Celebrating 40 Years of Entertaining South Georgian Bay! 2024
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS
ERICA ANGUS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THEATRE COLLINGWOOD
Welcome to our 40th Anniversary Celebration Year!
40 years ago Barbara Weider and a group of passionate community members decided that Collingwood could really benefit from developing a professional theatre company for the community and visitors to enjoy. That was the birth of Theatre Collingwood! Kevin McCormick was the first Artistic Director, and during the ‘80s the company was known for his large scale musicals. Jamie Portman of the Southam Press referred to Kevin’s creative work in developing summer theatre in the Georgian Triangle area as “A creative and economic miracle – a lesson to be learned for other parts of Canada.”
Steven Thomas was Artistic Director from 19972012 and brought to Theatre Collingwood his experience, talent and vision, producing a range of Canadian and International literature, along with many premiers. In 2013 I had the pleasure of taking on the position of Executive Director and leading the company into a new era and new way of continuing the creativity!
Sadly, Theatre Collingwood still does not have a purpose-built performing arts centre in which to call home. However, I have faith that Barbara’s vision will come to fruition in the near future. This year I have had the honour to work on the steering committee to produce a proposal for a new arts and culture centre. This will go to council this summer and I believe that the council will see the importance of such a space, not just for theatre, but for many forms of art, education, and community gathering. This space will be an economic driver, putting Collingwood even bolder on the map! Please make sure you are talking to the councillors to advocate for such a space!
In 2023 we had our Season of Great Story Tellers. 2024 marks our Season of Great Musical Story Tellers! What a joy it has been to work with and bring some of Canada’s greatest musical talents to our stages in Collingwood AND TO OUR PORCHES! We are also excited to be working with the GREAT Roger Robinson and The John Saunders Centre.
As I reflect back on the last 40 years of Theatre Collingwood, I see a common denominator. Theatre Collingwood always has been and always will be about community. Providing a safe and creative space for the community to gather, to experience something new, to share ideas, to learn, and to teach. We create opportunities for artists to develop and present new projects, and for audiences to experience them. Throughout this journey, we hold dear our commitment to Canadian audiences, artists, students and creative thinkers.
I want to express my sincere thanks to our entire team. We have a small but mighty staff: Anne Raciunas, Valerie O’Brien, Mary Beth Sharpe(volunteer), Linda Milthorpe, Monica Wilson(volunteer), Ginny Gilbert(volunteer) and Hella Sandberg (volunteer). Kimberly Vincent, Garion Allen and Catsue McBroom are also valuable members of Team Theatre Collingwood. We have almost 100 volunteers who do a variety of important jobs for us. And we have our very dedicated Board of Directors. Of course with this being a special year, we have a special event, and I want to thank all the volunteers working on the committee for our incredible Starry Night Gala that will be held October 5th.
And on top of all of that, there is YOU. Our audience members are the best! Your support does not go unnoticed and what enables us to continue to move this creative ship forward. Thank you and ENJOY THE SHOW!
Erica Angus
YVONNE HAMLIN
As Mayor of the Town of Collingwood, I am very proud to have Theatre Collingwood as part of our Community. This year – 2024 – marks Theatre Collingwood’s 40th Anniversary, and the line-up of performances that are planned for this year are worth celebrating!
In addition to the many indoor main season shows you have planned and the about 8000 people you will entertain, it is especially appreciated that you will again continue to offer 32 Porchside Festival shows this summer taking place on and around the beautiful porches of Collingwood. It is wonderful that all these special performances are taking place in the Town of Collingwood.
It is also a pleasure to see that youth can partake in drama training throughout the year, alongside various education programs for mature adults. I look forward to celebrating the various contributions Theatre Collingwood continues to make to our community and this milestone anniversary at the gala event “Starry Night”! It is an evening not to be missed and that I’m sure will be packed with talent!
I want to thank the small but mighty staff, dedicated Board of Directors, and passionate volunteers for continuing to nurture creativity and artistic growth here in the Town of Collingwood!
I wish Theater Collingwood a great 40th season!
Yours Very Truly,
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin Town of Collingwood
This spring, summer and fall, when you feel like soaking up some local culture, head to historic Downtown Collingwood for some creative fun. Enjoy a celebration of the finer things in life –the best in local art, musical talent and culinary creativity – featuring fascinating displays, captivating tours and exciting events all week long.
