February 2010:
Apologies... this website is currently not being updated.
It has become a very time-intensive project that I alone cannot keep up with anymore. The administrative duties and liaison-work with each of the respective companies within the region became increasingly difficult after 22 companies were on board! I will leave this website up as a resource for individuals looking for contact information to the companies in the area. However, please understand that the audition page, upcoming shows page, volunteer page, etc will no longer be updated and are considered far out of date.
I want to thank everyone who supported me through the creation of this project. A lot of work and time went into this website, and it's purpose is still very close to my heart. Without the support of many individuals and theatre groups, it just would not have been possible.
I hope that someday in the near future I will be able to return to this project and continue to offer current theatre news from all of the theatre organizations in the region.
Until then, enjoy all of the local theatre!!
If you are hard-pressed to find a way to connect with "What's Playing", stop by the St.Catharines and Area Arts Council on James Street downtown. They have a plethora of resources there and provide listings for most of the theatre companies that were listed here on this site.
Dee Jones of Suitcase in Point in Looking for George
Beyond Belief
Magic Show
Presented by the Greg Frewin Theatre
Date:
Runs all year long.
"Experience the mystery and art of illusion with Greg Frewin, one of the most decorated magicians in the world. Join us for our Las Vegas Style Magical Review featuring spectacular appearances by our rare and majestic tigers. Your imagination will be captivated and you will be AMAZED "Beyond Belief". We are conveniently located in the heart of Niagara Falls."
Admissions:
With 600+ seats in a Las Vegas style theatre located at the heart of Niagara Falls, there are tiered-ticket prices to accommodate all seating preferences and budgets.
The show runs through all of 2009, check the calendar on the website for dates and times (www.gregfrewintheatre.com). For those interested, there is a delicious dinner buffet option! Dinner starts at 6:30pm. For those attending just the show, curtain is at 8pm.
Where?
5781 Ellen Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario
For more information, please visit their website at www.gregfrewintheatre.com.
SPECIAL OFFER!
The Greg Frewin Theatre supports the arts and cultural activities in the Niagara Region and now has a special ticket offer for visitors of StKittsTheatre.com! When purchasing tickets online from the Greg Frewin website, there is a place where you can enter a promotional code for a 15% discount on ANY and ALL tickets for the 2009 season. Just enter STKITTS for this special discount. The 15% off applies to all Beyond Belief magic shows and any of the other shows happening the in the Las Vegas style theatre. Take advantage of this wonderful offer!
Shaw Festival Theatre
2009 Season
Here is a listing for the plays happening at the Shaw Festival this season:
Festival Theatre:
Brief Encounters - Born Yesterday - The Devil's Disciple
Court House Theatre:
Ways of the Heart - A Moon for Misbegotten - Albertine in Five Times
Royal George Theatre:
Play, Orchestra, Play - Sunday in the Park with George -
In Good King Charles's Golden Days - Star Chamber
Studio Theatre:
The Entertainer
The season runs from April - November
For performances dates, times, ticket prices, directions to the theatre, reviews and everything else you need to know about the Shaw Festival, please visit their website: www.shawfest.com
A Downtown Stupour -
New Stories, Same Tricksters
Presented by Suitcase In Point
Directed and Written by Cole Lewis
October 22nd - October 31st
At the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatere
Performances:
22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st at 8pm
25th at 2pm
29th at 12:30pm
Tickets:
$20 Adults
$15 Students / Seniors
Pay-what-you-can on the 25th and 29th
Synopsis:
A Downtown Stupor, winner of The City of St. Catharines Trillium Arts Award for 'Innovation in the Arts' (2008), is an exploration of the changing role of a city’s downtown. Using a diverse range of interviews with St. Catharines residents, local history, and inspiration from community arts based research projects, A Downtown Stupor is a myth, a documentary, and a rock show – all wrapped up in one!.
For more details, to reserve tickets or information on dinner packages that are available, visit their website:
www.suitcaseinpoint.com
Oh Canada Eh?
Dinner Show
Produced and Presented by Oh Canada Eh? Productions
Date:
Runs all summer long until October 23rd, 2009
Doors open at 6:15pm, departure 9pm
Location:
8585 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Synopsis:
Canada’s “Must-See” Musical! Come meet our singing Mountie, Hockey Player, Anne of Green Gables, Klondike Kitty and more. Full of laughs, this musical celebration of Canada will delight audiences of all ages. No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without seeing the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show.
