Sweet Spirits recently opened in downtown Peterborough.
Sweet Spirits
Sweet Spirits recently opened in downtown Peterborough.
Owner Hannah Howey offers cakes, crepes and decadent desserts, featuring locally sourced spirits, beers and wines, boozy desserts, and alcohol-infused ice cream.
Sweet Spirits offers cakes, crepes and decadent desserts, featuring locally sourced spirits, beers and wines, boozy desserts, and alcohol-infused ice cream.
Sweet Spirits also offers brunch, with a menu including crepes and waffle, and they’ll cater your special event.
Stop in to 261 George Street, just north of Rileys and The Junction. Visit them online at www.sweetspiritsptbo.com.
The Play Cafe
The Play Cafe
Owner Sarah Susnar is a registered Early Childhood Educator and describes the Play Cafe as a cozy, warm environment for children and their caregivers to create, explore, play and connect with new friends.
The play area and craft areas include developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and gross motor equipment. There are lots of classes and activities such as paint night, and birthday party and event packages.
The Play Cafe is located at 809 Chemong Road in the Brookdale Plaza. Visit www.playcafepeterborough.com for more information.
The Co-operators
Shannon Neely of The Co-operators
The Co-operators Insurance Agency recently moved out of the Promenade Building to 139 George Street North, Unit 6, which is right across the street from the Holiday Inn.
Advisor Shannon Neely and his team offer a complete service including home, auto, life, group, farm and travel insurance, plus investments.
Stop in or call 705-876-1155.
Canada 150 celebrations
Four days of Canada 150 celebrations are happening in Peterborough from June 29 to July 2. (Graphic: Peterborough 150 Committee)
There is so much going on this weekend On Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday there are Canada Day, Canada 150, and indigenous festivals, concerts, parades, picnics, art exhibits, pancake breakfasts, fireworks and more.
There is a complete calendar of events at www.peterborough.ca/ptbo150 or just hashtag ptbo150, and be sure to find all of the activities in the County as well, with most towns and villages putting on an event or celebration.
Joe Stable is one of several artists who rent living or studio space in the Commerce Building in downtown Peterborough. The new owner of the building, Paul Bennett of Ashburnham Realty, says he plans to renovate the building and hopes to maintain its role as a creative hub for the arts community. (Photo: Michael Morritt)
With a 122-year-old downtown building now granted a new lease on life, its tenants are crossing their fingers that it will continue to provide a roof over their heads.
The Commerce Building at the northwest corner of Water and Hunter streets — St. Veronus Café and Tap Room is located at street level — has been purchased by Paul Bennett, co-owner of Ashburnham Realty, the deal having gone through this past Wednesday (June 21). The building had previously been owned for many years by Jim Braund.
“He and I have been talking for a couple of years,” says Bennett. “I mentioned I had an interest and, if he was ever moving on from it, we’d find a way to do it.
“We hopefully will bring it back to its original glory. I don’t think you want to do anything other than redo what’s there and make it the true icon of the downtown that it probably once was. You can certainly tell how beautiful it once was.”
That’s music to the ears of artists Laurel Paluck and Joe Stable. Both have a long association with the building — Paluck having rented affordable upper-storey art studio space there for more than 20 years and Stable living there for close to 42 years.
Joe Stable has been living and creating art in the Commerce Building for more than 40 years. (Photo: ACME Art and Sailboat Company / Facebook)
“A lot of art has been made in this building and a lot is still happening here … it really is an arts hub,” says Stable, noting that, among other things, iconic folk singer/songwriter Willie P. Bennett “passed away here.”
“An excellent group of artists has been making things happen in this building,” adds Paluck. “Short of genuflecting and proclaiming ‘All hail our new Lord, Lord of the land, Paul Bennett and Ashburnham Realty,’ there may be hope.
“The hope is perhaps our new landlord’s powers will not dismantle the creative spaces, but instead be invested in maintaining a hard-working community which brings life and vibrancy downtown.”
That’s the plan, says Bennett.
“Hopefully we can make it into a real cool art stop in our core,” he says.
“We always meet with the existing tenants and go through things; talk about the plans and see what they think and hopefully get them all to stay longer. They have all been given nice welcome notices. I’ll personally meet with the commercial tenants; sit down with them and let them know what we do and how we do it.”
Early overtures have encouraged Paluck.
“After meeting with the property manager this morning — a lovely person scrambling to keep track of this new behemoth of a property and yet taking the time to ask about my work — and taking my post-dated rent cheques, I feel hopeful,” she says. “Maybe it’s not a fight, but a path to a shared goal.”
Making Paluck wary is her experience in Toronto “in the good old days” when artists, herself included, discovered affordable studio and/or live-in space could be had in abandoned warehouses and other vacant properties.
“Gardens were built, impromptu festivals arose, and entrepreneurial partners started up cafés and pop-up shops,” she recalls.
“Then developers sniffed the air and ‘Kaboom!’ It really was like a bomb dropping. Goodbye affordable rents. Goodbye dynamic spaces. Goodbye mid-career endeavours. Hello Starbucks, and hello artist lofts priced beyond any artists’ means.”
Earlier this month, at a panel discussion hosted by Electric City Culture Council examining what needs to happen to ensure a thriving and sustainable cultural presence in the downtown core, Paluck appealed directly to Bennett to work closely with the arts community should he come to own the building.
“I hoped the building sale would have been closed by then but, with it not having closed, I didn’t really want to say anything. So I just sat on the sidelines and listened.
“I knew everyone would be very passionate. That’s a good thing. It shows you’ve got tenants and a community that cares. I think we’ll probably see more of that passion as we move forward and have meetings with the tenants and the whole arts community.”
Paul Bennett, co-owner of Ashburnham Realty, has purchased the Commerce Building in downtown Peterborough from Jim Braund and plans to rejuvenate the building as shown in this concept photo. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bennett / Ashburnham Realty)
As for Bennett’s plans for the building structurally, they include a dramatic upgrade of the red brick façade along with the installation of new windows, a new roof, and a Water Street-facing banner proclaiming the structure as the Commerce Building.
Inside, halls and common areas will be renovated while the courtyard in back of the building — accessible now via an alley off Water Street — will get a major facelift.
Bennett’s purchase of the property is the latest example of his commitment to the development of Peterborough’s downtown core. He’s currently a partner in the development of VentureNorth at 270 George Street North — the former Promenade Building that’s now home to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development as well as Innovation Cluster clients.
“The idea there was to create a one-stop location for starting or growing a business,” Bennett explains. “It allows the tenants to be more efficient in how they operate. They have smaller spaces because they can have shared spaces, so their overhead is lower.
“Hopefully, we can put together a similar type product for the arts community, where they’re not all competing for the same resources but can share some things.”
Paul Bennett is one of the partners in the development of VentureNorth, the new business hub in downtown Peterborough in the former Promenade Building which, once renovations are completed, will look like this concept illustration. “Hopefully, we can put together a similar type product for the arts community.” (Illustration: VentureNorth)
In taking ownership of the Commerce Building, Bennett has acquired a property of considerable historical significance.
