Tag: news

Meet The Bohemians, London’s Newest Community Choir

by Richard Young

by Richard Young, Publisher & Content Manager of The Beat Magazine 2025

There’s a new community choir in town called The Bohemians, and it has a well-articulated mission.

“Our mission is to bring people of all ages together and through the joy of singing, create a welcoming, supportive, and non-competitive choir community that nurtures connection, learning, health, and happiness,” says Lesley Andrew, the choir’s Artistic Director and Conductor. “Our mandate is to perform at community fundraising events. All ages and vocal abilities.” 

The choir was formed by Lesley in response to Art Fidler’s call for acts to perform at the Groovin’ for Good London Food Bank fundraiser in September at the Palace Theatre. Consisting of Silver Spotlight Theatre and The Artful Players members, the choir performed Queen’s epic tune, Bohemian Rhapsody.

“At the request of various choir members, we have kept the group together,” says Lesley. “One member, Carol Wilks, thought of the name, and it stuck. It suits our repertoire and our musical philosophy. We have opened membership to include people of all ages. We are now an official choir.” 

Lesley brings some very impressive credentials to his position.

She performs everything from opera to jazz, oratorio to musical theatre, and has made soloist appearances with orchestras around the world.  An active performer, Lesley is also in much demand as a voice and drama instructor through her studios, Dream In Progress Productions. Her theatre/television credits include the Stratford Festival, Windsor Lite, Huron Country Playhouse, the Guelph Spring Festival, The Tonight Show, Oprah, Donny and Marie, and much more.

(Pictured: Lesley Andrew, Artistic Director and Conductor of The Bohemians.)

“Lesley is the heart of this choir. We are in the unique position to have a leader who is also a professionally trained singer, has been on world tours, and has her own records. It is a unique position for our choir, as we will have the opportunity to perform with Lesley and learn what it is like to sing with a professional,” says Dawn White, the choir’s President. “Members of the choir also have the opportunity to sing duets with Lesley, which will also be an amazing experience.”

“Beth Zuwala, our Assistant Director and Conductor, and media guru, is also an incredible talent who is highly trained with the voice of an angel, and she will also provide some great experience for choir members who want to sing with a partner during our concerts, if the occasion arises! The choir will then be provided with a myriad of experiences to learn from, and it will elevate our performances and fun, and allow us to sing a variety of music under Lesley and Elizabeth’s tutelage,” Dawn adds.

Currently, the choir has approximately thirty members, although a few have had to take a brief leave of absence until after Christmas, as they are in various theatre productions that are quite time and energy-demanding.  

“We are hoping to get entire families involved, “ says Lesley. “Our members range in age from twenty to eighty and come from all walks of life. For some, this is their first time singing in a choir, and others have much experience with community theatre and various choirs.”

The Bohemians’ repertoire is accessible and diverse and includes pop, show tunes, folk, and rock. Selections include Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, For Good from the show Wicked, The Climb, Let the River Run, and Fight Song.

“To date, even before we were an official choir, The Bohemians have performed three times publicly to rave reviews,” says Lesley. “We’d like to perform where fundraising is needed, or at community events needing entertainment. We’ll be performing a few ‘flash mobs’ as well and will be entering the Kiwanis Music Festival.” 

“We would like to consider The Bohemians as a welcoming group of musically-minded people, gathering to not only sing, but to socialize and meet new people. It’s also an awesome way to train your voice, as each rehearsal is like a group voice lesson,” adds Lesley. “Those interested in joining The Bohemians are always welcome.”

Contact bohemian.choir@gmail.com or message the choir on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580064927636

“We will be connecting to my website (www.dreaminprogress.com) and will be posting regularly on our Facebook page,” Lesley says. 

The Jeffery Concerts Bring Jewels of Chamber Music to London for Another Season

by Richard Young

By Daina Janitis

Just so you know, I took notes at a recent London Health Coalition meeting on how to reach Gen Z to persuade them that privatization of Ontario health care will hurt THEM in the future. The guest speaker, Angie Cavallin, made several suggestions to us, aged relics on ZOOM screens who can’t even recognize when we’ve muted ourselves:

  • Use digital platforms they favour- TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and X.
  • Leverage relatable memes, short videos, and hashtag campaigns (???)
  • Frame messaging to create clear personal stakes.

SO, I watched TikTok for a few precious hours I’ll never get back … but don’t want to put this wrinkled mug on a video selfie. “Necessity is the MoFo”… you know … so imagine this:

Baby Boomer Daina and Gen Z Madison (#2 favourite name of the generation) talking about the Jeffery Concert at Metropolitan United on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Daina: Madison, are you going to the second Jeffery concert of this season on Sunday afternoon? It’s a unique chance for Londoners to hear world-class chamber music – and if you’re still a student, your ID gets you in free at the door!