Now in our 16th season, our two hour show features all Canadian music: from maritime folksongs to patriotic favorites, to rock n’ roll classics and modern pop. Our flag-waving finale brings the audience to their feet every night! You’ll be proud to be Canadian (even if your not, eh?)
While you’re enjoying the show, our performers serve you our famous all-Canadian, five-course, family-style meal. French Canadian Pea Soup, Grade Eh? Roast Beef, Atlantic Haddock, Manitoba Roast Chicken, Maple Chocolate Mania Cake and More… and be sure to help yourself to seconds eh?
Features:
Wheelchair accessible
Free Parking on-site
Group Discounts
Kids 16 & under eat free when with an Adult regular-priced ticket
Blood Brothers
Presented by Gypsy Theatre
Written by Willy Russell
Dates:
October 1st - November 1st
Performances run Thursday - Saturday 8pm
Sundays 2pm
Location:
Seneca Queen Theatre
4630 Queen Street,
Niagara Falls, ON
Synopsis:
This remarkable show is one of the longest running musicals ever to appear in the West End and a massive success all over the world from Broadway to Australia. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as Blood Brothers scooping up no less than four awards for BEST MUSICAL and receiving a standing ovation at almost every performance. In the USA, it has held a record breaking Broadway run, a hugely successful coast-to-coast tour and was nominated for six TONY AWARDS. Blood Brothers is the tale of Liverpudlian twins separated at birth. Though they grow up apart and lead very different lives, fate decrees that their paths will cross again, in both friendship and anger. As they grow older one becomes successful while the other spirals into a life of crime and depression before both suffer tragic consequences.
For tickets, call 1-877-990-PLAY
Nunsense Amen
Presented by Theatre in Port
Written by Dan Goggin
Dates:
October 8th - November 8th, 2009
Location:
Port Mansion Dinner Theatre
12 Lakeport Road, Port Dalhousie, Ontario
Synopsis:
This is the original show, with all the characters portrayed by men in drag. Five of the 19 surviving Little Sisters of Hoboken decide to stage a variety show in the Mount Saint Helen's School auditorium to raise the money for an unfortunate tragedy.
To purchase tickets, check out www.portmansion.com
Jake's Gift
Written and Performed by Julia Mackey and Dirk Van Stralen
Presented by the Brock Centre for the Arts
Company: Juno Productions
Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 @ 7:30 pm
Location: The Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
Tickets:
Platinum Members: $31
Gold Members: $35
Regular $39
Synopsis:
Eighty-year-old Jake reluctantly returns to Normandy, France for the 60th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion. While revisiting the beach, Jake encounters 10-year-old Isabelle, who challenges Jake to confront some long ignored ghosts.
The Rocky Horror Show
Presented and Produced by Oh Canada Eh? Productions
Date: October 28th - 31st, 2009
Location: 8585 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Ontario
It’s outrageous! It’s bizarre! It’s hilarious! And it’s coming back! It’s Rocky Horror-the weird, wacky, wild romp of a rock-and-roll musical that inspired the midnight-movie craze. Campy to the hilt, this show is the craziest cavalcade of goofball, glam, sci-fi/horror mayhem you’ll ever see. But you don’t have to be insane to enjoy it; just leave your dignity at home and have fun!
Two words of warning… One: This ain’t for kids. Leave’em at home. And Two: This is a fundraiser once again for AIDS NIAGARA! Show your community support in a little lingerie!
Check out www.ohcanadaeh.com for prices on Dinner packages
Moon Over Buffalo
Presented by Garrison Little Theatre
Written by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Derek Joynes
Dates & Times:
November 13th - 21st
Matinee November 21st
Tickets:
$35.00 including full course dinner by Maria's Catering
$20.00 including lunch (matinee)
Tickets are on sale at Pastries Rene:
905-871-9868
695 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie
Location:
Italo-Canadian Club, 1101 DiPietro Street, Fort Erie
Synopsis:
You probably never heard of Cyrano de Bergerac, the One Nostril version. Most probably you are familiar with Private Lives by Noel Coward. Both masterpieces are coming to Fort Erie, in ONE production, no less! It is 1953 and George and Charlotte Hay are playing in a repertory theatre in Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo (!!!) - as far from Broadway as you can get. Their motley company and crew are staging both Cyrano and Private Lives the same day. We don't want to give the plot away... suffice to say that, through a whole slew of miscommunications, things go haywire. The story is told with typical twists and turns: mistaken identities, collisions, slapstick, sexual innuendo and some terrifying swordplay. Plus a couple of love triangles and a nearly deaf mother-in-law. Throw in the anticipated visit by Hollywood's famous director Frank Capra and you end up with an evening of pure hilarity.