Welcome, it’s showtime and the curtains are about to go up on another exciting Theatre Collingwood season.
This is a special year for Theatre Collingwood, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, spanning 5 decades going back to 1984. This year marks 40 years that this incredible theatre group has been entertaining audiences of all ages and bringing theatre to life in our community.
To mark this important anniversary, the theme for the 2024 Theatre Collingwood Season is Great Musical Storytellers. It is a very full calendar that will again feature the Porchside Festival in July, when shows come to life on the beautiful porches around Collingwood. This summer audiences will enjoy 32 porchside performances over a three-week period.
For 40 years Theatre Collingwood has consistently brought world-class performers to our local stages, performers that have appeared at the Stratford Festival, the Shaw Festival, and even on Broadway. In addition to providing world class entertainment, Theatre Collingwood has provided many education programs for youth and adults that have benefitted many aspiring actors young and old in our community.
On October 5th, Theatre Collingwood will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala event “Starry Night” at the Craigleith Ski Club. This will be a spectacular night packed with incredible talent and I urge you to get your tickets now and join the celebration.
There are many who have contributed to Theatre Collingwood’s success over the years and I want to thank each of them for their dedication and vision. I would like to recognize a few, in particular, that have played a critical role in the evolution of Theatre Collingwood from the Artistic Directors, Kevin McCormack, Steve Thomas and Erica Angus, to the current and past board members, to volunteers Barbara Weider and Hella Sandberg. Their individual efforts and collective commitment to the arts has empowered and enhanced our community.
Congratulations and thank you to Theatre Collingwood for 40 outstanding years, we look forward with great anticipation to the next 40.
Whether you are a first-time attendee or a long-time subscriber, you are in for a special night; sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Brian Saunderson MPP Simcoe-Grey
Long Walk in the Snow
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024
ADRIAN MARCHUK
Theatre Collingwood - Where Artists Come To Create
My history with Theatre Collingwood goes back to 2013, when Erica invited me to bring my concert show, The Sweetest Sounds, to the Gayety Theatre to help round out her programming in her first year here. We had an absolutely terrific time, and Erica asked if I’d be interested in creating more shows for her.
Well, many of you know the rest. Erica’s invitation spawned the creation of the entire Broadway Biographies series, including Any Dream Will Do, A Whole New World, and Over The Rainbow. Every one of these shows have successfully toured Ontario, employing dozens of artists and entertaining thousands of fans, none of those shows would have existed without having their debut right here at Theatre Collingwood.
Theatre Collingwood is a place where artists love to create, because Erica and the entire team foster a deep love and appreciation for artists and their work. From community partners to neighbourhood hosts, from opening night galas to backstage tech, every part of Theatre Collingwood’s operation keeps artists and what they create at the forefront. And it’s all bolstered by the incredible connections that Erica and the team are able to make with the community, all of whom are needed to keep the lights on and the seats filled.
And when you do shows here, you can feel that love. It’s been an absolute joy to return to Theatre Collingwood not once, but twice in the 40th Anniversary Year, first with the return of Any Dream Will Do, and then with my new show with Jeff Madden, How We Got To Jersey: A Tale Of Two Frankies. I’m so happy to be back.
And I look forward to returning again and again.
Adrian Marchuk
Theatre Collingwood has been intertwined with my life for as long as I can recall. My earliest memories trace back to vibrant performances from the 1980s and 1990s, igniting within me a fervent desire to immerse myself in the musical realm of theatre. To have been a small part of its 40-year history has been an honour.
My journey with Theatre Collingwood took a serendipitous turn when I stepped in as an emergency music director for the 2002 production of Norm Foster & Leslie Arden’s “The Last Resort”, learning the show within a mere 24 hours and seeing it through to the completion of its run. This experience paved the way for further collaborations, notably serving as the music director for the 2007 production of “Side By Side By Sondheim”, a cherished opportunity to contribute to the esteemed legacy of this theatre company (and one of the musical theatre’s most respected composers) within my hometown.
In a delightful twist of fate, history repeated itself in 2013 when I was called upon once again to assume the role of emergency music director for “Billy Bishop Goes To War”, forging a wonderful bond with Erica Angus and laying the groundwork for creative ventures such as the creation and performance of the “Love Cabarets” – “All You Need Is Love” and “All You Need Is More Love”, alongside a constellation of Canadian musical theatre luminaries. Of course, I can’t overlook my involvement in three renditions of readings of “A Christmas Carol”: one preceding the pandemic, another during its trying times, and one post-pandemic.
