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Come From Away’s Lisa Horner to bring musical theatre masterclass to Peterborough this June

By Megan Gallant -
Having just finished performing in the extended run of Mirvish Productions' staging of "Come From Away" in Toronto, award-winning performer Lisa Horner will be leading a musical theatre masterclass on Sundays in June at Linda Kash's Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts. Open to adults and youth ages 12 and older of all skill levels, Horner will lead participants through learning to perform their favourite songs with a focus on finding confidence and having fun. (Publicity photo)

Who better to teach a masterclass in singing than someone who has just finished performing in the extended run of the award-winning global sensation Come From Away in Toronto?

Lisa Horner will be coming to Peterborough in June to lead a masterclass in musical theatre that will guide adults and youth aged 12 and up in singing their favourite songs while showing that theatre and song can be for everybody.

“I think performing, theatre, and entertainment of any kind is a really good connector where you can create a type of community that involves everyone,” Horner says. “In these classes, we really lean into it with laughter and fun and joy.”

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Running through Linda Kash’s Peterborough Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA) for $240, Horner’s masterclass will run in three-hour sessions on four Sundays throughout June. The location will be announced upon registration, which can be done by emailing Kash at lindakash11@gmail.com.

A Toronto-based performer, Horner has 35 years of stage and screen experience and has performed at theatres across the country, including multiple seasons with the Shaw Festival and the Stratford Festival.

Despite that, she is most recognizable to the general public as the woman who screams “Start the car!” in IKEA Canada’s 2004 “It’s Not a Mistake” commercial, which is recognized as one of the best Canadian ads of the 21st century and won Horner a Bessie award (IKEA resurrected the ad in 2024).

VIDEO: IKEA’s 2004 “Start the Car” commercial (2024 version)

After first connecting while performing in Delia and Nora Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore in Toronto 15 years ago, Horner and Kash recently connected while both were filming recurring roles for season two of the Crave dark comedy SisterS and decided to team up to bring Horner’s expertise to PAPA.

During the masterclass, Horner will be inviting participants to bring a song they are most interested in performing. While it can be anything from a musical theatre number to Taylor Swift to Elvis Presley, Horner’s only recommendation is for the performer to bring a song that has elevated lyrics or tells a story, and is one they are passionate about.

“It’s really important that people sing something they like,” Horner says. “I want to start by taking a song right from the beginning and talking about why you like it, why you want to sing it, what about the words really touches you, and what about the music you like. Then I break it down as a monologue, because it really is a monologue to music.”

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From there, through group and one-on-one teaching, Horner will continue to break down elements of the song each week, with movements, activities, and games to help participants get to know each other and ultimately feel comfortable and confident on stage, and to create what Horner calls a “cheerleading section.”

“We’re in this together, so everybody gets up and sings,” she explains. “I’ll get up and sing and I’m going to make mistakes. I’m not going to sound the way I want to sound. But there’s nothing serious in this room.”

“You can achieve things without feeling the pressure. It can be a wonderful experience and really that’s all I want people to get out of it. It’s just three hours of feeling like they can express themselves and breathe easily and just have some fun.”

Lisa Horner and the cast of Mirvish Productions' staging of "Come From Away" on opening night. The Toronto run began on September 22, 2024 and was extended twice until May 4, 2025 due to popular demand. (Photo: Wade Muir Photography)
Lisa Horner and the cast of Mirvish Productions’ staging of “Come From Away” on opening night. The Toronto run began on September 22, 2024 and was extended twice until May 4, 2025 due to popular demand. (Photo: Wade Muir Photography)

Horner assures there is no professional experience required and the whole class offers “no pressure and no stress.”

“It’s about connecting to your inside when you’re feeling stressed about something that’s just not important in the larger scheme of things,” she says. “It’s about finding resilience through humour and laughter.”

Even though she has been on stages around the country and is even the first actor to have performed on all four Ed Mirvish Theatre stages, Horner maintains that directing and teaching, which she has been doing for 15 years, are her “favourite things in the world to do.”

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“I just get beautiful energy from working with people,” Horner says. “I just know that every time I’m in front of a classroom, I’m like a little kid again — full of energy — and really love and enjoy it. I just find it to be the happiest place to be.”

Horner is also available for one-hour private lessons on Saturdays throughout June for $75. To sign up for private lessons or for the masterclass, email Linda Kash at lindakash11@gmail.com.

For more information about PAPA and other upcoming classes for youth and adults, visit www.lindakash.ca/linda-classes-and-camps.

Get accessible skill development on demand through Fleming College’s free Academic Upgrading program

By Megan Gallant -
By enrolling in the free Academic Upgrading program at Fleming College, students can develop the skills they need to enter post-secondary education or the job market. Largely delivered online, the courses can be flexible to a student's needs as they can start anytime, set their own deadlines, and work on their own schedules. Working with community resources, advisors in the Academic Upgrading program aim to reduce student barriers and encourage skill development. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

If you need to upgrade your skills to achieve your educational and career goals, Fleming College can help with its free Academic Upgrading program.

An Employment Ontario program funded in part by the provincial and federal governments, Academic Upgrading can help you refresh or acquire the essential skills you need for in-demand careers or help you move forward with your goals for entry into post-secondary programs, employment, or apprenticeship.

“This is a barrier-removing program that directly serves the community,” says Dr. Kate McIntosh, Vice President, Student Experience at Fleming College. “We exist to help students achieve their goals.”

Fleming College's Academic Upgrading offices are located near each of Fleming College's campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Cobourg. To improve accessibility, some are located centrally in their respective communities rather than on campus. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading offices are located near each of Fleming College’s campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Cobourg. To improve accessibility, some are located centrally in their respective communities rather than on campus. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

Working in conjunction with other literacy and basic skills programs in the community including the Peterborough Native Learning Program, the Trent Valley Literacy Association, and the Adult Learning Network, Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program works to meet the needs of students in a flexible and accessible way.

“We believe that access to education should be as barrier-free as possible,” says McIntosh.

Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program offers courses in crucial subjects inclusive of math, computers, sciences, and communications. With a hybrid delivery model, learners can set their own pace, deadlines, and schedules, and start anytime. Learning modules include exercises or activities like presentations that mirror the classroom experience.