Designed by architect John E. Belcher (who also designed the Market Hall), it was built over two years in the mid 1890s and was home to the Canadian Bank of Commerce, its principal tenant alongside along with several smaller shops. Over the ensuing decades, a number of firms and retail shops also called the building home.
“I have a huge passion for our core,” Bennett says. “I’m excited to see what happens over the next 10 years. I do believe there’s a whole new wave of people, whether they’re 20 or 90 years old, that want to live closer to the core.
We (Ashburnham Realty) focus a lot on the core and what I call the donut around the core, where I see the most growth coming, where people want to live a 10- or 15-minute walk outside of the core.”
An aerial shot from a drone of both chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock filled with 328 canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Justen Soule)
Parks Canada has released a video, including drone footage, of the 328 canoes and kayaks filled both chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock at the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough for Lock N’ Paddle on Saturday (June 24).
VIDEO: Lock ‘n’ Paddle 2017 at the Peterborough Lift Lock
In celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day, Parks Canada in partnership with The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures, issued a challenge: fit 150 canoes and kayaks in each chamber (“tub”) of the Peterborough Lift Lock – Lock 21.
In the past two previous years, Lock N’ Paddle has filled one of the tubs with canoes and kayaks. The first year fit 101 paddlecraft in a chamber, and last year saw 138 paddlecraft fit into a chamber.
Paddlers heading to the Peterborough Lift Lock to participate in Lock N’ Paddle. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)Paddlers entering one the lower chamber (“tub”) at the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)Canoes and kayaks getting organized in the lower chamber. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)The lower chamber filled with canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
Paddlers showed up in droves on Saturday morning to participate in the challenge. In fact, so many paddlers showed up to participate that many ended up being turned away.
Peterborough musician Alan Black and his daughter Chloë were disappointed they didn’t make it into one of the chambers. They arrived relatively early but, due to the frenzy of paddlers pushing their way to the front, they ended up at the back of the pack. But, in the end, he says it was worth it.
“I met lots of nice folks who were really just out for a paddle,” Black writes on Facebook. “You couldn’t ask for a better day to be out on the water.”
The upper chamber filling with canoes and kayaks. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)A view from the control room as both chambers are at equal elevation, and participants raise their paddles to sing O Canada and Happpy Birthday. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)At Lock N’ Paddle on June 24, 2017, one of the two chambers of the Peterborough Lift Lock is filled with more than 150 canoes and kayaks in celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day. When both chambers were filled, a record number of 328 paddlecraft were in the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
For the paddlers who did manage to get into the lock, once the count was completed, the challenge was not only met but exceeded. There were more than 150 paddlecraft in each chamber, for a total of 328 — breaking last year’s record by 190.
After both chambers were at the same elevation at the top of the Peterborough Lift Lock, all the paddlers raised their paddles and sang O Canada and Happy Birthday.
kawarthaNOW photographer Linda McIlwain was there to take photos of the record-breaking event:
If you're looking for a summer camp that's a little less run-of-the-mill and a lot more interesting, here are some options offered at the Peterborough Multi-Sport Club and at the Art Gallery of Peterborough guaranteed to teach your child an impressive new skill this summer. Pictured is a young artist making art in the studio at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, which offers many opportunities for campers to have fun drawing, painting, and printing while at camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
If you’re looking for a summer camp that’s a little less run-of-the-mill and a lot more interesting, we’ve rounded up a few options — from fencing to swinging trapeze to constructing art with recycled materials — that are guaranteed to teach your child an impressive new skill this summer.
Peterborough Multi-Sport Club summer camps gives unique sports a boost
Get a taste of the traditional Japanese martial art of Jiu Jitsu. Focus, discipline, confidence, physical fitness, movement, and self-defense are taught in a fun and safe environment (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Circus Arts camp follows the curriculum taught by Canada's National Circus School, with a focus on balance, acrobatics, aerials, and object manipulation, using games as a means to learn. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
In this developmental camp at Peterborough Multi-Sport Club, campers will be challenged to acquire and consolidate skills in fencing, including technical, physical, and mental skills. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Archery is a relaxing sport that gives campers an opportunity to develop their confidence and learn new skills, improve mental focus, improve coordination, and improve their balance. (Photo: Hector Sarne / Peterborough Multi-Sport Club)
Does your kid like lightsaber dueling? Enjoy the thrill of a Cirque du Soleil performance? Interested in martial arts? Looking to channel their inner Katniss?
Fencing, jiu jitsu, archery, and circus arts are unique sports all offered at Peterborough Multi-Sport Club (275 Rink Street, Unit 14, Peterborough, 705-775-5095), with guidance from certified instructors to help kids improve their fitness and connect them with sports they might not otherwise get a chance to try.
The large fitness facility provides a unique athletic outlet for kids ages eight to 14, one that encourages a team environment but mainly individual achievement in a supportive environment, says Scott Nichols, the Club’s Head Coach and Co-owner.
“We target athletes who typically don’t thrive in team sports, and we offer unique sports geared towards individual development instead of team development,” Nichols says,
“If kids don’t love a common sport that is offered to them at school — like basketball, volleyball, or lacrosse — they sometimes don’t see themselves as athletes.
“Giving kids an opportunity to experience different activities might give them the confidence they need to purse a sport. Having kids discover athletics leads to far healthier lifestyles later on.”
If a child is looking to expand their sports portfolio, the Club does offer a combination of activities in one camp (see Multi-sport sampler, Fencing and archery, and Jiu jitsu and archery). Offering a variety helps prevent over-use injuries and reduce the risk of burnout, plus practice in each sport improves ability in every other activity.
“Doing a more combative sport like fencing or jiu jitsu for seven hours a day is tough and really burns a lot of energy, whereas archery is a little more sedentary by nature,” Nichols explains. “The two differ in energy systems, but do complement each other and is great for the kids.”
“It’s also a great pairing, for example, when you have a more intense activity in the morning when it’s cooler like fencing and then something slower paced like archery in the afternoon,” adds Michelle Curran, the Club’s Co-owner and Assistant Coach.
New this year is the Circus Arts camp, a unique draw to the Club’s summer programs.
“We like the uniqueness of what we do and the Circus Arts program appealed to us because of that,” says Nichols.
Not sure which camp to embrace? Get a taste of it all in this multi-sport sampler. Fencing, archery, jiu jitsu and circus arts all in one convenient camp. Each program is run by certified coaches.
Fencing and Archery July 10 – 14, July 31 – August 4
Participants in this instructional sport camp will be challenged to develop physical literacy, learn new skills in both fencing and archery and have a great time through individual and team activities. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Program is led by certified Peterborough Multi-Sport Club instructors.