Maddie: Jeffery? What’s he play? I’m lowkey interested …

Daina: No, Maddie. He’s dead.

Maddie: Bummer.

Daina: Gordon Jeffery was one of those amazing “characters” of London. A lawyer who joined the family firm, but his heart was in music. He practised law but played the organ at St. Peter’s Cathedral. In 1947, he bought an abandoned church in East London – Beecher United – and renovated it into a concert hall and teaching studios. He even had a Gabriel Kney organ installed there. He had an orchestra, a choir, and started a Music School.

Maddie: If I WAS interested, could I see it?

Daina: Sorry, no – an arsonist set fire to it in 1968. Jeffery bought the old Town Hall further east on Dundas, renovated it as well, and called it The Aeolian Hall. He also purchased and donated countless music scores to Western, Wilfred Laurier, and Windsor. He scoured Europe for string instruments, too, now part of the Music Instrument Bank at Western.

Maddie: So, what are these Jeffery Concerts if he’s dead?

Daina: Well, as tough as it may be to understand what a “benefactor” is these days, Gordon Jeffery left a whacking sum of money to some old friends when he died – with the directive that they work to bring fine chamber music to London for the benefit of its citizens.

Maddie:  Music for a small room?

Daina: Not really. Chamber music is a type of classical music designed for a small group of musicians—usually two to eight players—who each play unique parts. Because of its small size and close communication between players, chamber music is often called “the music of friends,” resembling a musical conversation where each instrument takes turns sharing and responding to ideas. This intimacy allows listeners to feel more connected to the performers and the music itself.

Maddie: I’m shook. And these friends did that in London for FREE?

Daina: That’s the mission of not-for-profit organizations – and the board of today’s Jeffery Music Foundation continues to create an annual series of world-class chamber concerts at very low prices – and free for students.

Maddie- So if I show up on October 19th … what am I going to see? – a classical concert. Yeet!

Daina: Well, this one is officially called “Accademia de Dissonanti and Elinor Frey, cello with Joseph Lanza, violin and Mélisande McNabney, harpsichord.”

Maddie: “Dissonan …”  Did you mean they don’t sound good together? Big Yikes!

Daina: Not at all. Their brilliant co-ordinator, Elinor Frey, decided to call her group that because of a historic connection: Accademia de’ Dissonanti refers to the learned society of the same name founded in Modena, Italy, in the early 1680s. Its meetings stimulated discussions on music, poetry, and other subjects connected to the d’Este family.

(Pictured: Elinor Frey)

Maddie: And this Frey lady? What’s her fire?

Daina: She’s a phenomenon! Or … she has RIZZ! She was born in Seattle but now makes Montreal her home base. She’s a cellist, does major research, and is a “gambist.” She’s performed all over America and Europe and received dozens of grants and prizes for her work- including a Fulbright. She’s got degrees from McGill, Mannes, and Juilliard.

And at THIS concert, she’s including a few beloved local guys – Joe Lanza on violin and Joe Phillips on double bass. Both are world-class musicians!

Maddie: But am I going to LIKE any of this Broke stuff? Any season from Vivaldi?

Daina: Yes- but no season. You’ll hear TWO concertos by Vivaldi – one in D Minor and the other in G Minor. The Big Viv taught music in Venice- and wrote those as delightful stuff for his students- full of in-jokes and amusements. There is also a harpsichord toccata- yes, the tinny piano – by JS Bach and a cello concerto by CPE.

(Pictured: Antonio Vivaldi, 1678–1741)

Maddie: And they’re not going to be boring?

Daina: How could CPE Bach be boring? That cello concerto … C.P.E. Bach’s Cello Concerto in A minor is a significant work characterized by its blend of Baroque and Classical styles, with an overall tone of emotional intensity and dramatic flair typical of the Sturm und Drang movement. It features a powerful, virtuosic first movement in 3/2 time, a deeply moving and introspective slow movement in C major (6/8 time) with a dramatic dialogue between solo and orchestra, and a finale that is a fast, energetic march. The concerto showcases the cello’s full range and expressive capabilities, with frequent shifts between turbulence and lyricism. Sorry … I got carried away …

Maddie: Touch grass, lady – I’m still not sure …

Daina: Hon, I’ll get back to what you are going to experience at The Met on Sunday – a close emotional relationship with amazing chamber musicians, some real stress relief. Some brain stimulation that is guaranteed to improve your memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Just watch the musicians closely – they’re leading and following without a conductor and probably experimenting with phrasing, dynamics, and interpretation. They’re creating community- and during that concert, you’re part of it.