Fleming College's Academic Upgrading program offers courses in subjects crucial for the workplace and post-secondary education including math, computers, sciences, and communications. Students will work with a student advisor to develop a learning plan that meets their goals and needs. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program offers courses in subjects crucial for the workplace and post-secondary education including math, computers, sciences, and communications. Students will work with a student advisor to develop a learning plan that meets their goals and needs. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

“Through this delivery, we aim to meet all learners’ needs and are mindful of the competing priorities in their lives, which can have a profound impact on their availability to attend more traditional educational programming,” says McIntosh. “As such, our service model is responsive to that.”

There are faculty accessible online seven days a week to provide assistance and learning supports for students when needed. Students who prefer in-person guidance can drop in to the classroom sessions and get assistance from expert faculty members at rotating times throughout the week.

“All of the instructors are committed to supporting learners and excited about what they’re teaching, which helps students to feel comfortable reaching out for support,” McIntosh says.

Advisors in Fleming College's Academic Upgrading program will work with students to break down any barriers that may exist when it comes to enrolling in courses. To further break down those barriers, Fleming College can provide financial support if transportation and childcare expenses present a challenge for students. Laptops and other tools are also available for students to use on-site to support their learning. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Advisors in Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program will work with students to break down any barriers that may exist when it comes to enrolling in courses. To further break down those barriers, Fleming College can provide financial support if transportation and childcare expenses present a challenge for students. Laptops and other tools are also available for students to use on-site to support their learning. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

To improve accessibility, some of the Academic Upgrading offices are located centrally in their respective communities rather than on campus.

In Peterborough, the office is located in Peterborough Square (360 George Street North), while Haliburton’s is downtown above the SIRCH Bistro & Bakery (39 Maple Avenue). The Lindsay office is located at Fleming’s Frost Campus (200 Albert Street), while the Cobourg office is situated in the heart of the community (739 D’Arcy Street).

“It’s important for us to be centrally located to provide ease of access and a connection to other community supports,” says McIntosh.

Students who did not earn a high school diploma can catch up on their learning through the Academic and Career Entrance Courses offered through Fleming College. With a curriculum consistent across Ontario's 24 public colleges, the courses can help a student develop the skills and knowledge necessary to write the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), a high school equivalency exam. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Students who did not earn a high school diploma can catch up on their learning through the Academic and Career Entrance Courses offered through Fleming College. With a curriculum consistent across Ontario’s 24 public colleges, the courses can help a student develop the skills and knowledge necessary to write the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), a high school equivalency exam. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

Some of the course requirements include an in-person component, where students come into a classroom for an exam or evaluation in preparation for the post-secondary program structure.

“We incorporate experiential learning into our program to prepare learners for that next step, but we don’t want it to be a barrier,” says McIntosh, noting each of the Academic Upgrading locations is fully accessible. “We work in conjunction with our accessibility office at the college to ensure we are meeting the needs of all of our students.”

To further break down those barriers, Fleming College can provide financial support if transportation and childcare expenses present a challenge for students. Laptops and other tools are also available for students to use on-site to support their learning. Academic Upgrading staff are happy to meet with students to discuss these and other barriers to learning they may face and discuss solutions to help them reach their goals.

Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program also works in partnership with collaborators like Homeward Bound Peterborough, a four-year program that supports at-risk single mothers in reaching their learning goals.

With expert faculty advisors, Fleming College's Academic Upgrading program can develop tailored skills development courses for business owners who want their employees to develop a specialized skill. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
With expert faculty advisors, Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program can develop tailored skills development courses for business owners who want their employees to develop a specialized skill. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

For students who did not receive their high school diploma but want the equivalent for post-secondary school admissions, Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) courses from Fleming College also offer flexible learning to meet such goals. Led by the College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading, a not-for-profit support organization representing Academic Upgrading programs and staff in Ontario’s 24 public colleges, the ACE curriculum is consistent at all of the colleges.

For those seeking the equivalent of a secondary school diploma, students can take the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), a high school equivalency exam that replaced the General Educational Development (GED) exam in 2024, and which Fleming College hosts in partnership with Humber College.

“The CAEC is for those who want the diploma or proof that they have a high school education,” says McIntosh, noting the CAEC is not required for college admissions.

Prospective students in Fleming College's Academic Upgrading program can begin their journey by booking an appointment with a student advisor, who will consider the student's goals and learning experiences and complete a skills assessment that helps the advisor craft a learning plan based on the student's needs. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)
Prospective students in Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program can begin their journey by booking an appointment with a student advisor, who will consider the student’s goals and learning experiences and complete a skills assessment that helps the advisor craft a learning plan based on the student’s needs. (Photo courtesy of Fleming College)

McIntosh adds that Academic Upgrading courses are also beneficial for employers who want to support their staff as they expand and develop skills in specific areas, such as computer or software training.

“If an employer has a certain need or they are looking for upskilling opportunities for their employees, we can tailor their learning,” says McIntosh. “In today’s market, employee retention can be challenging, so we’re thrilled to partner with employers to help demonstrate their commitment to and investment in their workforce through building these custom learning experiences.”

Prospective students can begin their Academic Upgrading journey by booking an appointment with a student advisor. They’ll consider the student’s goals and learning experiences and complete a skills assessment that helps the advisor craft a learning plan based on the student’s needs.

Student advisors may also refer the student to other community organizations based on their individual needs and goals.

“If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to reach out to us,” McIntosh says. “We are ready to help you achieve your education and career goals, in a way that fits your life.”

For more information on Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program, visit www.flemingcollege.ca/academic-upgrading.

 

This branded editorial was created in partnership with Fleming College. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Easter cookie fundraiser nets $5,800 for Community Care Northumberland’s Meals on Wheels program

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Lucy Roda (right), owner and Roda's Kitchen in Cobourg, and her team recently baked and decorated hundreds of Easter cookies in support of Community Care Northumberland's Meals on Wheels program, raising $5,800. (Photo: Community Care Northumberland / Facebook)

The sale of cheerfully decorated Easter cookies have gone a long way towards putting more meals on the tables of residents in need in Northumberland County.

Community Care Northumberland (CCN) has announced its recent Easter cookie fundraiser, once again hosted in partnership with Roda’s Kitchen in Cobourg, generated $5,800 for CCN’s Meals on Wheels program.

Those funds directly translate into 828 meals for community members, CCN communications specialist Chelsea Rankin told kawarthaNOW.

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From March 10 to April 10, community members helped support CCN by purchasing hundreds of cookies that were handmade and by Roda’s Kitchen owner Lucy Roda and her team.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, donors, volunteers, and especially Lucy and her team at Roda’s Kitchen,” said CCN CEO Trish Baird in a media release.

