It was a panto. It is different than other plays. You are participating in the story.They ask you questions and you yell things back.
The stepsisters were very, very, funny. I really liked the tall sister and my brother liked the short one.
I liked that there were a lot of jokes. There was also a lot of dancing.
I really liked the music. They took songs that you knew and changed the words.
They help tell the story. I like how they sang a song about bananas
The actors came right up to people in audiences and interacted with them. I heard a lot of people laughing the whole time. I like that the audience was singing and dancing.
I Loved Cinderella. If you want to have a good time for a family night I would suggest going to see Cinderella. It plays in Port Dover until December 7th.
Next December there is another panto and it is the Wizard of Oz. I can’t wait to see it.
Thank you Lighthouse Theatre for inviting me to review Cinderella.
A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our holiday panto! We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival
Jane Spence brings 30 years of professional theatre experience as a director and performer to the role, succeeding Derek Ritschel who has moved into a new position as director in residence.
“I was smitten as soon as I saw it,” Spence said of Lighthouse Festival where she first had parts in two productions in 2011. “(It was) my first time to Port Dover and working for the theatre, and I just fell in love with the whole team.”
Having grown up in Calgary, she spent time in Vancouver before coming to the Stratford Festival Conservatory.
“I just stayed in Ontario because the theatre scene is so vibrant here compared to anywhere else I had been in Canada.”
Spence shared how her mother used to read to her and would do voices for every single character and bring the stories to life. In university she began thinking about theatre seriously and developed a passion for the arts.
In her new role she will oversee artistic decisions for the company, the programming, play development, and the artistic staff comprised of designers, actors, and technicians that bring the art to life.
“I will read script submissions that come in, and go out to see as many shows as possible to see what might be suited for Lighthouse,” noted the artistic director. “Then I put together a list of my best choices for next year. We take it to the board for approval. Then we go seek rights for the shows and start putting the season promotion together, cast and staff it with the artists, and get sets built before the seasons begins.”
Each year Lighthouse Festival presents five main plays, a season topper, holiday panto, and a community show. Throughout the winter season the theatre is often rented for music concerts.
“I think our tagline is the home of the Canadian sense of humour,” Spence observed. “We have a focus on comedy and Canadian work, but we do leave ourselves a little bit of room to occasionally do a play from somewhere else. We like to consider our programming essentially comedy with heart.”
She directed two plays last year and will do so again this upcoming season, as will Ritschel along with the community show.
“I think Lighthouse Festival has been really successful in delivering the programming it has, so I’d like to continue giving the audience what they have come to love and expect,” Spence explained. “Also, I’d like to develop our play development program a little further.”
In February a writer-intensive play festival is planned that will provide one week of workshops for three plays – including the 2025 premier play – that will focus on rewrites and a public reading to take plays to the next stage of their development.
“I’m super grateful and excited to be in this position. The staff here is amazing,” Spence said. “I’m really excited to embark on this next season. We’ve got some really fun shows coming up and great artists coming into town to be a part of it.”
From the creator of the 2022 hit “Glory Days,” Chris McHarge, the live music show will see singers perform soulful grooves of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Isaac Hayes. Add in the harmonies of The Staple Singers, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops and others.
“It feels so good to be back at Lighthouse, my creative home and base for so many years,” said McHarge in a Lighthouse release.
Lighthouse Festival operates the theatre at Roselawn Centre at 296 Fielden Ave.
McHarge said the inspiration for creating the show goes back decades for him.
He said with rhythm and blues, everyone always thinks of Motown in the 1960s, but another studio was making amazing music, Stax in Memphis — known as Soulsville, U.S.A.
The release said McHarge has crafted a show that pays homage to the iconic artists.
“We want (audiences) to feel as if they’re experiencing these songs for the first time, all over again,” he said.
He’s curated a selection of songs that showcase the breadth and depth of talent that emerged from Memphis and Detroit during that era of music.
Derek Ritschel, Lighthouse Festival’s outgoing artistic director, said McHarge has a unique ability to connect with audiences through music.
