PORT DOVER—A ‘glass slipper’ and a paper bag princess are set to share the spotlight this March Break at Lighthouse Festival Theatre.
Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s annual March Break programming returns March 17 to 19, 2026 with Fireside Munsch Classics and Cinderella, two high-energy shows designed to entertain children and adults alike at a price point aimed squarely at families.
“We, every March Break, put on children and family programming,” said Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Manager for Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation. “This year, we have two productions that we’re doing.”
The lineup begins Tuesday, March 17 at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover with Fireside Munsch Classics at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 60-minute production features a single performer who reimagines four of Robert Munsch’s best-known stories in one whirlwind theatrical experience.
“It’s such a timeless author that not only kids these days still read, but people who are now parents and even grandparents read before,” Kearney-Bourque said.
The show brings 50 Below Zero, PIGS, Something Good, and The Paper Bag Princess to life through physical comedy, big characters, and lively storytelling. Performed as a single, fast-paced play, the production captures the joy, imagination, and mischievous spirit that has made Munsch a household name for generations.
The following day, March 18, Cinderella arrives in Port Dover with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. before moving to the Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne on March 19 for two shows, also at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Presented by DuffleBag Theatre, Cinderella features a small professional cast who invite audience members to step into starring roles. Children may find themselves cast as Prince Charming.
“They’ll also see if they can get adults up there too,” Kearney-Bourque said. “It actually makes for a very funny and almost improv production because you never know how the person’s going to act on stage and interact with the actors.”
The familiar fairy tale unfolds with comic timing as curfews, lost footwear, and giant pumpkins become opportunities for playful chaos that is focused on kids but fun for the whole family.
“A lot of the jokes that you find in these are obviously geared towards kids, with a slightly adult edge so that the adults come and get it,” Kearney-Bourque said.
Both productions are designed with financial accessibility in mind. Tickets are $17 each or four for $60.
“We feel that that’s a great deal – $60 is a pretty good way to bring four people to the theatre,” Kearney-Bourque said. “We want to make sure that it’s accessible to everybody.”
He added that Lighthouse has kept prices steady in recent years.
“We haven’t raised those prices in the last couple years, despite everything else going up, because we know how challenging it can be for people right now,” he said.
Kearney-Bourque said the theatre offers a simple and memorable outing for families this March Break.
“It’s a great way to … have a fun, fun time at the theatre with your whole family,” he said.
Interest is already building, particularly for the Munsch production.
“We’re certainly noticing that the Munsch show is selling very quickly, and Cinderella is catching up,” Kearney-Bourque said.
In addition to the on-stage entertainment, Lighthouse is partnering with Beach Reads Bookstore to highlight Munsch titles in the theatre lobby, giving families an opportunity to reconnect with the stories that inspired the performance.
“It’s kind of a nice way to share across generational love of books,” Kearney-Bourque said.
Tickets are available online at lighthousetheatre.com, by phone at 1-888-779-7703, or in person at the Port Dover and Port Colborne box offices.
After studying journalism at Niagara College, Nick Fearns began his reporting career immediately after graduation with the Macklin Mirror in Macklin, Saskatchewan. He later returned to Niagara, where he worked for Niagara This Week, writing for seven different newspapers across the peninsula. Nick joined The Haldimand Press in the summer of 2024 and has since focused on community-driven reporting that highlights local voices and issues. He is an Ontario Community Newspaper Association award winner and is passionate about community journalism.
Families looking for something fun and affordable to do close to home this March Break can head to Lighthouse Festival Theatre for two lively, interactive stage experiences designed to entertain all ages.
One of the featured performances is Fireside Munsch Classics, a theatrical celebration of stories by beloved Canadian author Robert Munsch. Rather than a simple reading, the show transforms five of Munsch’s most popular books — including The Paper Bag Princess and Pigs — into a fast-paced, acted-out production that invites the audience to join in.
Marketing and Communications Manager Don Kearney-Bourque says the magic of Munsch’s work lies in its wide appeal.
The performance blends the stories into one energetic show, with audience participation woven throughout. Children and adults alike may find themselves helping bring a favourite character to life, creating a shared experience that bridges generations.
The March Break lineup also includes DuffleBag Cinderella, performed by DuffleBag Theatre. Known for its improvisational style, the company builds each show around audience volunteers who step into key roles such as Cinderella, the prince or even the wicked stepmother. However, Kearney-Bourque explained it’s not entirely improv.
He says one of the most rewarding parts of the performance is watching shy children — and sometimes parents or grandparents — grow more confident and come out of their shells as the show unfolds.
The interactive format means no two performances are ever the same. Personalities from the audience shape the humour and pacing, leading to constant laughter that can be heard well beyond the theatre doors.
