Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre has raised over $70,000 for this year’s summer season thanks to community support during the not-for-profit organization’s recent season rollout celebration.
From April 22 to 25, the Capitol Theatre kicked off its upcoming summer season by inviting members of the community to participate in themed activities hosted at local venues, culminating on April 27 with a red carpet gala celebration at the theatre.
The gala celebration featured a main stage presentation hosted by Layne the Auctionista with performances by Greg Keelor, Jimmy Bowskill, and Melissa Payne. The evening also included complimentary hors d’oeuvres by Jayne’s Gourmet Catering, live and silent auctions, a costume and prop exhibition, and more.
With a matching donation from Rod Stewart and Masumi Suzuki, the net proceeds of the rollout events and gala celebration amounted to over $70,000.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who attended and supported the Capitol this past week,” said Dan Fraleigh, chair of the Capitol Theatre’s board of directors. “I also want to take a moment to recognize the incredible support you provide all year round. Your contributions keep our doors open and our stages lit.”
The funds raised will support the Capitol Theatre’s upcoming summer season, in particular the props and costumes — made at the Capitol by the props and costume teams — that are essential to bringing the theatre’s professional productions to life.
The Capitol Theatre’s summer season begins in May with the family musical A Year With Frog & Toad, based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved books with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by William Reale.
The whimsical show chronicles the story of two friends — the very chipper Frog and the rather grumpy Toad — through four fun-filled seasons as they join the other animals of the forest to plant gardens, go swimming, rake leaves, go sledding, and learn life lessons along the way.
Directed by Fiona Sauder, the play stars Joel Cumber as Frog, Haneul Yi as Toad, and ensemble members Landon Doak, Taylor Lovelace, and Yunike Soedarmasto. The show runs from May 17 to June 2, with tickets costing $48 ($40 for those under 30 and $22 for children 12 and under).
For tickets and more information about the Capitol Theatre’s summer season, visit capitoltheatre.com.
