June 10, 2026

NorfolkToday.ca

By Jeremy Hall

Simcoe Little Theatre is marking its 80th anniversary with a special production that celebrates the people, performances and memories that have shaped one of southern Ontario’s oldest community theatres.

Where Stars Still Shine brings together musical numbers, comedy, dramatic scenes and historical moments from some of the theatre’s most memorable productions over the past eight decades.

Director and writer Jan Rainey said the show is designed much like an awards show, featuring highlights from the theatre’s rich history.

Rather than recreating entire plays, audiences will enjoy musical performances mixed with short theatrical scenes and stories from the theatre’s past. Assistant director Dave Kent tells us historic photos, programs and memorabilia from the theatre archives will also be projected throughout the performance.

The production also reunites performers from across the decades, with former cast members travelling long distances to take part alongside younger actors from the theatre’s youth program.

Kent said the show includes something for every generation, but more important it’s a community celebration.

The anniversary production recognizes the generations of volunteers and audience members who have kept community theatre alive in Simcoe since 1946.

Rainey hopes the celebration inspires even more people to get involved.

Tickets for Where Stars Still Shine are now available, with organizers encouraging residents to purchase early due to strong interest from families and longtime theatre supporters.

Written by Jeremy Hall

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Indigenous playwright Drew Hayden Taylor’s story offers audiences a joyful look at relationships, identity and the adventure of trying something new at any age.

June 8, 2026

Welland Tribune

By Welland Tribune Staff

Port Colborne audiences are invited to step outside their comfort zone alongside a long-married Cree couple as they leave their familiar northern life behind in Lighthouse Festival’s production of “Crees in the Caribbean.”

Written by Drew Hayden Taylor, one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous playwrights and storytellers, the heartfelt comedy about love and culture follows the Poundmakers — Evie, played by Krystle Pederson, and Cecil, played by Lawrence Bayne — as they leave their familiar northern life behind to celebrate their anniversary at a tropical Mexican resort. 

But sun, sand and relaxation quickly give way to unexpected friendships, cultural misunderstandings and discoveries about themselves and each other, said a news release from the theatre group. It offers audiences a joyful look at relationships, identity and the adventure of trying something new at any age.

“I wanted to do an elder’s love story and comedy,” said Taylor. “I know plenty of older people who have never been out of the country, and thought this might be an interesting way to approach telling an old-fashioned love story.

 “I’ve been to Mexico many times, and I frequently wonder how my grandparents would react. To the best of my knowledge, they never left the county. That was the genesis.”

Taylor said the play was also an opportunity to share a lighter perspective on Indigenous life and culture.

“I told this story quite a few years ago. Personally, as a writer, I like going back and forth between comedies and dramas. I’ve seen so many dark and bleak stories of Indigenous people, and I frequently like to present a more positive and enjoyable peek at our lives.”

He said fish-out-of-water stories are always fun. 

“Also, providing a window for other cultures to see how we live, and vice versa — creating a play to show unusual aspects of the dominant culture. I am a storyteller. I realize the world is the audience. I write stories that tell a truthful perspective. I can’t do anything else.”

Lighthouse’s interim artistic producer David Leyshon said the production perfectly balances comedy with emotional depth.

“Drew has an extraordinary ability to make audiences laugh while also opening the door to meaningful conversations. It is warm, funny and full of heart, but beneath the comedy is a beautiful exploration of relationships and human connection.”

He said the play continues Lighthouse’s commitment to bringing distinctly Canadian stories to audiences across Ontario.

“One of the things that makes this play so special is how relatable it feels. Whether you’ve travelled the world or never left your hometown, audiences will recognize themselves in these characters. Funny, honest and incredibly uplifting, it’s a play that will resonate with everyone. We’re proud to bring this Canadian story to Port Colborne this summer.”

“Crees in the Caribbean” is at Roselawn Theatre, 296 Fielden Ave., July 8-19. Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2026 season are available at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 1-888-779-7703.

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The theatre group’s productions tell stories of the ultimate cross-country road trip, a swanky Italian restaurant, a fake funeral and more.

April 11, 2026

Welland Tribune

By Welland Tribune Staff

Womanhood, cross-cultural connections, humour, mischief, forgiveness, and the twists and turns of romance will be explored when Lighthouse Festival returns to Port Colborne this summer.

The company has announced casts and creative teams for its five productions, also in Port Dover.

“We’re thrilled to welcome such an incredible group of artists to Lighthouse this season,” marketing and communications manager Don Kearney-Bourque said in a news release.

“There’s a real excitement among the company, and audiences will feel that the moment the lights come up. It’s a season built on connection, laughter and truly outstanding performances.”

Production manager Alice Barnett said it’s inspiring to see so many talented individuals come together with a shared goal of creating something special. 

“There’s a strong sense of collaboration and pride in the work, and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons,” she said.

This season’s shows in Port Colborne include:

“The Beaver Club” — June 17 to 28 

Four longtime friends pile into a well-worn car and set off on the ultimate cross-country road trip: from Toronto to Dildo, N.L. What starts as a spontaneous getaway soon spirals into a journey full of chaos, confession and more than a few questionable roadside snacks. 

With nothing but a scrapbook, a cooler full of kombucha and decades of shared history, the women relive old memories, create outrageous new ones and take on skinny dipping in questionable lakes and navigating tourist traps with names they can’t say on radio. Secrets are spilled, boundaries are tested and laughter erupts at every turn. 