For specific show times, and additional information, please visit:
www.garrisonlittletheatre.com
Or call 905-871-3520
The Chronicles of Narnia
Presented by Gypsy Theatre
Based on the novel by C.S. Lewis
Dates:
November 19th - December 20th
Performances run Thursday to Saturday at 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Locations:
Seneca Queen Theatre
4630 Queen Street
Niagara Falls, ON
Synopsis:
The astounding world of Narnia comes to life on the Gypsy Theatre stage when Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund embark upon their incredible adventure. Stepping through the wardrobe into a mysterious frozen land where the White Witch reigns supreme and Christmas has been banished, they must find courage and faith to join Aslan the Lion in a valiant battle to restore beauty and hope – and to earn their places as kings and queens of Narnia. This spectacular musical adaptation, filled with faith, hope and possibility, is a delightful retelling of one of the greatest of all classical stories.
For tickets, call 1-877-990-PLAY
Jump Jive & Jingle!
Presented and Produced by Oh Canada Eh? Productions
Date: November & December nightly
Location: 8585 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Ontario
JUMP, JIVE & JINGLE is a frolicking musical tale of six strangers who become stranded in a 1950’s style diner on Christmas Eve. As they are magically transported back to the ‘50s and ‘60s, many of the best-loved holiday songs are given a rock n’ roll spin.
With over thirty of the most famous Christmas songs of all time, JUMP, JIVE & JINGLE has everything you need to put you in the holiday spirit! With songs like; “Let It Snow”, “Must Be Santa”, “White Christmas” as well as rock n’ roll classics like “Let Me See You Shake Your Tailfeather”, guests are sure to leave in the holiday mood with a little extra jingle in their step
For Information on tickets / dinner packages, check out:
www.ohcanadaeh.com
Later Life
Presented by Theatre in Port
Produced by Lakeside Players
Written by AR Gurney
Dates:
November 20th - December 3rd, 2009
Location:
Port Mansion Dinner Theatre
12 Lakeport Road, Port Dalhousie, Ontario
Synopsis:
Austin has spent his entire life convinced that something terrible is bound to happen to him. One night, at a party, overlooking Boston harbor, he has the pleasure of rekindling a romance begun almost thirty years ago with Ruth. Now a multiple divorcee, Ruth's personal life is in such turmoil that mutual friends look to Austin as Ruth's last shot at normalcy. At the same time, these friends are hoping the wildly unpredictable Ruth will help loosen Austin from the grip of years of depression and lifelessness. Comically, and sometimes painfully, these two people rediscover each other and themselves while a bevy of free-spirited other guests rally behind them and remind them of the infinite possibilities that life holds, should one only choose to pursue them.
To purchase tickets, check out www.portmansion.com
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Presented by theBrock Centre of the Arts
Produced by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Date: Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Location: David S. Howes Theatre, Brock University
Synopsis:
Follow the Adventures of a very tine and very hungry caterpillar as he eats through a variety of foods and eventually transforms into a butterfly.
Special Offer!
"Wee Ones Wiggle Series"
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of three children's performances happening in the 2009/2010 season at Brock Centre for the Arts and they would like to offer a package to see all three shows:
Adult Members package $54
Child Members package $36
Regular Adult package $60
Regular Child package $40
Rudoloph the
Red-Nosed Reindeer
Presented by the Brock Centre of the Arts
Produced by Dufflebag Theatre
Date: Sunday, December 6th, 2009 @ 2:30 pm
Location: The Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
Tickets:
All tickets $18, or Family Four Pack $60
Synopsis:
Dufflebag Theatre kicks off the holiday season with a hilarious off-the-wall version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, like you've never seen it before! The most exciting gift of all is that members of the audience get to play the best parts!
CRACK
Written and Directed by Sky Gilbert
Presented by Essential Collective Theatre
Featuring Jason Cadieux and Stephanie Jones
Dates:
January 13th - 17th
Location:
Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, 101 King Street, St Catharines
Tickets:
$16 for Adults
$14 for Students / Seniors
Synopsis:
CRACK is a witty and confrontational piece that examines how issues of class, sexism and homophobia are wrapped up in our notions about addiction.
