We featured the then recently renovated proscenium of London’s Grand Theatre on the September 2011 cover of The Beat Magazine.
The Grand was one of the stops on the 2011 Doors Open tour, which we previewed inside. We profiled Mystery Unlimited, a London performance dinner theatre troupe.
The issue also marked the first of local theatre icon Art Fidler’s Art on the Arts columns, which became a monthly feature.
Here’s Art holding up The Beat DISH Award he received for “Best Ham Performance” for “Stealing every scene he’s in” as Henry in The Fantastiks.
This is the third in a series of Q&A Interviews with representatives of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile the Elgin Theatre Guild in St. Thomas.
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
The Elgin Theatre Guild was formed in 1967, thanks to community volunteers with a $500 loan arranged by founding member Noni McLean from her boss, the St. Thomas Times-Journal (Here’s a Link to a story about the Guild’s founding https://share.google/xl4fejULmWu1QDPqX )
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre?
Not-for-profit community theatre.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
Princess Avenue Playhouse, 40 Princess Avenue, St. Thomas.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
To produce quality live productions through community theatre and rentals of the theatre venue for concerts and other arts-related presentations.
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff?
Elgin Theatre Guild is comprised of all volunteers, with an elected Board of Directors.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
The underlying theme is the Power of Friendship and Belief in one another.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each.
Two classic stories about love, friendships, and miracles.
Steel Magnolias – Sept 18-28, 2025 By Robert Harling The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny, and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
Miracle on 34th Street, The Play – Dec 4-14, 2025 Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Based upon the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street.“This is a tale that we want to believe in, that creates a world we seem to desperately desire, free of the blatant commercialism that surrounds us, where love and decency and generosity of spirit are their own rewards. What we want Christmas to be all about, really.” So writes the Santa Cruz Sentinel of this most heartwarming holiday story. By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s. Kris unleashes waves of goodwill with Macy’s customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy’s vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. Especially at stake is one little girl’s belief in Santa. In a dramatic decision, the court confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your place in it?
We are proud to be part of the rich community theatre network in our area and look forward to building relationships and continued support of our fellow organizations
This is the second in a series of Q&A Interviews with representatives of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile David J. Pasquino and DJP Productions.
Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?
DJP Productions was founded by David J Pasquino in April 2025, for the sole purpose of putting on Prescription: Murder. I discovered it a couple of years ago when I read that Pat Sajak was going to play the role of Dr. Roy Flemming in the play at a community theatre in Hawaii (it was on at the Hawaii Theatre, July 31 to August 10, 2025). Much to my surprise, the play, written in 1962, was the very first Columbo story and was adapted into a TV special in 1968. I grew up watching Columbo and could not pass up the opportunity to play him, so I had to figure out a way to get this play on a stage in London, and producing it seemed to be the best way to do all of this.
Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?
Not-for-profit community theatre.
Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
Prescription: Murder will be onstage at the Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre.
Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
DJP could be my initials, or maybe it could stand for Discover Joy and Passion? Either way, this inaugural production is an expression of my love of theatre, and for the theatre community in London – something I discovered 12 years ago that I never knew was missing from my life. I hope people coming to the show experience that Joy and Passion as well.
Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff?
No.
Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
I don’t know if one show can be called a season, but the purpose is to bring the original Columbo story to the stage and the people of London, Ontario.
Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each.
Unfortunately, nothing in that time frame, but Prescription: Murder will be on March 19 – 29, 2026.
Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your place in it?
I have been a part of the London theatre community since my first show, To Kill a Mockingbird, in March 2013, and have acted in over twenty plays since then. This is my first time producing a show (I am also acting in it), and I am a little anxious because I obviously want this to be a success and to have people (cast, crew, and audience) enjoy it. I will have to see how this goes before I commit to producing other shows, but there is at least one other one play I have always wanted to put on. Who knows, maybe I will catch the producing bug, and DJP Productions will put on regular shows! I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the directors, producers, stage managers, crew, and actors that I’ve had the good fortune to work with; they welcomed me with open arms and have become very important to me in the last decade, and maybe this is one way I can pay a bit of that debt.
The Beat Magazine was London’s premier independent arts print magazine from 2009 to 2013. After a long hiatus (nine years!), I reactivated its website as The Beat Magazine 2025 in late July.
My reason for doing so is straightforward. My goal is to gather together in one place the local arts and culture news that the mainstream London media outlets no longer seem interested in covering, unless there are exorbitant advertising dollars involved.
Since going live online, thebeatmagazine2025.ca has published Weekly Arts & Culture listings, Q&A Interviews with local musicians and artists, Media Releases about local Arts & Culture events, reprinted theatre Reviews from Entertain This Thought, and other general arts news, most of which has not been reported in the local media.
In mid-August, I invited all known active London and area theatre companies – community and professional – to participate in a Feature Story profiling them and their 2025-2026 seasons. Each company/group was sent a generic Questionnaire designed to enable me to gather the necessary information. Most (but, unfortunately, not all) responded with the information I was seeking.
Some companies/groups had lots to say, others not so much.
