Author: Richard Young

A retired History and Politics high school teacher (1978-2008). Former Publisher/Managing Editor of The Beat Magazine (2009-2014). Freelance Writer. Proud Grandfather.

THE WEEK AHEAD IN LONDON AND AREA ARTS & CULTURE, SEPT. 8- 14.

by Richard Young

Here’s a sampling of arts and culture events taking place in London and the area this week. Check back often for daily updates.

Alvegoroot theatre presents new play development readings, sept. 13.

Join us this Saturday for an afternoon reading of exciting new works from AlvegoRoot’s 2025 Cambium Playwrights Workshop!

alvegoroottheatre.com/cambiumreading walk-ins are also welcome.

Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 PM

Admission by Donation to the Manor Park Food Bank. Non-perishable food items or cash donations are gratefully accepted.

The Manor Park Memorial Hall, 11 Briscoe Street West

Through an open submission process, we invited playwrights from a wide range of experience levels to take part in a playwriting workshop where they each wrote a five-minute monodrama, inspired by a different bird. In this reading, you will hear the multitude of ways this prompt can inspire new creative ideas.

https://www.alvegoroottheatre.com/

Magisterra Soloists, musical jokes, Magisterra At The Museum, sept. 14, at museum london.

Magisterra Soloists invites you to the first concert of the 2025/2026 season of Magisterra At The Museum, in partnership with Museum London (@museumlondon)

“Musical Jokes” is going to be an exciting program that explores the role that humour and satire play in music.

Our international roster of musicians — Cordula Hacke (piano), Annette-Barbara Vogel (violin), Menelaos Menelaou (violin), Jutta Puchhammer (viola), Katerina Juraskova (cello), Peter Shackleton (clarinet), and Ron George (horn) — will bring together a witty selection of works by Jan Bach, Carl Reinecke, Erik Satie, Alexej Igudesman, Adolf Schreiner, and Ernst von Dohnányi.

Program:
– 2-Bit Contraptions by Jan Bach
– Fantasiestücke op. 43, 3. Jahrmarkt Szene – Humoreske: Molto Vivace by Carl Reinecke
– Choses Vues à Droite et à Gauche (Sans Lunettes) by Erik Satie
– Applemania by Alexej Igudesman
– Immer Kleiner by Adolf Schreiner
– Sextet in C major op. 37 by Ernst von Dohnányi

Tickets https://linktr.ee/magisterrasoloists?fbclid=IwY2xjawMs8exleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1T1RKV0JrbkI3bWYyNlUzAR7XZ_ZVRAYQr7sSLH9K3ehIOEK2XZQTmolC8jP7csmdF5P0JEjDrRijH1Zrkw_aem_Qa9BjPyRW21dTvpj7f6fog

the astral jams, untamed musical improvisations, sept. 10, at the richmond tavern.

The Astral Jams plays at The Richmond Tavern on the second Wednesday of every month!

Freely improvised musical conversations featuring:

Nicholas Elie – Drums
HowieZowie – The R.I.G. (The Rubato Interpolation Generator)
Paul Aitken – Guitar

8-10pm
2 sets
Pay-what-you-can

The Richmond Tavern
370 Richmond Street

Presented by the London Creative Music Initiative.

jim chapman & friends, wednesday night concert, sept. 10 at unity centre.

this week at the aeolian hall.

open rehearsal, chorus london, sept. 15

Do you love to sing? Join us on September 15th, 2025!

Chorus London welcomes talented adult singers to our inclusive community.

You are invited to attend Chorus London’s open rehearsal to join in the magic of making hearts sing.

Monday, September 15, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM at Fairmont United Church, 29 Tweedsmuir Ave, London

https://www.facebook.com/choruslondon

echoes of the land exhibition continues at Westland Gallery until sept. 27th.

For more information, visit http://www.westlandgallery.ca

this week at the london public library.

Check out what’s coming up and see what sparks your curiosity! http://lpl.ca/whatson

goldfish continues at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre until sept. 13.

goldfish by Steve Ross continues till September 13 at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Starring Stratford Festival stars: Martha Farrell and John Dolan, both making their PSFT debuts, directed by Artistic Director Liz Gilroy, set design by Joe Recchia, assistant set design by Doug Cottrell, lighting and sound design by Paige Thompson, and costumes by Dora-nominated Alex Amini. 

Read Sookie Mei’s Review here https://thebeatmagazine2009.ca/2025/09/01/sookie-mei-reviews-goldfish-now-playing-at-the-port-stanley-festival-theatre/

For tickets, visit: https://psft.ca/

This week at the eastside bar & grill.

Visit https://www.eastsidebarandgrill.ca/

the western fair continues until sept. 14

Join us for 10 days of nostalgia, excitement, and new memories waiting to be made. Let’s make this another unforgettable year at the Western Fair! → Dates and times: September 5–14, 2025 Weekends: 11:00AM – 10:00PM Weekdays: 3:00PM – 10:00PM

https://www.westernfair.ca/?

sean mCcann, sept. 13, at the Aeolian.

For tickets, visit:

https://events.humanitix.com/sean-mccann-great-big-canadian-road-trip?fbclid=IwdGRjcAMrCedjbGNrAysJv2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeWQtGNHUJGNsWS72M62bG3b9H7qa3hRLL6zc5NQWZ5e9PF1bIEkDc6vN6L2Q_aem_6iScFCGBMiX38kiClisHPQ

crush at the western fair, Sept. 11.