Meals on Wheels is a cornerstone program for CCN, providing affordable ready-to-eat meals to seniors living alone, adults with disabilities who are unable to shop for groceries or cook for themselves, and those recovering from illness or surgery who cannot cook for themselves.

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The money raised from the annual Easter cookie fundraiser will continue to support the program’s mission.

“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our community and to Lucy at Roda’s Kitchen for her ongoing partnership,” added Sheri Birney, manager of nutrition services at CCN.

“We also want to thank our staff and volunteers who continue to support this program. Their dedication is what makes this important work possible.”

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There are Meals on Wheels program options for residents of every community in Northumberland County. Clients can create an automatic meal delivery plan so they don’t have to remember to call in every order to their local CCN office.

“My mother has benefited from the Meals on Wheels program,” a family member of a client shared with CCN. “Each of the dedicated volunteers has very much added to her day. Each one is so cheerful and gives that little extra moment for a chat.”

CCN’s Meals on Wheels program offers both hot meal and frozen meal options. Program staff can accommodate several diet types and service options are flexible. Residents can receive Meals on Wheels on a short-term basis while recuperating from a surgery or illness, or they can access the program on a long-term basis so they can stay healthy by eating properly in their own home, CCN noted.

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“Due to today’s economy, more and more clients are in need of the Meals on Wheels program,” Birney recently told kawarthaNOW.

“We provide a well-balanced, nutritious meal to our clients in the community. Our volunteers who deliver the meals are very dedicated and provide a wellness check while delivering. We need the support of the community to be able to keep the meals at an affordable cost to the clients.”

To learn more about Community Care Northumberland’s Meals on Wheels program or to find out how you can get involved, visit commcare.ca/meals-on-wheels/.

The Local Advantage in Peterborough County: Paluski Boats champions local manufacturing with Canadian-made canoes, kayaks, and paddles

By Megan Gallant -
Based in Selwyn Township in Peterborough County, Paluski Boats manufactures entirely Canadian-made canoes, kayaks, and paddles, as well as boating accessories, for the tourism industry both locally and across the country, including boat rentals for Alberta's iconic and internationally known Moraine Lake. The company exclusively works with Peterborough-based Merit Precision for the injection-moulded plastics needed for all parts of their products. (Photo courtesy of Paluski Boats)

There’s no better picture of summer in Canada than paddling on a picturesque lake. When that canoe or kayak comes from Paluski Boats, you can be assured that everything from its manufacturing to the ownership behind the company is supporting both the local and Canadian economy.

Based in Selwyn Township — one of eight townships in Peterborough County — Paluski Boats was founded in 1980 by Graham Wilkins, a former gold medallist with Canada’s National Rowing Team who spent a decade on both the Trent University and Peterborough rowing clubs. By 1984, fibreglass engineering expert and boat manufacturer Pat Smith had joined Wilkins in partnership at the company.

Today, Paluski Boats manufactures and sells durable canoes, kayaks, and paddles, as well as boating accessories, with all materials 100 per cent made in Canada. As a manufacturer that supplies recreational paddled watercraft and accessories for the tourism industry both locally and across the country, the company is anticipating a sharp increase in demand for its products this year as more Canadians decide to vacation at home instead of travelling to the U.S.

Increased sales of the company’s products will also be good news for the local economy, as Paluski Boats exclusively works with Peterborough-based Merit Precision for the injection-moulded plastics needed for all parts of their products. Sourcing close to home allows Paluski Boats to manufacture boats with the exact grade of plastic needed to offer a meaningful lifetime hull warranty.

The company also relies on two local businesses to keep its boat factory running. All the propane for their ovens and other machinery comes from Casey’s Propane in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan, and the machinery is serviced by Battye Mechanical in Peterborough.

While Paluski Boats might be familiar to some as a supplier of boat rentals for Alberta’s iconic and internationally known Moraine Lake, the manufacturer is well known closer to home. Products can be found at rental outfitters Kawartha Adventures and Long Lake Lodge, both of which are in the Township of North Kawartha, as well as at retailers including the company’s factory store, Adventure Outfitters in Selwyn Township.

Founded by Graham Wilkins, a former gold medallist with Canada's National Rowing Team, Paluski Boats began in 1980 by manufacturing recreational rowing shells. By 1984, with business partner Pat Smith, a fibreglass engineering expert, Paluski Boats had perfected a full line of recreational fibreglass rowing shells and expanded to include kayaks and canoes. Based in Selwyn Township in Peterborough County, the company supplies its high-quality products to the tourism industry both locally and nationally, as well as to the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Paluski Boats)
Founded by Graham Wilkins, a former gold medallist with Canada’s National Rowing Team, Paluski Boats began in 1980 by manufacturing recreational rowing shells. By 1984, with business partner Pat Smith, a fibreglass engineering expert, Paluski Boats had perfected a full line of recreational fibreglass rowing shells and expanded to include kayaks and canoes. Based in Selwyn Township in Peterborough County, the company supplies its high-quality products to the tourism industry both locally and nationally, as well as to the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Paluski Boats)

The company’s boats can also be rented at some of Ontario’s provincial parks — including locally at Bon Echo, Silent Lake, and Sharbot Lake — and through the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority at Beavermead Campground in Peterborough, Lakefield Campground, and Warsaw Caves Conservation Area.

Products from Paluski Boats can also be found at more than 20 other dealers across Ontario, many of which have already begun to increase orders or are choosing to exclusively stock Paluski Boats because the company’s products are entirely Canadian-made.

Though Wilkins helped establish the Kinsman Boat House at Trent University, coached local rowers at the high school and post-secondary level, and played a key role in establishing the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield — which Paluski Boats continues to maintain — he suggests the most proactive way he supports the community today is through the company itself.

For 15 years, Paluski Boats has run a program through which local non-profits and organizations can get affordable boats to raise money for their causes. Organizations that have benefited from the program include the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame, Trent University Athletic Department, Kawartha Gymnastics, Lakefield Historical Society, and the Rotary Club of Peterborough, among others.

While some dealers of Paluski Boats are based in the U.S., which includes a large market for paddles from the rafting industry, Wilkins remains confident the company can weather the economic uncertainty from U.S. tariff threats — not only due to an increased demand for Canadian-made products and more Canadians vacationing at home this year, but because of the superior quality of the company’s products.