Fencing Advanced July 17 – 21
Participants in this advanced developmental sport camp will be challenged to acquire and consolidate skills in fencing – technically, physically and mentally. Participants must have previous fencing experience. Fencers should be prepared to bring a good attitude, focus and a desire to work hard. Activities will include both individual and team. Program is led by certified Peterborough Multi-Sport Club instructors
Circus Arts July 24 – 28
Students aged 9-14 will learn the curriculum taught by Canada’s National Circus School. Thomas Vaccaro, a graduate of the circus instructor/trainer program and creative director for the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, with Opal Elchuk, professional circus artist, choreographer, and certified aerial instructor, will be adapting the youth program taught by the ENC & Cirque du Soleil. The program focuses heavily on balance, acrobatics, aerials, and object manipulation, and uses games as a means to learn. No previous experience is necessary.
Jiu Jitsu and Archery August 14 – 18, August 21 – 25
Get a taste of the traditional Japanese Martial Art of Jiu Jitsu in this program. Focus, discipline, confidence and self-defense are all taught in a fun and safe environment. Youth will learn about movement and physical fitness. Participants will also learn new skills in archery and have a great time through individual and team activities. The program is run by Jitsu Canada certified coaches. No previous experience is necessary and all equipment is provided.
You can also join the Peterborough Multi-Sport Club’s Facebook group.
Iconic Canadian artists set to inspire at Art Gallery of Peterborough children’s summer camp
A young artist makes art in the studio. The Art Gallery of Peterborough offers many opportunities for campers to have fun drawing, painting, and printing while at camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Teens learn stop-motion animation techniques from artist Daniel Crawford. Campers learn camera set up and filming, character and story creation, set building, and more. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Campers learn to make art outside and on any scale at Art Gallery of Peterborough art camps. Instructors integrate the park and outdoor activities into the programs. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Canadian artist Charles Pachter's "Mooseselfie" acrylic on canvas. His summer exhibition at the Gallery will be used to inspire young artists in the Oh! Canada art camp. (Photo: Art Gallery of Peterborough)
A stimulating series of art classes inspired by iconic Canadian artists returns to the Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St., Peterborough, 705-743-9179) this summer for children and youth. The camps, delivered by local practicing artists and art educators, will run from July 10th to August 25th.
The Gallery offers different camps for different age groups and allows the campers to exercise their imaginations, explore their artistic talents, and participate in hands-on projects.
Children can expect to develop skills in drawing, puppetry, printmaking, animation, illustration, and sculpture, while being inspired by the current exhibitions on view at the Gallery.
“We are a regional public art gallery, so the art we have in the gallery plays a pivotal role at each of the camps and brings inspiration to the children,” says Jane Wild, the Gallery’s Education Program Coordinator.
“For instance, in recognition of Canada’s 150th, we’ll be doing an Oh Canada! theme and looking at the artwork of Canadian artist Charles Pachter, whose work will be displayed here at the Gallery.”
Freedom of expression
It’s critical to allow children the freedom to express their own creativity and create a concrete visual form without expectations, explains Wild.
“The instructors are very good at letting the children exercise their creativity,” says Wild.
“Our camps provide a structure and within that structure children are given materials, instruction and guidance and ideas to choose what they want to create. No child leaves with the same piece of artwork. Every child has a different experience that is tailored to the individual.”
Wild says the beauty of these camps is there is no standard a child is expected to achieve.
“However, if there is a child who is really good at something, or wants to exercise a specific skill we can help make that happen.”
Behind-the-scenes vault tour
With over 1,700 artworks in the Permanent Collection, tours of the Art Gallery of Peterborough Vault are an unparalleled experience not usually accessible to the general public.
Led by an experienced guide, the more mature camp participants can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to help them develop a better understanding of art, and learn about art storage, caretaking, and collecting.
“This is a very special treat for young people to see what a real art gallery vault is all about, as it’s not typically offered to attendees all the time,” says Wild.
Outside time
And the kids like to move, too. Wild says they integrate the park and outdoor activities into the programs.
“Sometimes it’s sketching or painting, sometimes we are just playing games to break things up,”
Showcase your creations
At the end of camp, children can invite their families for an end-of-class art show and presentation in the Gallery studio, displaying the work they’ve created throughout the week.
Some projects expected to be seen on display are garden stones and Canadian-themed dioramas.
“We make it real for them with gallery labels and descriptions, which is very fun for them,” said Wild.
Train your creative brain
Visual art is a necessity for the full development of a better quality of life for all and increases our understanding and interest of the arts overall, explains Wild.
“Art is very important. If you exercise those parts of your brain that influences creativity, then you are more adapt at applying yourself in other areas; it’s transferrable knowledge.
Creativity is something you need in any aspect of life. Whatever profession you go into, a background in imagination and creativity will never steer you wrong,”
Summer 2017 Art Camps Schedule
For program details, times and fees, please visit the Art Gallery of Peterborough website at agp.on.ca.
Oh! Canada with Cheri Patrick Ages 4-7 and 8-11; July 10 – 14
What is Canada to you? Get inspired by Of Moose and Monarchs featuring iconic Canadian artist Charles Pachter.
Also check out Jeff Macklin’s exhibition Everything is Fleeting and think about how imagery and logos create meaning.
Have fun drawing, painting, and printing: make art about the place that you live!
Face Time Fun with Lori Beavis Ages 4-7 and 8-11; July 17 – 21
This is a week of visual storytelling through an investigation of portraiture. Learn printmaking, collage and watercolour techniques.
Explore different kinds of portraits as a fun way to tell stories about ourselves.
Super Sculptures with Lori Beavis Ages 7 +; July 24 – 28
Discover new methods and materials to construct environments, dioramas and sculptures. Work with paper, cardboard and recycled materials to build abstract sculptures.
Experiment with surfaces, textures and depth to make work that is fun and full of possibilities.
Puppet Show with Judith Mason Ages 7 +; July 31 – August 4
Build skills making sock puppets, and move on to marionettes, props, and scenery.
Create characters and bring them to life in a show for your family and friends on the final day of this camp.
Summer Art Days Ages 4-7 and 8-11; August 8, 9, 10, 11
Each day will be something different with the AGP Education Team. Make a book on Tuesday, try portraiture on Wednesday, experiment with printmaking on Thursday, and paint a landscape on Friday.
Sign up for one or all four days.
Superhero Stories with Daniel Crawford Ages 4-7 and 8-11; August 14 – 18
Release your inner superhero! Write and illustrate a book starring your own cast of characters on daring adventures.
Add live action and cameras and film your own heroic deeds.
Animation for Teens with Daniel Crawford Ages 11 +; August 21 – 25
Draw inspiration from contemporary stop-motion artists and learn about the history of animation.
Students will work through the full animation process including camera set up and shooting, character and story creation, set building, filming and more. No prior animation experience is necessary.
