Upcoming season is strongly focused on laughter with hints of mystery, adventures by new Canadians, and western themes.

Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025 summer season, featuring a dynamic lineup of productions that promise to entertain, engage, and bring plenty of laughter to audiences. The new season will showcase a delightful mix of comedy, mystery, and heartwarming stories, all carefully selected to offer something special for every theatre lover.

The 2025 season will include the following productions:

• The New Canadian Curling Club by Mark Crawford
• The Hound of the Baskervilles by Steven Canny & John Nicholson
• Hidden Treasures by Norm Foster
• Pinkerton comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams
• Here On the Flight Path by Norm Foster

Taking the helm for her inaugural season is incoming Artistic Director Jane Spence, who brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the arts to Lighthouse Festival.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join Lighthouse Festival as the new Artistic Director,” says Spence. “This theatre has a rich history of bringing exceptional performances to our communities, and I can’t wait to be a part of that tradition. Our 2025 season is focused on making people laugh, and I believe that laughter is a universal language that brings us together, helps us find joy, and creates unforgettable memories.”

The season will open with Mark Crawford’s The New Canadian Curling Club, a heartwarming and humorous story about an unlikely group of characters coming together to overcome adversity, band together as a team, and learn the art of curling. This play is a celebration of Canada’s multicultural spirit and small-town communities, perfectly capturing the heart and humour that Canadian audiences love.

Next, audiences will be treated to a hilarious and inventive adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Written by Steven Canny & John Nicholson, this fast-paced, farcical take on the Sherlock Holmes mystery is sure to keep everyone on the edge of their seats while delivering plenty of laughs.

The season continues with Norm Foster’s Hidden Treasures, a special presentation that is a unique and thrilling theatre experience – two Norm Foster plays back-to-back! Each act is a one-act play by this renowned Canadian playwright. During intermission the cast and set seamlessly transition from one play to the next. For Act One, My Narrator asks you to imagine what would happen if that little voice inside your head – the one that tells you how to behave and what choices to make – suddenly took on a life of its own? For Lacy and Miles, love is what happens, and with hilarious results. In Act Two, The Death of Me sees John bargain with the Angel of Death for a second chance at life. He quickly discovers that fixing the mistakes of your past is difficult, and that perhaps his destiny is not yet etched in stone.

Jamie Williams’ world premiere of Pinkerton comes to Prospect is a western-themed comedy that takes mistaken identities and six shooters to a new level! Follow along as young surveyor Herchel Penkerten is unwittingly dragged into his new town’s sordid past. Complicating the whole mess is Doc and Amos, who are just trying to save their own necks. Will Herchel win the heart of Miss Lacey, or will he end up hanging from a tree? And who’s to say which option is better!

Rounding out the season is another Norm Foster classic, Here On The Flight Path. This play, a comedic exploration of love, life, and the quirky characters who inhabit a Toronto apartment building, is a perfect example of Foster’s talent for capturing the humour in everyday life.

“I believe that theatre is a place where we can come together to laugh and experience something truly special,” says Spence. “This season is all about connection and community, and I can’t wait to see everyone in the theatre, sharing in these wonderful stories.”

Spence’s vision for the 2025 summer season is rooted in her passion for creating experiences that resonate with audiences long after the lights have come up. With a dynamic selection of plays, the season promises to deliver a memorable summer filled with laughter, joy, and a few surprises along the way.

Single tickets for the 2025 summer season will be on sale November 18th, with subscription renewals underway in early September. 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, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410

A local, talented ensemble cast will bring this Broadway cult classic to life on the Simcoe Little Stage from November 21st to December 8th

Simcoe, ON – July 27, 2024 | Simcoe Little Theatre is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated production of the cult classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors, directed by SLT stalwart Hannah Dolson. The show will run from November 21st to December 8th, 2024, promising an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Little Shop of Horrors is a darkly comedic musical that tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek floral assistant who discovers a mysterious and exotic plant with a sinister appetite. As the plant, affectionately named Audrey II, grows, so does its insatiable hunger for human flesh. Seymour’s rise to fame and fortune comes at a horrifying cost, leading to a series of outrageous and entertaining events. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, the show features unforgettable songs like Suddenly, Seymour, Somewhere That’s Green, and Feed Me (Git It).