Fireside Munsch Classics runs March 17 in Port Dover, while DuffleBag Cinderella takes the stage March 18 in Port Dover and March 19 in Port Colborne.
“It’s a great interactive time for everybody,” Kearney-Bourque added. “You never know what you’re going to get, and that’s part of the fun.”
Gary Smith’s Retirement: The End of an Act (and an Era)
Posted on February 21, 2026
Gary Smith (Photo by John Rennison/Spectator file photo)
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For decades, the name Gary Smith has been synonymous with thoughtful, incisive, and deeply felt theatre reviews across our region. As Theatre and Dance Critic for The Hamilton Spectator, Gary brought not only knowledge and experience to his writing but also a genuine love for the art form and the artists who bring it to life. On the occasion of his retirement, all of us at Lighthouse Festival wish to offer our heartfelt gratitude, admiration, and warmest congratulations.
Gary’s reviews were never casual observations dashed off after opening night. They were carefully considered reflections, crafted with intelligence, fairness, and unmistakable wit. He had a remarkable ability to see both the fine detail and the larger artistic vision, and to communicate that insight in a way that welcomed readers into the theatrical experience. His words mattered. They sparked curiosity, encouraged audiences to take a chance on a show, and reminded our community why live performance is so vital.
At Lighthouse Festival, we came to cherish Gary’s annual journeys to our stages. Season after season, he made the trek to experience our productions firsthand, and we always knew he was watching with both a critic’s keen eye and a theatre lover’s open heart. Time and again, his thoughtful coverage helped shine a wider spotlight on our work, often followed by a noticeable, much-appreciated boost in attendance. More than numbers, though, his presence affirmed that what happens on our stages matters beyond our walls.
“Gary understood the spirit of regional theatre,” says Lighthouse Festival Executive Director Nicole Campbell. “He recognized the passion, the risk, and the joy that go into every production, and he honoured that effort with writing that was both honest and generous. We are deeply grateful for the care he showed our artists and our audiences over so many years.”
Beyond the printed page, Gary will also be missed for his wit and charm in person; his easy humour in the lobby, his thoughtful conversations after a performance, and his unmistakable enthusiasm for a well-told story. “Gary never lost sight of why we do this work,” adds Lighthouse Festival Interim Artistic Producer David Leyshon. “He understood that critics don’t stand apart from our community; they are a vital part of it. He celebrated the challenge of making theatre while being keenly aware of the theatre’s aspiration of bringing people together to help us see the world a little differently. His voice has been an important part of our theatrical landscape, and his absence will certainly be felt.”
While retirement marks the end of Gary’s regular deadlines, we hope it also opens the door to many afternoons and evenings spent simply enjoying the show; no notebook required.
Gary, thank you for the miles travelled, the words so carefully chosen, and the unwavering belief in the power of live theatre. Your influence will continue to ripple through our stages and our audiences for years to come.
We wish you every happiness in this next act, Gary. And please remember that you will always have a seat waiting for you at Lighthouse Festival.
Don Kearney-Bourque Marketing & Communications Manager, Lighthouse Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Announces March Break Fun for the Whole Family
Posted on February 12, 2026
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February 11, 2026 | Port Dover, ON — Families looking for laughter, imagination, and affordable live entertainment this March Break need look no further than Lighthouse. With two beloved family productions on stage in Port Dover and Port Colborne, Lighthouse Festival is inviting audiences of all ages to experience the joy of live theatre at a price that makes family outings easy.
The March Break lineup begins with Fireside Munsch Classics on Tuesday, March 17 in Port Dover, with performances at 11 AM and 2 PM. Packed with humour, heart, and the wildly imaginative storytelling of Robert Munsch, this high-energy show brings some of Canada’s most treasured children’s stories to life in a way that delights both kids and grown-ups.
The fun continues with Cinderella, presented by DuffleBag Theatre, on Wednesday, March 18, in Port Dover at 11 AM and 2 PM, and Thursday, March 19, in Port Colborne at 11 AM and 2 PM. This playful, fast-paced retelling of the classic fairy tale features audience participation, spontaneous comedy, and plenty of magical surprises.
Tickets are $17 each or four for $60, making Lighthouse Festival one of the most affordable ways for families to create lasting March Break memories. Tickets are available now at lighthousetheatre.com.
“This programming is such a wonderful opportunity for families to experience live theatre together,” says Executive Director Nicole Campbell. “We’re proud to offer shows that are joyful, welcoming, and, especially important for families, truly affordable.”
Interim Artistic Producer David Leyshon highlights the timeless appeal of this year’s stories. “Robert Munsch’s tales are beloved by generations of Canadians, and seeing them brought to life on stage is always magical. Pairing that with the classic charm and humour of Cinderella makes this March Break lineup something special.”