“His passion and vision for “Memphis to Motown: from Soulsville to Hitsville” aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing top-quality entertainment. We’re excited to bring this blockbuster production to our community and can’t wait for audiences to experience the thrill of these unforgettable performances.”
The show runs Oct. 2 through 13 with day and evening performances.
Comedies and shows with a humorous focus will run next summer, promising lots of fun.
“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,” said Jane Spence, the festival’s new artistic director.
The season opener is a tip of the hat to a Canadian pastime: The New Canadian Curling Club but Mark Crawford is the funny, heartwarming story of an unlikely group that has to learn how to curl, act as a team and overcome adversity. The festival calls it a ‘celebration of Canadian’s multicultural spirit and small-town communities.’
Norm Foster – a staple offering at the festival – will have two shows featured.
Here On the Flight Path is Foster’s funny exploration of love, life and the quirky characters in a Toronto apartment building.
His second offering – Hidden Treasures – is dubbed a ‘unique and thrilling theatre experience’ where two one-act plays are presented by the same cast that transformed over intermission. The first is My Narrator, a story of what happens when the voice inside the head of one person misbehaves, and the second – Angel of Death – features a man trying to fix the mistakes of his past.
The humorous adaptation of the classic The Hound of the Baskervilles is a fast-paced, farcical take on the Sherlock Holmes mystery, written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, aiming for laughs along with the mystery.
Finally, the world premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect will run – a Jamie Williams comedy that takes audiences to the old west, telling the story of a young surveyor who is dragged into his new town’s past, complete with six-shooters.
“This theatre has a rich history of bringing exceptional performances to our communities,” said Spence in a news release.
“I can’t wait to be a part of that tradition.”
Spence has curated the shows for the upcoming season, aiming to create theatre experiences that resonate with audiences long after they leave their seats.
“This season is all about connection and community. Theatre is a place where we can come together to laugh and experience something truly special.”
Those who subscribe to season tickets will be offered renewals early next month while single tickets for the 2025 summer season go on sale Nov. 18.
The Lighthouse Festival, based in Port Dover and Port Colborne, is a charitable organization that develops and produces new and existing Canadian plays while supporting local and regional artists.
Celebrating Canada’s multicultural spirit and small-town communities, Mark Crawford’s play “The New Canadian Curling Club” kicks off Lighthouse Festival’s 2025 season in the Lake Erie communities of Port Colborne and Port Dover.
The play is 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,” said a release from Lighthouse, which operates out of Roselawn Centre in Port Colborne.
Jane Spence, pictured for a 2021 production in which she was an actor, is the new artistic director of the Lighthouse Festival theatre company. | J.P. Antonacci photo
Adapted from an Arthur Conan Doyle classic mystery, Steven Canny and John Nicholson have written a fast-paced, inventive and absurd take on “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” the season’s second play.
Up third, Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s “Hidden Treasures” is two plays in one, said the Lighthouse release.
“Each act is a one-act play. During intermission, the cast and set seamlessly transition from one play to the next. In act 1, “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, with hilarious results,” said the release.
In act 2, “The Death of Me” John bargains with the Angel of Death for a second chance at life. John quickly discovers that fixing the mistakes of your past is difficult, and that perhaps his destiny is not yet etched in stone.
The fourth play of Lighthouse’s 2025 season is the premiere of Jamie Williams’ “Pinkerton comes to Prospect,” a western-themed comedy that takes mistaken identities and six-shooters to a new level, with young surveyor Herchel Penkerten unwittingly dragged into his new town’s sordid past.
Finishing the season is another play by Foster, “Here on the Flight Path.”
The Lighthouse Festival release said it’s a comedic exploration of love, life and the quirky characters who inhabit a Toronto apartment building.
Jane Spence will helm the theatre group as its new artistic director.
“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,” Spence said in the release.
“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.
“This season is all about connection and community, and I can’t wait to see everyone in the theatre, sharing in these wonderful stories.”
Single tickets for the 2025 summer season go on sale Nov. 18, with subscription renewals underway in early September. For more information, visit lighthousetheatre.com or contact the box office at 1-888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
It is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays.
It 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 Port Colborne and Port Dover on Lake Erie, its theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility and affordability for all.