“There is not a U.S. supplier that sells exactly the same product that we provide,” Wilkins says. “Our advantage is a better quality product and quicker turnaround time.”

For more information, visit paluskiboats.com or follow Paluski Boats on Facebook and Instagram.

 

The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.

Peterborough County logo.

As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.

Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.

For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.

Tourism operators in Kawarthas Northumberland can apply for Regional Tourism Organization 8’s business mentorship program

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Sky Haven Equestrian Centre & Retreat in Bethany is one of the tourism-related businesses in Kawarthas Northumberland that has taken advantage of the Acceler8 personalized business mentorship program from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8). Refreshed for 2025, the program is now accepting applications in advance of the upcoming tourism season. (Photo: Sky Haven Equestrian Centre & Retreat)

Just in time for the tourism season, tourism business owners and operators in Kawarthas Northumberland can “Acceler8” their chances for a stellar summer by applying for support from a mentor.

Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) has opened a new intake for Acceler8, a personalized business mentorship program designed to support tourism operators across Kawarthas Northumberland, which includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County.

Refreshed for 2025, Acceler8 is tailored to help tourism businesses navigate today’s evolving market and economic conditions. Through one-on-one coaching with experienced tourism professionals, participants will receive strategic support to overcome specific business challenges, streamline operations, and identify new opportunities for growth, a press release noted.

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Acceler8 program manager Joe Rees shared his thoughts about the new intake stream, and what businesses can expect from the program, with kawarthaNOW.

“Acceler8 offers one-on-one coaching for small business with experienced professionals, but as part of our refresh, the process has been restructured so that participating businesses will receive immediate strategic support to overcome a specific business challenge or need,” Rees said.

“This could include creating new experiences, bringing a product to market, streamlining operations or identifying new opportunities for growth. As we rapidly head into a season where Canadians are expected to travel closer to home, it is critical to be ready to host visitors with the best product possible, and that is what the Acceler8 program is geared to do.”

VIDEO: RTO8 Acceler8 – Blades of Glory Testimonial

Acceler8 is open to tourism-related businesses in accommodations, retail, attractions, experiences, and food and beverage sectors. Participants will be matched with seasoned professionals who bring not only deep industry knowledge but also regional understanding, accounting for differences in municipal by-laws, visitor expectations, and available resources.

“Tourism is a major economic driver in our region, and we’ve got an incredible range of experiences and operators,” Rees said. “Acceler8 connects those on the ground with mentors who understand the landscape and can help navigate it strategically.”

Operated in partnership with local economic development offices and destination marketing/management organizations across the region, Acceler8 provides a unique regional perspective that “goes beyond cookie-cutter solutions,” he added.

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“Our hope is that in this very challenging business environment, RTO8 can provide critical support to tourism businesses,” Rees said. “By actively engaging with them and providing professional guidance, Acceler8 hopes to create even more reasons for people to visit Kawarthas Northumberland.”

“With another busy travel season on the horizon and growing interest in Canadian getaways, now is the perfect time for tourism businesses to tap into expert guidance. Acceler8 is all about helping tourism businesses thrive, not just survive.”

For more information and to apply, visit rto8.com/acceler8/.

Lindsay community mourns sudden passing of Linden ‘Lindy’ Mackey

By kawarthaNOW -
On May 5, 2025, Mackey Funeral Home announced that prominent Lindsay citizen Linden "Lindy" Mackey has passed away. (Photo: Mackey Funeral Home)

The Lindsay community is mourning the sudden passing of Linden “Lindy” Mackey, one of Lindsay’s most prominent citizens, at the age of 58.

The co-owner of Mackey Funeral Home and the sole Mackey still involved in the three-generation family business, he was also the co-owner of Mackey Celebrations and Stoddart Funeral Home Inc.

On Monday afternoon (May 5), Mackey Funeral Home posted a statement on their Facebook page about his passing.

“Today, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary family man, dedicated businessman, and cherished member of our community. Linden was the heart and soul of our business, carrying forward the legacy of his father and grandfather with humility, grace, and pride. He never sought the spotlight — his kindness spoke for itself. Linden was generous to a fault, always putting others before himself.”

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“As a community, we grieve the loss of a beloved friend, mentor, and leader,” the statement continues. “Linden’s absence will be deeply felt, but his impact will live on. Let us honour his memory by reflecting on all he has given to this community and the lives he touched along the way.”

“Life is sweet because of the friends we have made – Lindy Mackey.”

Born and raised in Lindsay, Mackey became a licensed funeral director in 1987. He was actively involved in the community through many local agencies and was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame last year.

VIDEO: Linden Mackey – JA City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame Inductee 2024

“Linden was a constant, friendly presence in our downtown, and his kindness, compassion, and warmth touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him,” states the Lindsay Downtown Business Improvement Area on its Facebook page. “He operated his businesses with these same qualities, supporting so many of us in our most difficult times. Linden’s contributions to our community have been immeasurable, and his absence will be deeply felt.”

The statement on Mackey Funeral Home’s Facebook page has almost 900 reactions and over 450 comments, with many local residents, businesses, and organizations sharing their condolences and memories of Mackey. Many of the comments note Mackey’s kindness, compassion, and generosity.

“Linden leaves an immense hole in our community but his legacy as a remarkable businessman, leader and kind soul carries on eternally,” reads a comment from the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce.

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“We mourn the loss of a great friend, mentor and leader of our time,” reads a comment from Olympia Restaurant.

“As a long-time supporter and friend of Community Care, Lindy exemplified what it means to care deeply for your neighbours and showed steadfast compassion, generosity, and commitment,” reads a comment from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes. “We are deeply grateful for all he gave to our community.”

“Linden brightened our lunch table each month — giving generously of himself, his profession to our estate planning council,” reads a comment from the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. “He was a remarkable community leader and offers a strong legacy.”

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“Lindy was not only a generous theatre sponsor and dedicated board member, but also a passionate advocate for the arts and a true community builder,” writes FLATO Academy Theatre on its Facebook page. “He devoted countless hours to the theatre — helping with sets, performing on stage, cheering on loved ones in productions, announcing dance recitals, contributing in countless other ways.”

Mackey leaves behind his wife Stephanie, owner of Lindsay Dance Studio, and their four children Sophia, Thomas, Joey, and Natasha.

Information about funeral arrangements is not yet available.

