Hear ye, hear ye! Auditions for the Lighthouse Young Company’s production of Robin Hood are nigh! Convey thyselves to the theatre on the 24th of May but prithee contact the box office first to book thy time! May you find success in your thespian quest! Call 519-583-2221 or by electronic post at portdover@lighthousetheatre.com!
Join us as we unveil Cristina’s new art pieces that will hang in the theatre’s long bar for the 2023 summer season at Lighthouse Festival. The Open House will take place on Sunday, March 1st, 2023 from 1 PM to 3 PM in the Long Bar on the 2nd floor of the theatre.
Cristina Zanella is a Port Dover-based artist who, for several years, was the art curator at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Toronto, Halifax, Brantford, Sarnia and various communities throughout Southern Ontario.
She received her B.F.A from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Zanella has been the recipient of various awards including the Hazel Race Award for the Norfolk Visual Arts competition and the Peoples’ Choice Award at the Glenhyrst Gallery in Brantford.
Please note tickets are not required to attend this open house. This is a drop in event.
We hope you will join us,
The Lighthouse Team
February 14, 2023. Port Dover, ON: There is an old saying in the theatre world about how the show must go on despite any possible hindrances. If a cast member is ill, you call in the understudy. If a sound system malfunctions, the actors just talk louder. If the theatre catches fire, the production is moved to the front lawn and continues… You catch our drift.
The same cannot be said for replacing irreplaceable actors in order to stay true to the very personal and local story of Port Dover resident Kobi Kobayashi for our 2023 season production of Sakura: The Last Cherry Blossom Festival. Despite valiant efforts, we could not acquire cast members of Japanese descent needed to authentically tell this tale because of the depth and breadth of roles available for these actors right now; it’s a great problem to have if you’re an actor! We are, however, pleased to announce that this production will move to our 2024 Main Season in order to ensure our casting, and the story we’re telling, receive the attention they deserve.
At the same time, we’re very pleased to announce that Bed & Breakfast, a comedic play about two men whose failure to buy a house in Toronto leads them to inherit a bed and breakfast in a small town which, of course, results in all sorts of hilarity in a touching story about fitting in. Written by accomplished playwright and actor Mark Crawford, who wrote Stag and Doe and Birds and The Bees, which were both hits with Lighthouse audiences, and who currently appears in the Toronto production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Bed & Breakfast will run on the same dates and times that Sakura was schedule for.
MORE ABOUT BED & BREAKFAST
Brett and Drew want to move out of their tiny downtown condo and into a house, but they just lost their seventh bidding war in Toronto. When Brett’s beloved Aunt Maggie dies, he unexpectedly inherits the historic family home in a quiet little tourist town. Unhappy with their careers and frustrated by life in the fast-paced city, the couple decides to make the move and start up a B&B. But when the guys face friction in their new community, they discover the simple life is more complicated than they thought…
With more than a few unexpected and hilarious plot-twists, we follow Brett and Drew over the course of one year— through the real estate rat race, renovation hell, a farcical opening weekend at their B&B, and encounters with small-town prejudice—all the way to their big decision: do they stay here, or do they pack it all in?
With dozens of characters—male and female, young and old—all portrayed by two men, Bed and Breakfast is a theatrical tour de force. As riotously funny as it is deeply moving, this is a heartfelt comedy about “being out” in small town Canada, skeletons in the closet, and finding a place to call home.
DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER
Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@lighthousetheatre.com.
January 28, 2023. Port Dover, ON: Lighthouse Festival is pleased to be offering two March Break shows from DuffleBag Theatre: Peter Pan & Snow White. These amazing shows for the whole family create theatrical magic by inviting up audience members as the stars of the show! The result is an exciting, interactive, and unique experience for all. Tickets are available at www.lighthousetheatre.com.
DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER
Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@thousetheatre.com.
January 27, 2023. Port Dover, ON: After an absence of numerous years due to a pandemic that prevented in-person laughs, our community show is back with a vengeance and ready to wow audiences in Port Dover. Based on the entertaining and addictive board game of the same name, Clue the Musical will rely heavily on audience participation and quick thinking from the talented cast. The play is directed by Lighthouse Festival’s Artistic Director Derek Ritschel.
“Both the cast and crew are very excited to be back in rehearsals after a long time away from the stage,” said Ritschel. “The interactive element in this production mixed with the musical and comedic talents of our cast will add a new dimension to our community theatre that we haven’t done in past productions.”
The massively popular board game comes to life as a hilarious & fun-filled musical that brings the world’s best-known suspects to the stage and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who did it, in what room and with what weapon. With 216 possible solutions, audience members must hone their sleuthing skills while enjoying a beguiling score, witty lyrics, and comedic antics. In the end, only one hard-nosed detective is qualified to unravel the mayhem and help solve whodunnit! On stage from April 6th to April 21st, 2023 with tickets on sale now at lighthousetheatre.com.
DESTINATION FOR LAUGHTER
Lighthouse Festival regularly welcomes upwards of 60,000 people through our doors each summer season with 52% of our attendees travelling more than 40km to come to our theatre. As a charitable organization, we recognize the value of strong community partnerships and local support. We encourage anyone planning a visit to Port Dover to utilize the “visit” section on Lighthousetheatre.com and add some local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and more to your itinerary.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Operating in two towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ristschel, please contact: Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Officer at 519-583-1031 x 225 | 289-541-7410 or don@lighthousetheatre.com.
