Port Hope's Capitol Theatre has followed up an acclaimed 2022 Summer Season with an announcement of what's in store for 2023.
Artistic Director Rob Kempson took the stage at a media event last week to thank the community for its support over the summer and invited them back for a season with offerings for audiences of all ages. The list includes two world premieres, three Canadian plays, three female directors, and the first play written by a woman of colour on the Capitol stage.
This is in line with the theatre's new Strategic Plan, Kempson said, with its emphasis on artistic excellence and diversity, equity and inclusion. This was on view in June, as the first offering of the summer season featured the first portrayal of country-music legend Patsy Cline by a BIPOC actor (Michelle Bouey).
“I'm very proud of how the 2023 season showcases those values,” Kempson said in the press release that followed last week's event.
“In a very short time, we've been able to grow our staff resources, increase the quality of our productions and chart a new course for sustainability in all its forms. Capitol Theatre 2023: For Everyone! Is a great reflection of that growth and change.”
The summer season will grow to four shows from three with the new Summer Stage Subscription offering ($180). The 2023 season also includes the new Music Lovers Subscription with four concerts ($170). Both are now on sale, with special pricing for those under 30.
Kempson also announced the inaugural Creators' Unit, a group of local and regional creators who will meet bimonthly to receive dramaturgical feedback and work towards readings, workshops and public presentations next fall. The first unit features Cale Crowe of Alderville First Nation, Genevieve Adam of Cobourg, Marc Ludwig of Peterborough and Alexandra Montagnese of Toronto and Kingston. An additional project will be selected from a public Call for Submissions now available on-line.
The event also showcased numerous opportunities for local artist, community members and young people to get involved – audition notices have been posted for general auditions – Tommy in The Ballad of Stompin' Tom and the ensemble of Notes of Northumberland.
Managing Director Erin Peirce added that it all will benefit from the work that has gone on to upgrade outdated systems and make improvements to the venue.
“We are investing in our organization to better serve our community,” Peirce said.
Looking ahead...
Jan. 27-28 – Rumour Has It: The Songbook of Adele by Kelly Holiff and Jeremy Webb with musical arrangements by Sarah Richardson – Audiences who enjoyed this summer's production of 9 To 5: The Musical will look forward to the return of Kelly Holiff (who played Doralee) to perform Adele's most iconic songs, backed by a world-class band to combine in one unforgettable performance.
April 15 – Billboard In Concert – The brainchild of Kempson and Jeff Newberry, this nostalgic evening features local and regional artists to showcase old favourite hits – in this case, the music of 1994 (including Mariah Carey's Hero and Aerosmith's Crazy).
April 18-29 – Notes of Northumberland – Billed as Local Legends Telling Local Tales, this production features members of the local community portraying its stories, songs and legends.
May 12-28 – Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell – A hit film in 1989, this is the classic story of a middle-aged woman and what she does with an opportunity to change the course of her life.
June 9-July 12 – The Ballad of Stompin' Tom by David Scott – With songs and lyrics by the beloved title character, this biographical story of success against all odds includes such favourites as Bud The Spud, Tillsonburg, Sudbury Saturday Night and, of course, The Hockey Song.
July 14-30 – Prairie Nurse by Marie Beath Badian – Based on a real-life story of two Filipino nurses who come to work in a small-town Saskatchewan hospital in the late 1960s, this comedy of confusion was written by Marie Beath Badian based on the true story of her mother's immigration to Canada.
July 27-Aug. 6 – Mickey and Judy by Michael Hughes – Playing to sold-out audiences around the world, this musical tribute to Judy Garland will come to the Sculthorpe Theatre to offer local audiences a chance to celebrate the impact of one of the greatest stars of the 20th century.
Aug. 11 – Sept. 3 – Little Shop of Horrors by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken – Part comedy, part science fiction, part Motown-infused musical, this production is based on the 1960 cult classic film that tells the story of how a very strange plant (with some unsettling dietary preferences) helps a shy florist find love.
Oct. 14 – Billboard In Concert – This musical nostalgia showcase returns, bringing local and regional artists to the stage to celebrate the music of 1969, including Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations and Heard It Through The Grapevine by Marvin Gaye.
Nov. 24 – Dec. 23 – Jack by Rebecca Northan – This is the Capitol's annual panto, a retelling of the classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk that incorporates murder and mayhem and music into the traditional story of a poor boy and his adventures with a hilarious harp, a gregarious goose and a whole lot of gold.
More music at the Capitol is also to be announced, with the Kitchen Party and Cabaret series, holiday concerts and more.
There will also be opportunities for youth and community participation through Camp Capitol, the March Break Songwriters' Program, Listen Up and partnerships with many local organizations.
When last summer's series opened, masks and proof of vaccination were required for the protection not only of audience members but also for those involved in the productions. Current policy (the details of which are available on-line) calls for masks to be work by staff, artists and volunteers. For members of the audience, masks are not required but are strongly recommended.