Maddie: SLAY – I’ll be there!

For more information about The Jeffery Concerts, visit https://www.jefferyconcerts.com/season2526/index.html

To purchase tickets for this concert, please contact the Grand Theatre online at https://tickets.grandtheatre.com/11649, by phone at 519-672-8800, or in person at 471 Richmond Street. Single tickets are also available at the door.

Students with a valid ID are welcome free of charge.

By Daina Janitis, The Beat Magazine 2025 Classical Music Writer

Introducing Theatre Tillsonburg

by Richard Young

This is the twenty-second in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile Theatre Tillsonburg.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

Theatre Tillsonburg was founded in 1981 by the following people: Tom Heeney, Dennis Noonan, Laurel Beechey, Peter Beechey, Darlene Murray, and Lorne Boyd.

This group of people came together to create a local theatre group with a Board of Directors, a not-for-profit organization run by volunteers with no paid staff, dedicated to crafting good, wholesome entertainment. The first shows were presented in the local community centre, until the spring of 1990, when the current building was purchased. Numerous renovations were required to transform the former Hungarian Hall into the theatre it is today. Once the building was purchased, the group wanted to distinguish between the group and the building, so a contest was held to name the building. The winning name was The Otter Valley Playhouse, and the person who chose the name received a lifetime supply of theatre tickets, which she continues to use today.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both? 

Theatre Tillsonburg is a not-for-profit community theatre.

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions?

All Theatre Tillsonburg shows are staged in the Otter Valley Playhouse.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

The Mission of the theatre shall be to provide a creative outlet and venue for quality entertainment and opportunities for education in areas of theatre craft for members and the surrounding community.

The Purpose of the theatre is to:

  • Promote and develop amateur theatre in Tillsonburg and surrounding communities.
  • Provide the community with a year-round schedule of live theatre to enrich the cultural life and serve the entertainment needs of the community.
  • Welcome and provide a vocational opportunity for all volunteers interested in the theatre arts to participate in the many activities of community theatre.
  • Assist other dramatic and cultural groups in the community, as well as cooperate with other theatres within and beyond our community.
  • Accept gifts, bequests, donations, and legacies, and expend all monies received to promote the Theatre and its objectives.
  • Maintain in a safe and functional manner and provide improvements to the building owned by the theatre.
  • Remain an amateur and not-for-profit organization.

Q. Does your company have a Board and paid staff?

We have a Board of Directors, and there are no permanent paid staff members.

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme?

Our 25/26 season consists of the following three plays:

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – November 20-30, 2025

Hilda’s Yard – February 18-March 1, 2026

Having Hope at Home – May 28 – June 7, 2026.

It is a season for everyone. We also run a summer camp for children.

Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Could you tell me a little bit about each?

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a festive comedy full of mischief, music, and holiday magic! A mouse, an elf, and a spunky young girl team up to help Santa save Christmas in this wildly entertaining holiday adventure. Packed with clever wordplay, wild characters, and heartwarming cheer, it’s the perfect outing for the whole family.

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?

We have had patrons and cast members come from London, and we are thrilled to be part of an integrated community theatre experience.

For more information about Theatre Tillsonburg, visit https://www.theatretillsonburg.com/

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theatretillsonburg

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theatretillsonburg/

Introducing Theatre Aezir: Q&A with Elizabeth Durand.

by Richard Young

This is the twenty-first in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we interview Elizabeth Durand, co-founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Aezir.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

Theatre Aezir was co-founded in 2017 by Elizabeth Durand, David Bogaert, Rob Deman, and Olaf Plotzke. Our last show before COVID in 2019 was Falling: A Wake. When Theatre Aezir came back in 2023, I was the remaining co-founder, and I decided to change the company into a professional company. We became a non-profit and a registered charity in 2024.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both? 

We are a professional company and registered charity with a mandate to expand our services into educating actors and theatrical professionals.

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions? 

Theatre Aezir is a theatre production company without a home theatre, so we use various spaces based on the needs of the play. We have used the Auburn Developments Stage, Procunier Hall, outdoors at the Guy Lombardo Pavilion, and the gym at First Baptist Church. 