A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
As of June 23, 2017, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Peterborough City/County – Beavermead
Peterborough City/County – Roger’s Cove
Peterborough City/County – Buckhorn
City of Kawartha Lakes – Riverview Beach Park
City of Kawartha Lakes – Somerville
City of Kawartha Lakes – Centennial Park West
Haliburton County – Haliburton Lake South Bay
Haliburton County – Pine Lake Beach
Haliburton County – Paudash Lake Beach
Haliburton County – Minden Rotary Lagoon Beach – CLOSED
Haliburton County – Minden Rotary Main Beach – CLOSED
Northumberland County – Port Hope Beach West
Here are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Peterborough Public Health samples the water quality of popular city beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day during the summer. The health unit will post signage if a beach is unsafe for swimming, such as this sign at Rogers Cove earlier this summer. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
The cover of Showplace Performance Centre's fall 2017 program. The fall schedule features concerts covering a wide range of genres, children's shows, theatrical events, and more. (Design: Amy Leclair)
Showplace Performance Centre quite effectively killed two birds with one stone at an event on Thursday (June 22) at Millennium Park in Peterborough. The organization saluted its 250-strong volunteer team, while releasing details of its fall 2017 lineup of performances — which includes some big names including Bruce Cockburn, Jann Arden (already sold out), and Barenaked Ladies.
“I love how diverse it is, Ray did an awesome job with all the bookings,” enthused Showplace marketing and administrative manager Emily Martin, referring to Showplace general manager Ray Marshall.
“I really like how strong the stuff in the Nexicom Studio is. The fact that we have jazz and blues and Celtic and comedy — a little bit of everything — is great.”
The smaller Nexicom Studio space has been home over the past few years to the Elite Blues Series but that has been discontinued, with Martin noting “It’s tough to get artists up from the States.” Martin credited series founder and John Cranfield with doing a terrific job starting, and delivering, Elite Blues presentations.
Showplace marketing and administrative manager Emily Martin with board chair Pat Hooper at a “lunch ‘n launch” event at Millennium Park on June 22. (Photo: Showplace Performance Centre)
According to Showplace board chair Pat Hooper, a newly adopted strategic plan for the performance centre is buoying optimism for what’s ahead.
“We do always need to be thinking about raising more money,” she explained. “A lot of people don’t realize we are a not-for-profit organization. They assume that we are part of the City. Although we get a City services grant each year, it’s not enough to carry the place, so we’re always doing anything we can to raise funds.”
Its not-for-profit status is one of the reasons Showplace is so appreciative of and grateful for the efforts of its dedicated volunteers.
As well, “new energy” is on the horizon in the form of four new board members, replacing existing board members whose terms are up.
Showplace held the”lunch ‘n launch” event at Millennium Park on June 22 to recognize the not-for-profit organization’s volunteers and to announce its fall schedule. (Photo: Showplace Performance Centre)
With Showplace going into its 21st year, Hooper credited Beth McMaster’s vision and drive all those years ago with setting the groundwork for what the 640-seat venue has become and continues to be.
“I think anybody involved with Showplace should feel pretty good. There have been and there will continue to be challenges, but there’s some really good things coming up.
“I’m very excited about Jann Arden except I’m going to be away. I told Ray he had a lot of nerve booking that for when I’m gone.”
One area Showplace will continue to focus much attention on is sponsorships and naming rights, the latter best exemplified by the Nexicom Studio space.
Paul Downs of Nexicom, the namesake of the Nexicom Studio, speaks at the “lunch ‘n launch” event. As a not-for-profit organization, Showplace Performance Centre raises funds through memberships, sponsorships, and naming rights. (Photo: Showplace Performance Centre)
Paul Downs, who has owned and operated the Millbrook-based telecommunications company along with his brother John, said their commitment to and investment in Showplace is rooted in a mission.
“To do what we can to enrich the community and the lives of the people in the community,” he said, adding that Showplace’s longevity “is a credit to the people who are there. The board, which is strong and very forward looking, has reached out to companies like ours and asked ‘How can we work together?'”
Fall Schedule at Showplace Performance Centre
The following performances are scheduled for Showplace from September through December. Jann Arden is not listed (as it’s already sold out), but tickets are available for all other presentations.
You can order tickets in person at the Showplace box office (290 George St. N., Peterborough) or by phone at 705-742-7469 until June 30th, or online anytime at www.showplace.org. During July and August, tickets will be sold exclusively online through the Showplace online box office.
Pat Temple
Friday, September 15, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Pat Temple
Continuing the swinging tradition of 1990s cult hits Salamander Bones and Playin’ Havoc With My Heart, singer, songwriter and guitarist arrives in Peterborough on the heels of the release of new album Day For Day.
A 30-year performance veteran, Temple’s music remains rooted in many influences – western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and roadhouse soul among them. Adding colour and meaning to his lyrics is his compelling voice.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
A Musical Tribute To The Highwaymen
Saturday, September 16, 8 p.m.
Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash have long departed but are remembered and performed by look-and-sound-alike impersonators Bob Gill and Jim Yorifido, joined by Willie Nelson impersonator Guy Melanson.
Backed by a five-piece band, the trio recreates the sights and sounds of the 1984-born group of true legends.
Tickets are $39.50 or $35.50 for seniors.
Bruce Cockburn
Monday, September 25, 8 p.m.
The Canadian music icon brings his Bones On Bones Tour to Peterborough, joined by special guest Terra Lightfoot, for the Folk Under The Clock concert presentation.
With a catalogue of music spanning four decades, Cockburn continues to bring folk, jazz, rock and world beat music styles to his songs, calling heavily upon his experiences as a global traveler with a musical message to share and celebrate.
Tickets are $61.
A 24 Of Canadian
Thursday, September 28, 2 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Bob Trennum and Beth Hunt pay musical homage to Canadian songs, songwriters and singers.
They and special guests will be performing hits by the likes of Ian and Sylvia, Leonard Cohen, Paul Anka, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, and many more.
Tickets are $20.
The Marigolds
Friday, September 29, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
The Marigolds
Canadian singers/songwriters extraordinaire Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick, and Caitlin Hanford, backed by drummer Randall Coryell, play an intimate concert in the Nexicom Studio.
Their performance will show their love for and mastery of traditional country, bluegrass and blues music, including tunes from their second Juno-nominated album, That’s The State I’m In.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $29.
Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood
Sunday, October 1, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Gordon Belsher and Richard Wood
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.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $30.
Splash ‘n’ Boots: Live In Concert
Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.
Showplace 4 Kids presents the Big Yellow Tunes Tour, bringing the multi Juno-nominated talents of Nick Adams (Splash) and Taes Leavitt (Boots) to the big stage from Treehouse TV.
Dance along with Charlie and Keys, get ready to shake it with Jumping Jack Granny, and stay tuned for a premiere appearance from Chef Brock Lee.
Tickets for Splash ‘n’ Boots cost $26.50 ($42.50 for VIP tickets.
Voice Of A Nation
Thursday, October 12, 7:30 p.m.
The Toronto Concert Orchestra, conducted by Kerry Stratton, presents the world premiere of “Voice of A Nation” on the Showplace main stage.
The performance features works by indigenous composer Ian Cusson, indigenous poet Marilyn Dumont, and indigenous singer Marion Newman, along with the Peterborough Children’s Chorus. The concert will also feature Stravinky’s Pulcinella Suite for ballet, which indigenous choreographer Aria Evans will re-imagine by re-telling the story of Pulcinella as the shapeshifting trickster Weesageechek.
Presented by Showplace and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, tickets are $42 for adults and $22 for students.
Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline Tribute Show
Saturday, October 14, 8 p.m.
The duo of Bob Gill and Amberley Beatty will pay musical homage to two of country music’s biggest legends.
Gill will deliver hits such as “Luckenbach Texas” and “Good Hearted Women” while Beatty will perform timeless classics such as “Crazy” and “I Fall To Pieces”.
Tickets are $39.50 or $35.50 for seniors.
Barenaked Ladies
Tuesday, October 24, 8 p.m.
The multiple Juno-winning Canadian rock band of Jim Creeggan, Kevin Hearn, Ed Robertson, and Tyler Stewart perform on the Showplace main stage.
The band will serve up its bevy of hit songs such as “One Week”, “It’s All Been Done”, “Brian Wilson” and “If I Had $1,000,000”, as well as music from their latest album Fake Nudes to be released this fall.
Tickets are $95.53, with silver and gold VIP packages (featuring premium seats, swag, and more) available for $205.64 and $303.51
Tonic @ Twenty
Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 29, 2 p.m.
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.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $20.
The Man In Black
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m.
Shawn Barker performs his Las Vegas tribute to Johnny Cash, featuring all the hits in the arsenal of the groundbreaking singer and songwriter.
Tickets information for The Man In Black will be posted on www.showplace.org.
Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical
November 10 to 12, 15 to 18, 8 p.m.
St. James Players marks 45 years of presenting community theatre with its staging of the Broadway musical version of Mary Poppins, the 1964 film that catapulted Julie Andrews to fame and featured classic songs penned by the Sherman Brothers.
The show is produced by Jim Mills and Fred Bately and directed by Natalie Dorsett.
Tickets will be on sale near the end of summer. Check www.stjamesplayers.com for updates.
Lorne Elliott
Friday, November 24, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Lorne Elliott
Comedian, musician, author and award-winning playwright Lorne Elliott gives his original, captivating, and hilarious take on contemporary trends and politics.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $30.
The Last Waltz
Saturday, November 25, 8 p.m.
An all-star cast of award-winning blues and roots musicians under the direction of Juno-winning producer and musical director Lance Anderson recreate The Band’s final concert, in 1976 at San Francisco’s Winterland Ballroom, featuring most all of the songs performed.
Tickets are $62.
Oh What A Night!
Wednesday, November 29, 7 p.m.
This Las Vegas tribute to the music of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons also features a special holiday season tribute to Andy Williams and The Williams Brothers.
Tickets are $55.50.
Another Bublé Christmas
Thursday, November 30, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Peterborough’s own Michael Bell, accompanied by the MB Swingtet, will croon the songs of the velvet-voiced Canadian singer Michael Bublé.
Tickets are $25.
The Jungle Book
Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8, 8 p.m.
Arbor Theatre and Showplace present the stage version of the hit 1967 Walt Disney film musical, adapted by Ray and Noah Henderson with music by Beau Dixon and choreography by Madison Sheward and Rachael Froggatt.
Auditions were held at the end of May and the show is currently in production. Ticket information will be posted at www.thearbortheatre.com.
Patricia O’Callaghan
Thursday, December 14, 8 p.m., Nexicom Studio
Patricia O’Callaghan
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.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $35.
Classic Albums Live: Rush’s 2112
Saturday, December 16, 8 p.m.
The definitive Rush album, as well as the band’s first major commercial success, is performed cut-for-cut and note-for-note, with the second half featuring many of Rush’s other hit songs.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $38. A special 10%-off deal is available if you purchase Rush 2112 with Showplace’s other two Classic Albums Live presentations: Credence Clearwater Revival – Chronicles on March 2, 2018 and Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy on April 7, 2018.
For The Love Of Christmas
Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m.
The Foley Family and friends stage their 14th annual Christmas show, a fundraiser for teachers’ salaries at a school in Liberia, West Africa.
The popular holiday show features the talents of Bridget Foley and The Gospel Girls, 4 Front, Lizzeh Basciano, and many more.
Tickets are $15, or $10 for students.
Next Generation Leahy
Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m.
Next Generation Leahy
Next Generation Leahy features performers all under the age of 16 from Lakefield’s famous musical family.
They’ll bring Celtic music into the modern era with high-energy performances backed by fiddles, cellos, French accordions, piano, singing, and French-Canadian step dancing.
Presented by Showplace, tickets are $50.50 for adults, $46.50 for seniors, and $26.75 for students.
Peterborough Symphony Orchestra
In addition to the above, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra is again calling Showplace home for its 2017-18 season, with the two performances before Christmas being “Step Into The Light” on Sunday, November 4th at 7:30 p.m., and “Hollywood For The Holidays” on Saturday, December 9th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
This year's Lock N' Paddle on Saturday, June 24 will attempt fit 300 paddlecraft into the Peterborugh Lift Lock, with 150 in each chamber in honour of Canada 150, far exceeding last year's record of 138. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
Tomorrow (June 24) is the second annual Lock n’ Paddle event, where as many paddlers as possible fit into the Peterborough Lift Lock.
This year, in celebration of Canada 150 and National Canoe Day, the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site of Canada (in partnership with The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Land Canadian Adventures) will attempt to fit 150 canoes and kayaks into each chamber of the Peterborough Lift Lock, for a total of 300 paddlecraft — breaking last year’s record of 138.
Special guests at the event include MP for Peterborough-Kawartha Maryam Monsef, who will be paddling with James Raffan of The Canadian Canoe Museum, and best-selling author and canoe enthusiast Kevin Callan.
VIDEO: 2016 Lock N’ Paddle
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the lockage will begin.
This year’s Lock N’ Paddle on Saturday, June 24 will attempt fit 300 paddlecraft into the Peterborugh Lift Lock, with 150 in each chamber in honour of Canada 150, far exceeding last year’s record of 138. (Photo: The Canadian Canoe Museum)
To get an accurate count, each paddlecraft needs to be counted individually as it enters into the lock. Once the gates are opened, paddlers should line up and enter in single file. There will also be three safety boats per lock chamber; for every few lines of paddlecraft, a safety boat will cut into the line and enter the chamber.
This is a first-come first-served event, so arrive early to help ensure you get a spot in the Lift Lock (no later than 12 p.m.). Once the chambers are full, the gates will be closed.
After the lock chambers are at an equal elevation, the Lock Master will halt the lockage and participants and visitors will be invited to raise their paddles and sing both “O Canada” and “Happy Birthday” in celebration of 150 years of Confederation.
The goal is to have as many paddlers as possible at this event. If you are an experienced paddler, please consider putting in at a location other than the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre, which is the best location for less-experienced paddlers or those with accessibility needs.
For experienced paddlers, here are alternate put-in locations with the average time required to paddle to the Peterborough Lift Lock. Note that if you are going through Lock 20 – Ashburhnam, you need to allow an extra 45 to 60 minutes to transfer and paddle to the Peterborough Lift Lock.