 

This story has been updated with additional comments and a Business Hall of Fame video about Mackey.

Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will now represent businesses in East City

By Bruce Head -
Light post banners on Hunter Street East in Peterborough's East City installed by the volunteer-led East City Village Business Improvement Area, which is merging with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area as part of a one-year pilot agreement. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

For the first time in its 44-year history, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has expanded its boundaries to include businesses in Peterborough’s East City.

The Peterborough DBIA announced on Tuesday (May 6) that the East City Village Business Improvement Area (VBIA) has joined the DBIA under what is described in a media release as “a one-year pilot merger agreement” that took effect in April.

Under the agreement, the East City VBIA — which represents businesses on Hunter Street East, east of the Hunter Street bridge — has merged its operations with the Peterborough DBIA.

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“We’re thrilled to welcome East City’s vibrant business community into the DBIA,” says Peterborough DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in the release. “East City has always been a beloved and essential part of Peterborough with a strong sense of place.”

“We’re excited to bring together two really vibrant and connected communities to elevate our collective impact and work together to strengthen our local economy. This merger will create even more opportunities for businesses to thrive. I think this is a really exciting next step in Peterborough’s story.”

Established by the City of Peterborough in 1981 to support and revitalize the downtown core, the Peterborough DBIA’s boundaries have always encompassed the traditional commercial grid west of the Otonabee River.

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The Peterborough DBIA’s boundaries — north to Murray Street, west to Bethune Street, south to Dalhousie Street, and east to the Hunter Street Bridge — did not include East City, historically known as the Village of Ashburnham, because of its distinct geography and character on the other side of the river.

East City businesses created their own volunteer-led business improvement area to advocate for area improvements, while maintaining a separate identity and operation.

The merger of the East City VBIA with the Peterborough DBIA means East City businesses will now have the opportunity to participate in programs and promotions run by the DBIA, such as the Boro gift card program and the annual Holiday Shopping Passport program, which previously only applied to businesses located in the downtown core.

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“This merger represents an opportunity for East City to access new tools and larger resources, while still celebrating the charm and community that makes our side of the river so special,” says East City VBIA chair Cassia Piper.

“The Village BIA has been shaped by neighbours who care deeply about their community. Merging with the DBIA builds on that legacy. It opens new doors and offers more chances to be a part of the big-picture vision for downtown.”

According to the release, the merger of the two organizations also creates the potential for expanded collaboration in local events, beautification projects, and shared advocacy for small business priorities within the city.

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The merger also aligns with the City of Peterborough’s official plan, which considers both the downtown core and East City to be part of the city’s central area.

During the one-year pilot project, both organizations will “evaluate how best to integrate programming and representation moving forward,” while the Peterborough DBIA will “work closely” with East City business owners to ensure local priorities are recognized, supported, and celebrated.

“This isn’t about dissolving identities, it’s about strengthening them,” Mazloum says. “We believe this partnership will amplify what makes East City unique while connecting these unique communities through shared opportunity.”

The Peterborough DBIA represents over 400 businesses in the downtown core, with the city collecting a levy totalling $362,045 in 2025 through commercial and industrial property taxes from within the DBIA boundaries to fund the organization.

Innovation Cluster helps tech entrepreneurs scale their businesses and thrive

By Megan Gallant -
Andrew Nokes, founder of Creativity by Code and ReziLink, shakes hands with Eduard Yonathan, founder of SanoStrategy. Both tech entrepreneurs are clients of the Innovation Cluster, which serves early-stage small and medium-sized businesses in the cleantech, agritech, health and medical tech, nuclear, and digital tech sectors. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster

Tech entrepreneurs become clients of the Innovation Cluster to access expert guidance, industry connections, and resources essential for their success.

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With a new logo and a refreshed mission, the Innovation Cluster embarks on the next chapter

Fresh off the heels of the non-profit organization’s rebrand, the Innovation Cluster is offering eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access to dedicated business mentors, coaching sessions with more than 30 experts in residence, unlimited workshops, discounts on bootcamps and masterclasses, meeting space, and more.

Priced at $200 per month, the client package delivers a $2,000 per month value.

To be eligible, innovative businesses must be based in Eastern Ontario and working in specific industries (cleantech, agritech, health or medical tech, nuclear, or digital tech), have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready or in market, and have a business plan in place.

Hiawatha First Nation entrepreneur Barry Payne is one of more than 30 experts in residence that Innovation Cluster clients can consult to benefit from their knowledge and expertise in areas including intellectual property, finance, product development, marketing, and more. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)
Hiawatha First Nation entrepreneur Barry Payne is one of more than 30 experts in residence that Innovation Cluster clients can consult to benefit from their knowledge and expertise in areas including intellectual property, finance, product development, marketing, and more. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)

“People think launching the MVP is the challenging part of the business, but it’s actually everything that comes after,” says Innovation Cluster program lead Zahra Shafiei. “While entrepreneurs have lots of good ideas, they need to know what the next step for them is and that’s where we can help.”

Clients are paired with a seasoned expert business advisor based on their industry, with whom the businesses can schedule up to two meetings per month.

“This knowledge is not coming from books — as the advisors have worked in SMEs, they’re going to share the knowledge and expertise they have gained from real-life experience,” Shafiei says. “And it’s not you and your team going to the advisor with a couple of questions when you have a problem — it’s going to be you working through the problems with your mentor and achieving the milestones together.”

Along with a dedicated business advisor, Innovation Cluster clients can also draw upon more than 30 experts in residence from across the country with knowledge and experience in intellectual property, finance, product development, marketing, and more. Clients can meet with one expert of their choosing per month, with additional sessions available.

“This roster of experts has been built to serve SME tech businesses that are ready to scale,” says Innovation Cluster marketing director Loretta Eldridge.

“They’re all experienced and nothing is new to them, as they’ve been through that growth themselves. It’s this perfect collaboration and ecosystem for companies that are dealing with all these things for the first time. It’s so much easier to deal with a problem when you’re learning from someone who’s already been through it.”

Creativity by Code Inc. founder Andrew Nokes has developed ReziLink, a new SaaS platform for non-profit organizations. Through the support of the Innovation Cluster, Nokes has been able to scale up his business by learning about intellectual property and financing and networking opportunities. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)
Creativity by Code Inc. founder Andrew Nokes has developed ReziLink, a new SaaS platform for non-profit organizations. Through the support of the Innovation Cluster, Nokes has been able to scale up his business by learning about intellectual property and financing and networking opportunities. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)

“On average, in 45 days, we start to see significant change with our clients moving forward in their business,” adds Innovation Cluster program lead Zahra Shafiei. “Our partners can help a client find a site for testing their prototype in a real-life situation, or make referrals for a client.”