“Crees in the Caribbean” — July 8 to 19

By Drew Hayden Taylor, the play is a delightfully witty yet deeply touching one about Evie and Cecil Poundmaker, a Cree couple celebrating their 35th anniversary with their first trip abroad — a Mexican resort vacation gifted by their children. The comedy sparkles as this fish-out-of-water couple navigates resort life with laugh-out-loud exchanges rooted in decades of shared history.

Curmudgeonly Cecil and spirited Evie fill the stage with humorous banter. The play unfolds as a heartfelt journey as memories resurface, and Evie gently pushes Cecil to seize each moment. In addition, their new friendship with Manuela, their young housekeeper, is profoundly moving. 

“Secret Service” — July 29 to Aug. 9

Welcome to Il Glorioso Buco, Toronto’s swankiest Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is thick with … espionage? A crack team of international spies has taken over the kitchen, using marinara as camouflage for a top-secret sting operation. Enter Harry Marsden: an eternal optimist who thinks he’s just starting a regular old waiter gig.

With a serving tray and way too much enthusiasm, Harry has no idea he’s just walked into the culinary equivalent of a James Bond blooper reel. Ephraim Ellis’s world premiere is “Mission Impossible” meets “MasterChef” in a farcical feast. 

“Liars at a Funeral” — Aug. 19 to 30

Family reunions are hard enough without faking a funeral, but that’s what Grandma Mavis has cooked up. When a blizzard traps a wildly dysfunctional family inside a drafty funeral parlour, sparks fly faster than power lines go down. 

Over one increasingly unhinged day, skeletons are flung from closets and secrets are spilled like cheap wine. Five actors play nine roles in a whirlwind of crazy characters, and one enthusiastic funeral director. The play is a an over-the-top tribute to family, forgiveness and the fine art of pretending everything’s fine. It’s the perfect sendoff for anyone who thinks their family is a little bit nuts — until they see this one. 

“A Woman’s Love List” — Sept. 16 to 27

Megan and Carly write down a list of qualities for the perfect man — and to their surprise, he appears. But perfection proves to be a moving target. As they begin tweaking the list, Blaze Wilson, their masterpiece, responds in kind, morphing from one personality to the next faster than you can say “emotional whiplash.”

Things get even messier when Blaze discovers the list and takes matters into his own hands. Full of rapid-fire dialogue, bizarre romantic detours and enough twists to qualify as cardio, the play is a hilarious exploration of modern relationships and why love can’t be measured by bullet points.

For ticket information, go to lighthousetheatre.com or call the box office at 1-888-779-7703.

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August 20, 2025

The Abby Post

By Abby Mitchell

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Today I went to the Lighthouse Theatre and saw Snow White and it was really good.  

I would recommend going to it. It is a kids’ play and it is filled with jokes.  It is cool to see kids from school on stage. 

It looks like it takes a lot of work, but in the end, it seems like a lot of fun.  It is playing until Saturday, August 23.  

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A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our 2025 Young Company show, Snow White! We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival

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Today I was at Lighthouse Theatre and I watched Robin Hood! 

March 11, 2025

The Abby Post

By Abby Mitchell

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Today I was the @lighthouselft and I watched Robin Hood.

It was really good. 

I liked that people got to go up on stage and get to be part of the play. I also liked if you weren’t up on stage you got to still be part of it by yelling things out like “long live the king”! 

I got to be part of it because I was picked to be Maid Marion. It was very fun to go up. 

It was really funny

Tomorrow there will be Sleeping Beauty. You can still get tickets. 

In August there is going to be “Snow White”.  The actors for that one are all kids. I hope everyone gets tickets. 

@lighthouselft is very fun place to go to for entertainment. 

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A very BIG thank you to Abby and her family for coming to Lighthouse Festival today and reviewing our March Break shows! We really appreciate it and we’re so glad you enjoyed the show! – The Staff at Lighthouse Festival

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Today I was at Lighthouse Theatre and I watched Cinderella! 

November 29, 2024

The Abby Post

By Abby Mitchell

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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. 

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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

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Lighthouse Festival has a new artistic director. 

November 6, 2024

Simcoe Reformer

By Brian Thompson

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.”

bethompson@postmedia.com

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Live show will see singers perform everything from the soulful grooves of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave  to Isaac Hayes.

September 9, 2024

Welland Tribune

By Welland Tribune Staff

“Memphis to Motown: from Soulsville to Hitsville” brings the sounds of two of America’s most influential musical cities to Port Colborne’s Lighthouse Festival next month.

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.

Tickets are on sale at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 1-888-779-7703.

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They’re playing it strictly for laughs at the Lighthouse Festival, according to the new 2025 season that’s just been announced. 

August 29, 2024

Simcoe Reformer

By Michelle Ruby

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.

For more information, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com or call the box office at 888-779-7703.

SGamble@postmedia.com

@EXPSGamble

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“Our 2025 season is focused on making people laugh,” says the theatre company’s new artistic director, Jane Spence.

August 29, 2024

The Standard

By Welland Tribune Staff

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.

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.

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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.

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Today I went to see Pinocchio at Lighthouse Theatre! 

August 14, 2024

The Abby Post

By Abby Mitchell

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I went with Ciotka, Lucas, and Nan.

It was around an hour.

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

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When you wish upon a star, you get Pinocchio — with a twist. 

August 14, 2024

Simcoe Reformer

By Michelle Ruby

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.  

“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.

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