PORT DOVER & PORT COLBORNE, ON (Nov24,2022) – During a visit to Lighthouse Festival in the summer of 2022, veteran theatre critic Gary Smith described Lighthouse as, “the home of Canadian theatre comedies.” A badge the Festival wears proudly.
“To all comedy and theatre lovers across Ontario and beyond, we can’t wait to welcome you back home,” shares Lighthouse Festival Artistic Director Derek Ritschel. “Lighthouse Festival has put together an exhilarating and diverse lineup of comedies for the summer of 2023. Written by Canadians, about Canadians, and for Canadians.”
Tickets are now on sale for a new season of laughter that truly sets itself apart from other summer theatre festivals for one simple fact: most of the shows, you can’t see anywhere else. As part of their Play Development Program, Lighthouse Festival has commissioned and developed three world premieres for this season that Lighthouse patrons will be able to see before other theatres even have an opportunity to stage them. The opportunity to bring new works to the stage is a point of pride for Ritschel, who shares, “part of our commitment to supporting Canadian theatre is to give Canadians a chance to share their stories and ideas. A lot of work goes into writing a good comedy with heart. It doesn’t matter if it’s a seasoned writer or an aspiring playwright with an interesting idea; we’re here to use our resources and virtuosity in theatre to take their creativity from the page to stage.”
The Season:
Come Down From Up River by Norm Foster (May 17 – June 18)
Norm Foster’s signature writing brings us a hilarious yet poignant tale of a woodsman from Northern New Brunswick trying to reconnect with his estranged niece and her wife in the big city.
On The Air by Ephraim Ellis (June 7 – June 28):
World Premiere – Lighthouse favourite Jane Spence directs this world premiere that sees a rag- tag group of amateur radio broadcasters use diversity to their strength and embrace chaos to save their small-town radio station on Lake Kashagakaganee.
Sakura: The Last Cherry Blossom Festival by Terry Watada (June 28th – July 30th)
World Premiere – A charming and humorous true story of Japanese Immigrant Kobi Kobayashi, who settles in Port Dover in the 1930s and inspires us all to be good members of our community. This uplifting story is not one to be missed.
For Immediate Release
Where YouAre by Kristen Da Silva (July 19 – August 20)
Lighthouse staple Kristen Da Silva brings us a story of quiet retirement turned hectic family reunion in this story filled with family, humour, and heart.
A Pack Of Thieves by Norm Foster (August 16th – September 17th)
World Premiere –This is an unrelenting comedy, get ready for some big laughs. Don’t miss out on being the first to see a new Norm Foster production.
The season wraps up in September with a concert in the form of Opry Gold with The Wayward Wind Band. This musical blockbuster, created by Leisa Way, showcases former and current kings and queens of country music while celebrating the history of Nashville’s iconic Grand Ol’ Opry.
Tickets for performances start at $42 with savings available in the form of a Lighthouse Festival subscription, allowing patrons to see each production this season with up to 15% in discounts. Full ticket information can be found at lighthousetheatre.com.
Destination For Laughter:
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization that has been a top tourist destination in Norfolk County for almost half a century, regularly welcoming over 60,000 patrons from all over Ontario through their doors each summer. Now, with a location in Port Colborne at the Roselawn Theatre, Lighthouse laughter spreads along the shores of Lake Erie boosting local tourism, community spirit, and Canadian arts in two beautiful lakeside towns. Our theatres operate on a central hospitality, accessibility, and affordability policy for all. With over 50% of patrons travelling 40km or more to get to their theatres, theatregoers are encouraged to utilize the “Visit” section at Lighthousetheatre.com to explore the amazing restaurants, shops and more in our wonderful communities.
To arrange an interview with Artistic Director Derek Ritschel, or for more information please contact: Ryan Daly, Marketing & Communications Officer. ryan@lighthousetheatre.com | 226-922-7905
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization supported by the most passionate, dependable, and all-around fantastic volunteer base. Volunteers are vital to the Lighthouse experience; they welcome patrons at the doors, scan tickets, hand out programs, usher patrons to their seats and handle many other behind the scenes activities.
On October 18th, 2022, Lighthouse hosted the “Volunteer Appreciation Night” for our Port Dover volunteers. Complete with a delicious spread from Schofields Bistro and the sweet sounds of Amber Banks and Nolan Gibson on guitar. Here we celebrated those so crucial to the Lighthouse Festival experience and handed out commemorative pins for select volunteers that celebrated milestone years of volunteering. Some have volunteered to be an essential part of your Lighthouse Festival experience for over 25 years!
Thank you to all our volunteers!
Lighthouse Festival has wrapped up a donation campaign that saw $30,000 worth of complimentary tickets given to fellow non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the Norfolk County and Port Colborne area.
“It’s been talked about to no end, but the fact remains that the pandemic was rough for so many in our community,” shares Lighthouse Artistic Director, Derek Ritschel. “Businesses, families, individuals, everybody. Lighthouse is fortunate that we have such a passionate and dedicated base of supporters that helped us navigate the past couple of years. And now that we’re looking at our first full season at the theatre in over 30 months, we wanted to support the communities that show us so much support. We’re so proud to operate in Norfolk County and Port Colborne.”
Lighthouse is doing what they do best, providing a “leave your worries at the door” night out on the town with some first rate, professional comedy theatre. But this year those who might not have been able to attend can take in a show compliments of Lighthouse. “We wanted to get these tickets to those that would have not been able to go otherwise,” shares Ritschel. “What we do at Lighthouse Festival really is for everybody, and laughter is good for the soul. We hope they can enjoy a show this summer on us, and experience the joy of theatre.”
Organizations that received complimentary tickets this summer include: