A Great Painter, A Mysterious Death
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
Tom Thomson is Canada’s best artist for showing us Algonquin Park. He is also a fascinating character in Canada’s history and while he lived an interesting life, his death is even more captivating. How did a man who loved his canoe and spent plenty of time on the water, drown? It doesn’t make sense.
The theatre/music group, Shipyard Kitchen Party, found Tom’s life and death very interesting and created a musical around the stories. They even have their own theory about his death. But no spoilers here, you will have to see it for yourself. Tom’s shortened life spanned the years from 1877 to 1917.
Tom’s tale is told by three people that knew him well. I hesitate to say three friends as they each saw him in a different light. When Tom died, his family in Owen Sound (formerly from Leigh) hadn’t seen much of him because he spent his time painting, fishing and canoeing on Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park. In winter, Tom went to Toronto to turn his sketches into paintings. So the family wrote letters to these three and asked for information about his life.
A. Y. Jackson was happy to comply. A fellow painter, he shared Tom’s love of wilderness. Jackson writes about his fond memories of spending time with Tom. Later Jackson enlists and fights in World War I, while Tom does not volunteer. Jackson is played perfectly by Craig Ashton. Ashton sings ballads in a rich tenor voice, soaring to the high notes.
After Tom’s death, Jackson is key in establishing the Group of Seven, along with Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald, and Frederick Varley. Sadly, Tom didn’t live long enough to be a member of the group.
Winnifred Trainor, thought by many to be Tom’s girlfriend, writes down her memories through her tears. Played by Julie LeBlanc, her heartfelt messages from her home in Huntsville resonate with her love for Tom.
Dean Hollin plays Lowery (Larry) Dickson, supposedly Tom’s friend, yet his descriptions in his discussions of Tom are most often critical. Hollin’s portrayal makes us like the Dickson character, even though he sometimes sounds rather unlikeable. Dickson says Winnie Trainor wasn’t Tom’s fiancé, she wasn’t even the girlfriend she thought she was. Dickson stories reveal that Tom was quite the ladies’ man, with a new girl every time he put his canoe ashore. His tales about Tom’s life and canoe trips give us a new take on Tom. Dickson wasn’t impressed with Tom’s paintings either.
The music and lyrics telling the story is played and sung by five musicians standing across the stage. Some songs are lively Celtic-style tunes, some sound like folk songs, while others are haunting ballads, bringing tears to your eyes. A variety of instruments are played. Most notable is Jason Murphy keeping the beat and leading the group with his Irish bodhran drum. Victoria Yeh plays a poignant violin, while John Eaton plays various string instruments and Jason Redman plays keyboard and guitar. Sacha Law has a beautiful, melodic voice, easily covering the variety of styles.
As the story is revealed, various paintings by Thomson and perhaps some members of the Group of Seven are projected on a big screen behind the musicians. In one instance, a forest scene is complete with black flies actually crawling all over it, while Hollin as Dickson does the “Black Fly Dance” to a song of the same name.
This is a fascinating story, put together for the stage in a very special way. The presentation fits well with the story-telling and the music making for an interesting and very entertaining evening out. Too bad it isn’t staying longer in Port Hope.
Tom Thomson’s Wake continues at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope until March 8, 2026. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 905-885-1071 or visiting https://capitoltheatre.com/
Photo: The cast of Tom Thomson’s Wake: Craig Ashton, Victoria Yeh, Jason Murphy, Sacha Law, John Eaton, Jason Redman, Dean Hollin, Julie Leblanc as they receive a standing ovation.
Tom Thomson’s Wake
By Jason Murphy, Sacha Law, and John Eaton, with credit to Roy MacGregor
Created and performed by Shipyard Kitchen Party
Performed Craig Ashton, Julie Leblanc, Dean Hollin, Sacha Law, John Eaton, Jason Murphy, Victoria Yeh, Jason Redman.
Capitol Theatre, 20 Queen Street, Port Hope
March 6 to 8, 2026
Reviewed by Mary Alderson