Laura gagnon with full band, sept. 14, at skye chase winery, st. thomas.

Bringing the whole party to you! Slow jams and party jams paired with wine and cheese!! Our favourite kinda afternoon. Sid on Drums, Asher on guitar Wes on bass and your girl on keys and vocals! I’ve been excited for this for a long time and we are finally doin it! Players from different parts of the world come together to give you one heck of a show.

45811 Fruit Ridge Line Saint Thomas, ON

https://www.facebook.com/Lauragagnonmusic

https://skyechasewinery.com/pages/about

the fish return to the wortley roadhouse, sept 12 & 13.

The Fish return to The Wortley Roadhouse this weekend (Sept 12 & 13) to pack the dance floor! Shows start at 9pm!

odesa company presents stage quest, sept.13, rbc place.

this week at the pierside pub in port stanley.

Exciting things are happening this week at The Pierside Pub! Wed Sept 10 – Wing Wednesday 5pm; Fri Sept 12 – DJ Jon Starkey 9:30pm; Sat Sept 13 – Johnny Wilson 9pm; and Sun Sept 14 – Bridge on Fire 4:30PM

london Comic Con returns to rbc place, sept. 13 & 14.

This weekend, London Comic Con returns to RBC Place in London!

Our venue will be packed with attractions, cosplay, artists, celebrities, and the ExtraLife gaming marathon in support of Children’s Health Foundation. Thousands of fans from across the region will be joining in for one of the most fun weekends in the 519.

Who’s coming out to join us?

Check out the link for more info: https://ow.ly/kwFQ50WVkcz

1st Annual MS Music Benefit Concert, Sept. 14, at the eastside bar & grill.

This Sunday, September 14!
Come join us for the 1st Annual MS Music Benefit Concert!!
5 Bands. 1 Stand. Rock the fight against MS! Advanced tickets available at Eventbrite.ca & at The Bar!!

windjammer inn with laura gagnon, sept. 19.

Call ahead to reserve your seat! $30 includes music by Laura Gagnon and Food by Chef Kim! Last time, the food never stopped coming. Melt in your mouth goodness. Come hang with the locals and get to know your neighbour.

https://www.thewindjammerinn.com/

The Palace Theatre’s Save Our Stage FUNdraiser a huge success

by Richard Young

Members of London’s theatre community came out in force at the Palace Theatre on Saturday night, September 6, to help one of their own.

Organized by Director Mariann Sawyer, the Save OurStage FUNdraiser was held to raise money for badly needed immediate repairs to the historic Palace Theatre.

“From a leaky roof dripping into our props basement, to pipes clogged with tree roots, some long-overdue painting and day-to-day wear and tear — we’re facing a short-term need of about $10,000 just to keep things running safely and smoothly,” said Mariann.

To be sure, it was a wonderful night of entertainment and an illustration of the abundance of amazing, talented performers London is home to.

Participants ranged in age from the young members of the Palace’s LYTE program to members of Silver Spotlight Theatre, a group of individuals fifty-five years and older dedicated to producing Broadway musical productions.

Acts that graced the stage included the London Chorus, Pink Pony Club Experience, Caterpillar Chain, The Bohemians Choir, Three Worst Pies (Niccole Alcaidinho, Melissa Metler, and Ceris Thomas), Silver Spotlight Theatre, and The Improvables. Soloists and duos included Joanna Makinson, McKenna Langdon, Lesley Andrew, Rosalie Mattison, Jared Brown, Olivia Power, Kiefer & Grady Maclean, Edgar Yanez, Andrew Olmstead (who delighted the audience with his magic), Jenn Marino, Angie Jansen, Carol Taylor-Wilks, and Kate Milner.

The appreciative audience gave the performers several well-deserved standing ovations throughout the evening

According to Mariann, over one hundred people were involved in bringing the show to the stage.

Over twenty items were generously donated by community members and businesses in and around London. Everything from experiences to custom-made items was up for grabs.

It was nice to see so many members of the city’s arts community there to support their peers and lend support to the historic Palace Theatre. The arts are alive and well in London!

For more information about the Palace Arts Commons and the theatre’s 2025-26 Season, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/

The Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Season.

by Richard Young

The Play That Goes Wrong

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, & Jonathan Sayer
Directed by Dennis Garnhum

OCT 14 to NOV 1 | Opens on OCT 17

Above: Izad Etemadi (Elf: The Musical, Grow) returns to the Grand as Stage Crew in The Play That Goes Wrong, as well as Olaf in Disney’s Frozen, and Kevin T in Come From Away.

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/play-that-goes-wrong

Disney’s Frozen

Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Originally Directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage
Based on the Disney Film written by Jennifer Lee
Directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee 
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions
Directed by Rachel Peake
A Co-Production with the Citadel Theatre

NOV 18 to DEC 28 | Opens on NOV 21

Above: Kelly Holiff (Million Dollar Quartet) returns to the Grand as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen, and Janice in Come From Away. Costume Design by Cory Sincennes. Photo by Mai Tilson.

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/frozen

Primary Trust

By Eboni Booth
A Co-Production with Crow’s Theatre

Directed by Cherissa Richards

JAN 14 to FEB 1 | Opens on JAN 17

Above: Cherissa Richards returns to the Grand to direct Primary Trust.