Beavermead Campground (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) – 5-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
Rogers Cove (131 Maria St.) – 5-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
Millennium Park (130 King St.) – 20-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
Del Crary Park (100 George St.) – 35-minute paddle to Lock 20, 45-60 minutes to transfer and paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
Warsaw Swing Bridge (Parkhill Rd, E. and Canal Rd.) – 20-minute paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
McFarlane Bridge (McFarlane St. & Ashburnham Dr.) – 10-minute paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock
Trent-Severn Waterway Headquarters (2155 Ashburnham Dr.) – 5-minute portage to launch at the top and west side of Lock 20, 20-minute paddle to Peterborough Lift Lock.
All participating paddlers need the following gear: a PFD (paddlers must wear it), a sound signalling device, a buoyant heaving line, and a bailer for each boat. Also bring sunscreen and a hat (or an umbrella or raincoat depending on the weather forecast) and a water bottle.
A screenshot from the 2016 drone video showing the 138 canoes and kayaks being lifted in one chamber of the Peterborough Lift Lock. This year, both lock chambers will be filled with 150 paddlecraft for a total of 300.
If you have extra space in your canoe or kayak — or if you need one — join the Paddle Pool Facebook Group to connect with other paddlers.
If you want to rent a boat or gear, you can get it at one of the following local rental suppliers:
Pedal and Paddle (Millennium Park at the Silver Bean, 100 King St., Peterborough)
Wild Rock Outfitters (169 Charlotte Street, Peterborough)
Cottage Toys (180 Charlotte St., Peterborough; 96 Clementi St. Lakefield)
The Land Canadian Adventures is offering an all-inclusive guided paddling experience for Lock n’ Paddle for $35 per person. Book your space.
The Land Canadian Adventures will also be attending the event and is organizing several activities, including a wild edible and medicinal plants of the Kawarthas demonstration, bushcraft and traditional skills workshops, and a plein air painting demonstration. They will also be offering free professional portraits in front of the Peterborough Lift Lock.
Notes:
For safety reasons, stand-up paddle boards will not be permitted at this event.
By participating in this event, all paddlers agree to be photographed and filmed.
A 20-year-old student from China died after falling from the bow of a pontoon boat similar to the one pictured here.
A 20-year-old student from Beijing, China, has died after falling off a pontoon boat in Chemong Lake.
On Thursday night (June 22), Peterborough County OPP and emergency crews were called to Chemong Lake, south of the causeway, in response to a boating incident.
A group of students were out on Chemong Lake taking a tour of the area on a pontoon boat. One of the students fell from the bow of the vessel and became entangled under the boat.
Members of Selwyn Fire Service were able to bring the victim to shore to waiting paramedics. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old student, from Beijing, China, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination has yet to be scheduled. The investigation into this fatality remains ongoing under the direction of the Office of the Chief Coroner.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Three Peterborough natives are featured at this year's Toronto Film Festival: Adam Martignetti performs in "Pillow Talk", Erin Maxfield directs "Nourishment", and Wyatt Lamoureux directs "Algonquin Highway". You can catch all their productions in a single day on Friday, July 14th.
From July 5th to 16th, the Toronto Fringe Festival will bring new productions to theatres, public squares, restaurants and bars throughout Toronto in one of the most important theatrical festivals in Canada.
Although performers from the Peterborough community have been involved in the Fringe Festival before, this year Peterborough is well represented in the festival with local favuorites Adam Martignetti, Erin Maxfield, and Wyatt Lamoureux being featured in productions making their debut at Fringe next month.
Adam will be appearing in Pillow Talk, a show he developed with Peterborough native Olivia Brodie-Dinsdale and Charlotte Catell at The Theatre Passe Muraille. Erin is directing Nourishment, a show she developed with colleagues Jessica Watkin and Gloria Mok at the Franco Boni Theatre. Wyatt will be directing his newest play, Algonquin Highway, at the Al Green Theatre
The Fringe Festival finds its roots in Edinburgh, Scotland when eight uninvited theatre companies showed up at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1947 and proceeded to perform their shows at small venues, while the larger productions took over the traditional theatre spaces. Since then, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has become one of the largest festivals in the world and has spawned similar franchises across the globe.
The Toronto Fringe Festival began in 1989 to support independent theatre that, at that time, didn’t get much exposure when competing with the giant Canadian theatre companies.
“The Fringe Festival is an excellent jumping off point for people who have new ideas and that they want to share with the world,” says Wyatt. “Having just come out of theatre school, as someone who moved from the west coast to Ontario at that time, I can attest to how locked in theatre was. If they didn’t know you, forget about it.
“There were people who wanted to do new things, but there were very few theatres to do those things in. It was all the traditional theatres — Stratford, Shaw and all the bigger theatres in Toronto.”
The Toronto Fringe Festival chooses its productions as part of a lottery picked at random. This year, over 500 theatre companies submitted entries for the festival, but only 75 companies were chosen. Fourteen theatres are involved hosting the various productions throughout Toronto, with other shows being featured in bars, restaurant, and other public spaces.
Wyatt Lamoureux will direct “Algonquin Highway”, a new play he has written.
I had the great thrill of sitting next to Wyatt at The Theatre On King during a performance the night the lottery was held in Toronto, and was among the first to congratulate him when he received the notice his application for the Toronto Fringe Festival had been drawn. Algonquin Highway will be the first time that Wyatt has ever presented a show in Toronto.
“Algonquin Highway is about relationships, about love, and about preconceptions and prejudice,” Wyatt says. “It’s about two people, Alex and Nicky, who haven’t seen each other for five years. They grew up in a big city, went to elementary school together, high school together, went to college together, and one became an actor and another became a techie. And both just happen to be lesbians.
“Out of the blue, one gets a job to go out with a travelling company, and that’s the last time they see each other. After five years, Nicky calls Alex and wants to get together. So Alex drives to a small city two hours north of the GTA only to find out that her old girlfriend is now Nick, a transgender man. They have all the standard emotional drama to work their way through to find who they were before. It’s a test of friendship.”
Although Wyatt’s company, which is made up of stage manager Eryn Lidster and set designer Ian Burns, are from Peterborough, Algonquin Highway was a show Wyatt discovered he had to do in Toronto to find the right performers.
“Nick is a transgender man and Alex is an indigenous lesbian,” Wyatt explains. “So I decided really early that if I could not find those actors, I wouldn’t be doing this play. I did auditions in Peterborough, but nobody contacted me. So I went to Toronto and I found the actors — Smith Purdy and Haley Vincent — and they’re really good.
“In the plays I’ve written in the last ten years, I feel the shows I’ve been writing have challenged audience preconceptions of the characters. My characters are transgender and indigenous, because I want those audience members who have those preconceptions to layer that on top of what they are watching, and then have that eroded.”
As for Adam’s production Pillow Talk, he and his co-stars created their show with the help of director Connor Thompson and stage manager Justine Cargo through improvisation, developed from their affiliation with the Second City Conservatory Program.
Adam Martignetti will be appearing in “Pillow Talk”, a show he developed with Olivia Brodie-Dinsdale and Charlotte Catell.
“In the Second City program there is a strong emphasis on writing through improvisation,” Adam says. “We didn’t plan initially plan anything, but together Olivia, Charlotte and I came up with our ideas and wanted to see what we came up with through our scenes.