In light of this, I have decided to organize the responses in a Q&A format using the eight Guide Questions I sent to the companies.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be posting a new Local Theatre Q&A every other day.
Posts will appear alphabetically, beginning with London’s AlvegoRoot Theatre.
AlvegoRoot Theatre – Telling local stories and creating local theatre of Southwestern Ontario. An Interview with Adam Corrigan Holowitz.
Q When was your company founded? By whom and why?
AlvegoRoot Theatre was founded in 2009 by Adam Corrigan Holowitz. Over our first three seasons, we found our mission to develop local plays which speak directly and meaningfully to London and the Souwesto Region.
Q Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre?
AlvegoRoot is a professional theatre ensemble that primarily focuses on presenting local plays and supporting new play development. A quick note of clarification: not-for-profit vs non-profit. I am not a tax expert by any means, so I may not have the finer points down, but a non-profit exists for the advancement of social good (this can include clubs or recreational organizations) whereas a not-for-profit means any organization that does not have shareholders or an owner to benefit directly based on revenue. Almost all theatres in Canada operate on a not-for-profit basis, meaning they do not have shareholders. This includes most professional theatres. The artists and employees being paid for their labour does not make the venture for one. There are very few commercial for-profit theatres in Canada; Mirvish is the most notable. So, the distinction I generally make is between professional theatre and community/amateur theatre. Both are important, and both take different kinds of sacrifice.
Q Does AlvegoRoot Theatre have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?
Telling Local Stories, Creating Local Theatre
London Ontario’s AlvegoRoot Theatre supports the work of local playwrights and puts local stories onstage. 2025 marks AlvegoRoot Theatre’s 17th Season. Over those 17 seasons we have produced over 67 productions, 29 of which were world premieres of local plays. At The Manor Park Memorial Hall, AlvegoRoot presents theatre year-round, dedicated to providing a range of dynamic theatre experiences for audiences and supporting the growth of professional regional theatre makers.
Q What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?
Our home base is The Manor Park Memorial Hall, where we present plays and special events year-round. We are honoured to manage and develop The Manor Park Memorial Hall into a performing arts venue that hosts the work of theatre artists and musicians from across our city. We also produce a summer production annually in June or July at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We have been partnering with Fanshawe Pioneer Village since 2014.
Q Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff?
Adam Corrigan Holowitz is the Artistic Director of AlvegoRoot Theatre, and Kydra Ryan is the Associate Artistic Director.
Q Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?
This season, our three mainstage productions, Medical Wonder, London Fog, and Sleigh Without Bells, have all had an overarching elemental theme of fire. The characters in each play must reconcile with humanity’s ability to create the means for destruction. In Medical Wonder, the character of Dr. Imogen Volek chooses between using her medical research as a means for healing or a means to create a biological weapon. In London Fog, the characters of Victoria and Albert use arson to disrupt and disturb the elite of Edwardian London. Finally, in Sleigh Without Bells, the massacre of the Donnelly Family of Biddulph is central to the play.
Q What show(s) will you be staging this fall? Tell me a little bit about each.
This fall, we present Sleigh Without Bells: A Donnellys Story by James Reaney (October 22) and a theatrical concert version of Colleening: The Letters and Poetry of Colleen Thibaudeau (Nov 7 – 9).
About Sleigh Without Bells: Lost in a blizzard, a young man finds himself at the Donnelly farmstead, the one place his father warned him not to tread. Now entangled in the darkest period in the lives of the Donnellys, his own life is in danger.
Written by James Reaney Directed by Kydra Ryan Performed by Adam Corrigan Holowitz.
About Colleening: Going COLLEENING is always an adventure for the friends of the great London poet Colleen Thibaudeau. You never know where you may end up. Her letters and poems create a captivating journey through childhood memories, home life, and Canadian culture.
Featuring songs based on her poems by Oliver Whitehead and Stephen Holowitz, this theatrical concert celebrates a seminal figure in Canadian literature with all the playful intensity and tender wit for which Colleen was known.
Directed and Created by Adam Corrigan Holowitz Text by Colleen Thibaudeau Music by Oliver Whitehead and Stephen Holowitz Music Direction by Stephen Holowitz Featuring Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Kydra Ryan
This concert version of Colleening is part of Colleening 2025, a grassroots celebration of the centenary of acclaimed London poet Colleen Thibaudeau (1925-2012).
Q Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?
AlvegoRoot strives to create productions and events where our community can have meaningful interactions with live theatre. A goal of our work is to nurture rich relationships between the audiences, the artists, and the plays in a space where all members of the community can feel welcomed, needed, and comfortable to engage with theatre that tells our local stories and speaks to our local community.
The Souwesto arts movement, of which James Reaney and Colleen Thibaudeau were prominent members, greatly influences our work. The use of local stories, people, and geography is central to AlvegoRoot. Reaney’s playwriting influences me through aesthetics, poetry, and symbolism to tell local stories. Thibaudeau’s ability to saturate her poetry with local and personal details has influenced our writing and theatre-making. While a wide range of writers and theatre artists influence our work, Reaney and Thibaudeau’s work continues to influence AlvegoRoot on a spiritual level more than any other artists.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
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
(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.
The Beat Magazine 2025 