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

Theatre Aezir is a professional live theatre production company located in London, Ontario, and serves London and the surrounding counties. Positioned between the region’s large-scale productions and mid-sized community theatre, Theatre Aezir fills a vital gap in London’s theatre scene. We are theatre artists committed to presenting audiences with a diverse selection of engaging and thought-provoking performances by playwrights from across the city, the nation, and around the world.  

Theatre Aezir’s Motto is “Theatre that makes you think.” Our mission is to create theatre that challenges the intellect, excites emotion, and confronts the present. Quirky, edgy, and provocative.

(Pictured: Theatre Aezir co-founder and Artistic Director, Elizabeth Durand.)

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff? 

Yes, we have a Board of Directors and paid part-time staff.

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme? 

At this time, we are still planning 2026.

Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each. 

Coming This Fall: Disastrous Dates. Delightful Theatre. Serious Training.
This Fall, it’s Dating Games — and it’s not just a show.

This November, Theatre Aezir invites you to laugh (and cringe) your way through Dating Games by Garth Wingfield — a night of five hilariously awful dates, brought to life by some of the most promising emerging talent in London.

But here’s the twist: Dating Games is more than just a comedy. It’s also a hands-on, full-throttle training initiative for the next generation of theatre professionals.

Early-career directors will be responsible for a short play, supported every step of the way by an experienced mentor.

Ten+ local actors will dive into an intensive week-long skills workshop in breathing work, vocal production, diction, and character analysis — the kind of rigorous, pro-level training that usually only happens behind conservatory doors.

Our design team — including professional lighting, sound, and stage management — will bring their A-game.

Performances: November 6–16, 2025, evenings at 8:00pm, matinees at 4:00pm
First Baptist Church, 568 Richmond Street. 

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it? 

London needs another venue for independent theatre companies. If London had another space that was technically adequate and reasonably priced, more production companies would create more theatre.

For more information about Theatre Aezir, visit https://theatreaezir.com/

Follow Theatre Aezir on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.568444074983017&type=3

Follow Theatre Aezir on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theatreaezir/

Introducing Shrew’d Business

by Richard Young

This is the twenty-first in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile Shrew’d Business.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

We founded Shrew’d Business in 1998. Brian “Brock” Brockenshire and I were the Artistic Directors of the original Renaissance Festival in Ontario. That year, we were thinking of ways that we could use our skills outside of our regular theatre commitments and possibly develop some workshops/performances. We edited down Taming of the Shrew to be only Kate and Petruchio, and we performed that at the Renaissance Festival each weekend. We also performed it at the Parent Festival in Maryland later that summer. From that, we took the name to become Shrew’d Business. 

(Pictured: Ceris Thomas, co-founder of Shrew’d Business.)

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both? 

We can fit in either category. We do a large amount of work in the community theatre scene and in high school in and around London, but since Brock is an Equity member, he has also done work with professional companies. Specifically, he has done nineteen shows for the Lighthouse Festival. Usually, one a season, depending upon pandemic influences, and it is due to them that we have a naval cannon in our home that we can fire for the trick-or-treaters on Hallowe’en.

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions? 

We have staged two Fringe productions, The Fantasticks and [They Fight!]. These were both in the Spriet Theatre in the Covent Market Building. We also staged The Seafarer at TAP in 2016. We plan to remount that show in 2026.

(Pictured: Brian “Brock” Brockenshire, co-founder of Shrew’d Business.)

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

We provide quality training for violence on stage. We do more than just violence of course, but that is our main focus. We have been instrumental in several exciting productions for Londo Community Players, Original Kids Theatre Company and Musical Theatre Productions, as well as multiple productions in high schools, and smaller community groups. We rent equipment and have accessed specialty items for specific shows. We are licensed pyrotechnicians, so we have helped shows like You Can’t Take it With You to blow up things on stage. 

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff? 

We only have four company members, so we do not require a Board. Our members are paid for many productions, as violence is not something you should leave to the untrained. Depending upon the budget of the show, we can usually come up with a reasonable fee. It is more important to us that a show be safe than incredibly lucrative. 

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme? 

We don’t have any specific productions for our company this year, but we are helping with Deathtrap, Urinetown, Misery, and The Three Musketeers for other companies.

(Pictured: Apprentice Fight Director Kerry Hishon.)

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it? 

We moved to London from Toronto in 2005. The intention was for Shrew’d Business to be able to help a variety of productions and members of shows grow in their experience and training for dangerous stage movement. Even in professional theatre we have witnessed real slaps on stage, and this should never happen. The safety of performers and the comfort of the whole team and audience are paramount in our work. 