“It turns out that a lot of the scenes that we came up with — although they were all different from each other — all shared a central theme, in which we’d have conversations dealing with fears that we have, or anxieties that we’ve had over the years, and things like that.
“That’s where the idea of the title, Pillow Talk, came from. It’s not a sexual connotation like it’s normally used. We came up with an idea that pillow talk is a very intimate kind of conversation where you talk about something with someone that you’d normally not talk about publicly.
“It’s an opportunity for us to share with the audience, and each other, these very real experiences that we’ve had and situations where we can make people laugh, but also make people think and hopefully make people feel.”
For Nourishment, Erin worked with two of her former theatrical colleagues from the University of Guelph.
“When I won the Fringe lottery in November, I immediately got in touch with Jessica and Gloria because I had worked with them in university and I knew that I wanted to start a project with them,” says Erin.
“We knew we wanted to explore stories about women, whether they be fictional or historical, and we started to do research and throwing out stuff on the drawing board. A lot of it came from our own personal experiences about women in our own lives, and family members that we love that helped shape us into the women that we are.
Erin Maxfield will direct “Nourishment”, a show she developed with Jessica Watkin and Gloria Mok.
“Once we had enough material we started going through it and looking for through lines found in all of our writing and we found that we were really exploring family dynamics, but not typical ones like mother and daughter, but the relationships that we had with our aunts or people who were not blood related but married into the family, or our grandparents and our cousins. We thought that was unique because those are stories that don’t always get explored a lot.”
However, Nourishment has another element to it beyond the family dynamic.
“We had this other through line which was about the ways in which women gather together,” Erin continues. “Some of this was based on the French salons of the 1800s which was more high-class women who were otherwise excluded from discussing politics and world issues. They were not allowed to do that because their world was male dominated, but they’d gather on their own and teach each other.
“We wanted to find a way to modernize that, because the French salons are not very relatable to all of us. There are so many places where women gather in our own society, like women-only gyms or self-defense classes or hair salons or the kitchen. It may be used as a joke sometimes, but the kitchen can be a very sacred and safe place for women to gather.”
Nourishment features actresses Kira Renee, Catherine Wylee, Grace Thompson, and Isabel Kanaan who perform framing sequences of four women — a grandmother, two cousins, and an aunt by marriage — within a kitchen, as well as scenes where the women perform other sequences featuring women in other situations. With Erin acting as director, her co-writer Jessica Watkins is the show’s choreographer and her other co-writer Gloria Mok is the lighting designer.
With the Toronto Fringe Festival only weeks away, the anticipation has created excitement throughout the Toronto theatre community.
“The Fringe Festival coordinators really try to build the community of artists before the productions go up,” Erin notes. “In my experience, the community is just there. There are hundreds of volunteers to put this festival together. It’s hard not to get caught up in it all, and just to want to be a part of the whole thing.”
While the Fringe Festival attracts people from all over Canada, how much of an impact is Peterborough making on the festival, as well as the Toronto theatre scene itself?
Our local community is already aware of the talent that our city has, and we have seen local performers such as Kate Suhr and Beau Dixon make huge inroads into the Toronto theatre community. According to Adam, people in Toronto are starting to notice Peterborough’s contribution to the Ontario theatre community.
“When I first started coming to Toronto and became part of the community here, the conversation would go: ‘So Adam, where are you from?’ I’d say ‘I’m from Peterborough.’ The answer I’d usually get is ‘Isn’t that where Trent University is?’ or ‘That’s where I stop for gas on the way to my cottage.’ That’s all people knew about Peterborough.
“But now people say “Oh, so you must know this person I worked with because they are from Peterborough.” We’re now becoming more and more part of the Toronto community in a major way. Peterborough is producing very talented people who are coming into Toronto, which is the closest place where they can have a very significant impact.”
Erin, who has lived and worked in Toronto for a number of years, has also recognized the subtle impact that Peterborough is making on Toronto.
“Peterborough is rich with this culture of artists and I think it’s been a great breeding ground. When people are looking for bigger things and want to take it to another level and make a career out of it, it’s easy to move to Toronto. I’m constantly crossing paths with people from Peterborough.”
The Toronto Fringe Festival runs from July 5th to 16th. For more information, including ticket information and the dates and times of the individual performances of Pillow Talk, Nourishment, and Algonquin Highway, visit the Toronto Fringe Festival website at fringetoronto.com.
For local theatre fans who want to hit up all three shows, mark Friday, July 14th on your calendar. This is the only date when all three shows will be performed on the same day, with Algonquin Highway at 12:30 p.m., Nourishment at 5:45 p.m., and Pillow Talk at 9:15 p.m. It’s a great way to support Peterborough performers in a different environment far beyond our local theatres.
The 4th Line Theatre premiere production of David S. Craig's "Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind" runs from July 4th to 29th at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook. (Photo: Rebekah Littlejohn Photography)
Historians love hard numbers.
Take, for example, the penning of any one of the number of books that have related the story of Bomber Command’s massive contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War and, in particular, that of No. 6 Bomber Group comprised exclusively of Canadian airmen and support staff.
Come the surrender of Nazi Germany in early May 1945, some 250,000 Canadians, men and women, had served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), many of them with No. 6 Bomber Group which carried out more than 40,000 sorties. While some 8,000 decorations for bravery were awarded Canadian airmen, another 10,000 Canadians didn’t return home — killed in action in the skies over Europe or in training accidents, or dying in prisoner of war camps.
Veteran playwright David Craig is certainly familiar with these numbers and many more; his interest in Canadians’ huge contribution to the heavy bomber offensive over Nazi Germany piqued 30 years ago. But now, with 4th Line Theatre set to premiere the his work, numbers are taking a backseat to the human story.
Playwright David S. Craig (right), who wrote “Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind”, receiving the Barbara Hamilton Memorial Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts at the 2014 Doras. (Photo: Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts)
“I knew nothing about Bomber Command,” says Craig. “That told me a lot about where we place our service in Bomber Command in the Canadian cultural memory.
Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind
When: Performances at 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays (July 4 & 5, July 6 – 8, July 13 – 15, July 20 – 22, July 27 – 29, 2017) with additional performance at 6 p.m. on July 24, 2017. Where: The Winslow Farm (779 Zion Line, Millbrook) How much: $38 adults, $32 youth, $66 season subscription (adult), $56 season subscription (youth), $28 for preview nights (June 28 and 29), $100 for opening night (July 2)
Written by David S. Craig and directed by David Ferry. Starring Michael Cox, Robert Winslow, Erin Humphry, Shaina Silver-Baird, Deb William and an ensemble cast of 30 actors portraying 60 characters. Lyrics and original composition by David S. Craig.
Musical direction, original composition and arrangements by Justin Hiscox. Costume design by Karyn McCallum. Set design by Glenn Davidson. Choreography by Monica Dottor.
Tickets available by calling 1-800-814-0055 or 705-932-4445, visiting 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, emailing boxoffice@4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E., 705-743-5180).
