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Come From Away – Grand Theatre, 2026

Welcome to the Rock Reviewed by Sandi Laird Come From Away has been an international hit since its debut in 2015 and a source of pride for Canadians as a uniquely homegrown tale. In case you have been living under a rock, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed 38 planes and 7,000 passengers grounded due to the horrific events of September 11, 2001. It is a day that lives in history for Americans, Canadians, and people all over the world. Twenty-five years later, it is still vivid in our minds. The people of Gander displayed warmth, empathy, love, and support to the thousands stranded in their midst. They are the neighbours we crave. The cast of twelve grab your attention the minute they take the stage. Their first song “Welcome to the Rock” sets the mood with the singular Newfoundland style of Celtic and seafaring song. The choreography is solid and rhythmic. The script is realistic, showing happy, sad, and poignant moments. Passengers are frightened and angry – feeling isolated from news and their loved ones. The people of Gander are facing an unimaginable challenge to feed, house, clothe and support the humans deboarding the planes, and the animals still on the planes. Lasting friendships are made and love and generosity abound. The music will have you tapping your toes throughout. The talented musicians are behind the scenes but welcomed to the stage by cast and audience for a foot-stomping finale. The cast is truly an ensemble. Twelve souls playing multiple roles. Three voices do stand out:  Caitlin Stadnyk as Beverley the pilot and others (Stadnyk played the same role at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre); Divine Brown as Hannah and others; and Izad Etemadi as Kevin and others. These are strong voices leading a cast of good voices. No ...
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Mary's Musings

Capitol Theatre Reveals their 2026 Casting 

Some of Canada’s best talent will be on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre this year. Here are the four popular shows appearing on the main stage, with a sneak peek of the casts.   You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – May 15 – 31, 2026  Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown features Amir Haidar in the title role, with Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt. Life, love, baseball—and an opinionated dog named Snoopy. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical comedy chronicles the adventures of Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang. Winner of two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Kyle Golemba, Jillian Mitsuko Cooper, Amir Haidar, Ben Kopp, AP Bautista. Photo by Sam Moffatt Liars at a Funeral – June 12 – 28, 2026 By Sophia Fabiilli June 12 – 28, 2026 Directed by Aaron Jan, Liars at a Funeral features Aidan deSalaiz, Carolyn Fe, Ericka Leobrera, Jane Luk, and Gregory Solomon. Grief has never been so hilarious! When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive! Gregory Solomon, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, Ericka Leobrera. Photo by Sam Moffatt Come From Away – July 10 – August 2, 2026 Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein Music Direction by Jeff Newberry Choreography by Genny Sermonia Directed by Rob Kempson, and featuring live music performed by the company, the Capitol’s production of Come From ...
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