Since I have a love of puppets, we have also been charged with building some interesting creations that have been used on a bunch of stages in and around London. Helping a show be the best possible version is always our goal. There are very few cases where we have said “no” to a team. This has only happened when the timeline was too short, the expectations were too high, or the team was deluded about their thoughts for their show. We’d always prefer to be helpful, but there just are sometimes when you know you can’t have your name associated with something, and safety is that line in the sand.

We’ve been working in London theatre for twenty years and many more years before that elsewhere. At some point, we will need to slow down and eventually stop because staging this specialized kind of work is very draining and becomes physically impossible as the body ages. Hopefully, when that time comes, London companies will realize that they will have to either choose shows without violence or hire them elsewhere to keep their productions safe. 

(Apprentice Fight Director, Dustin Didham.)

For more information about Shrew’d Business, visit https://www.shrewdbusiness.com/

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shrewdbusiness.ca/#

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shrewd_business/

This Week in London and Area Arts & Culture, Sept. 29 – October 5.

by Richard Young

westland gallery, the roots of wisdom, sep. 30 – oct. 25.

The Root of Wisdom, by Christopher Cape and Clara Kim, opens Tuesday, September 30th, at Westland Gallery.

This exhibition is a must-see in person. New landscapes and wildlife paintings by these two incredible artists will be on display until October 25th! Preview the full exhibition today at www.westlandgallery.ca.

The front page: scooped continues at the palace theatre until oct. 5.

Read Jo-Anne Bishop’s Review at https://thebeatmagazine2025.ca/2025/09/27/review-the-front-page-scooped/

blue rodeo tribute featuring diamond mine, oct. 4, at the aeolian.

If you’re a fan of Blue Rodeo, you won’t want to miss Diamond Mine. With their energy and musicianship, they have captured the soulful, country-inspired sound that made Blue Rodeo a beloved icon of Canadian music. From “Try” to “Bad Timing” to “Lost Together,” Diamond Mine transports listeners to a different time and place, evoking memories and emotions with every note. This 7-piece band truly celebrates the music of Blue Rodeo. Derek Barnes (Jim Cuddy) and Barry James Payne (Greg Keelor) sound so much like the originals that if you close your eyes, you can’t tell the difference. Rounded out by Londoners Paul Aitken on electric guitars and mandolin, Adam Plante on keys, and Craig Sharp on drums, as well as Eric Lundgren from Stratford on electric guitars and Drew Moore from Kitchener on bass. This band rocks hard and really pulls off all the stops musically. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable tribute to one of Canada’s most iconic bands. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Blue Rodeo or just appreciate great music, this is a show you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars, get your tickets, and prepare to rock the night away with Diamond Mine.

this week at the london public library

thursday night jazz at the peppermoon restaurant, oct. 2.

Join us at Peppermoon Restaurant for an unforgettable evening of live jazz featuring:

Rick Kish & Dean Harrison

Thursday, October 2, 2025

6 PM – 9 PM

Peppermoon Restaurant – 1100 Commissioners Rd E, London, ON

Enjoy soulful performances in partnership with the London Jazz Association

this week at the eastside bar & grill

the month of october at the palasad socialbowl.

back to the days of wonderland gardens with big bandemic, oct. 5, at the aeolian.

Big Bandemic welcomes you back the days of Wonderland Gardens!

An afternoon of big band swing featuring the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and more!

For tickets, visit https://events.humanitix.com/big-bandemic-back-to-the-days-of-wonderland-gardens

oh! canada art show at art with panache continues until oct. 10

Canadian-themed artwork by local artists. Runs from Sept 20 to October 10. Elbows up!

Follow Art With Panache on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ArtWithPanache/about

october at mustang sally’s pub

99 Belmont Drive, London, ON,

pumpkins after dark, oct. 3 – nov. 1, at storybook gardens.

Pumpkins After Dark comes to London for the first time ever this fall! Experience the magic of 10,000+ glowing pumpkins at Storybook Gardens.

Discover monster mazes, live pumpkin carving, costumes, fall treats and photo ops around every corner. Get ready for a haunting fall evening that’s fun for the whole family (no jump scares here!)

🍂Pumpkins After Dark London

🗓️ Oct. 3 – Nov. 1

📍Storybook Gardens

🎟️ Get your tickets before they’re gone: https://www.londontourism.ca/events/pumpkins-after-dark

stories and song with denise pelley, oct. 5, at fanshawe pioneer village

Enjoy an afternoon of Black history and incredible music inside the restored African Methodist Episcopal Church at Fanshawe Pioneer Village!