Primary Trust is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheattricals.com

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/primary-trust

Piaf/Dietrich

Written by Daniel Große Boymann & Thomas Kahry  
Adapted by Erin Shields
From the translation by Sam Madwar   

Directed by Rachel Peake

FEB 17 to MAR 7 | Opens on FEB 20

Above: Deborah Hay (Strawberries in January, Kingfisher Days, Mary Poppins, Fall on Your Knees) returns to the Grand Theatre as Edith Piaf in Piaf/Dietrich, directed by Rachel Peake.

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/piaf-dietrich

The Importance of Being Earnest

A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Alistair Newton

MAR 25 to APR 12 | Opens on MAR 28

Above: Billy Lake makes their Grand Theatre debut as Lady Stella Clinton, a new role written by Director Alistair Newton for The Importance of Being Earnest.

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/importance-of-being-earnest

Come From Away

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Julie Tomaino

APR 28 to MAY 24 | Opens May 1

Above: Scott Penner (Hair, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Elf: The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Waitress) returns to the Grand from Broadway (Job) as Set Designer on the Grand’s original, non-replica production of Come From Away.

To learn more about this show, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/come-from-away

Subscriptions and single tickets

Subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased online at grandtheatre.com, by phoning the Box Office at 519.672.8800, or by visiting the Box Office in person at 471 Richmond Street (weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

Subscriptions remain available and continue to offer the best pricing and best theatre experience.

It’s Opening Night for St. Marys Community Players Production of Norm Foster’s Hilda’s Yard, October 17.

by Richard Young

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been eagerly waiting for will soon arrive, Friday, October 17th – our opening night of Norm Foster’s delightful comedy, Hilda’s Yard!

Opening night in the theatre is a dazzling moment charged with anticipation and electric energy, where months of sweat, tears, and artistry burst into life under the spotlight with friends, family, and fellow actors attending to offer support. This production of Hilda’s Yard has been an extraordinary journey for all of us. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this performance, and we invite you to join us on an unforgettable adventure.

Special 2-for-1 Ticket Deal for Opening Night!

Buy a ticket for our spectacular opening night on October 17th, and as a heartfelt thank-you for your support, we’d be thrilled to offer you a dazzling 2-for-1 deal! That’s right, buy one ticket and get one extra ticket free. Buy two tickets, get two comp tickets, absolutely free! This special offer applies only to our opening night, October 17th, and cannot be used for other performances. Complimentary tickets are capped at two per purchase.

Ready to claim this exclusive gift? After purchasing your opening night tickets, Just shoot an email to info@stmaryscommunityplayers.ca with the names of your lucky guests, and voilà—your tickets will be waiting at the door, ready to welcome you all to an unforgettable night!

We can’t wait to see you in Hilda’s Yard!

If You Go:

What: St. Marys Community Players present Norm Foster’s Hilda’s Yard.

When: Opening Night, October 17, and running until November 2 

Where: Town Hall Theatre,  175 Queen Street East, St. Marys, ON, 

For tickets and more information, please visit https://stmaryscommunityplayers.ca

Canada’s Best. London Made. Grand Theatre Announces 2025/26 Company of Canada’s Best

by Richard Young

Top artistic talent from across the country will come together for the Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 season, “You Are Here.” Today, the Grand unveils its 2025/26 Company – one hundred and twenty-three professional theatre artists from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia – representing Canada’s brightest talents and beloved audience favourites. The company proudly includes twenty-two arts professionals – including actors, musicians, designers, and stage management – who, like the Grand, call London their home.

The season promises to deliver compelling new works, big sets, bigger laughs, spectacular music – and the astonishment, wonder, and delight of pure theatre magic.

Introducing:
The Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 Company

Joseph Abetria (Winnipeg, MB) – Costume Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Mary Ancheta (Vancouver, BC) – Music Director – Piaf/Dietrich

Alexander Ariate (Edmonton, AB) – Jonathan – The Play That Goes Wrong

Matthew Atkins (London, ON) – Musical Director – Disney’s Newsies

Vance Avery (Edmonton, AB) – Pabbie – Disney’s Frozen

Deena Aziz (Toronto, ON) – Miss Prism – The Importance of Being Earnest

Peter N. Bailey (Toronto, ON) – Bert – Primary Trust

Darrin Baker (Toronto, ON) – Claude – Come From Away

Judith Bowden (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) – Costume Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Alexa Brown (London, ON) – Trumpet – Disney’s Newsies & Disney’s Frozen

Divine Brown (North York, ON) – Hannah – Come From Away

Karen Burthwright (Toronto, ON) – Supporting Female – Piaf/Dietrich

Jennifer Cahill (London, ON) – Reeds – Disney’s Frozen, Whistles – Come From Away

Melissa Cameron (London, ON) – Stage Manager – Disney’s Newsies, Assistant Stage Manager – Piaf/Dietrich

Crystal Casera (Toronto, ON) – Ensemble – Disney’s Frozen

Andrew Cownden (Vancouver, BC) – Weselton – Disney’s Frozen

Eric Craig (Toronto, ON) – Supporting Male – Piaf/Dietrich

James Daly (Toronto, ON) – Algernon Moncrieff – The Importance of Being Earnest

Tony De Luca (London, ON) – Reeds – Disney’s Newsies

Mike Dufays (Toronto, ON) – Fight Director – Disney’s Newsies

Sheldon Elter (Edmonton, AB) – Oz – Come From Away

Izad Etemadi (Toronto, ON) – Stage Crew – The Play That Goes Wrong, Olaf – Disney’s Frozen, Kevin T – Come From Away

