Victoria Jubilee Hall 2024-2025 Entertainment Season
Victoria Jubilee HallSince 1897
Activities at Victoria Jubilee Hall thrive thanks in part to support from the 50/50 draw held at each performance
Thank you to the Community for its continued support. Victoria Jubilee Hall is owned and held in Trust for the community by the non-profit, volunteer Architectural Conservancy of Ontario South Bruce-Grey Branch To be a part of the 2025-2026 Victoria Jubilee Hall Entertainment Season booklet please contact Jackie Jardine at 519-291-1660, ext. 103 or email sales@midwesternnewspapers.com and the Rotary Club of Walkerton District 6330
Information for Patrons
BOX OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 519-881-2826
SEATING AND TICKETS
Victoria Jubilee Hall has general seating. Ticket numbers are for tracking purposes only.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, cheques and cash. There is a $5 per order handling charge on credit card purchases. Most tickets can now be purchased on ticketscene.ca
Please check our website and social media for all updates on tickets and availability.
ACCESSIBILITY
Victoria Jubilee Hall is committed to reducing barriers so shows and events at the hall are accessible for everyone. There is an accessible entrance from Scott Street, a lift between levels and accessible seating available. Please feel free to call in advance for more information to ensure we can support your experience.
LATECOMERS AND LEAVING THE OPERA HALL
In order that everyone may enjoy the performance, and in consideration of the performers on stage, latecomers and people who have to leave temporarily during the show will only be admitted at a suitable break or at the discretion of the ushers.
THEATRE ETIQUETTE
In consideration of those who have allergies, perfume and cologne should be used in moderation.
Please note that the use of recording devices or taking photos is strictly prohibited.
As a further courtesy, all electronic devices should be turned off at all times while in the opera hall.
FOOD AND DRINK
No food or beverage is permitted in the opera hall, with the exception of bottled water.
There is always something happening at the hall!
Victoria Jubilee Hall -
Jubilee HallSince 1897
Welcome to Victoria Jubilee Hall, a place where we celebrate the power of performing arts to bring people together and build community. We are thrilled to have you join us in this historic venue, which has been a hub for arts and cultural for more than a century.
Our dedicated team of volunteers has been working hard behind the scenes to bring some of Canada’s best bands to the stage this year and welcoming new partnerships with the Ontario Festival of Small Halls. We are pleased with this year’s lineup bringing some serious talent, exceptional skills and artistry to the hall.
The performing arts have long been recognized as a powerful tool for building community and bringing people together. Whether it's through theatre, music, dance, or other forms of performance, the arts transcend language, cultural, and social barriers, and connect people on a deeper emotional level.
By attending performances, you share a collective experience with the rest of the audience and together everyone gains a sense of belonging and identity. There is no better place for promoting empathy, understanding and social cohesion – all an essential part of a thriving community.
Thank you for joining us at Victoria Jubilee Hall. Your support keeps the spirit within this building alive and well. We look forward to sharing many unforgettable experiences and continuing to be an essential part of our community.
Sincerely,
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Victoria
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Wingfield On Ice Sunday,
September 22, 2024 @ 2 p.m.
Part of the Jubilee Arts & Music Series (4 for $150) Individual Tickets $45
The Wingfield Cycle is a Canadian series of seven one-man playsLetter from Wingfield Farm, Wingfield's Progress, Wingfield's Folly, Wingfield Unbound, Wingfield on Ice, Wingfield's Inferno and Wingfield Lost and Found - written by Dan Needles, directed by Douglas Beattie and performed by Rod Beattie. They tell the story of Walt Wingfield, a stockbroker-turned-farmer living near the fictional small town Larkspur, Ontario in Persephone Township and his various misadventures while trying to make a living in the agriculture business. The plays progress as a series of letters written by Walt to his friend, the editor of the Larkspur newspaper. The plays were later collected and edited into a series of half-hour television shows, which were essentially video recordings of the plays.
Wingfield On Ice is the fifth instalment in the Wingfield Cycle.
Persephone is hit with an ice storm, Maggie gives birth to their daughter, Hope.
Episode 21 With Maggie expecting, the neighbours on The Seventh Line are worried Walt may be cracking up. Walt discovers The Squire has a brother he doesn't talk to.
Episode 22 With a baby on the way, Walt Wingfield tried to spread harmony in the township only to get mixed up in some old and not-so-old local feuds.
Episode 23 Funeral arrangements for Walt's goat, Mrs. Pankhurst, are complicated by an unwanted police escort, a severe ice storm and widespread power outages.
Episode 24 Ice still blankets Persephone Township but the locals are planning pot luck at the community hall and Walt notices tensions among his neighbours are easing.
Episode 25 Maggie Wingfield gives birth in the middle of the ice storm without a doctor present; The Squire's brother, Lucky Gus, comes home.