Musical artist Denise Pelley and accompanist Stephen Holowitz present the latest edition of this intimate lecture and listen series. Hear tales of Famous Black Canadians interspersed with moving musical performances.

Our fourth edition focuses on Carrie Best, Human Rights Activist, Author and Journalist, as well as Oscar Peterson, Jazz Pianist, Composer and Educator.

This event will take place on Sunday, October 5th at 2:00pm. Limited tickets will be available for $20 (+ Eventbrite fee), and will include admission to the Heritage Village. Purchase your tickets at fanshawepioneervillage.ca/events

traci kennedy in october.

laura gagnon & trio, oct. 4, at fitz rays.

Featuring Sid on Drums and SPG on Bass!! The vibe feels like – TLC/Dua Lipa/Elton John/Alicia Keys/Bruno Mars kinda deal!

Introducing St. Marys Community Players

by Richard Young

This is the twentieth in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile St. Marys Community Players.

.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

St. Marys Community Players (SMCP) is a vibrant not-for-profit community theatre group that has been illuminating the stage since its inception in 1974. Over the decades, SMCP has blossomed into one of the premier amateur theatres in Southwestern Ontario, captivating audiences with its diverse array of productions, from classic plays to contemporary performances.

Theatre in St. Marys began in the late 1940s with Rev. Parsons’ staging of *The Desert Song*. This production relied on the efforts of over 60 volunteers who created costumes from old drapes, curtains, and sheets, embodying community spirit and resourcefulness.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both? 

SMCP is a not-for-profit community theatre

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions? 

The Town Hall Theatre in St. Marys.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

Our Motto: The best in each of us, nourishing all of us. This guiding motto encapsulates the essence of our collective ambition; we believe that theatre is not just an art form but a vital community connector. 

Our Mission transcends merely putting on plays. We strive to offer compelling live theatre productions that engage the broader community on multiple levels—inviting audiences not only to enjoy the performances but also to actively participate in the creative process. At SMCP, we cherish the involvement of community members of all ages and backgrounds. We actively encourage new members to join our ranks, whether they seek the spotlight or prefer the behind-the-scenes magic. Our group thrives on a spirit of creativity and fun, and we are always ready to support your individual interests, whether you aspire to act, direct, or work on technical and production teams, such as lighting, sound, set design, or costume creation.

Join Us: Whether you are a passionate performer, a budding playwright, or someone who simply enjoys the thrill of live theatre, SMCP welcomes you with open arms. By joining our community, you contribute to local culture and help nurture the artistic spirit that fuels our passion for live performances. Together, let’s create unforgettable theatre that leaves a lasting impact on our community.

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff? 

The nine-member board includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Q. What show will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about it.

Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s comedic play, Hilda’s Yard, directed by Costin Manu and produced by Marie Stevens and Stephen Brockwell. Set in the 1950s, the play follows the Fluck family as they navigate the challenges of everyday life. When their two adult children unexpectedly move back home, Hilda and Sam Fluck are dealing with a full house again. As the family members come to terms with their new living arrangements, they must confront their struggles and relationships. Filled with humour and heart and in typical Norm Foster form, Hilda’s Yard explores the complexities of family dynamics and the enduring bonds that hold them together.

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it? 

St. Marys Community Players continues to reach out to our local, neighbouring theatres, building relationships and connections, piggybacking on our collective successes and sometimes mistakes. We aim to shift away from the competitive nature of the southwestern Ontario community theatre scene and establish a support group for all local community theatres.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit  https://www.stmaryscommunityplayers.ca/

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StMarysCommunityPlayers

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/st.maryscommunityplayers/

(Pictured: St. Marys Town Hall Theatre)

Introducing Silver Spotlight Theatre: London’s Community Theatre Branch For Those 55+

by Richard Young

This is the nineteenth in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile Silver Spotlight Theatre.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

Although the initial seeds for a senior’s theatre group were planted before the pandemic, it came to life in 2022. Art Fidler approached Rick Smith, who was then president of London’s Musical Theatre Productions, to see if MTP would take the idea under its wing. A seniors’ grant was obtained from the provincial government, and Silver Spotlight Theatre came into being.

Locally, there are a number of theatre groups that provide opportunities for both children and older youth. Many other companies tend to skew younger in their demographics, and the number of (particularly on-stage) opportunities tends to decrease as performers age. Silver Spotlight was created to provide additional opportunities to older performers who weren’t ready to be put out to pasture.

(Pictured: Silver Spotlight Theatre co-founders, Art Fidler and Rick Smith. Photo Credit: Jim Cressman)

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre?  

