This fall, head out for a night of entertainment while supporting one of downtown Peterborough’s most-loved performance venues. As part of its fall lineup, Showplace Performance Centre is presenting six great shows showcasing music (including rockabilly, folk, celtic, and more), comedy, and variety:
Over the course of its 20-plus years, Showplace has faced and overcome its fair share of challenges as a non-profit organization. When the 640-seat performing arts venue opened on October 5, 1996, an inspiring rendition of the song “From This Moment” filled the space. Cue a rousing rendition of “I’m Still Standing” two decades later as Showplace — despite a deficit and a long list of facility infrastructure needs — embraces the “show must go on” approach that has been a guiding principle of the arts since time immortal.
The show is certainly going on this coming fall with the diverse lineup of entertainment scheduled for both the main stage and the more intimate Nexicom Studio space, including the six “Showplace Presents” offerings, among them Tonic@Twenty — a homegrown fundraiser that will see all proceeds go directly to the organization.
“Tonic At Twenty is going to be amazing,” enthuses Showplace interim general manager Emily Martin.
“Pat Hooper, Beth McMaster, Len Lifchus, and Danny Bronson have teamed up to present this show. Anyone who knows local arts knows those four are a force to be reckoned with. They’ve been working their behinds off. We’re really grateful that the four of them have come together to help Showplace out.”
“The focus of the show is on the building, kind of like a Showplace-through-the-decades idea. We’re celebrating 20 years of Showplace and celebrating almost 80 years for this building. It’s going to be really fun.”
In determining what shows Showplace should present — a process that sees Showplace promote and market each show — Martin explains that not competing with other scheduled presentations is paramount.
“We look at what’s already been rented,” she says. “People will rent the space sometimes up to two years in advance. If someone has rented the space to bring in an Elvis tribute, we know not to book an Elvis show ourselves.”
An added benefit is that any net revenue from the shows goes back into supporting the operation of the non-profit organization, although Martin points out that not the motivation behind the “Showplace Presents” shows.
“Our goal is to break even. We do these shows for our mission. The purpose isn’t necessarily to make a profit. It’s to bring that artistic vision, and bring these artists, to the people.”
As for the challenges of late, Martin stresses Showplace “is alive and well … we’re going forward, full speed ahead”, adding there’s an education component that comes into play when it comes to appealing for support.
“We are a non-profit charitable organization. A lot of people think we are run by the City of Peterborough. While we do get service grants from the City, we’re independent. And we actually own the building we’re in. If the roof starts leaking, it’s on us to find the money to fix it.”
While Showplace’s focus is primarily on supporting the shows at the venue, Martin acknoweldges the organization has capital needs and is taking steps to address them.
“It’s an older building. People know the seats need to be replaced. There are campaigns in place to raise money and bring awareness to those things we need help with.”
If you want to support Showplace so it can keep bringing great performers to the stage in downtown Peterborough, make sure you buy tickets to one or more of the upcoming “Showplace Presents” shows, available now at Showplace — especially the two Tonic @ Twenty performances as all proceeds from those shows will directly support the organization.
You can purchase advance tickets in person at the box office (290 George St. N.) or by phone (705-742-7469 or toll free at 1-866-444-2154) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, or anytime online at showplace.org.
Pat Temple
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio, $25
Pat Temple is a local favourite. While he calls the Peterborough area his home, he has performed extensively across Canada, the US, and the UK. With 30 years of songwriting and performing under his belt, Pat has developed an impressive, and unique, body of work. His music is informed by western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and roadhouse soul. For his Showplace appearance, Pat brings his Hi Lo Players: Kyler Tapscott on lead guitar, Rob Foreman on stand up bass, and Alan Black on percussion and harmonic. Pat will be releasing a vinyl version of One Song at a Time, originally released on CD in 2000.
VIDEO: “Say So” – Pat Temple and the Hi Lo Players
The Marigolds
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $29 in advance, $31 at the door
Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick and Caitlin Hanford, three of Canada’s top singer-songwriters, have combined their talents to form The Marigolds. Backed by Randall Coryell, The Marigolds are part blues, part jazz, and part traditional country and bluegrass, specializing in angelic harmonies and gutsy playing. With Suzie on lead guitar, Caitlin on rhythm guitar, Gwen on electric bass, and Randall on drums, they’ll perform a variety of songs including tunes from their second Juno-nominated album, That’s The State I’m In.
VIDEO: “Sometimes I Think I Can Fly” – The Marigolds
Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood
Sunday, October 1, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $30
Canada’s East Coast comes to Peterborough as Prince Edward Island singer-songwriter and guitarist Gordon Belsher joins forces with fiery fiddler Richard Wood. As a duo, Belsher and Wood enthrall audiences with their roller coaster ride of exhilarating jigs, reels, and beautiful airs.
VIDEO: Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher
Tonic @ Twenty
Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 29, 2 p.m.; Tickets are $25
Showplace brings back the Spring Tonic shows from a few years ago to fill the stage once again with comedy, song, and dance. With script by Beth McMaster and musical direction by Danny Bronson, under the guidance of director Len Lifchus and producer Pat Hooper, there will be two performances of this show, a fundraiser for Showplace.
Lorne Elliott
Friday, November 24, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $30
Comedian, musician, author and award-winning playwright Lorne Elliott gives his original, captivating, and hilarious take on contemporary trends and politics.
VIDEO: “The Night We Got Grannie Plastered” – Lorne Elliott
Patricia O’Callaghan
Thursday, December 14, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio; Tickets are $35
Canadian soprano Patricia O’Callaghan performs the songs that have made her a sensation across Canada and well beyond, including her stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
VIDEO: “Carol of the Bells” – Patricia O’Callaghan