Director Hannah Dolson brings a fresh vision to this beloved classic. “Little Shop of Horrors has a really special place in my heart. I did this musical in high school, where I met lifelong friends, and started a friendship with my current partner (he played the dentist when we did it!)” Dolson says. “…I grew up with the movie as a kid, and it was one of my mom’s personal favourites. It was really special to her, and so it’s forever going to be special to me. I can’t wait to bring my love for it (and indirectly, her love for it) to life!”

Community involvement is at the heart of this production. Simcoe Little Theatre is proud to collaborate with local artists, musicians, and volunteers who have come together to bring this iconic story to life. From set design to costume creation, the community’s talent and dedication will be evident in every aspect of the show. Dolson emphasizes the importance of this collaborations and the spirit of community theatre: “It means so much to me to direct a show here finally because SLT has fostered my love of theatre for almost the past decade. It’s allowed me, and my confidence, to blossom and bloom way more than I ever imagined possible — and so it’s incredibly special to be a part of the magic that it’s given me.”

Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors will go on sale later this summer. Theatre enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early, as this production is expected to draw significant attention.

About Simcoe Little Theatre

Simcoe Little Theatre is a non-profit community theater located in Simcoe, Ontario in beautiful Norfolk County. For over 60 years, Simcoe Little Theatre has been dedicated to providing quality theatrical productions and fostering a love for the performing arts in the local community. With a talented team of actors, directors, and volunteers, Simcoe Little Theatre continues to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. For more information, visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org. Where Community Stars Shine!

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

Little Shop of Horrors, Art, and Jessica’s Fine Adventure make up a season of laughter, adventure, and music

July 26, 2024 – Simcoe, ON – Simcoe Little Theatre (SLT) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2024/25 season, featuring a diverse lineup of productions that promise to entertain, inspire, and captivate audiences. This season, SLT will present three remarkable plays: Little Shop of Horrors, Art, and Jessica’s Fine Adventure. Each production boasts a talented director and a unique story that will take theatregoers on unforgettable journeys.

The season kicks off with the classic cult musical, Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Hannah Dolson. Opening in November 2024, this beloved musical show tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a meek flower shop assistant who discovers a strange and unusual plant that brings him fame and fortune – at a deadly cost. The plant, named Audrey II, has a mysterious craving for human blood, leading Seymour down a dark and comedic path.

Hannah Dolson, director of Little Shop of Horrors, shares her excitement: “Little Shop of Horrors has a really special place in my heart. I did this musical in high school, where I met lifelong friends, and started a friendship with my current partner (he played the dentist when we did it!).”

Following Little Shop of Horrors, the season continues with the thought-provoking and witty play, Art, directed by Courtney Deelen. On stage in March 2025, Art explores the complexities of friendship through the lens of modern art. The story revolves around three friends—Serge, Marc, and Yvan—whose relationships are tested when Serge purchases an expensive and controversial piece of art. The play delves into themes of loyalty, personal taste, and the nature of art itself. A play that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply humorous, Art’s exploration of friendship and the subjective nature of art will resonate with audiences on many levels.

The season concludes in May 2025 with the heartwarming and adventurous Jessica’s Fine Adventure, directed by Val Smith. This play tells the story of Jessica Quartermaine, a woman of 69 years, widowed for 19 years, and the survivor of a 31-year marriage of, as she puts it, “relentless predictability” and “sensual deprivation”. Feeling more and more that life is passing her by, Jessica comes up with a plan to experience “the euphoria of sweet intimacy” by posting a newspaper ad in the personals.

What follows is a heart-warming and hilarious journey of self-discovery, as Jessica in her quest for romance, finds unexpected new meaning to her adventure, and learns how to experience the sheer joy of being gloriously alive.