Chariz Faulmino (Edmonton, AB) – Anna – Disney’s Frozen

Rachel Forbes (Toronto, ON) – Costume Designer – Primary Trust

Julie Fox (Stratford, ON) – Set Designer – Primary Trust

Joema Frith (Toronto, ON) – Bob – Come From Away

Julien Galipeau (Montreal, QC) – John Worthing, J.P – The Importance of Being Earnest

Steven Gallagher (Hamilton, ON) – Nick – Come From Away

Dennis Garnhum (Toronto, ON) – Director – The Play That Goes Wrong

Lore Green (Kelowna, BC) – Assistant Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong & Disney’s Frozen

Steven Greenfield (Edmonton, AB) – Music Supervisor – Disney’s Frozen

Marianna Grigg (London, ON) – Cello – Disney’s Newsies

Jordan Guetter (Guelph, ON) – Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong, Assistant Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen & The Importance of Being Earnest

Beyata Hackborn (Edmonton, AB) – Set Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Kristi Hansen (Edmonton, AB) – Disability Consultant – Disney’s Newsies

Jennifer Harding (Buckhorn, ON) – Queen Iduna – Disney’s Frozen

Michael Hart (Stratford, ON) – Stage Manager – The Importance of Being Earnest

Kaylee Harwood (Toronto, ON) – Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax – The Importance of Being Earnest

Deborah Hay (Stratford, ON) – Edith Piaf – Piaf/Dietrich

Ainsley Hillyard (Edmonton, AB) – Choreographer – Disney’s Frozen

Andrew Hodwitz (Toronto, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Ray Hogg (Toronto, ON) – Director – Disney’s Newsies

Kelly Holiff (Toronto, ON) – Elsa – Disney’s Frozen, Janice – Come From Away

Owen Hutchinson (Edmonton, AB) – Sound Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Stephen Ingram (London, ON) – Guitar – Come From Away

Stephen Jackman-Torkoff (Toronto, ON) – Kenneth – Primary Trust

Vanessa Jette (Red Deer, AB) – Sandra – The Play That Goes Wrong

Claire Jullien (St. Catharines, ON) – Lady Bracknell – The Importance of Being Earnest

Kaitlyn Kaemingh (Niagara, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Disney’s Newsies

Alexandra Kane (London, ON) – Musical Director – Disney’s Frozen

Brian Kenny (St. John’s, NL) – Sound Designer – Come From Away

Billy Lake (Stratford, ON) – Lady Stella Clinton / Merriman  – The Importance of Being Earnest

Tsz Ting Lam (Vaughan, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – The Importance of Being Earnest

Erik Larson (York, ON) – Bass – Piaf/Dietrich & Come From Away

Richard Lee Hsi (Edmonton, AB) – Sven – Disney’s Frozen

Krista Leis (Stratford, ON) – Choreographer – Disney’s Newsies

Jareth Li (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Disney’s Frozen & Come From Away

Lawrence Libor (Toronto, ON) – Musician – Primary Trust

Kelly Luft (St. Thomas, ON) – Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen

Jeff Lupker (London, ON) – Guitar – Disney’s Newsies

Andrew MacDonald-Smith (Edmonton, AB) – Max – The Play That Goes Wrong

Terra C. MacLeod (New York, NY) – Marlene Dietrich – Piaf/Dietrich, Dianne – Come From Away

Jawon Mapp (Mississauga, ON) – Robert – The Play That Goes Wrong

Suzanne McArthur (London, ON) – Stage Manager – Piaf/Dietrich, Assistant Stage Manager – Come From Away

Heather McGuigan (Stratford, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Sidnee McLeod (London, ON) – Trombone – Disney’s Frozen

Emily Meadows (Winnipeg, MB) – Stage Crew – The Play That Goes Wrong

Erika Morey (Vancouver, BC) – Stage Manager – Come From Away

Celine Murray (London, ON) – Violin – Disney’s Newsies

Alistair Newton (Victoria, BC) – Director – The Importance of Being Earnest

Finnley O’Brien (Surrey, BC) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Primary Trust

Denise Oucharek (Mississauga, ON) – Bonnie – Come From Away

Bernardo Pacheco (Calgary, AB) – Trevor – The Play That Goes Wrong

Thomas Ryder Payne (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – Primary Trust

Rachel Peake (London, ON) – Director – Disney’s Frozen & Piaf/Dietrich

Scott Penner (New York City, NY) – Set Designer – Come From Away

Honey Pham (Winnipeg, MB) – Annie – The Play That Goes Wrong

Dave Pierce (Los Angeles, California) – Sound Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Anna Pin (London, ON) – Bass – Disney’s Frozen

Emily Porter (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – Disney’s Newsies & Piaf/Dietrich

Kimberly Purtell (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – The Play That Goes Wrong

Joshua Quinlan (London, ON) – Set Design Consultant – Disney’s Newsies

Michelle Ramsay (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Piaf/Dietrich

Cherissa Richards (Winnipeg, MB) – Director – Primary Trust

Sarah Richardson (Halifax, NS) – Music Director – Come From Away

Khadijah Roberts-Abdullah (Toronto, ON) – Corinna – Primary Trust

Dave Robilliard (Petrolia, ON) – Drums – Piaf/Dietrich

Ben Sanders (Toronto, ON) – Rev. Canon Chausble, D. D. / Lane – The Importance of Being Earnest

