Archives

New Beginnings Reviewed by Debbie McClure During the mid-1800s Ireland experienced a severe potato famine that decimated crops and left families starving and fearful of what the next year would bring. For many, it was a time to re-examine life and the potential opportunities countries such as Canada offered. It seemed so possible and easy. […]

Making Old Favourites Their Own Reviewed by Mary Alderson Don’t go to Billboard in Concert 1986 if you want to hear songs that sound exactly the way they were in 1986. This revue show gives each old song its own interpretation. Each performer presents their numbers in their own style. Billboard in Concert 1986 is now

The Ultimate Road Trip Reviewed by Mary Alderson In these days of “Shop Canadian” and vacationing in Canada, The Beaver Club is the perfect play. Written by a Canadian it covers a road trip from Ontario to Newfoundland. All the references will be familiar. For example, there’s a debate as to which offers better coffee

goldfish Goes Swimmingly at PSFT Reviewed by Sookie Mei 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

First Nation Story will Resonate with All Reviewed by Mary Alderson On opening nights, Artistic Director Rob Kempson always tells the audience at The Capitol Theatre that the sets are all made in-house and will only be seen here in Port Hope. Well, for the opening night of Rez Gas he could have said the

Life Lessons Reviewed by Debbie McClure Life is full of unexpected challenges that often lead to personal growth in ways not envisioned previously. Throw in the expectations of people of different generations or socio-economic backgrounds, and change is inevitable. That’s the premise of Powers and Gloria, which has now opened on the outdoor Harvest Stage

A Honey of a Show Reviewed by Vicki Stokes Major changes occurred during the 1960s in politics, civil rights, youth culture, and women’s rights. Music also changed, and along the way, many outstanding women made a name for themselves. The girl groups who wore short skirts and big hair gave way to strong, long-haired women

Are You Ready to Get Sexy? Reviewed by Marilu Murphy As Act one begins and before the stage lights up, the air thumps with Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack”. The audience sings along; Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back No more, no more, no more, no more Hit the road Jack

A Funny and Touching Mid-Life Crisis Note:  Shirley Valentine is back at the Globus Theatre by popular demand.  The review below was written in 2021, but I am assured the 2025 production is the same.  Reviewed by Mary Alderson Shirley is trapped in a midlife crisis.  Her husband Joe is predictable and stubborn.  “Marriage is

Cooking Up Chaos Reviewed by Kim Kaitell Going into The Kitchen Witches, at Port Stanley Festival Theatre, I deliberately avoided reading anything about it beforehand. With a title like that, I imagined something whimsical and maybe even a bit mystical – think a stage version of the movie Practical Magic, with bubbling cauldrons and a