Val Smith, director of Jessica’s Fine Adventure, expresses her passion for the character of Jessica: “I love Jessica’s spunk and attitude – never too old to turn the page and try something different, don’t let life pass you by. The gentlemen ‘friends’ she discovers are true characters, in every sense of the word.”

Simcoe Little Theatre’s 2024/25 season promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, creativity, and storytelling. Season subscriptions will be available shortly, offering patrons the best value and the opportunity to experience all three exceptional productions. Individual show tickets will go on sale shortly afterwards.

For more information on each production, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org or contact the SLT Box Office at (519) 583-0505.

About Simcoe Little Theatre

Simcoe Little Theatre is a non-profit community theater located in Simcoe, Ontario in beautiful Norfolk County. For over 60 years, Simcoe Little Theatre has been dedicated to providing quality theatrical productions and fostering a love for the performing arts in the local community. With a talented team of actors, directors, and volunteers, Simcoe Little Theatre continues to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. For more information, visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org. Where Community Stars Shine!

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

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is set to take the stage in April 2025

July 24, 2024 – Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is pleased to announce a change to our upcoming and much-loved Community Show. Due to multiple stagings of Evil Dead: The Musical in fairly close proximity to the Lighthouse Theatre location, a decision has been made to postpone staging Evil Dead: The Musical for the time being. Instead, Lighthouse Festival is proud to present the Tony Award-winning musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, directed by Derek Ritschel, as the 2025 Community Show. This delightful and critically acclaimed production will open in April 2025, promising an unforgettably hilarious theatrical experience for our community.

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a witty and charming musical that has captivated audiences worldwide. With a book by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak, this show tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune, who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight relatives who stand in his way. Filled with humour, romance, and memorable music, this production is sure to be a hit with audiences.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this award-winning musical to Lighthouse Festival,” said Derek Ritschel. “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a perfect blend of comedy, clever writing, and fantastic music. It’s a show that will not only entertain but also bring our community together in the shared joy of live theatre and laughter.”

As part of Lighthouse Festival’s commitment to fostering local talent, open auditions for this production will be held later this fall. Details regarding audition dates and requirements will be announced soon as well. All community members are encouraged, whether seasoned performers or newcomers, to participate in this exciting opportunity. The goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive cast that reflects the diversity and talent of the community.

Tickets for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder will go on sale in late 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on our website and social media channels. Lighthouse Festival remains dedicated to delivering high-quality entertainment and fostering a love for the arts within our community and looks forward to welcoming audiences to what promises to be an extraordinary production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

Mark your calendars for April 2025 and get ready to witness the hilarious musical that is A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Stay tuned for more details on auditions and ticket sales on our website at lighthousetheatre.com/community-shows/.

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, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410

Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten and directed by Jane Spence, the production runs from July 24 to August 10 in Port Dover and from August 14 to 25 in Port Colborne

July 23, 2024 – Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, a heartwarming and humorous play by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. This much-loved play, which has captivated audiences worldwide, will be staged in Port Dover from July 24 to August 10 and in Port Colborne from August 14 to 25.

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club follows five unforgettable women whose friendship began many years ago on their college swim team. The play spans several decades, showcasing their enduring bond and the trials and tribulations they face together. It’s a poignant testament to sisterhood and female empowerment, filled with laughter, tears, and a lot of heart.

Directed by incoming Lighthouse Festival Artistic Director Jane Spence, the cast features an ensemble of accomplished actors and Lighthouse favourites: Debra Hale, Andrea Risk, Susan Henley, Susan JohnstonCollins, and Jane Miller.

Debra Hale, playing the role of Sheree, shares her excitement: “I’m jazzed about working with the director and cast on this show and the entire team. Out of the 4 other actresses, I’ve worked with 3 before and they were all fantastic experiences. I hadn’t worked with one but had seen her work, she’s awesome onstage and off! And, of course, being directed by the insightful, collaborative and supportive Jane Spence is the best.”