This was the case for Andrew Nokes, founder of Creativity by Code Inc., a custom software development company. With guidance from the Innovation Cluster, the Omemee-based entrepreneur has been developing ReziLink, a software as a service (SaaS) platform built in close collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Gateway North in Bracebridge.

Nokes first became involved with the Innovation Cluster when participating in the LevelUP business accelerator program in 2024, and has since continued on as an Innovation Cluster client.

“I had experience running a custom software business, but I didn’t have the skills or knowledge for a startup and that’s where the Innovation Cluster was crucial,” he says, noting he has gained support in critical areas for scaling like intellectual property, branding, and market validation. “All of these things were skills I didn’t even know I needed, but they served me to get things off the ground and it built a lot of confidence.”

By becoming clients of the Innovation Cluster, tech entrepreneurs can scale up their business with guidance from industry advisors and experts in residence. Entrepreneurs can achieve significant advancement in their businesses through education and skill building, the development of local and industry connections, access to funding programs, and other scaling opportunities. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster
By becoming clients of the Innovation Cluster, tech entrepreneurs can scale up their business with guidance from industry advisors and experts in residence. Entrepreneurs can achieve significant advancement in their businesses through education and skill building, the development of local and industry connections, access to funding programs, and other scaling opportunities. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster

Under the one-on-one mentorship of the Innovation Cluster, Nokes has received essential guidance from his business advisors. He has also been introduced to important financing opportunities, including a fund for developers that pays a portion of wages to hire additional staff and access $10,000 worth of Amazon Web Services credits.

“I could conduct my own research, but having someone who’s already been there and done this and knows exactly what I need builds confidence going in, so that I know I’m doing this properly,” he says.

Between the LevelUP program and continuing to access support as a client, Nokes says the Innovation Cluster has been “extremely valuable.”

“Without the Innovation Cluster, I certainly wouldn’t be this far along and this organized,” he says. “It’s nice to know that the Innovation Cluster is there when I need something.”

Clients of the Innovation Cluster receive many benefits, including 25 per cent off immersive bootcamps and masterclasses and unlimited free workshops. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)
Clients of the Innovation Cluster receive many benefits, including 25 per cent off immersive bootcamps and masterclasses and unlimited free workshops. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)

For Bowmanville-based entrepreneur Mark Trypuc, making connections in the cleantech industry was one of his main motivations for wanting to become an Innovation Cluster client. As the founder of SCHEG Corp, which has developed an innovative home generator powered by water, Tyrpuc is working with the Innovation Cluster to build his business network.

“The Innovation Cluster is focused on on-on-one development and I thought it would be a really good opportunity to see if they could help out and guide us to the next level,” he says. “Just having someone else to take a step back and say, ‘Maybe you should try this route’ is one benefit of working with them.”

As an Innovation Cluster client, Trypuc has made connections with countless industry experts, including academics at Fleming College, and those who have specific expertise in alternative energy.

“The Innovation Cluster has a huge network of people you can be introduced to — it puts you in the right direction a lot faster,” he explains.

“When you’re working with just one other person and you’re trying to develop something, and you’ve been at it for 18 or 20 months, it can sometimes feel like it’s just you. But when you start talking with resources at the Innovation Cluster who want you to succeed and who see real value in what you’re doing, it gives you a bit of a breath of fresh air and pumps up your tires a little more.”

In addition to having access to mentors and advisors, clients of the Innovation Cluster have free access to coworking space, conference and meeting room space, and print and mail services. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)
In addition to having access to mentors and advisors, clients of the Innovation Cluster have free access to coworking space, conference and meeting room space, and print and mail services. (Photo: Bryan Reid for Innovation Cluster)

According to Innovation Cluster marketing director Loretta Eldridge, the services offered by the Innovation Cluster are filling a gap for early-stage small and medium-sized tech businesses that can have a “huge impact” on the economy in Peterborough and the Kawarthas as well as in Ontario and Canada.

“It’s about finding companies within our region and helping them to grow roots here, create jobs here, and help all of us in the region have a better future,” she points out. “It grows exponentially from there.”

For more information on becoming an Innovation Cluster client and scaling your tech business faster, visit innovationcluster.ca/become-a-client.

PDF: Become a Client of the Innovation Cluster
Become a Client of the Innovation Cluster

 

This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Kirkfield Road at Lake Dalrymple Bridge in Kawartha Lakes to be closed for six months for bridge replacement

By kawarthaNOW -
Located on Kirkfield Road across the narrows of Lake Dalrymple in Kawartha Lakes, Lake Dalrymple Bridge was built out of timber with a concrete deck circa 1970 and needs to be replaced due to continued deterioration of wood, concrete, and asphalt as well as erosion. (Photo: Tatham Engineering)

The City of Kawartha Lakes has announced the timelines for the full replacement of the Lake Dalrymple Bridge, including the closure of Kirkfield Road in the area of the bridge for six months from May to October.

The bridge was built around 1970 out of timber with a concrete deck. Although it was rehabilitated around 1990, the bridge has reached the end of its service life and needs to be replaced due to continued deterioration of wood, concrete, and asphalt, as well as erosion. The municipality has allocated $4.7 million in capital funding for the bridge replacement.

As the bridge structure type and geometry is not conducive to the standard approach to construction, where half the bridge is closed for work and the other half remains open to traffic, the road needs to closed for replacement of the bridge.

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The bridge replacement will result in long detours using Lake Dalrymple Road to County Road 45 in the north, and Kirkfield Road to Brechin Road and County Road 47 in the south.

To reduce speeding on Lake Dalrymple Road and improve safety for residents, temporary speed humps will be installed on the road. An alternate detour route for truck traffic will be in place to reduce pressure on the road.

With increased traffic, the condition of detour roadways will be assessed before and after the bridge construction, with repairs completed as needed to restore the roadways to their original or improved state.

The location of Lake Dalrymple Bridge in Kawartha Lakes. (Map: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The location of Lake Dalrymple Bridge in Kawartha Lakes. (Map: City of Kawartha Lakes)

To mitigate the impact of the bridge closure on emergency services, paramedic units will be dispatched using the coordinated automatic dispatch system, which automatically assigns the closest response units based on real-time road conditions and detours.