My artistic journey with Theatre Collingwood continued to flourish in memorable performances such as the Kander & Ebb musical revue “The World Goes ‘Round” in 2018 (in conjunction with the Gravenhurst Opera House), followed by the cabaret “Broadway Jukebox” with Deb Fitzsimmons at The Porchside Festival in 2022.
To have the opportunity to showcase my musical talents and passion in my hometown, among those who have witnessed my growth and evolution as a professional in the world of musical theatre, is an immense privilege. For the experiences shared and the promising shows yet to unfold, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Theatre Collingwood for nurturing and fostering my artistic journey within the community that has been instrumental in shaping the artist who I am today. I’m enthusiastic about witnessing (and possibly contributing in some small way to) Theatre Collingwood’s ongoing growth and evolution over the next four decades!
FEBRUARY 13TH & 14TH, 2024
First Presbyterian Church • 7:30pm
Conceived & Directed by ADRIAN MARCHUK Musical Arrangements by CHRIS TSUJIUCHI
Experience a magical night featuring stories and songs from the most accomplished composer of our time, brought to life by performers from Stratford, Toronto, Londonʼs West End, and Broadway. This show promises to warm and excite your heart!
THEATRE COLLINGWOOD STAFF
Executive Director
Erica Angus
Associate Producer
Anne Raciunas
Business Development Manager
Valerie O’Brien
Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator
Linda Milthorpe
Bookkeeper (Volunteer)
Mary Beth Sharpe
Social Media & Webmaster
Kimberly Vincent
Sound Technician
Garion Allen
Graphic Designer
Tara McLellan
Development Assistant (Volunteer)
Virginia Gilbert
Production Assistant
Sylvie Potje
House Managers
CatSue McBroom
Linda Milthorpe
Web Design by Forward Webb
Laura DiCesare & Kimberly Vincent
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Marie Rounding
Vice Chair
Jim Roe
Treasurer
Howard Morrison
Victoria Behune
Patricia Best
Harold Bickerstaff
Rob Hart
Heather Craig
Andy Dumas
Michelle Kingsbury
Richard Lemoine
David McFadden
Board Meeting Secretary (Volunteer)
Monica Wilson
Honorary Board Members
Bud Christensen
Katherine Huycke
Wayne Noble
Hella Sandberg
George Weider
Starry Night Event Committee
Victoria Behune
Linda McMahon
CatSue McBroom
David Martin
Michelle Kingsbury
Harold Bickerstaff
Cheryl Kothe
Heather Craig
Andy Dumas
Anne Duquet-Ford
Erica Angus
Valerie O’Brien
Anne Raciunas
WALL OF HONOUR
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS!
We gratefully acknowledge all charitable donations made to Theatre Collingwood. These organizations and individuals share our belief that arts and culture play an integral role in sustaining a vibrant, healthy community. Thank you for helping us to enrich the lives of those who live and PLAY in South Georgian Bay! This list contains donations made from June 1, 2023 until May 31, 2024.
2024 LEGACY DONATIONS
The Henning Foundation
Gord & Lu-Anne
Demetrick’s Legacy Foundation
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING
Town of Collingwood Community Grant
Collingwood Quay Condominiums
Owen Craig Financial Solutions
Inc./Sun Life
Rotary Club of Wasaga Beach & Area
Royal LePage Locations North
CHS Productions
Tim Hortons
Katherine’s Chateau
Huronia Alarm & Fire Security Inc.