Lorenzo Savoini (Stratford, ON) – Set Designer – Piaf/Dietrich

Amelia Scott (Montreal, QC) – Projection Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Genny Sermonia (Mississauga, ON) – Choreographer – Piaf/Dietrich

Lee Siegel (Fort Erie, ON) – Oaken/Bishop – Disney’s Frozen

Cory Sincennes (Charlottetown, PEI) – Set & Costume Designer – Disney’s Frozen

Mark Sinongco (Edmonton, AB) – Kristoff – Disney’s Frozen

Siobhán Sleath (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Angela Southern (London, ON) – Keyboard II – Disney’s Frozen

Darlene Spencer (Dayton, Ohio) – Beulah – Come From Away

Nicol Spinola (Vancouver, BC) – Choreographer – Come From Away

Cailin Stadnyk (Toronto, ON) – Beverley – Come From Away

Adam Stevenson (Hamilton, ON) – King Agnar – Disney’s Frozen

Abby Stevenson (London, ON) – Apprentice Stage Manager – Disney’s Frozen & Come From Away

Mirabella Sundar-Singh (Toronto, ON) – Cecily Cardew – The Importance of Being Earnest

Mark Swan (London, ON) – Drums – Disney’s Newsies, Drums / Percussion – Disney’s Frozen

Julie Tomaino (Toronto, ON) – Director – Come From Away

Michelle Tracey (Toronto, ON) – Set Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

John Ullyatt (Edmonton, AB) – Dennis – The Play That Goes Wrong

Tahirih Vejdani (Toronto, ON) – Bulda – Disney’s Frozen

Chris Vergara (Toronto, ON) – Ensemble – Disney’s Frozen

Daniela Vlaskalic (Toronto, ON) – Krista – The Play That Goes Wrong

Aidan Wasse (London, ON) – Bass Guitar – Disney’s Newsies

Olivia Wheeler (Toronto, ON) – Sound Designer – The Importance of Being Earnest

Sarah Wiebe (London, ON) – Violin – Piaf/Dietrich

Alex Wierzbicki (Toronto, ON) – Kevin J – Come From Away

Travae Williams (London, ON) – Standby – Come From Away

Imogen Wilson (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Primary Trust

Aran Wilson-McAnally (Edmonton, AB) – Hans – Disney’s Frozen

Stephanie Wolfe (Edmonton, AB) – Hand Maiden – Disney’s Frozen

Ming Wong (Toronto, ON) – Costume Designer – Piaf/Dietrich & Come From Away

Gina Woodward (Halifax, NS) – Apprentice Stage Manager – The Play That Goes Wrong & Piaf/Dietrich

Lisa Wright (London, ON) – Costume Designer – Disney’s Newsies

Morgan Yamada (Edmonton, AB) – Fight & Movement Director – The Play That Goes Wrong

Kai Yueh-Chen (Toronto, ON) – Stage Manager – Primary Trust

Echo Zhou周芷會 (Toronto, ON) – Lighting Designer – Disney’s Newsies

 
To learn more about this exceptional cohort of artists, as well as each of the Grand’s 2025/26 productions, visit https://www.grandtheatre.com/

EL SISTEMA AEOLIAN CLASSES READY TO RESUME SEPTEMBER 15TH

by Richard Young

Back to Fall Classes

(Note: This notice is reprinted from an Aeolian El Sistema Newsletter)

As we head into the beginning of the school year, El Sistema Aeolian classes are set to resume for the 15th year. The high cost of after-school activities continues to be a huge financial barrier for many families who are unable to provide meaningful opportunities for their children to grow and learn skills, such as learning music, that will empower them for the rest of their lives. So many parents whom we interview cite the lack of opportunities to learn music when they grew up. Our goal at ESA is to provide access to high-quality music education by breaking down those financial barriers for underserved families in our London community.

We invest in youth because we believe in the transformative power of learning music. We see the impact of our program through the musical development in each ensemble, the confidence it builds in our students and the social bonds that form over the course of the year. Well over 1500 students have gone through our program since it began in 2011. Alumni return each year to coach current students and participate in concerts. We have a team of dedicated instructors who are passionate about teaching and know the value of learning a musical instrument, how life changing it can be.

We are looking forward to an exciting new year at ESA with most of our 100 students returning and new ones joining from Summer Camp.

A Parent Orientation will be held at First St. Andrews United Church on Thursday Sept. 11 at 5:30pm.

Classes begin the week of September 15th.

To donate to the program or volunteer, email elsistema@aeolianhall.ca.

Sookie Mei reviews goldfish now playing at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre.

by Richard Young

Note: This Review first appeared on the website Entertain This Thought, and it is reprinted with the permission of the reviewer. For more Reviews, visit https://www.entertainthisthought.com/

Attending goldfish by Steve Ross at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, I was excited to see a world premiere by a favourite Stratford veteran, starring Stratford actors in their PSFT debuts. Big talent at the little theatre, and I was not disappointed.

First of all, the set is perfect. A front porch of a home, or maybe a cottage, with only partial walls and hints of other building elements, the design evokes a lived-in feeling, with an added sense of loss. Set designer Joe Recchia says on an online post, “Walter’s house is partially stripped away, allowing us to peek inside his private world. The holes in the siding, as well as the cutouts onstage and empty picture frames inside the house, also parallel the holes in Walter’s memory.”