For DuffleBag Theatre’sMarcus Lundgren, the excitement is all about the shared experience. “March Break at Lighthouse is always such a joy, and Cinderella is designed for the whole family to jump right into the fun. With audience participation and lots of laughs, every performance feels completely unique.”
With engaging storytelling, interactive comedy, and family-friendly pricing, Lighthouse Festival’s March Break programming promises unforgettable moments for audiences, young and old.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lighthouse Festival Appoints David Leyshon as Interim Artistic Producer for the 2026 Season
Posted on January 12, 2026
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January 12, 2026 | Port Dover, ON — Lighthouse Festival is pleased to announce the appointment of David Leyshon as Interim Artistic Producer for the 2026 season.
A respected theatre artist, educator, and director, Leyshon brings decades of experience in live performance and storytelling, making him a natural fit for Lighthouse Festival’s mission to deliver outstanding, laughter-filled Canadian theatre.
David joins Lighthouse Festival at an exciting time, as the theatre prepares for a season focused on joy, connection, and the uniquely Canadian sense of humour audiences have come to know and love. His role as Interim Artistic Producer will see him working closely with the Lighthouse artistic team to support artistic planning, creative leadership, and the continued excellence of productions on stage in both Port Dover and Port Colborne. Leyshon has also been announced as the director of Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 community production, deepening his connection to the Festival and its community.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Lighthouse Festival,” says Leyshon. “Lighthouse has built an incredible reputation for making excellent, entertaining theatre and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences over several decades. To be a part of that legacy, shaping a season that is warm, funny, and deeply engaging, is something I’m truly excited about.”
Leyshon emphasizes the importance of comedy and shared experiences during challenging times. “Laughter matters,” he adds. “Now more than ever, people need opportunities to come together, escape for a couple of hours, and laugh. The 2026 season is going to be an amazing and entertaining one for each patron that walks through our doors, and I can’t wait to help bring those stories to life on stage.”
“David brings a depth of experience in live theatre that is both practical and inspiring,” says Lighthouse Executive Director Nicole Campbell. “He has worked extensively as a director and actor, and his background as a theatre educator brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to both artists and process. His skill set and passion for storytelling align closely with Lighthouse Festival’s commitment to accessible, audience-first Canadian theatre.”
Campbell continues, “We are pleased to welcome David to Lighthouse Festival during this important season. His insight, and love of comedic theatre will be an important asset as we plan and deliver the 2026 season for our audiences and artists.”
Lighthouse Festival looks forward to an inspiring and laughter-filled 2026 season under Leyshon’s artistic guidance, continuing its tradition of bringing exceptional Canadian theatre to our lakeside communities.
During this interim period, the Board of Directors will be overseeing a full search for a permanent Artistic Director soon, ensuring continuity and long-term artistic leadership for the Festival.
For more information about Lighthouse Festival Theatre and the upcoming 2026 season, visit lighthousetheatre.com.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
This past July saw the passing of two of Canada’s most beloved actors – Michael Blake and Joseph Ziegler. Blake, who died at age 53, performed in 25 productions at the Stratford Festival between 2011 and 2023 including the role of Albany in King Lear (2023), the title role in Othello (2019), Caliban in The Tempest (2018) and Macduff in Macbeth (2016). Blake was one of the finest Shakespearean actors of his generation. He brought a clarity and understanding to Shakespeare’s verse that few could match. I had hoped to see him carry on through all of Shakespeare’s major roles, but I am grateful to have seen him in those he did play. He was a major talent gone too soon.
Ziegler, who died at age 71, lit up the stage for ten seasons at the Stratford Festival where gave us an unforgettable Timon in Timon of Athens (2017); ten seasons at the Shaw Festival where he directed such triumphs as Harvey (2010) and Widowers’ Houses (2003); and was a founding member of Soulpepper where he played a deeply-felt Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman (2010), an imperious Pozzo in Waiting for Godot (2004) and an iconic Scrooge in the company’s frequent stagings of A Christmas Carol (2001 on). His production of Our Town (1999) became one of Soulpepper’s most treasured pieces. We will miss Ziegler whose acting and directing so beautifully combined passion and insight.
A strange characteristic of 2025 was the increase in the number of coproductions. We all know that production costs in theatre have radically increased, and this must be the reason that has driven three and even four theatre companies to collaborate on a single production. Some of the smaller companies, however, which used to produce their own shows, now seem to produce shows only in collaboration. This makes one wonder how a small company can maintain its identity if never produces work on its own.
In contrast, some small companies outside Toronto have been enriching Toronto’s theatre scene by taking productions of their own creation to the big city. Talk Is Free Theatre based in Barrie took four plays to Toronto – Blackbird, Both for Resting and for Breathing, Cock and Tales of an Urban Indian – all to high acclaim. Here For Now Theatre based in Stratford for the second year in a row took one of its plays to Toronto. In addition, theatre companies outside Toronto have taken shows to other theatres outside Toronto. Talk Is Free Theatre took its production of Sondheim’s The Frogs to the Shaw Festival, and Stratford-based Spontaneous Theatre became the first company ever to present works at both the Shaw Festival (Murder-on-the-Lake) and the Stratford Festival (Goblin:Oedipus) in the same season. Small companies benefit by showing their own productions to a larger audience and everyone benefits from seeing the courageous work small regional theatres can do.
Below are my lists of the best shows I reviewed in 2025. Obviously, it is impossible for one person to see all the theatre available in Toronto in one year, much less all that is produced in all of Ontario. So, with this caveat, read on.
Toronto:
In alphabetical order here is my list of the ten best productions in Toronto I reviewed in 2025. As usual, I have excluded productions, such as Mahabharata, that have previously appeared on this list.
Blackbird by David Harrower, Talk Is Free Theatre. A thrilling production of a play about a young woman confronting the man who molested her as a child, a story rendered incendiary by the performances of Cyrus Lane and Kirstyn Russelle.
Bremen Town by Gregory Prest, Tarragon Theatre. A hugely impressive play full of humour and compassion that uses a tale by the Brothers Grimm as a meditation on ageing and death. The cast of vibrant veteran actors alone was an argument against current gerontophobia in the theatre.
Bug by Tracy Letts, The King Black Box with Elkabong Theatre Projects. A devastating and uncannily relevant play that takes us into the paranoia of a conspiracy theorist who takes a vulnerable woman along with him. Phenomenal performances from Nicholas Eddie and L.A. Sweeney.
Fulfillment Centre by Abe Coogler, Coal Mine Theatre. A disquieting comedy in the form of 11 duologues about four lonely people who go about sabotaging their chances at future happiness. The was brilliantly designed and directed and Kristen Thomson gave a beautifully sympathetic account of the conflicted central character.
Garden of Vanished Pleasures by Cecilia Livingston & Donna McKevitt, Soundstreams. A chamber opera about the garden built by queer filmmaker Derek Jarman towards the end of his life. Gorgeous music and flawless performances depicted the courage to live and thrive under the threat of obliteration.
Josiah by Charles Robertson, Thousand Miles of Bricks Productions. The true story of Josiah Henson (1789-1883), a Canadian hero, who was born into slavery in the US and escaped to freedom in Canada, was given a tour de force performance by a commanding Cassel Miles, who played an astonishing 40 characters.
Octetby Dave Malloy, Crow’s Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre & The Musical Stage Company. In both form and content, this amazing a cappella musical depicts the struggles of eight internet addicts trying to regain control of lives they have ceded to technology, indeed, trying to relearn the importance of truly being alive in the present.
Orfeo ed Euridice by Christoph Willibald Gluck, Canadian Opera Company. Robert Carsen’s production is an exquisitely minimalist representation of a world of shadows darkened by grief. With Bernard Labadie conducting, the marvellously expressive counter-tenor Iestyn Davies as Orfeo gave us an evening of sublime beauty.
Tales of an Urban Indian by Darrell Dennis, Talk Is Free Theatre. The TIFT production has been touring since 2009 and it well deserves its fame. The play’s central character, so fully embodied by Nolan Moberly, satirizes everyone, Indigenous people and Settlers alike, including himself, whose own identity we fear is gradually slipping away.
The Winter’s Tale by Christopher Wheeldon, National Ballet of Canada & The Royal Ballet. Wheeldon has made a lesser-known Shakespearean play the basis of a ballet justly hailed “an instant classic”. To Joby Talbot’s powerful, expressive score Wheeldon amazingly translates even the play’s most complex emotions into movement.
Outside Toronto:
In alphabetical order here is my list of the ten best productions outside Toronto that I reviewed in 2025.
Beyonsea and the Mothers by Teneile Warren, Green Light Arts, Kitchener. A wonderfully warm, inclusive, big-hearted play about recent Canadian immigrants from the Caribbean, self-understanding and learning how to make a home in a new place.
Bluebirds by Vern Thiessen, Theatre on the Ridge, Port Perry. A stunning, deeply moving play about three Canadian nurses serving in France during World War I, notable for its formal structure and poetic language. Under Iain Moggach keen direction, the trio of actors played Thiessen’s text as if it were a piece of music.
Dear Liar by Jerome Kilty, Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Graeme Somerville and Marla McLean gave an impeccably funny and gripping account of this compilation of the correspondence of G.B. Shaw and famed actress Mrs. Patrick Campbell – a show that took us into the world of Shaw more fully than many recent productions of his plays.
Flight Risk by Meg Braem, Drayton Entertainment, St. Jacobs. Much loved Shaw Festival actor Peter Millard brought a 99-year-old World War II veteran to life in all his complexity in this Canadian play that argues that elderly people have far deeper emotions than young people imagine.
Forgiveness by Hiro Kanagawa, Stratford Festival, Stratford. Kanagawa powerfully presents the ironies of two of his grandparents – one, a Canadian soldier, held in a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II, the other, a Japanese-Canadian, interned in BC. The title suggests there is only one way to move forward.
Goblin:Oedipus by Rebecca Northan & Bruce Horak, Spontaneous Theatre, Stratford Festival, Stratford. If you thought Goblin:Macbeth was funny, wait till you see these. In the hands of the Goblins, Sophocles’ tragedy was never so outrageously hilarious or, strangely enough, so insightfully staged.
Murder-on-the-Lake by Rebecca Northan & Bruce Horak, Spontaneous Theatre, Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Shaw Festival hasn’t seen a play this funny for more than 20 years. Northan invites a volunteer from the audience to solve a murder on stage. The show is brilliantly imagined and Shaw actors prove as adept at improv as they are at complex cerebral drama.
My Narrator by Norm Foster, Lighthouse Festival, Port Dover. One of Foster’s most experimental plays proves to be one of his best. Two characters have their own narrators who try to guide their lives, but reality and storytelling come into uproarious conflict. Metatheatricality has never been so funny.
Ruby and the Reindeer by Mark Crawford, Here For Now Theatre Company, Stratford. Full of wit and common humanity, the action leads to an astounding surprise. Stratford veterans and the super-talented Tabitha Campbell as Ruby made this a resoundingly joyful experience. Look for this Christmas play to be picked up by theatres across the country.
The Wind Coming Over the Sea by Emma Donoghue, Blyth Festival, Blyth. A play infused with traditional Irish songs about Henry, a young Irishman who emigrates to Canada seeking a better life for his family. Gil Garrett provided outstandingly effective neo-Brechtian staging, and Landon Doak gave a soulful, heartbreaking performance as Henry.
No stranger to the Lighthouse stage, David Leyshon is getting ready to bring comedy, music, and murder to Port Dover in April.
David Leyshon & Jennifer Dzialoszynski in Hidden Treasures written by Norm Foster | Lighthouse Festival 2025
(Lighthouse Festival): Tell us a little bit about yourself and your theatre background.
(David Leyshon): I’m originally from Saskatchewan, and really began my career in Alberta. I made my way out to Ontario in the early 2000s to join the company at the Shaw Festival. I spent seven seasons with the Shaw, and one with the Stratford Festival. After eight seasons of repertory theatre, I was excited for a change of scenery and new challenges. Since then, I have been working in theatres across the country, from Halifax to Vancouver Island. as well as teaching at a number of post-secondary institutions. I’ve been lucky to work in both plays and musicals, new works and classics, over the course of my career, which has brought a great deal of variety to my experiences in the theatre!
(LF): Why did you want to direct Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 Community Show, Curtains?
(DL): When I have worked at the Lighthouse, I have really enjoyed my time at the theatre, and in the community. The Community Show is an amazing opportunity to work with people from the community that love theatre, and love the Lighthouse! Curtains really is a love letter to the theatre, and to ’show people’ – people who love to act, create, work onstage and off, who want to be a part of telling stories – and we have a great group of people involved at every level who exemplify those very things!
(LF): How did you get started in directing?
(DL): A number of years into my acting career, I started to quietly get bitten by the directing bug. I became more and more interested in the big picture and shaping the telling of a story. I was doing a play in Calgary about 15 years ago when the artistic director really encouraged me to start directing and ultimately asked me to help with a three-hander musical called If I Weren’t With You in her next season. This was the beginning of my directing career.
(LF): What is your favourite part of the directing process?
(DL): Both as an actor and a director, I love the rehearsal process. The dissecting of the play, figuring out what makes the characters tick, and how we can tell the story efficiently and clearly, giving the characters depth – which will ultimately allow the audience to connect with them. I also love the collaborative nature of working with designers, to create the world of the play that the actors get to play in!
(LF): What do you think patrons are going to love about this year’s Community Show?
(DL): This show is a great combination of two things that audiences love – it’s a musical, and it is also a murder mystery! It has larger-than-life characters, great music, tons of humour and under it all, the show has a giant heart.
(LF): What are you most excited about while directing Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 Community Show, Curtains?
(DL): I’m most excited to work with all the people involved, from the cast to those doing the costumes and working backstage – every play has to create a community – a group of like-minded people who are all coming together to make the play happen – and all the people involved in this project are doing it because they love contributing to the creation of something – and that is very exciting.
(LF): What do you think makes Curtains such a special (and hilarious) musical for a community cast to bring to life?