Beach Hearing
Pace Law Firm
George & Barbara Weider Family Foundation - Rosutec Charitable
Ontario Arts Foundation
Town of the Blue Mountains
Grants and Donations Program
THEATRE ANGELS ($5,000+)
Bud & Susan Christensen
Richard Lemoine & Debra Friendly
VISIONARY
($2,500 - $4,999)
Rowland & Kate Fleming
David J. McFadden & Marian Spence
Marie Rounding
Joan & Ron Varley
Thom Vincent & Kari Payne
CHAMPION
($1,500 - $2,499)
ADVOCATE
($1,000 - $1,499)
Amy & Kirsten Alter
Eleanor & Farel Anderson
Jim & Susan Anderson
Lee Bertouche
Don Gallinger
Francine Van Melle & Harold Hopf
Amanda Jerome
Patti McFarlane
James P. Roe
Judy & Ian Ross
Rita & Blake Wallace
John & Leslie Worts
FRONT ROW
($750 - $999)
ORCHESTRA
($400 - $749)
Jake & Roz McArthur
John West & Annick Freed
Rob & Lynn Hart
Valerie O’Brien & Andrew St. Croix
Joy & Charlie Tatham
Jean Thompson
DRESS CIRCLE
($250 - $399)
Sue Clarry
Catherine MacKay
Mary Jane McIntyre
Valerie Phelps
Jane Truemner
1 Anonymous
MEZZANINE
($100 - $249)
Victoria Behune
Carol Ellis
Wendy Evans
Patricia Gagnon
Ginny Gilbert
Michael & Rita Hafeman
Jeannine Holden
Rita Mary Leithead
Olga & Ian Martin
Tom & Cathy McDowell
Ingrid McLeod-Dick
Linda McMahon
Susanne Mikler
Ontario Insurance Network on behalf of Linda Milthorpe
J Mitchell
Michele Myrah
Marie Ritchie
Nanette Sanson
Twylla-Fay Tasse Goad
Patricia Tilley
Susan Michelle Timlin
Claire Louise Tucker-Reid
2 Anonymous
BALCONY ($50 - $99)
Stephen Bainborough
Susan Boadway
Heather & Wayne Brassem
Gerard & Mybritt Deleskie
M Yvonne Gibson
Violet Greiner
Sandra & David Hore
Susan King
Martha Lawrence
Mandy MacRae
Janette F. McGibbon
Allan & Doreen McLean
Donna McLean
Laurie Neweduk
Maggie & Marty Prashaw
Wendy Margaret Stratton
Tanya Feldman
Monica & Doug Wilson
1 Anonoymous
DRAMA EDUCATION SUPPORTERS
Optimist Club of Collingwood and Southern Georgian Bay
Valerie Brown
Robin Fillingham
Rowland & Kate Fleming
David Fries
Christie Gray
Mr James Hubbs & Ms. Lynn Davidson-Hubbs
Scott Hurst
Dryden Maney
Arwyn Morgan
Betty-Ann Patterson
Ian Red Ross
Marie Rounding
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of this list. Please call the office if you find an error and accept our sincere apologies.
Theatre Collingwood is a not-forprofit professional theatre company with charitable status.
#88666 993 RR0001
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T H A N K Y O U T O
O U R L E G A C Y D O N O R S
P a t & M i k e H e n n i n g
T h e H e n n i n g F o u n d a t i o n
G o r d & L u - A n n e D e m e t r i c k ’ s
L e g a c y F o u n d a t i o n
Y o u t o o c a n m a k e a d i f f e r e n c e t h a t
t r a n s c e n d s t i m e b y g i v i n g a M e m o r i a l o r
L e g a c y G i f t t o T h e a t r e C o l l i n g w o o d .
T h e s e t h o u g h t f u l d o n a t i o n s h o n o u r t h e
m e m o r y o f l o v e d o n e s o r e s t a b l i s h y o u r
e n d u r i n g i m p a c t o n a r t s a n d c u l t u r e h e r e
a t h o m e a n d m a k e a p o s i t i v e d i f f e r e n c e
f o r g e n e r a t i o n s t o c o m e .
T r a n s f o r m y o u r g e n e r o s i t y i n t o a l a s t i n g
l e g a c y a n d i n s p i r e f u t u r e a c t s o f
k i n d n e s s . C o n s i d e r d o n a t i n g t o d a y a n d
s h a p e t h e c u l t u r a l f a b r i c o f t o m o r r o w .
l e a s e c a l l E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r E r i c a A n g u s , o r
B o a r d C h a i r M a r i e R o u n d i n g i f y o u a r e i n t e r e s t e d
i n m a k i n g a l e g a c y g i f t : 7 0 5 - 4 4 5 - 2 2 0 0
Theatre Collingwood has a rich and wonderful history of providing Youth Drama Education through our annual March Break and Summer Camps in addition to a variety of after-school drama classes. In 2024, we continue this tradition with the Up On Stage! afterschool program, and with every session that passes it has been a delight to see fresh new faces appear alongside returning theatre enthusiasts!
In recent years, we have expanded our Education Program to include a major focus on Adult and Senior Education. In 2023, I was honoured to take up the mantle as director of Theatre Collingwood’s Education Programs, and I am brimming with excitement as I look towards the future. My mission thus far has been to provide safe and comfortable spaces for people of all ages to express themselves creatively.
