane and Michael Banks have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using common sense, a bit of magic and a spoonful of sugar, she must teach the children and their troubled parents how to value each other again and see that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Based on the Walt Disney film and the stories of P.L. Travers, this practically perfect family musical featuring 23 local performers is sure to warm your heart and leave you singing “Supercalifragilistic” for days afterward.

With Ritschel directing and veteran local actors Carmen Davis and Meredith Wood sharing the title role, Mary Poppins makes for a practically perfect start to the Christmas season.

Show Dates:
Thursday, November 22, 8 p.m. (Mary Poppins played by Carmen Davis)
Friday, November 23, 8 p.m. (Mary Poppins played by Meredith Wood)
Saturday, November 24, 2 p.m. (Mary Poppins played by Meredith Wood)
Saturday, November 24, 8 p.m. (Mary Poppins played by Carmen Davis)
Sunday, November 25, 2 p.m. (Mary Poppins played by Carmen Davis)

All tickets are $24.

Buy your tickets here

Lighthouse Festival Theatre is proud to announce that Fair and Square, the new comedy by Lighthouse Artistic Director Derek Ritschel that made its world premiere in Port Dover this summer, has been nominated for a 2018 Tom Hendry Award by the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

From a field of 41 new comedies submitted by playwrights from across Canada, Fair and Square was one of three scripts shortlisted for the Stage West Comedy Award.

Fair and Square, which comedically delves into the challenges faced by two couples trying to renovate and flip a house while navigating choppy emotional waters, is up against Misericordia by Damien Atkins and Buying the Farm by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks, a regular on the Lighthouse stage.

Lighthouse audiences loved the combination of laughter and heart that made Fair and Square a special part of our 2018 summer season. Thanks to this accolade from the Playwrights Guild of Canada, theatres across the country will have the opportunity to read Ritschel’s script, along with the other nominees, and stage this Lighthouse-commissioned Canadian comedy at their theatres.

“It’s a thrill. It certainly wasn’t expected,” said Ritschel, who had been mulling over this story for years until a running injury sidelined him for a few months and gave him the time to flesh out the idea and characters into a fully formed script.

“I was definitely writing for the Lighthouse audience,” he added. “But now to have it go on a national scope – how do you quantify that? It really is a pleasant surprise. A huge thank you to everyone who helped me along the way with Fair and Square.”

The jury that selected the Comedy Award nominees consisted of chair Samantha MacDonald, Kristen Da Silva, Warona Setshwaelo, and John Spurway.

Playwrights Guild of Canada is a registered national arts association that strives to promote Canadian plays and playwrights at home and abroad.

The Tom Hendry Awards will be presented on October 28. Congratulations and best of luck, Derek!

Follow the yellow brick road to Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s 2019 Community Show production of The Wizard of Oz!

Lighthouse turns 40 next year, our ruby anniversary, and to celebrate we’re presenting a musical that has captured the imagination since Dorothy first donned those famous ruby slippers 80 years ago.

Auditions for The Wizard of Oz will be held at Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover, on Tuesday, October 30, and Thursday, November 1, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Call the Lighthouse box office at 519-583-2221 to book an audition time.

The Community Show is a chance for members of the community to perform on the Lighthouse stage. Our professional team, backed by community members in key production roles, collaborate with dozens of local performers to create a show that makes audiences cheer year after year.

This show is open to everyone in Norfolk County and surrounding areas who loves to perform or has always wanted to try. Whether you’re a veteran community theatre actor or have never been on stage before, what matters is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

“I’m certainly excited about coming in and directing at Lighthouse Festival Theatre,” said director George Araujo. “It’s truly an honour on my part. Especially doing a production of this size, which I love to do. Doing it at Lighthouse is a real joy.”

Araujo and executive producer Derek Ritschel invite anyone in the community (age 12 and older) who would like to take part in our 2019 Community Show to come out for an audition. No previous theatrical experience is required. Prepare a short section of a song and be ready to have fun!

“I’m excited about all the great talent in community theatre locally and regionally,” Araujo said.

He extended a special welcome to those who’ve always wanted to be in a show but have never mustered up the courage to audition.

“(I would tell them) not to worry,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to try something new and try something that’s been in their hearts for a while.”

WHAT: Wizard of Oz auditions
WHEN: Tuesday, October 30, and Thursday, November 1, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lighthouse Festival Theatre, 247 Main St., Port Dover
MORE INFO: Call the Lighthouse box office at 519-583-2221 to book an audition time

ON SALE NOW:
SUBSCRIPTIONS for current subscribers. For subscription options click here.
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SEXY LAUNDRY
Comedy by Michele Riml

After twenty-five years of marriage, the emergence of love handles and receding hairlines, Alice and Henry have hit a physical plateau. With a copy of Sex for Dummies in hand, Alice convinces Henry to a weekend of alone time in the hopes of seducing him and unearthing her inner vixen. Henry, however, wants to keep things the way they are—comfortable and easy. Exploring every fantasy from leather to lace, Alice and Henry portray every couple’s desire to grow together but maintain individuality.

EARLY AUGUST
Comedy by Kate Lynch

The cast of a small town theatre company is feeling the usual doldrums of a long summer season and their performances are starting to unravel. The company’s stage manager, Teddy, expects a slight performance drop off, but her cast is heading towards an all out collapse. Backstage, Teddy must straighten out their messy love lives, their living situations and their looming unemployment problems, all while the play goes on around them. No matter how bad it gets, one thing is certain … the show must go on!

HURRY HARD
World Premiere Comedy by Kristen DaSilva

When Bill and Sandy’s marriage split up, so did their curling team – splintering off into a men’s team and a women’s team who begrudgingly share the ice at the Stayner Curling Club. Now, a medical emergency has left the men’s team short a player the day of the big Regional Bonspiel. If they have any hope of beating neighbouring Meaford and taking the trophy for Stayner, they’ll have to call a cease-fire on the war of the sexes and unite as one team.

PRAIRIE NURSE
Comedy by Marie Beath Badian

Two Filipino nurses come to work at a small-town Saskatchewan hospital in the late 1960s. Cultural clashes, personality differences, homesickness, and the amorous but dim-witted goalie from the local hockey team complicate the women’s lives. Based on the true story of her mother’s immigration to Canada, Badian’s play is part romantic comedy, part farce, and part cultural history.

LUNENBURG

Comedy by Norm Foster

When Iris Oulette inherits a house that she didn’t even know existed, she and her close friend, Natalie Whitaker, travel to the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, to have a look at her new property. What follows is a series of world-changing surprises, heart-warming personal transformations, and a fall down funny romantic adventure.

“A comedy that envelopes you in its warmth.” – Stage Door

Season Topper: ACROSS THE POND

Created by Leisa Way

Once the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, North American music was never the same! Across the Pond celebrates over 50 years of British pop and rock music. You’ll hear hits of The Beatles, Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits, Elton John, Petula Clark, Tom Jones, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Dusty Springfield, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Sting, Annie Lennox, Led Zeppelin, Joe Cocker and more!