For Immediate Release | Race Day by Norm Foster & Steve Thomas coming to Simcoe Little Theatre

Race Day Poster

THIRD AND FINAL PRODUCTION FOR THE 2022/2023 SEASON NOW REHEARSING FOR EARLY MAY PERFORMANCES IN THE 76TH SEASON OF SIMCOE’S FIRST-RATE COMMUNITY THEATRE

On Stage May 4 – 14, 2023 at Simcoe Little Theatre

Local cast & crew highlighted

Tickets are on sale now at simcoelittletheatre.org

Simcoe, ON (March 31, 2023) – An out of work actor, his estranged daughter, a channeler, a down-on-his-luck gambler, a woman enforcer, two small-time thieves and a nun descend on racetrack for an afternoon of thoroughbred racing. A musical comedy that is witty, funny, and full of unpredictable twists, Race Day hits the stay May 4th to 14th at Simcoe Little Theatre and is directed by Tony Proracki with musical direction by Michelle Proracki.

After the heartwarming comedy Pumpernickel Junction and the thoughtful Love Letters, Simcoe Little Theatre is closing out it’s 2022/2023 season with hilarious musical Race Day, penned by Norm Foster with music by Steve Thomas, who has crafted songs that match the energy of the show and compliment Foster’s lyrics.

With rehearsals well underway, the directing team of Tony & Michelle Proracki are excited to bring this timeless comedic and musical tale to the stage. “While volunteering, we saw Lighthouse Festival’s production of Race Day thirteen years ago and immediately loved the energetic cast and music. Now, here we are with our own fantastic cast and band to share Norm Foster’s comedy with you”, said Tony Proracki.

“Inherent in Norm’s writing is an exquisite sense of humour and the teasing out and adding to it through the roles and personalities of the performers has been a gas”, adds Michelle Proracki. “The setting is a day at the racetrack along with a variety of characters who, for the most part, are there to bet on the horses for a variety of comical reasons.”  

“The musical score by Steve Thomas adds to the excitement of being fully engaged in a bet…. on a horse…. during a race”, continues Tony Proracki. “Of course, there are moments of reflection with happy endings for all involved.”

Cast

Maggie Bakers as Rose (May 4, 6, 11, 13), waitress

John Dickson as Bartender, chorus

Janet Dickson as Lucinda, a “channeler”

Hannah Dolson as Roxie

Tina Gates as Wagering Window cashier, chorus

Ashton Harding as Rose (May 5, 7, 12, 14), waitress

Susan LeBone as Sister Emily

Mitchell McGivern as Max

Randy McGivern as Jordan Porter AKA Shakespeare

Christy Miedema as Chester, a thief

Christine Shantz as Rich Betting Lady, chorus

Roselle Slaght as Rich Better Lady, chorus

Sue Thompson as Security Guard, chorus

Mackenzie Tigwell as Gerard, a thief

Ticket Pricing:

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:

  • Single ticket: $22
  • Student ticket: $10
  • Opening night ticket: $25 (Opening night celebrations let patrons mingle with the cast and crew after the show while enjoying complimentary eats from local restaurants)
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.

Directors & cast members are available for interviews.

Contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing & Communications Officer

289-541-7410 or 519-583-1031 x 225 | don@lighthousetheatre.com

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

Ticket Prices: $10 – $25

Full show descriptions available at simcoelittletheatre.org