Throughout this past year I have found myself inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of our students, the passion and incredible skills of our instructors, and the generosity and kindness of the patrons and businesses that support our programs.
So far in 2024 we have had a diverse selection of adult and senior classes to choose from! Compelling Storytelling for Seniors - Burlesque for Daring Dames - Beginner Tap Dance for People in their Prime - The 20th Century Players - The Shakespearean Experience - there is something for everyone, with new offerings on the way this autumn and winter!
The social aspect is a wonderful perk of participation, and it has been deeply gratifying to witness like-minded people coming together and developing new friendships through our programs. The performing arts are stimulating in so many wonderful ways. They are cerebral, they are physical, they are emotional, they are social, they are therapeutic. It is my privilege to provide opportunities for all to get involved and explore these important parts of ourselves.
The Arts are for Everyone - Join Us!
Great Canadian Cook-Off
2024 PORCH SPONSORS
2024 PORCH SPONSORS
2024 PORCH SPONSORS
L I F E I S F U L L O F D R A M A
A d u l t & S e n i o r E d u c a t i o n
B e c o m e p a r t o f C o l l i n g w o o d ’ s t h r i v i n g a r t s s c e n e
b y t a k i n g a n A r t s E d u c a t i o n c l a s s i n 2 0 2 4 !
H a v e y o u e v e r w a n t e d t o t r y T a p D a n c i n g ?
A r e y o u a b o r n S t o r y t e l l e r ? H a v e y o u a l w a y s
d r e a m e d o f p l a y i n g L a d y M a c b e t h ? A r e y o u a
b e g i n n e r t h a t w a n t s t o g i v e p e r f o r m i n g a t r y
i n a s a f e a n d c o m f o r t a b l e e n v i r o n m e n t ?
T h e a t r e C o l l i n g w o o d h a s a c l a s s f o r y o u !
V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e t o l e a r n m o r e !
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July Dates: July 8 - 12
July Camp Theme: (1950s Rock ‘n’ Roll) “Rock Around the Clock”
August Dates: August 12 - 16
August Camp Theme: (Showtunes etc.) “bit of
Camp Instructor: Dean Hollin
Times: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm daily
Location: Nottawa Memorial Community Centre All Levels of Experience Welcome!
WINE, DINE, STAY & PLAY
DINING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN COLLINGWOOD, WINERIES OVERLOOKING THE BEAVER VALLEY, AND RESORT-STYLE ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR THE WATERFRONTwhy not complement your theatre experience with unique offerings from our retail, restaurant and accommodation partners? Some also offer discounts when you present your Theatre Collingwood ticket at their establishment. Click on their ads to visit their website, and if you pay them a visit in-person, tell them Theatre Collingwood sent you!
THE VANDERMARCK BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Relax, you
‘
ve earned it.
DOWNTOWN COLLINGWOOD’S LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL, A HISTORIC LANDMARCK REDEFINED
Studio, one and two bedroom apartment style suites. Contactless, with keyless entry and easy self check-in.
AUGUST 21 at 2PM
COMPASSIONATE CARE
You may know us as a full service funeral home. But we are so much more. From simple cremations, to more elaborate ceremonies, to everything in between, we have a ordable options to meet your needs, and your budget.
Call or visit us for a no obligation discussion of options and costs.
Wasaga Beach
705.429.8766 wasaga@carruthersdavidson.com
Stayner
705.428.2637
stayner@carruthersdavidson.com
Collingwood
705.445.4700
info@chattersonfuneralhome.com
Saturday, November 23, 2024 3:00pm & 7:30pm John Saunders Centre, Collingwood
Tickets: $65 + HST
Don’t miss Canada’s beloved tenor, John McDermott, as he returns to celebrate our 40th Anniversary Season! A joyful celebration of music and song, this concert embodies the true spirit of the holidays!
Written by Anne Raciunas
We are proud to sponsor Theatre Collingwood with the proceeds from our annual Corvette draw. We were able to distribute $240,000 to local charities this year at the 40th celebration of our club. Congratulations on your success and your upcoming year.
L-R: Bryan Davies, Rotarian, Valerie O’Brien, Business Development Manager, Erica Angus, Executive Director, Carol Bateman, Rotary President
Please
Photos courtesy of Bryan Davies Photography