(DL): It is a big ensemble show – that is to say, everyone is really busy in this show! The whole company has lots to do, and I think this will make everyone feel really a part of bringing this show to life. Every person on the stage is contributing to the mystery, singing and dancing, and a big part of taking the audience on this wild and fun ride!
(LF): What has it been like working with this year’s cast and creative team so far?
(DL): It has been fantastic! I have an incredibly organized stage manager, fantastically talented musical directing team, an energized and excited cast, and so much support from the team at the Lighthouse – it’s been, and I have no doubt will continue to be, a joy!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Cast Announced for Lighthouse Festival’s 2026 Community Show Production of the Broadway Musical Curtains
Posted on December 15, 2025
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December 14, 2025 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to unveil the cast for its highly anticipated 2026 Community Show production of the Broadway musical Curtains, running April 10 to 26, 2026 at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover.
A hilarious whodunnit wrapped inside a splashy Golden Age musical, Curtains brings together an extraordinary group of local performers eager to dive into this high-energy, laugh-packed production. Directed by David Leyshon, a familiar face to Lighthouse audiences and a passionate supporter of live theatre, the show continues Lighthouse Festival’s longstanding commitment to celebrating local talent on a national-calibre stage.
David Leyshon, Director
Director David Leyshon shares his excitement for the production: “Curtains is both a musical and a murder mystery, which makes it incredibly fun to work on. It’s also one of the funniest musicals out there; it’s gloriously chaotic, delightfully witty, and packed with heart. I can’t wait for audiences to come along on this ride – to hear these songs, solve the mystery, and experience just how hilarious this show really is.”
Leyshon adds: “We’ve assembled a fantastic group to bring Curtains to life. Seeing this cast come together and already finding the rhythm of the comedy and the fun of the songs has been an absolute joy. I just know they’re going to blow audiences away.”
Members of the cast echo this enthusiasm as rehearsals begin. “Music and theatre have been my passion since high school. I’ve made so many amazing friends by getting involved with theatre,” says Jim Donovan, who plays Lieutenant Frank Cioffi. “Getting up on stage helped me grow into a more confident person, and encouraged me to dream big. I am so excited to be performing in my very first Lighthouse show, and I can’t wait to work with this amazing cast and crew!”
Brent Millard, who plays the role of Director Christopher Belling, adds: “I am super excited about the opportunity to play the part of the director in the upcoming community production of Curtains. I grew up in Haldimand/Norfolk and have recently moved back to area to be closer to my Mother in Port Dover. What I am most excited about is finding a new theatre family to work and collaborate with to bring the best show possible to the area. Looking forward to this opportunity!”
For Jada Dawson, who takes on the lead role of Niki Harris, it’s about having fun: “Thrilled to be back for my sixth community show with Lighthouse! Promise I’m not the murderer… probably.”
Lighthouse Festival’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Don Kearney-Bourque, highlights the announcement as a spring season milestone. “Our Community Show is one of the most joyful traditions we have,” he says. “Seeing local performers step into a Broadway musical with this much comedy, music, and heart is nothing short of magic.”
Leyshon concludes: “I’m very excited to bring Curtains to the Lighthouse stage. Between the talent in this cast and the sheer fun of the material, I know we’re creating something special. Rehearsals are already a riot, so I can only imagine what the performances will be like.”
Tickets are on sale now at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 888-779-7703.
Curtains runs April 10–26, 2026 at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover.
Meet the Cast
Naomi Auld | Chorus
Nathan Clarke | Daryl Grady
Jada Dawson | Niki Harris
Lorraine Deming | Jessica Cranshaw/Chorus
Andy Dominick | Aaron Fox
Jim Donovan | Lieutenant Frank Cioffi
Gavin Geerts | Randy Dexter/Chorus
Kiana Littlemore | Bambi Bernét
Christy Miedema | Chorus
Brent Millard | Christopher Belling
Shelby Mulder | Georgia Hendricks
Devon Otterman | Harv Fremont/Chorus
Brian Reichheld | Oscar Shapiro
Shaena Riekermann | Carmen Bernstein
Mike Renzella | Bobby Pepper
Sammy Rixmann | Chorus
Melissa Schoeman | Chorus
Eli Senko | Detective O’Farrell / Chorus
Mackenzie Tigwell | Chorus
Daniel Traina | Johnny Harmon
Chris Verge | Sidney Bernstein
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization 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, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
Lighthouse Festival Named Finalist for Inaugural Rainbow Registered PRISM Award
Posted on October 31, 2025
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October 31, 2025 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is proud to announce that it has been named a finalist for the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce’s (CQCC) 2025 Business Awards, specifically for the inaugural Rainbow Registered PRISM Award.