As needed, Simcoe County Paramedic Service from the Township of Ramara and Region of Durham Paramedic Service will supplement paramedic response coverage during the bridge closure.

Township of Ramara Fire Services will assist in providing fire protection services to the portion of the municipality impacted by the bridge closure.

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Construction preparation will take place during the week of May 19, when the contractor will mobilize equipment and prepare the site. During this time, sections of Kirkfield Road may be reduced to one lane with flagging operations.

From May 26 to October 24, Kirkfield Road will be closed to all traffic while the bridge is removed and replaced. Detour signage will be installed at least two weeks in advance of the closure. Access to the public boat launch west of the bridge will be maintained.

After the bridge has been reopened to traffic, final work will be completed between October 24 and November 25. During this period, sections of Kirkfield Road may be reduced to one lane with flagging operations.

For updates during the construction project, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/majorprojects.

encoreNOW – May 5, 2025

By Paul Rellinger -
encoreNOW for May 5, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) The Traveling Milburys, Peterborough Singers, The Plowboys, The Lowest of the Low, "You Can't Take It With You", and "Alice in Wonderland". (kawarthaNOW collage)

encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.

This week, Paul highlights the Traveling Milburys at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, a season-ending homage by the Peterborough Singers to Mozart’s Requiem, traditional country music in Bancroft courtesy of The Plowboys, the sound-and-sight explosion that is The Lowest of the Low, the Lindsay staging of a near 90-year-old Broadway hit and two-time Oscar-winning film, and Bad Hat’s reimagining of Alice in Wonderland at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre.

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Traveling Milburys at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre pay tribute to a one-off that exploded

VIDEO: The Traveling Milburys

The pop music universe is replete with examples of great things that evolved from intended one-off collaborations.

Take, for example, what transpired when Jeff Lynne, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan came together to record a bonus track for intended European release by Harrison. The record company loved what they heard and instead inked the quintet to record a full album, with that song, “Handle With Care,” among its tracks.

Released in October 1988, Traveling Wilburys’ debut album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 was a critical and commercial success, earning a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Group or Duo on the strength of the additional singles “End of the Line” and “Heading for the Light.”

That was followed in 1990 by the intentionally misnumbered Traveling Wilburys No. 3, which was dedicated to Orbison who died suddenly in December 1988.

It was inevitable that the Traveling Wilburys’ short but impactful tenure would be paid homage to. Following Petty’s passing in 2017, Toronto musician John Cassano thought putting together a tribute to the supergroup would work. He did just that, and the Traveling Milburys have been a thing since, consistently playing to sold-out houses.

On Friday (May 9) at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, the Lynne-portraying Cassano will be joined by Jerry Boyer as Harrison, Gerry Parsons as Petty, Gavan Rousseau at Orbison, and Virgil Kinsley as Dylan (backed by a rhythm section featuring Mike Berardelli on bass, Danny Sandwell on drums, and Rick Hyatt on keyboards) when the Traveling Milburys perform not only the music of the Traveling Wilburys but also select hit songs recorded by each as individual artists.

Back in 2019, I caught the Traveling Milburys at Market Hall and came away wholly entertained. Their vocals were spot-on and their musicianship was top rate. We can expect this go-round will be no different. Tickets to the 7:30 pm concert cost $62 at flatoacademytheatre.com.

 

Mozart’s Requiem gets the full Peterborough Singers treatment

VIDEO: Mozart/Durham Cathedral Music Concert featuring conductor Syd Birrell

When Mozart died in December 1791, a Requiem mass he was commissioned to compose by Count Franz von Walsegg to commemorate the first anniversary of his wife’s passing was left unfinished.

The following year saw Austrian composer Franz Xaver Sussmayr complete the work started by Mozart and it was performed at a benefit for Mozart’s widow. All these years later, the piece is still considered the hallmark of Mozart’s genius. Now, to close out its 2024-25 season, the Peterborough Singers’ will provide evidence of that.

On Saturday (May 10) at Emmanuel United Church in downtown Peterborough, the choral group will headline Mozart Requiem, featuring Ian Sadler (organ), and soloists Lesley Bouza (soprano), Lillian Brooks (mezzo soprano), David Walsh (tenor), and Christopher Dunham (bass).

Not only will the audience be treated to Mozart’s mastery, it will also hear selections from the Singers’ upcoming summer cathedral tour to Durham, England in the form of classic anthems by Parry, Stanford, Mendelssohn, Faure, and Wood.

General admission tickets to the 7 p.m. concert are $40 ($10 for students) and are available at www.peterboroughsingers.com as well as at Pammett’s Flower Shop, Ashburnham Foot and Ankle Centre, and Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield.

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Traditional country music fans rejoice — The Plowboys are coming to Bancroft

VIDEO: The Plowboys promo compilation

During the 1990s, country music saw a huge revival when too-many-artists-to-count introduced a more mainstream pop feel to their country-influenced lyrics. Think Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, and Alan Jackson.

But through those years, the country music purists never went away and, in fact, dug in their heels and did their damnedest to ensure that more traditional offerings of the genre got their due in the face of the “new country” movement.

In the end, the ways of the steel guitar prevailed, with millions still pledging allegiance to the Nashville sound as it was first intended to be presented and heard.

On Saturday (May 10) at the Bancroft Village Playhouse, The Plowboys — rhinestone-studded suits and all — will perform country music as many still remember and regale it.

Formed in 2016, the quintet — Scott Haggerty (lead vocals/guitar), Al Torrance (lead guitar), Jim Haggerty (bass), Brad Baldwin (drums), and Andy Schick (steel guitar) — has gained quite a loyal following with its stellar performance of traditional country songs by the likes of Buck Owens, Ray Price Haggard and Jim Reeves, to name but a few.

The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2024, saw the song “Out of Luck Out Of Time Out Of My Mind” reach #10 on the Canadian Indie Top 150 Country Countdown Chart.

Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert are $33.50 plus tax and are available at www.villageplayhouse.ca.

 

The Lowest of the Low bringing its high energy to Peterborough’s Market Hall

VIDEO: “On A Bad Day” – The Lowest of the Low

When The Lowest of the Low formed in 1991, little did its members know the lasting influence their music would have on the Canadian alternative music scene.