WARNING: COURSE LANGUAGE AND STRONG THEMES
For more information or to book tickets, please visit:
www.essentialcollectivetheatre.com
Pigeon Party!
Presented by the Brock Centre for the Arts
Produced by the Big Wood Horse Theatre Company
Date: Sunday, January 17th, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
Location: The Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
Synopsis:
Mo Willems' pigeon and is ready to party! This lively show is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features the original music with lots of audience participation!
Special Offer!
"Wee Ones Wiggle Series"
Pigeon Party is one of three children's performances happening in the 2009/2010 season at the Brock Centre of the Arts and they would like to offer a package to see all three shows:
Adult Members package $54
Child Members package $36
Regular Adult package $60
Regular child package $40
Danny, King of the Basement
Presented by Carousel Players
Written by David S. Craig
Date:
Touring Schools throughout 2010
Public Performance on Saturday January 30th, 2010 at 11am and 2pm
Location:
(Public Performance)
The Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre at 101 King Street, St. Catharines
For Ages 8 and up (Grades 4 to 8)
Synopsis:
Danny Carter and his mom have moved so many times that he knows he can make best friends in a day. He recognizes that they have newer things than him, and they certainly eat better, but they seem to have other problems. Together they discover that courage, creative thought and imagination can help them overcome life’s challenges. Danny King of the Basement gets students thinking and talking about issues of homelessness, poverty, unemployment, literacy and the many different types of families we see in today’s fast-paced world.
For ticket information, call Carousel's Box Office:
905-682-8326 ext 26
Jump! Jive! & Wail!
Produced and Presented by Oh Canada Eh? Productions
Date: February and March, performing nightly
Location: 8585 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Jump, Jive & Wail: The Beat Goes On features many of your favorite tunes of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Come along to our retro-style diner as we gather around the jukebox for this lively and up-beat musical review which will have guests tapping their toes and singing along all night long!
Come early and hungry before the performance and enjoy our 5 course, family-style meal. Jump out of the cold as you eat, laugh and sing-along with Jump, Jive & Wail: The Beat Goes On
For information on tickets and dinner packages, check out:
www.ohcanadaeh.com
Summer of my
Amazing Luck
Written by Chris Craddock (based on the novel by Miriam Toews)
Presented by the Brock Centre of the Arts
Produced by Shameless Hussy Productions
Date: Saturday, February 27th, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
Location: Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
Tickets:
Platinum Members $31
Gold Members $35
Regular $39
Synopsis:
A hysterically new play that protrays two young new mothers who are out to shatter stereotypes. WARNING: Mature language.
Dorothy the Dinosaur -
Live on Stage!
Presented by the Brock Centre of the Arts
Date: Sunday, April 18th, 2010 @ 2:30 pm
Location: The Sean O'Sullivan Theatre, Brock University
Synopsis:
The Australian smash hit on Treehouse TV and seen in more than 21 countries around the world has been brought to the theatre stage! Along with hits "Romp, Bomp a Stomp" and "To Have a Tea Party", audiences will be ecstatic!
Special Offer!
"Wee Ones Wiggle Series"
Dorothy the Dinosaur is one of three children's performances happening in the 2009/2010 season at the Brock Centre of the Arts and they would like to offer a package deal to see all three shows:
Adult Members package $54
Child Members package $36
Regular Adult package $60
Regular Child package $40
Saving Lonesome George
Presented by Carousel Players
Written by Gail Bowen
Dates:
Touring schools in March & April 2010
Public Performance on Saturday May 1st at 11am and 2pm
Location:
(for public performance)
The Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre at 101 King Street, downtown St.Catharines
Synopsis:
Meet Sweet Solomon Bunch, a pirate with a heart of gold who loves animals. When his best friend, a rare turtle, is kidnapped, he gathers a timid boy, his pet squirrel, a hacky-sack expert and the absent-minded Hyacinth Macaw to help him. The audience participates in their adventure to save the turtle from extinction. Inspired by Lonesome George, a real Galapagos turtle that is the last of its kind, this empowering play inspires children to act to help the environment and learn about building friendships, kindness and teamwork.
For ticket information, please call:
905-682-8326 Ext. 26