As a branch of Musical Theatre Productions, SST is a not-for-profit community theatre group. All members of the Silver Spotlight community are impassioned volunteers who are committed to providing opportunities for seniors to bring musical theatre to London.

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions? 

To date, all of the SST productions have taken place in the Auburn Stage at the Grand Theatre. We work within the framework of MTP’s season planning process to select the shows we will produce as well as the venue.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

We don’t have a formal statement of purpose, but our primary goal is to provide opportunities for seniors to get involved in all aspects of community theatre, both on- and backstage. Additionally, we’re not looking just to attract people with previous theatrical experience, but also people who have no background in theatre but wished they’d had the opportunity to participate when they were younger and thought those opportunities had passed them by. Several performers in SST’s first production, Babes in Arms, had never been on stage before. Everyone who has become involved with Silver Spotlight has enthusiastically embraced the concept of a seniors’ theatre group.

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff? 

As a branch of MTP, Silver Spotlight does not have its own Board of Directors, but several members of the Silver Spotlight community serve on the MTP Board. We also have a small advisory group of SST members who provide guidance on future plans for the group.

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme? 

Presently, SST only stages one production per season. As participation in the group increases and the number of participants rises, we may look at mounting additional shows.

about it.

Q. What show will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about it.

We will be staging Showtune from December 4-14, 2025, at the Auburn Stage. Showtune is a musical revue that celebrates the music and lyrics of Jerry Herman, one of the most prolific Broadway composers of all time. A casual observer may not recognize the name Jerry Herman, but everyone has heard the songs from some of his most famous works, including Mame, Hello, Dolly!, and La Cage aux Folles. Herman was awarded the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2009 and was a recipient of the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors. Auditions for Showtune have taken place, and we are well into rehearsals for the show.

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it? 

The local theatre community is incredibly vibrant, and London residents are fortunate to have numerous choices. From musicals to dramas to comedies, well-known titles to locally-written plays, children to youth to adults, everyone should find something that appeals to them. Silver Spotlight provides additional opportunities to senior performers, many of whom have been involved in the local theatre scene for decades and all of whom feel they still have something to offer to the community.

For more information about Silver Spotlight Theatre, visit https://www.mtplondon.ca/silver-spotlight

Introducing Project G Force: An Interview with Matt Loop

by Richard Young

This is the seventeenth in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we interview Matt Loop, co-founder of sketch comedy troupe, Project G Force.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why? 

Project G Force was founded by Matt Loop and Thomas Bogad in 2006 and included members of sketch troupes Channel Surfing and Sector 7 G. The troupe currently consists of original members Thomas Bogad, Norah Cuzzocrea, Laura DiTrolio, and Matt Loop. Past members include Pasqualina Cardu, Christian Gundlack, and Lorissa Sinasac. Project G Force was under the umbrella of local theatre group Channel Surfing Productions and is currently the longest-running sketch comedy troupe in London, under the direction of John Pacheco.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre? Or both?

Project G Force is a not-for-profit theatre.

(Pictured: Matt Loop, Laura DiTrolio, Thomas Bogad, and Norah Cuzzocrea)

Q. What venue(s) do you use to stage your productions? 

We have performed at the Palace main stage, Rum Runners, TAP, London Music Club, and most recently the Princess Ave Theatre in St. Thomas.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose? 

Our mission is basically to make people laugh with locally written comedy. Everything produced by Channel Surfing Productions, from sketch to past shows like ‘UnderAchievers’ and ‘PMS’, are all locally written. We hope to start producing some more plays under the Project G Force banner. 

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid Staff? 

We do not. We are just a bunch of friends who can barely decide where to meet for dinner.

Q. Tell me about your 2025-2026 Season. Does it have any underlying theme? 

We just finished a show this year called Stage Fright and are currently preparing a show for 2026, which will be our 20th Anniversary together. We tend to do one show a year to give everyone time to work on other theatre or comedy projects. Currently, Thomas is in the improv group Shut the Front Door, Norah is in The Front Page: SCOOPED at the Palace Theatre, and Matt Loop is currently on Jack1023 and has helped promote several recent theatre shows on Afternoons with Loop. 

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it? 

It’s amazing to see the theatre community start to rebound after those years “we shall not speak of.”   The community goes in cycles, and it seems that it is starting to upswing with a great mix of exciting new companies (young and old), and diverse performers. It’s also nice to see actors who we haven’t seen in a while starting to get back on the stage, and it’s great to see some locally written works starting to get produced again. We would like to see more collaboration and promotion done for the theatre scene, as London is growing and so should the audiences, as long as we can reach them. The members of Project G Force have been around for a while and have loved being part of the local theatre scene, whether that be performing or in other productions. We are also getting older and don’t want to break anything. 