The new award recognizes businesses that go above and beyond Rainbow Registered accreditation to become visible champions of 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion in their industry and community. Recipients exemplify leadership in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across all areas of their organization, including:
Workplace culture: Creating a safe, welcoming environment where 2SLGBTQI+ employees can thrive.
Client experience: Ensuring every patron and visitor feels respected, represented, and included.
Community engagement: Actively supporting and participating in 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives across the region.
Operational practices: Upholding progressive, non-discriminatory policies that celebrate all identities.
This is the first year the PRISM Award will be presented, marking a major milestone in recognizing Canadian organizations that are leading the way in inclusive business practices. The 2025 CQCC Business Leadership Awards will take place on Friday, November 14, at The CARLU in Toronto.
“Being recognized as a finalist for the PRISM Award is deeply meaningful to everyone at Lighthouse Festival,” said Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing & Communications Manager. “Our goal has always been to be a beacon for equality and to ensure our theatres are spaces where all people feel safe, celebrated, and seen. We’re proud to stand alongside other leaders who share that vision, and we’ll continue to be a voice for those who sometimes feel marginalized.”
Lighthouse Festival is honoured to represent Norfolk County and the Niagara Region on the national stage, shining a light on how rural arts organizations can drive meaningful change through inclusion and visibility.
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, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or 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
BRANTFORD—An upcoming speaker series aims to inspire local business leaders to take a fresh look at what it means to create a supportive and inclusive workplace.
During October and November, four events will be held across the Grand Erie and Waterloo regions, with each event featuring a speaker who will offer strategies to build dynamic workplaces that embrace and empower all employees.
“Real inclusion doesn’t exclude anyone,” said Danette Dalton, Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, lead organizer of the speaker series. “Inclusive workplaces value and respect every person and every age demographic – that’s how you build trust and community.”
Dalton said that inclusion has become increasingly politicized, sometimes leading to division and hopelessness, rather than building unity and trust.
“We’re hopeful that people who attend these talks walk away with deeper empathy, broader understanding, and actionable strategies for building workplace teams where everyone feels like they belong,” she said.
The four speakers are:
Sky McLaughlin, a consultant who helps business leaders to create a workplace culture of belonging. October 22 at the Wilkin Family Community Centre, 169 Grand River St. N., Brant County.
Nicki Straza, who will speak about nurturing a workplace where every generation can flourish. November 12, Six Nations Polytechnic – Brantford Campus, 411 Elgin St.
Michael Schiel, who empowers business teams to achieve peak performance through high performance coaching and neuroscience. November 12, Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Jacob’s, as part of the Growing the Workforce Conference.
Keka Dasgupta, a marketing/PR expert who will speak about breaking down barriers in the workplace. Also featuring Dr. Oliver Masakure of Wilfrid Laurier University. November 27, Lighthouse Theatre, 247 Main St., Port Dover.
You can register for some or all of these events by checking out the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie’s social channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Blue Sky) or going to Beacons.ai/wpbge. (Edit: you can also click on the link below).
The Inclusive Speaker Series is sponsored by Brant County, Norfolk County, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Brant Human Resources Network, Six Nations Polytechnic, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Brant County Chamber of Commerce, Ladies Who Lead, Cornerstone Capital Financial Group, and the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Lighthouse Festival Hosts 11th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Screening and Halloween Dance
Posted on October 1, 2025
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October 1, 2025 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Halloween favourite — the Rocky Horror Picture Show screening and dance — now in its 11th year. This year’s event is especially electrifying as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the cult-classic film. The celebration takes place at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover on Saturday, October 25, 2025 and promises a night of outrageous fun, unforgettable costumes, and spine-tingling music.
This 19+ event has become a beloved tradition for the local community and beyond, attracting fans of the film and newcomers alike. Attendees are encouraged to bring props to fully immerse themselves in the interactive screening experience — everything from toast and rice to newspapers and water pistols. After the film, the party continues with a Halloween dance featuring live DJ entertainment from Black Creek Music, ensuring the energy stays high all night long.
Guests can also look forward to mouth-watering catering provided by The Barrel Restaurant, one of Norfolk County’s favourite dining destinations. To add to the excitement, prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, so attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their most creative, daring, or downright spooky attire.
Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Manager at Lighthouse Festival, shares his enthusiasm for the tradition:
“This event has truly become one of Lighthouse Festival’s great Halloween traditions. Every year, the atmosphere is electric — a mix of nostalgia, celebration, and just pure fun. There’s something magical about seeing a theatre full of people singing, dancing, and celebrating together. We couldn’t be more excited to mark the 50th anniversary of Rocky Horror with our community this year.”
With a cult following spanning five decades, The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to unite audiences in a joyful and rebellious celebration of individuality and creativity. Lighthouse Festival’s annual screening has become a cornerstone of Port Dover’s Halloween festivities, and this milestone year promises to be the biggest and boldest yet.