Not hurting matters in terms of the band’s legacy was the success of its debut album, Shakespeare My Butt. Selling just short of gold status, the album became one of the best-selling independent releases in Canadian music history.

The band was originally formed by Ron Hawkins (vocals, guitar), Stephen Stanley (guitar, vocals), and David Alexander (drums) — all members of the band Popular Front — as a side project at a time when their other band was going through internal tensions that eventually led to its breakup. While performing as a trio in folk clubs, they met John Arnott (bass), who became the band’s fourth member.

After breaking up in 1993, the band reunited in 2000 for a five-show tour, and subsequently released the live album Nothing Short of a Bullet. Dylan Parker replaced John Arnott in 2002, and the band released Sordid Fiction. After touring that record, the band went on an extended hiatus before announcing they were breaking up for good in 2007. They reunited again in 2010, with Stanley leaving the band three years later, and subsequently released 2017’s Do the Right Now, 2019’s Agitpop, and 2021’s Taverns and Palaces , with the band’s latest release 2023’s Welcome to the Plunderdome.

Along with founding members Hawkins and Alexander, the band’s current lineup includes Lawrence Nichols (keyboards, harmonica, vocals), Greg Smith of The Weakerthans (bass), and Michael McKenzie (lead guitar).

Known for socially conscious lyrics and raw folk-punk performance energy, The Lowest of the Low remains a tour de force, drawing fans of its earliest work to new converts — a combination of which will no doubt be at Peterborough’s Market Hall on Thursday, May 15 as the band takes to the stage, with Montreal power poppers Danny Laj and The Looks opening.

Tickets to the 8 p.m. concert cost $36 and are available at www.markethall.org.

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A good story has its place, and that place is the Academy Theatre in Lindsay

VIDEO: “You Can’t Take It With You” film trailer (1938)

In the live theatre realm, there’s something to be said for a good story.

Close to 90 years after it premiered at Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street Opera House, the comedy You Can’t Take It With You has well withstood the test of time as a good story.

Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the play subsequently enjoyed 838-performance run on Broadway, won a 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and was adapted for the silver screen in 1938 directed by Frank Capra and starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, and Edward Arnold, with the film adaptation ultimately winning two Academy Awards, including the Best Picture Oscar.

The story introduces us to the eccentric and free-spirited Sycamore family, whose unconventional lifestyle clashes with that of the more rigid upper-class Kirby family when their children fall in love.

Featuring themes of individualism, happiness and the pursuit of passions over material wealth, it ultimately delivers the still relevant message that life is best enjoyed when lived on one’s own terms as opposed to conforming to societal expectations.

Directed by Andrew Archibald and Alli Merritt and featuring local actors, You Can’t Take It With You will be staged Friday and Saturday May 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, with an added 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets cost $32 at flatoacademytheatre.com.

 

Alice like you’ve never experienced her, before Port Hope-bound

VIDEO: “Alice in Wonderland” trailer (2023 Soulpepper Theatre production)

Since its founding in 2015, Toronto-based theatre company Bad Hats Theatre has enthralled audiences far and wide with its new and fun spins on popular theatre productions. Among them is its reimagining of Alice in Wonderland, which earned the troupe six Dora Mavor Moore Awards presented annually to the best in Toronto theatre.

Now Bad Hats is bringing its music-laced spin on Lewis Carroll’s children’s novel to Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre from May 16 to June 1.

Featuring music by Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko, the family musical was staged to terrific reviews and sold-out audiences at Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre. Now Alice In Wonderland is on the road, with the first performances being this run in Port Hope, followed by a July 9 to 20 run at the Bancroft Village Playhouse.

Directed by Sue Miner, the touring cast features Colleen Furlan in the title role with the remaining cast of eight playing multiple roles: Dave Ball as Mr C. and the White Rabbit, Rosie Callaghan as Nicola and the Unicorn, Eden Chiam as Ruby and the Red Queen, Chris Fulton as Tod, Tweedle Dee, and the March Hare, Ben Kopp as Douggie and the Dodo, Chelsea Preston as Todd, Tweedle Dum, and the Mad Hatter, Emry Tupper as Buddy and the Caterpillar, and Anika Venkatesh as the Cheshire Cat.

Bad Hats co-founder and artistic director Fiona Sauder, who penned the adaptation, told kawarthaNOW that what’s “especially cool” about this production is the cast also performs the music, not only taking on multiple roles but playing multiple instruments.

When all is said and done, this is an opportunity for local audiences to enjoy the work of one of Toronto’s most lauded theatre companies. That’s an opportunity too good to pass up.

Curtain is 7:30 p.m. on May 16 and 17, May 23 and 24, and May 29 to 31, with matinee performances at 10:30 a.m. from May 20 to 22 and May 27 to 29 and at 2 p.m. on May 18, 24, 25 and 31, and June 1. Other than the pay-what-you-can preview on May 16, tickets are $48 for adults, $40 for ages 13 to 30, and $22 for ages 12 and under, and are available at the Capitol Theatre’s box office at 20 Queen Street (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday), by phone at 905-885-1071, or online at capitoltheatre.com.

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Encore

  • Like many of you, I was sad to hear Peterborough’s klusterfork entertainment is calling it a day as of the end of May. In a world in dire need of a good laugh, the work of the Peterborough-based producers and presenters of improv comedy shows will be sorely missed. It was back in November 2019 that Linda Kash, Pat Maitland and Ian Burns launched klusterfork via a sold-out Christmas-themed improv comedy show at Market Hall. A number of performances followed, along with the training of wanna-be improv performers via a number of offered workshops. On a more personal level, I can’t recall ever coming away from an interview with Linda et al without a huge smile on my face. klusterfork did it up right.
  • It’s not enough that the local Irish community has a day all its own to celebrate its heritage — now it has a whole week courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest. As we await word of the free summer concert festival’s full lineup, we continue to be teased, the latest announcement being the staging of three Irish-themed concerts staged in conjunction with the bicentennial of the 1825 Peter Robinson emigration of Irish settlers to the Peterborough region. On August 2, the Toronto-based U2 tribute band Acrobat will take to the stage in Del Crary Park, followed on August 6 by Celtic rockers Mudmen with local fiddler Irish Millie opening. Then, on August 9, The Celtic Tenors arrive from Ireland to perform. Should be quite a week. Stay with kawarthaNOW for details of more 2025 concerts as they become known.
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