Walter is the older gentleman who lives at this house, and spends all his time sitting on the porch. The character is confident, humorous, and interested, happy to watch the world go by. He also suffers from short-term memory loss – thus the play’s title, alluding to the three-second memory of a goldfish (a fact that is debunked in the script). So, when Walter meets new neighbour Shannon, a feisty mom and owner of a daycare across the street, he doesn’t remember it the next day, or the day after that. Despite this fact, the two forge a friendship, albeit unconventional, by sharing their life stores and telling corny jokes, and their unexpected bond ends up being meaningful and important to both.

Walter is expertly played by John Dolan, who lives in the stillness of an older body and uses words economically. His gait and movements are stilted, cautious – he has lived a long life, and now he’s in his golden years. Dolan plays him with wry humour and bravura, and the audience can’t help but fall a little in love with Walt. Martha Farrell is also a delight as Shannon. No matter how many times Walt forgets who she is, she’s still there, offering her name as well as friendship and warmth, even as she is dealing with her own personal crisis. Farrell brings a genuine charm to the role, and portrays Shannon’s sadness and frustration in an empathetic way. Great casting, and great performances.

Liz Gilroy’s direction is precise, and serves the story very well. She wisely chooses to keep the actors mostly side by side on the porch, since there is a LOT of dialogue. Since they are watching the kids across the street, the actors can sit facing the audience, rather than having to cheat out to the house. Short brownouts instead of full blackouts allow the action to progress, showing time passing while also highlighting the repetitive nature of the characters’ interaction. This also makes the first act seem a bit plodding, but perhaps the pace will tighten up as the run continues. Paige Thompson’s lighting and sound are also clever in that they convey different times of the year, with colour changes and songs suggesting the progressions of the seasons.

The poignant script by Steve Ross covers a diversity of subjects, including love, loss, mental health, marriage, children, gender, memory, and friendship. Despite this wide range, the show feels like a small slice of life, just a year in the lives of these two people. Ross presents ideas subtly, without spelling it all out, such as the ongoing discussion of Shannon’s child as they progress on a non-binary journey, or the seeming bipolar genes in Walt’s family. The result is a realistic play, showing everyday happenings and emotions, and it is quite relatable.

The script also includes quite a lot of “dad jokes,” possibly to its detriment. These corny jokes are a way for the characters to connect, but having them repeat the joke each time, or use the same explanation for why it is funny, becomes a bit tedious. If I were to edit the script, it would be to vary the delivery of the jokes, and the dialogue around them. That being said, I did repeat a couple of the jokes later that evening!

goldfish is a nice show to end the PSFT season. It is a genuine exploration of honesty and connection, and as one audience member remarked, “it’s about finding a bit of levity in the mundane or difficult.”  Everyone in the audience can find something to relate to in the play, and will leave the theatre feeling hopeful and warm, just as the weather turns cool.

goldfish continues at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre (PSFT) until September 13. Tickets are available at the PSFT box office at 519-782-4353 or 1-855-782-4353, or visit https://psft.ca.

Photo: Actors Martha Farrell and John Dolan. Photo by Daniel Platt.

goldfish
Written by Steve Ross
Directed by Liz Gilroy
Starring John Dolan and Martha Farrell
Set Design by Joe Recchia
Assistant Set Design by Doug Cottrell
Lighting Design/Sound Design by Paige Thompson
Costumes by Alex Amini
Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Port Stanley
August 27 to September 13, 2025
Reviewed by Sookie Mei

Palace Theatre holding Save Our Stage FUNdraiser, Sept. 6.

by Richard Young

London’s historic Palace Theatre is badly in need of immediate repairs to the aging facility. The Beat Magazine 2009 spoke with Director, Mariann Sawyer, about the September 6th Save Our Stage FUNdraiser. What follows is a Q&A with Mariann. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Why is the Palace Theatre holding the Save Our Stage Fundraiser? 

The Palace Theatre Arts Commons is hosting the Save Our Stage FUNdraiser to raise money for immediate repairs to the historic Palace Theatre.

Can you clarify the specific details of the event? Date? Time? Admission Cost? 

The Save Our Stage campaign kicks off with the FUNdraiser on Saturday, September 6 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the palacetheatre.ca for $35

What specific repairs are required for the facility?

 From a leaky roof dripping into our props basement, to pipes clogged with tree roots, some long-overdue painting and day-to-day wear and tear — we’re facing a short-term need of about $10,000 just to keep things running safely and smoothly. 

Can you identify some of the specific acts and performers who will take the stage on September 6th? 

We are looking at close to 30 different acts for the evening with a variety of backgrounds and talents. Members of the LYTE program, Silver Spotlight Theatre, The Artful Players, The London Chorus, Caterpillar Chain, The Improvables, Andrew Olmstead and Leonardo Martins, and cast members of Infuse Production and LCP’s Rocky Horror including Olivia Power, Jared Brown, McKenna Langdon, Aidan Coutts and Jenn Marino just to name a few! 

Can you tell me about tour Silent Auction?

We have over twenty items generously donated by community members and businesses around London and area. Everything from experiences to custom-made items are up for grabs. We will accept cash or e-transfer for payment and the bidding closes at the end of the intermission! 

What is your specific role in putting Save Our Stage together? 

I am listed as the Director, but really I’m just the one who said, “Let’s do it”. Everyone has come together to make this night magical and a night for the community to celebrate the arts together. 

Have any community partners come forward to help with the event? 