Follow Project G Force on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/projectgforce

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/projectgforcesketch/

Introducing The Port Stanley Festival Theatre

by Richard Young

This is the sixteenth in a series of Q&A Profiles of London area theatre companies and groups. Today, we profile the Port Stanley Festival Theatre.

Q. When was your company founded? By whom and why?

In 1978, Jim Schaefer became the founding Artistic Director of the Port Stanley Summer Theatre, bringing live summer theatre to the North Shore of Lake Erie. For forty-seven years, the Port Stanley Summer Theatre has provided the community with entertainment in the Village Hall.

Q. Is your company best described as professional or not-for-profit community theatre?

A registered not-for-profit charitable organization managed by a Board of Directors, elected by the members of the organization at the Annual General Meeting.

Q. What venue do you use to stage your productions?

The Grace Auditorium is located inside the former Town Hall building on the North Shore of beautiful Lake Erie in Port Stanley, Ontario. Capacity: 202 seats, Tiered theatre-styled seating, 30′ x 20′ stage, full inventory of lighting and sound.

Q. Does your company have a Mission or Statement of Purpose?

Our Mandate is to produce appealing summer theatre that highlights Canadian works in drama, comedy, and musical comedy, along with other celebrated works.

Our Mission Statement is Create Inspire Develop Sustain.

Q. Does your company have a Board of Directors and paid staff?

Yes, both a Board of Directors and paid staff. The paid staff consists of Liz Gilroy, Artistic Director, Tony Sclafani, General Manager, Joe Recchia Production Manager, Denise Lunn, Advertising and Marketing, and other part-time staff.

Q. Tell me about your 2025 Season. Did it have any underlying theme?

The 2025 summer season consisted of six Canadian productions, including the world premiere of goldfish by acclaimed actor and writer Steve Ross. Five Musical Mondays on the Pat and Ali Shakir patio, where you could enjoy the best view in town of the harbour and great live music. New play development is a priority. The Summer Festival Theatre season runs from May to September, with season subscriptions going on sale in November.

Q. What show(s) will you be staging this fall (September to December)? Tell me a little bit about each. 

The Port Stanley Festival Theatre hosts a Playwrights’ Festival every September, helping to develop new Canadian stories. This year, it took place from September 18 to 20, featuring three nights of FREE Public Readings as we developed new Canadian stories. PSFT presented three new Canadian plays, and patrons had the chance to be part of the creative process and hear brand new scripts from some wonderful playwrights. We’ve got a thriller from Steven Gallagher, Deadly Memories, a charming folksy comedy, Harts Crossing, by Tracey Hoyt, and a brand-new Norm Foster play, the hilarious Ship To Shore.

The Dreamboats, October 4, 2pm and 7:30pm. Dive into a musical time machine with The Dreamboats as they bring back the magic of classic, original rock ‘n’ roll! Infusing the timeless sounds of the ’50s and ’60s with a fresh, contemporary energy, this Canadian quartet promises an afternoon and evening of nostalgic melodies and electrifying entertainment.

The Fretless featuring Madeleine Roger, November 8, 2pm and 7:30pm. A Canadian band known for its unique blend of folk, classical, and Celtic traditions. A one-of-a-kind folk kitchen party experience! Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music.

A staged reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Liz Gilroy. Saturday, November 29, at 1pm and 7pm. It’s back and it’s bigger and better than last year! A wonderful yuletide experience for the whole family.

Blue Suede and Rhinestones: Dolly Meets Elvis, Saturday, February 14, at 2pm. Step into a world of musical imagination with this new show to the PSFT stage. An unforgettable tribute to the King of Rock’ n’ Roll and the Queen of Country.

Plus, we present musical entertainment almost every Saturday between October and May. Check our website http://www.psft.ca for details. 

Q. Do you have any thoughts about the London area theatre community and your part in it?

PSFT is proud to be part of the vibrant theatre community in the London area and is deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support of the arts. We continue to be a welcoming space for local theatre/art lovers to see, hear, and celebrate incredible Canadian talent. PSFT is excited to contribute to the rich cultural landscape by bringing Canadian stories to life locally in the Port Stanley community. These stories are waiting for you — our audience — to experience, connect with, and be part of them.

For more information about the Port Stanley Festival Theatre and to purchase tickets, visit https://psft.ca/

Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/psftheatre

Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/portstanleyfestivaltheatre/