“We think of Dieppe. We think of D-Day. We certainly think of the liberation of The Netherlands but it (Bomber Command participation) was the biggest thing we did.”
The journey to the Winslow Farm and the July 4 to 29 staging of Bombers started innocently enough, notes Craig, with a conversation with a neighbour he invited to his home for dinner.
“He said the oddest thing — ‘Oh yeah, I’ll be there if I’m still ticking.’ I said ‘You’re coming for dinner. You’re going to be there.’ His demeanour immediately changed. He said, ‘I’m so sorry. I flew rear gunner in a Halifax bomber during the Second World War and I saw so many of my friends die. Sometimes I feel guilty to be alive.’ I was shocked. This was 40 plus years after the war and here was a man living with these memories day after day after day.”
Fascinated and intrigued, Craig endeavoured to learn as much as he could about Canadians’ contribution to Bomber Command; a process that involved, among other things, interviewing veterans and chronicling details of their wartime experiences. More importantly, it meant compiling their memories of their sense of belonging, their relationships with fellow aircrew, their fears and, yes, their happy times as young men on a great adventure far from home.
Actors Michael Cox and Shaina Silver-Baird, who portray heavy bomber pilot Peter Benton and his love interest Emma, pose at a media event at Winslow Farm in Millbrook on June 21. (Photo: Caitlin McGill / 4th Line Theatre)
At the centre of the play’s storyline is Canadian heavy bomber pilot Peter Benton — portrayed during the war years by Michael Cox and much later in life by 4th Line Theatre founder and creative director Robert Winslow.
“He is a very determined, very persistent individual, and he definitely is a romantic,” says actor Michael Cox, who plays the young pilot.
“He has a bold side to him that shows great leadership; being able to face anything and come out the other side cool, calm and collected. I can’t imagine getting into a Lancaster bomber and having to fly over Germany while people are shooting at you and having the lives of six other men in your hands while you’re trying to do your mission.”
Actors Michael Cox and Colin Doyle at a media event at Winslow Farm in Millbrook on June 21. (Photo: Caitlin McGill / 4th Line Theatre)
Shaina Silver-Baird, who portrays Emma, young Peter’s love interest, says Craig’s work “is just a damn good story. It’s got all the elements: the war, the love story. A love story that isn’t simple but complicated — the best kind of love story. You feel the reverberations that the war still has today. It’s beautiful and hopeful but still very real.”
But, notes Silver-Baird, there’s something else.
According to Shaina Silver-Baird (right), who plays the love interest of bomber pilot Peter Benton (Michael Cox), her character Emma is representative of the important role women played in the Second World War. (Photo: Caitlin McGill / 4th Line Theatre)
“We know so much about the Second World War from a British standpoint and from an American standpoint. I get excited when there are films or plays that are blatantly Canadian.
“I think in any kind of historical play or story it’s really important to depict the woman’s story. A lot of the time, especially further back, that hasn’t been written in, unless it’s someone’s wife. Yes, Emma is the love interest because it’s Peter’s story at the end of the day, but she’s representative of a lot of women who were in that conflict. Women were so instrumental in the war. It’s important to include them.”
Portraying Kate, an English historian doing research for her PhD who travels to Canada to meet and interview war veteran Peter, is Erin Humphry.
“I was really excited to be working on Canadian material, and new Canadian material, which is amazing,” she says.
“After finding out I was going to be Kate and reading the script with that in mind, I was really drawn to her. She’s so brave and driven. She’s utterly determined to get this information and to meet this man (Peter). I would like to see some of myself in her.”
“Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind” director David Ferry’s own father served in Bomber Command during the Second World War. (Supplied photo)
Pulling the story together is director David Ferry. He’s been all in since first reading the script, even taking cast members to Trenton for a tour of a Halifax bomber.
“I got very emotional,” he says of that experience. “My dad was a navigator (on a bomber) … to sit at the navigator’s table and imagine him sitting there. When David (Craig) heard about my father, and my father-in-law — both having been in Stalag Luft III, a prisoner of war camp that Peter in the play is in — he wrote a scene with my father and father-in-law in it.
“Is there a sexier generation than the Second World War generation? Those young men and women were living in the moment. They lived passionately. Look at the dances of the period, like the jitterbug, and you see this incredible, physical, daredevil-like style, throwing caution to the wind. I think young people will come and get engaged (with the play) because romance is romance.”
What’s especially appealing to Ferry is Craig “didn’t whitewash what we did. The mismanagement of bombing runs is dealt with. The bombing of Germans is dealt with. He’s covered all his bases.”
For his part, Craig says not glorifying war in any was a guiding principle.
“I don’t think when we tell a war story we should ever beat our chests because people are going to die,” he says.
“We should be very deliberate and sober about the notion of war. But should we remember? Should we look at war in a three-dimensional way? Yes, we absolutely should. We should be reminded of the cost of war.”
Erin Humphry (left) plays Kate, an English historian doing research for her PhD who travels to Canada to meet and interview war veteran Peter Benton (Robert WInslow). Also pictured is Deb Williams. (Photo: Caitlin McGill / 4th Line Theatre)
Meanwhile, Bombers marks the return of 4th Line Theatre founder Robert Winslow to an active theatrical role after a 2016 sabbatical doing play research.
“They say it’s a young person’s game but there’s still a lot of fun in it for me,” Winslow says.
“Early in the research period I went with David to an interview with a gentleman who was a tail gunner. I get a spark whenever I hear someone talking about their memories. I thought ‘This is really important stuff.’ It’s a really good story. It’s told well and it has lots of exciting elements in it.”
With opening night drawing ever nearer, the anticipation among the cast is palpable.
“There are butterflies in the stomach, like ‘What do we have here?’,” says Michael. “You never know until you have the other half of the show present, which is the audience.”
Still, for Craig, trusting his work to others has been admittedly difficult.
“I feel totally helpless. It’s so out of my hands and it’s terrifying. The actors are saying their lines in a way I hadn’t imagined they would. The director is directing the play in a way that I hadn’t imagined he would. Everything is looking slightly different.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, but I’m kind of like the dad standing there with his wife in labour. The director will say I need you and then say ‘What are you doing in this room?'”
VIDEO: David S. Craig’s “Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind” at 4th Line Theatre
With lyrics and original composition by Craig, musical direction, original composition and arrangements by Justin Hiscox, and choreography by Monica Dottor, Bombers features numerous songs and dance routines. Costume design is by Karyn McCallum with Glenn Davidson handling set design.
Bombers runs from Tuesdays to Saturdays from July 4th to July 29th at the Winslow Farm (779 Zion Line, Millbrook), with an additional performance on Monday, July 24th. Previews will be held on July 4th and 5th with opening night on Thursday, July 6th.
Single tickets are $38 for adults and $32 for youth. Subscription tickets (which included one ticket to Bombers: Reaping The Whirlwind in July and one ticket to The History of Drinking in Cavan in August) are $66 for adults and $56 for youth.
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper Street in Millbrook or at the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter Street E. (Museum Drive) in Peterborough.
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