We’ve been very fortunate to have members of the OEV BIA, The Bicycle Cafe, Fanshawe College, London Comic Con, AlvegoRoot Theatre, and many community members support us for this event! 

Is there anything else you think readers should know about Save Our Stage?

Tickets are selling quickly, and seats are general admission. 

For more information and tickets visit: https://palacetheatre.ca/shows-events-listing/

THE WEEK AHEAD IN LONDON AND AREA ARTS & CULTURE, SEPT. 1- 7.

by Richard Young

Here’s a sampling of arts and culture events taking place in London and the area this week. Check back often for daily updates.

elevate electronic music festival, sept. 6th.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/elevatedancemusicldn

pi rocks the eastside bar & grill, friday, sept. 5.

50 Hamilton Rd London, ON.

https://www.facebook.com/EastsidesLondon

big bandemic closes out springbank gardens concert series, sunday, sept. 7.

Sunday, September 7th, is our last concert of the 2025 season. We are going out in a big way with a really big band. Big Bandemic is an 18-piece band featuring some of the finest musicians around.

It’ll feel a bit like the old Wonderland Garden days. See you at 2pm!

Master Hypnotist, tj fox, wsg Peter Mennie, at the wolf performance hall, sept. 5.

Straight from Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Master Hypnotist TJ Fox takes the stage at Wolf Performance Hall on September 5th with special guest Peter Mennie.

Tickets are available now
https://buff.ly/2iQBiAH

an acoustic evening with the sadies at the palasad socialbowl, sept. 5.

An Acoustic Evening with The Sadies
Get ready for a night steeped in pure Canadian rock ‘n’ roll royalty. The Sadies are more than just a band—they’re a force. With their razor-sharp musicianship, genre-defying sound, and an unmatched ability to weave surf, psych, garage, country, and punk into something entirely their own, they’ve carved a legacy as one of the most wicked live acts you’ll ever witness.

From haunting ballads to full-tilt barnburners, The Sadies deliver every note with fire, soul, and that unmistakable edge that’s kept them at the top of the game for decades. If you know, you know—and if you don’t, this is your chance to find out why they’re one of Canada’s most beloved and badass bands.

Licensed – All Ages – Doors 7pm
Show 8pm
$25 Advance – $30 Door

echoes of the land exhibition opens sept 2 at westland gallery.

Jane Roy, Denise Antaya, and VC Glennie join us for our newest exhibition, opening on Tuesday September 2nd! Join our artists at the Opening Reception on Saturday September 6th from 1pm to 3pm to celebrate this beautiful new show.

Pictured:

Jane Roy, “French River Tree Portrait I”, 20 x 10″, acrylic on canvas, $300

Find out what’s happening this week at your Library!

Visit https://westlandgallery.ca/?v=05c7c5a71e52

gravity junky at the dawghouse, sept. 6.

Get ready, London. After a long summer of touring Ontario, Gravity Junky is ready to bring it home for a free dance show at The Dawghouse.

699 Wilkins St., London, ON.

good food, live jazz at peppermoon restaurant, sept. 4.

Join us Wednesday, September 4 for an unforgettable evening with the incredible Nevin Campbell & Rachelle Courtney.

 6 PM – 9 PM

Peppermoon Restaurant, 1100 Commusiioners Rd E. London ON

Smooth vocals, soulful piano, and the perfect vibe to pair with your dinner & drinks. 

Hot tub hippies at the wortley roadhouse, sept. 5 & 6.

190 Wortley Rd, London, ON 

Actor Auditions for Theatre Aezir, Sept. 7.

Get Ready for “Dating Games”! Attention actors in their 20s to late 30s! Theatre Aezir invites you to join an exciting comedic journey.

We are holding auditions for “Dating Games” by Garth Wingfield, a comedy comprised of five entertaining ‘playlets’ designed to delight in a single evening. As part of our artist development initiative, this production offers a unique opportunity for talented actors to participate in an exceptional project. Come be a part of the fun!

About the Production:
This unique opportunity allows actors to work closely with emerging directors under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. As part of our commitment to nurturing future theatre talent, actors who are selected will participate in a one-week acting workshop honing your stagecraft with instruction in stage movement, diction, and vocal production.
• Performance Dates: November 5 to November 16, 2025
• Actor Training: Week of October 12, 2025
• Rehearsals: October 19 to November 4, 2025

How to Apply:
Spark our interest by sending your resume and headshot to auditions@theatreaezir.com. Auditions will be held on Sept 7. Be first in line. Send your resume now. We’d like to hear a contemporary monologue (1-2 minutes) that highlights your skills and abilities. Get ready for some spontaneous fun as we’ll have you doing cold readings from the script.

rum ragged at the aeolian, sept. 5.

2021 JUNO Award Nominees, Rum Ragged, take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, this young band has quickly become known as the finest performers of their great, living, musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Always honest, thought-provoking, and often humorous, it’s Rum Ragged’s live show that makes them a fast favourite with any audience. Their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an experience they won’t soon forget. Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has maintained a rigorous tour schedule, performing at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues all while managing to record four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Rum Ragged is not your run-of-the-mill folk band, they are the genuine article. 

Tickets https://aeolianhall.ca/events/rum-ragged-3/

this week at the london public library.

View the full lineup of programs on our website: https://buff.ly/2JCrqDa

Summer Songs on Elmwood featuring laurraine sigouin & friends, sept. 1.