There were kids that were my age that were doing the play.
I like how they added their own little twist to the story.
I feel like they made it interesting. It’s funny and a bit scary.
I think it’s pretty neat that they do something like that for my age for acting.
They’re really quick at changing the props and set.
My favourite part was Paradise Island.
I would recommend going to this play.
It runs from August 14-17.
A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our Young Company production of Pinocchio. We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival
The Lighthouse Young Company, a group of young local actors, will bring the children’s classic to the Port Dover stage for eight performances Wednesday to Saturday.
But this isn’t the wooden-puppet-turned-real-boy of the 1883 children’s novel, or even the 1940 Disney film.
This modern version, adapted and directed by Marcus Lundgren, includes video game play, Taylor Swift talk, and some new characters.
The cast of Pinocchio, who are part of the Lighthouse Young Company, are preparing for performances at Lighthouse Festival theatre in Port Dover from Wednesday to Saturday. Tickets are $17 or four for $60 and can be purchased at lighthousetheatre.com/event/pinocchio.
“We put in a lot of contemporary references, so it will work for all members of the family,” said Lundgren, who has been rehearsing with the cast and crew at Simcoe Little Theatre for the past three weeks.
The Young Company gathered for the first time on Monday at the historic Lighthouse theatre, a former town hall where the first show produced by local artists was thought to have happened 120 years ago.
Like several of the actors, 11-year-old Ayla Schram of Port Ryerse takes on several parts in the play. She is Cleo, the fish; Sophia, the townsperson; Rotten Kid, and Taylor. Along with Beatrix Wyatt-Martin, who plays Swift, Ayla’s dialogue includes lots of references to the world’s favourite pop star.
“I live with a Swifty, so I’m kind of a fan,” said Ayla, who was introduced to the theatre by her mother, who operates a drama school for kids. “I like bringing enjoyment to people. It gives you a good feeling inside.
“Also, I get to eat whipped cream in every show.”
Sixteen-year-old Kiana Littlemore of Simcoe is a veteran of Simcoe’s Young Theatre Players and has been a performer since she was four.
The Simcoe Composite school student plays the part of Lucky, the duck, who, as a member of Honest John’s posse, is a con artist who puts Pinocchio on the wrong path in life.
“Lucky is not a good influence,” said Kiana with a laugh. “Being in the Young Company is so much fun.”
Frances Crossley, 15, attends Mayfield Arts secondary school in Caledon, where she has performed in numerous musicals and plays. He takes on the role Honest John, the fox, the primary misleader of gullible Pinocchio.
“I like this company because they gather up a lot of nice people,” said Frances. “You can forget about everything else for a while and focus on one thing.”
Lundgren, artistic director of Toronto-based DuffleBag Theatre, has been spending part of his summer in Port Dover for the past 22 years working with the Lighthouse Young Company. Staging strictly fairytales, DuffleBag performs hundreds of shows a year across Canada and the United States.
“This is a break from my work,” said Lundgren. “I love working with these funny, talented kids. They often stay in the company until they’re too old and alumni come back to join rehearsals and sit in the audience.”
The Lighthouse Young Company is open to those age 11 to 17 who audition in May by delivering a song, monologue or poem.
Founded in 1995 by Robert More, the program, held over three weeks in the summer, gives participants a glimpse into what being a professional actor is all about, from the audition process to the rehearsal hall and then performing on the Lighthouse Theatre stage. Pinocchio has a cast of 15.
Performances are Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Thursday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Friday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 2 p.m. show on Thursday is a “relaxed performance” for those who would benefit from a more low-key experience. Tickets — available at lighthousetheatre.com/event/pinocchio — are $17 each or four for $60.
Lighthouse Festival has made a change to its upcoming community show.
The theatre is postponing its original show, Evil Dead: The Musical, due to multiple stagings in close proximity to Port Dover.
Instead, Lighthouse will present the Tony Award-winning musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, directed by Derek Ritschel, as the 2025 community show opening in April.
The play 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, the production tells the story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating eight relatives who stand in his way.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this award-winning musical to Lighthouse Festival,” said Ritschel. “A Gentlemen’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 in the fall. Details about audition dates and requirements will be announced soon.