Andrea Risk, who portrays Vernadette, adds, “It’s a great role in a wonderful play. I love the opportunity to play a character who ages over the course of the show as well as the chance to do an accent.”

Susan Henley, taking on the role of Lexie, reflects on her character’s personality: “[I love] how self-centered Lexie is, and how she has absolutely no idea of that.”

Susan JohnstonCollins, who plays Dinah, expresses her enthusiasm for her character: “There’s a lot to love about Dinah Grayson. It’s so much fun to explore her intelligence, grace, secret
generosity, dry and cynical sense of humor and huge heart which she seldom reveals. Trying to harness all those facets is a tremendous and welcome challenge.”

Jane Miller, playing Jeri Neal, comments on her character’s appeal: “What I love about my character, Jeri Neal, is the chance to really lean into my heart with her. She lets me really indulge in what it might be like to be, as they refer to her, ‘the least judgemental person’ they know. It’s a beautiful way to see the world and I get to explore that perspective in this role.”

Director Jane Spence remarks, “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club is more than just a comedy; it’s an empowering tale of resilience and enduring friendship. Each character’s journey is a testament to the support, love, and encouragement that women provide to one another, creating a tapestry of experiences that is both relatable and inspiring.”

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club has been performed in numerous theatres across the globe, earning acclaim for its witty script and heartfelt storytelling. Audiences are invited to join us for an evening of laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments as we celebrate the strength and beauty of female friendships.

Tickets for The Sweet Delilah Swim Club are available by visiting https://lighthousetheatre.com/event/sweet-delilah-swim-club/ or by calling 888-779-7703. Don’t miss this touching and entertaining production at Lighthouse Festival this summer.

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, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410

First performed on stage in 2003 in Toronto, the show became an instant hit and moved on to an off-Broadway run

June 25, 2024 – Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is very thrilled to announce that its highly-anticipated 2025 Community Show will be Evil Dead – The Musical. Directed by Artistic Director Derek Ritschel, this over-the-top production promises to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with humour, horror, and high-energy performances. Auditions will be held later in 2024, with the production set to hit the stage in April 2025.

Evil Dead – The Musical is a campy, comedic adaptation of Sam Raimi’s cult classic film series. The story follows five college students who unwittingly unleash an ancient evil while vacationing in a remote cabin in the woods. As they battle the forces of darkness, hilarity ensues with plenty of over-the-top gore, catchy musical numbers, and outrageous antics. This show is perfect for fans of the original movies as well as newcomers looking for a wild night out.

Director Derek Ritschel, known for his dynamic and innovative productions, is particularly excited about bringing this unique musical to the Lighthouse Festival Theatre stage. “Staging Evil Dead – The Musical is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Ritschel. “The blend of horror and comedy, paired with fantastic music, makes for an incredibly entertaining show. We can’t wait to see our community come together to create something truly special on stage.”

Ritschel also highlighted the fun and unpredictable nature of the show. “This musical is going to be crazy in the best way possible. From the outrageous costumes and lighting effects to the infectious energy of the cast, audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and thrills. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done here, and I know people are going to love it.”

Why will people love the zaniness of Evil Dead – The Musical? The show combines the best elements of horror and comedy, resulting in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. The catchy songs, including “Cabin in the Woods,” “Do the Necronomicon,” and “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,” will have audiences singing along and laughing out loud. While the infamous “splash zone” will be replaced with something less destructive to the 120-year-old, mostly wood theatre, rest assured that the entertainment level and shock value will be out of this world, keeping the excitement levels high from start to finish.

Auditions for Evil Dead – The Musical will be open to all community members and will take place later in 2024 at Lighthouse Theatre. Lighthouse Festival encourages everyone, regardless of experience, to come out and be a part of this unique and thrilling production.

Mark your calendars for April 2025 and get ready to witness the hilariously horrifying & offensive spectacle that is Evil Dead – The Musical. Stay tuned for more details on auditions and ticket sales on our website at lighthousetheatre.com/community-shows/.

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, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Media Contact
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410