Summer Songs on Elmwood with Laurraine Sigouin & Friends, Monday, Sept. 1, 2:00 pm, 64 Elmwood Ave. Donations for the musicians are welcome.

Save our stage fundraiser at the palace theatre, sat, sept. 6.

Saturday, September 6
Showtime: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
Tickets: $35 (all fees included)

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, magic, laughter, and community spirit at Save Our Stage: A Variety FUNdraiser! This one-night-only celebration brings together some of London’s most talented performers — singers, musicians, actors, magicians, and more — all coming together to help raise vital funds for the Palace Theatre Arts Commons.

Proceeds from this high-energy evening will support crucial repairs, ongoing programming, and the beloved productions that keep our historic theatre alive and thriving. In addition to the live entertainment, enjoy a silent auction, door prizes and surprise moments throughout the night.

Come early to mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers, bid on great prizes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of community and creativity.

Help us Save Our Stage – and have a ton of fun doing it!

For more information, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/

tom dunphy ‘s classic country music show at the richmond tavern, sept. 6.

goldfish continues at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre until sept. 13.

goldfish by Steve Ross continues till September 13 at Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Starring Stratford Festival stars: Martha Farrell and John Dolan, both making their PSFT debuts, directed by Artistic Director Liz Gilroy, set design by Joe Recchia, assistant set design by Doug Cottrell, lighting and sound design by Paige Thompson, and costumes by Dora-nominated Alex Amini. 

For tickets, visit: https://psft.ca/

history culture walks presented by museum london begin sept. 4.

Summer may be winding down, but there’s so much to look forward to at Museum London.

This September, we’re excited to welcome you to a full month of community events, new exhibitions, and free programming as part of London Heritage Council‘s Doors Open London and Ontario Culture Days — all celebrating the sights, sounds, and stories that make our city special.

Check out what’s coming up here and access a full listing of programs and events on our website: https://buff.ly/RciwHtz

this week at the eastside bar & Grill.

750 Hamilton Rd, London, ON, Canada,

https://www.eastsidebarandgrill.ca/

dan hill and andy kim in story and song at the aeolian, sept. 6.

Dan Hill – is an international music industry legend and one of Canada’s most distinguished, authentic, and multi-talented artists: Grammy-winner, five time-Juno Award winner, Harold Moon Award, and inducted into the venerated Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Award . Dan is known for his heartfelt sensibility on two massive international hits, Sometimes When We Touch, recognized as one of the Top 100 Songs of the Century and one of Top 100 Most Played Songs of All Time, and Can’t We Try, which spent 29 weeks on Billboard charts . Dan has produced hit songs for Celine Dion and George Benson, with his compositions being recorded by artists such as Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, The Backstreet Boys, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and many more His voice is “smooth softness, with a light warmth,” perfectly describing both his original and recent works that fans still gather to enjoy today.

Andy Kim – “I’m excited to share the stage with my dear friend, the multitalented Dan Hill.”

In 1969, Andy co-wrote Sugar Sugar – his first Billboard #1 hit. In 1974, Andy wrote a new song called “Rock Me Gently” and absolutely no one wanted to produce it. Andy loved the song, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He formed his own record company, called !CE, and produced the record on his own. When it was released, “Rock Me Gently” went straight to #1 on the Billboard charts and it remained on the charts for a staggering 4 months. This second #1 Billboard song added to Andy’s international success. In 2004, Andy’s collaboration with Ed Robertson of The Barenaked Ladies’ “I Forgot To Mention” gave him another Top 10, and Andy was voted by Canadian Music Week as the Best Solo Indie Artist of the Year.

A true Canadian son, Andy has had 9 top 40 Billboard hits including Baby I Love You. He was recently honoured with the appointment to the Order of Canada. He has been awarded the country’s top industry honours including a Juno award, the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame and a star on Canada’s Walk Of Fame. Andy is a member of Songwriters Hall of Fame, was inducted into Billboard’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame, and in 2017, for the 2nd time in their 70-year history, SOCAN honoured Andy with their Cultural Impact Award. Over his epic career, Andy has sold over 30 million records, and has over half a billion streams on Spotify and YouTube.

live music with colin coleiro, sept. 3, at the pierside pub.

Live music and Wings, Wed Sept 3, with Colin Coleiro starting at 6pm.

158 William St Port Stanley, ON

tropical explosion with orlando valencia music, sept. 6, at the roxbury niteclub.

1165 Oxford St E, London, ON

https://www.roxburygrilllondon.com/

shady artists exhibitions opens sept. 4 at the tap centre for creativity.

The annual Shady Artists exhibition is here! Join us this Thursday, September 4 from 4PM – 7PM for the opening reception as part of Art Crawl Thursdays.

The exhibition will run until September 13. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12PM – 5PM.

203 Dundas Street, London, ON.

https://www.tapcreativity.org/

#tbt – The Beat Arts in London, July 2011.

by Richard Young

We featured London native and violinist, Lara St. John, on the July 2011 cover of The Beat Arts in London (as The Beat Magazine 2009 was known then). Inside, Robyn Israel spoke to Drayton Entertainment Artistic Director Alex Mustakas about the production of Blood Brothers playing at the Huron Country Playhouse, Daniela DiStefano did a Q&A with the late playwright Mike Wilmot, Bob Klanac previewed the 38th annual Home County Music and Art Festival, and Robert Pegg (Sonny Drysdale) mused about bands he would like to see at Rock The Park, and much more.