Community members are encouraged to participate, whether they are seasoned performers or newcomers. The goal, said theatre marketing manager Don Kerney-Bourque, “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 later this year.
Lighthouse stages heartfelt comedy The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Simcoe Reformer)
Posted on July 26, 2024
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Follow the lives of five women whose friendship began many years ago on their college swim team in the Lighthouse Festival production of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club.
The heartfelt comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten will be staged in Port Dover until Aug. 10 and in Port Colborne from Aug. 14 to 25.
The play spans several decades, showcasing the women’s 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.
“I’m jazzed about working with the director and cast on this show and the entire team,” said Hale, who plays the role of Sheree. “Being directed by the insightful, collaborative and supportive Jane Spence is the best.”
Risk, who plays Vernadette, calls it 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.”
Henley plays the part of the self-centred Lexie and JohnstonCollins takes on the role of Dinah.
“There’s a lot to love about Dinah Grayson,” said JohnstonCollins. “It’s so much fun to explore her intelligence, grace, secret generosity, dry and cynical sense of humour and huge heart, which she seldom reveals. Trying to harness all those facets is a tremendous and welcome challenge.”
Miller, who plays Jeri Neal, said the character “is a chance to really lean into my heart with her.”
Spence said The Sweet Delilah Swim Club is more than 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.”
Following five unforgettable women whose friendship began many years ago while on their college swim team as Lighthouse Festival presents “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club” next month in Port Colborne.
The play, which runs Aug. 14 to 25 at Roselawn Centre’s theatre, 296 Fielden Ave., was written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten and has been performed worldwide.
Spanning several decades, the play showcases the women’s bond and the trials and tribulations they face together, said a release from Lighthouse Festival.
“It’s a poignant testament to sisterhood and female empowerment, filled with laughter, tears and a lot of heart.”
The show is directed by incoming Lighthouse Festival artistic director Jane Spence. The cast features Debra Hale, Andrea Risk, Susan Henley, Susan JohnstonCollins and Jane Miller.
Hale, who plays Sheree, said she’s “jazzed about working with the director and cast on this show and the entire team.”
She has previously worked with three of the four actors.
“They were all fantastic experiences. I hadn’t worked with one but had seen her work, she’s awesome on stage and off,” Hale said in the release.
Risk portrays Vernadette.
“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,” she said.
Taking on the role of Lexie, Henley said her character’s personality is self-centred, but has no idea she is.
JohnstonCollins, who plays Dinah, said there’s lots to love about her character.
“It’s so much fun to explore her intelligence, grace, secret generosity, dry and cynical sense of humour and huge heart, which she seldom reveals. Trying to harness all those facets is a tremendous and welcome challenge,” she said in the release.
Playing Jeri Neal, Miller said her character allows her to lean into her heart.
“She lets me indulge in what it might be like to be, as they refer to her, the least judgmental person they know. It’s a beautiful way to see the world and I get to explore that perspective in this role,” said Miller.
Spence said the play is more than 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.”
After serving as the longtime artistic director of Port Dover’s Lighthouse Festival, Derek Ritschel will be stepping down to take on a new role as director in residence.
“It has been an absolute honour to serve as artistic director for the past 14 years,” said Ritschel, who will transition into his new job on Nov.1. “I couldn’t have imagined how great this theatre would become, thanks to the support of our incredible community and the unwavering dedication of our team.”
Ritschel’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in a long list of developments, said a news release issued by the theatre. Those include guiding the company during the most fiscally successful decade (pre-COVID), saving Roselawn Theatre and Simcoe Little Theatre from closure, adding a new rehearsal hall, creating the community show, introducing the holiday pantomime and relaxed performances, extending rehearsal time for all main stage productions, substantially upgrading technical theatrical infrastructure in all three theatres, revamping the dressing rooms and green room at Lighthouse Theatre, producing 17 world premieres, and “contributing to the Lighthouse artistic fabric as an actor, writer, director and artistic director for 22 years.”
“Derek’s vision has transformed Lighthouse Festival into a vibrant cultural hub, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.” said Lighthouse Festival chair J.J. Knott.