As in past years, guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Port Dover and area Lifeline Food Bank.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this once-a-year event. Don’t miss your chance to do the “Time Warp” and dance the night away with fellow fans.
Review: A Musical Journey Well Worth Taking (Hamilton Spectator)
Posted on September 25, 2025
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Nostalgia buffs get ready to flip out. With this winner you’ll be transported to the golden days of the American Songbook and the golden days of TV’s “Your Hit Parade.”
I hate tribute shows. Why would I want to watch performers pretend to be someone else?
That’s what I always thought, until “Memories of The Rat Pack,” Christopher McHarge’s terrific celebration of the irreplaceable Frankie, Dean and Sammy.
Nostalgia buffs get ready to flip out — with this winner, you’ll be transported to the golden days of the American Songbook and the golden days of TV’s “Your Hit Parade.”
Remember when you could understand every word your favourite star sang? Remember a world when music wasn’t just a thumpity-thump-thump of four-letter words? Remember when gold-plated stars had personalities that reached right off the stage?
Instead of assaulting your ears, they invaded your heart.
Well, get ready for Frankie, Dean and Sammy, three of the greatest male pop stars in the world of entertainment.
Shane Philips as Sammy Davis Jr., Derek Marshall as Dean Martin and Dean Hollin as Frank Sinatra in “Memories of The Rat Pack.”
This is no cheesy imitation show with three phoneys struggling to create sketchy impersonations. No, this is an honest-to-goodness reminder of how terrific the old stars were. It’s all about the way they caressed the lyrics of those wonderful old songs by the likes of Cole Porter, Jimmy McHugh and George Gershwin.
And it’s also about the fun they had on stage, performing at those great watering holes of yesteryear, the Copa Room at the Sands, or The New Frontier in Las Vegas. Or maybe way back east in New York at Jules Podell’s Copacabana and those lavish hotels, such as the Waldorf and The Plaza .
Of course, it’s pretty much all gone today. Places like Toronto’s Imperial Room, where stars like Peggy Lee and those cuties The McGuire Sisters held sway, have turned into boring convention halls.
That’s why a nostalgic look at the likes of the guys known as The Rat Pack is so much fun.
For one thing, they could really sing. There was no messing around about that. When they cut loose on any one of their hit tunes, it was every bit as good as the record you treasured at home.
Thankfully, the stars of the show now in Port Dover mostly don’t try to imitate their voices. They don’t have to, they’ve got terrific voices of their own, so instead they interpret, rather than impersonate, the fab three.
When Dean Hollin leans into Sinatra’s “My Way,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “One More for the Road,” you know those songs have been superbly sung. Hollin has an ingratiating — no, make that charming — way about him. He fills the stage with his voice and his presence. He makes you glad you’re listening.
Originally from Hamilton, where he sang in a handful of musicals at Hamilton Theatre Inc., and acted the hell out of some dramatic shows at Burlington Little Theatre, Hollin is worth the trip to Dover all on his own.
But then, so are the guys who share the stage with him.
Derek Marshall is the real cutup of the trio, finding both the comic zest of Dean Martin, as well as the wonderful laid-back quality of his voice. He has fun with “That’s Amore” and “You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You,” and he conjures perfectly the charm of Italy with “An Evening in Roma.”
Shane Phillips comes into his own as Sammy Davis Jr. with “Mr. Bojangles” and “What Kind of Fool Am I.” And when the three singers come together on one of the oldies but goodies, they rock the roof off the theatre.
The show is supported by a live six-piece band led by Stephen Ingram, a Hamilton lad who’s well on his way to becoming a super hot musical director and pianist.
Things deflate a little late in the second act, when McHarge tries to resurrect the kind of madcap comedy the original Rat Pack did on the Vegas stage.
Imagine sitting ringside at The Sands after a few drinks, watching Sammy, Dean and Frank kibitzing on stage, pulling down each other’s pants, interrupting each other’s big numbers, and generally acting like goons. Of course it worked.
But it’s not easy to create that same supercharged atmosphere on stage in Port Dover. The guys work a touch too hard to be funny and the nonsense goes on a tad too long. Worse yet, this distraction interrupts the show’s build at a crucial point, so it takes a while to get things back on track.
It’s the songs, and the way these guys sing them, that holds “Memories of The Rat Pack” together, and fortunately there’s plenty to enjoy.
For my money, cavils aside, this is one of the best entertainments I’ve seen this year. Go celebrate the genius of three of the best male entertainers in Vegas history. This one deserves full houses all through its run.
Opinion articles are based on the author’s interpretations and judgments of facts, data and events. More details
Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for The Hamilton Spectator, as well as a variety of international publications, for more than 40 years.