In his capacity as director in residence, Ritschel will continue to helm the popular community show in the spring, as well as direct two summer productions each season.
Jane Spence, the theatre’s current artistic associate, will be stepping into the artistic director role.
“Spence brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role, with nearly 30 years as a performer and director having worked in theatres both across Canada and internationally,” said the release. “The theatre community enthusiastically anticipates this exciting new chapter.”
“I am deeply honoured to undertake this new venture as artistic director,” said Spence. “Derek has left an indelible mark on Lighthouse, and I am excited to build upon his legacy. I look forward to carrying Lighthouse Festival into the future, with a continued focus on innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence.”
Ritschel said he’s eager to work under Spence’s direction and “continuing our artistic collaboration.”
LIGHTHOUSE Festival puts on six plays at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover each summer, drawing about 40,000 visitors to our community annually. The theatre bills itself as Home of the Canadian Sense of Humour. The organization’s success has made the town a destination for theatre-goers across Ontario. With two plays already over in Port Dover, Lighthouse Festival’s summer season is well underway. It’s a great time to take stock of remaining shows and pick up tickets.
Mary’s Wedding
The season’s third show is Stephen Massicotte’s play Mary’s Wedding. The drama explores the themes of love, loss, and the lingering shadows of war set against the backdrop of World War I. Mary’s Wedding begins the night before Mary is to be married. As she dreams, she revisits her memories of Charlie, a young soldier she fell in love with. The audience is taken on an emotional ride through their budding romance, the trials of separation, and the heartache of war, all told by blending reality and dream.
Daniel Reale, who plays Charlie, shared his thoughts on the play: “I think the audience will leave thinking about a few things. The absolutely stunning poetry and writing in the piece, the impacts of the First World War, the social constructs of the early 20th century — but mostly I hope they leave thinking about all those incredible sensations that come with first love. All of the joy, ease and excitement of finding a person that you can’t ever imagine living without. I love this show for giving me the opportunity to live in that world.”
Evelyn Wiebe, portraying Mary, added: “Mary reminds me of Juliet. Young, in love, passionate, fiery, witty and curious. She feels everything so deeply and that’s just the most satisfying thing as an actor. To hear a woman in the 1900s being bold. A lot of folks tend to dismiss a woman falling in love as ‘typical’ or trope-like. Mary is so much more than that. She’s just a beast of a woman. It’s just the most fun to play.”
The production is helmed by Lighthouse Festival’s artistic director, Derek Ritschel, who brings a unique perspective to the play, having starred as Charlie in a 2005 production. “Directing this play has been a deeply rewarding experience and a passion project of mine,” Mr. Ritschel said. “I fell in love with the show over 20 years ago and I’m thrilled to bring the show to the Lighthouse audience. The cast and crew have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life, capturing the delicate balance between the sweetness of young love and the harsh realities of a world at war. Their dedication and passion are evident in every scene.”
Mr. Ritschel continued: “Mary’s Wedding is not just a love story; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of dreams to transcend time and space. Through Mary’s dreams, we experience the beauty of love and the harrowing impact of war, all while navigating the ethereal boundaries between reality and imagination.” Mary’s Wedding runs from July 3 to 20 in Port Dover’s Lighthouse Theatre and from July 24 to August 4 in Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre.
Upcoming shows
The fourth play of the season will be The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, a story about lifelong friendships. Audiences can enjoy the show at Lighthouse Theatre from July 24 to August 10 and at Roselawn Theatre from August 14 to 25. Fifth this season will be the world premiere of Norm Foster’sLakefront, which is about a pair of recently acquainted septuagenarians renting a lake cabin together. Open in Port Dover from August 21 to September 7 and in Port Colborne from September 11 to 22.
This year’s season topper is Memphis to Motown: from Soulsville to Hitsville, a live concert with music from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and more. See it in Port Dover from September 10 to 28 and Port Colborne from October 2 to 13.
For more information on what’s on stage at Lighthouse and to purchase tickets, visit lighthousetheatre.com/event/marys-wedding/ or contact the box office at 519-583-2221 or 888-779-7703.