Rod Beattie (actor) A veteran of seventeen seasons and over 50 productions with Ontario's Stratford Festival, is one of the most respected and versatile actors in Canadian theatre. Featured stage roles include Narcisse in The Passion of Narcisse Mondoux at London's Grand Theatre; Ed in Ed's Garage at the Grand Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre and Theatre Orangeville; Felix in The Odd Couple at Segal Centre, Montreal; Johnny Pateen Mike in The Cripple of Continued on page 9
Continued from page 8
Inishmaan at Theatre Calgary; Bill in The Love List and Greg in Sylvia at the Belfry Theatre, Victoria; John Proctor in The Crucible and Father Gustave in Blessings in Disguise at Manitoba Theatre Centre; the professor in Oleanna at the Grand Theatre and the National Arts Centre (opposite Sandra Oh) and Andy Ladd in an Ontario tour of Love Letters (opposite Martha Henry). Over the past thirty years Rod's name has become synonymous with the Wingfield series which has brought him acting awards, rave reviews and sold-out houses in Toronto, London, Stratford, Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Saint John, Fredericton and a host of smaller communities across Canada. Rod and Walt made their American debuts to great acclaim at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 1994. Rod is the winner of the 1991 - 92 "Dora" Award (best performance by an actor in a leading role) for his performance in the first three Wingfield plays. In 2017, he was appointed Member of the Order of Canada.
Dan Needles (playwright) spent half his childhood in the city and half on the family farm at Rosemont, Ontario. After university he went to work as editor of the local newspaper in Shelburne where he created the character of Walt Wingfield, the retired stockbroker turned farmer, who told about his adventures on the farm in a series of weekly letters to the editor. In 1985 Dan drew from these columns to write his first play Letter From Wingfield Farm Wingfield's Progress followed in 1987, Wingfield's Folly in 1990, Wingfield Unbound in 1997, Wingfield On Ice in 2001, Wingfield's Inferno in 2005 and Wingfield Lost and Found in 2009. Since 1997 Dan has delighted readers of Harrowsmith magazine with his back page column. He also writes for Small Farm
Canada, Farmers Forum and three Ontario publications, On the Bay, In the Hills and Watershed. Dan won the 2003 Leacock Medal for Humour for his book With Axe and Flask, the History of Persephone Township from Pre-Cambrian Times to the Present. Wingfield's World, a novelization of all seven Wingfield plays, was released by Random House in October, 2011. His latest book, True Confessions from the Ninth Concession, was published by Douglas & McIntyre in the fall of 2017. Dan's other plays include The Perils of Persephone, Ed's Garage, Team on the Hill, Baco Noir and The Last Christmas Turkey, which premiered as a Christmas musical at Theatre Orangeville in December, 2017, with music and lyrics by composer Clive VanderBurgh. In December, 2014, Dan was appointed Member of the Order of Canada.
Douglas Beattie (director) became an independent producer and director in 1979. His association with Dan Needles goes back to childhood summers spent on the farm. In addition to heading the Wingfield team Doug has been guest director at the Stratford Festival; the Belfry Theatre, Victoria; Lighthouse Festival, Port Dover; Theatre Orangeville; the Blyth Festival; the Piggery Theatre, North Hatley; Thousand Islands Playhouse; Gryphon Theatre, Barrie, and the Grand Theatre, London (The Passion of Narcisse Mondoux, Ed's Garage and The Perils of Persephone) He was consultant to Primedia's television production of Letter From Wingfield Farm which won the 1991 "Gemini" Award for best performing arts program and is co-executive producer of the Wingfield TV series. He is also founding Artistic Director of Pie in the Sky Productions (formerly Touchmark Theatre) and President of Douglas Beattie Theatrical Productions Ltd. which markets the CDs and DVDs of the Wingfield plays.
Maggie’s Wake
Sunday, November 30, 2024 @ 8 p.m.
Part of the Jubilee Arts & Music Series (4 for $150) Individual Tickets $50
Maggie's Wake is a Canadian contemporary folk group, creating a new traditional sound. Blending high twang, classic country with fresh jigs and reels, cajun twin fiddles and reggae rhythms, their music is an original, genre hopping adventure that is constantly evolving.
United in their passion for fiery tunes, soaring vocals with rich harmonies, meaningful stories and beautiful melodies, Maggie's Wake embraces their wide ranging influences and have built an exciting, new sound. The band features award winning songwriter and musician Tara Dunphy (The Rizdales,
Luther Wright and the Wrongs) on tin whistle, flute, fiddle, guitar, banjo and lead vocals and award winning musician Lindsay Schindler (Rant Maggie Rant, Trent Severn) on fiddle and vocals. The powerhouse backing band includes Stephan Szczesniak on percussion, Andrew Kosty on bass Dean Harrison on piano and accordion and Kenneth Palmer on guitar.
Dale Watson, the Texas honky tonk legend, says "You can't grow if you rip your roots out of the ground" and Maggie's Wake have taken that to heart. They are honouring tradition while forging their own path in roots music.
• Did you know that the first electric installation at the Victoria Jubilee Hall consisted of 15 lights, which cost $3.30. Did You Know ...
Victoria Jubilee HallSince 1897
Victoria
Jubilee HallSince 1897
Catherine MacLellan
Sunday, April 6, 2025 @ 2 p.m.
Part of the Jubilee Arts & Music Series (4 for $150) Individual Tickets $35
Catherine MacLellan has been captivating audiences around the world with her music for over two decades. Born and raised in the idyllic province of Prince Edward Island, Catherine's songs reflect her deep connection to the land and the people that call it home. Her passion for songwriting runs in the family; her father, Gene MacLellan, wrote beloved hits like "Snowbird" and "Put Your Hand in the Hand."
While Catherine's music is rooted in folk and roots, her sound has evolved to embrace a wider range of influences over the course of her 7 albums. From heart-wrenching ballads to uplifting anthems, her music has
a universal appeal that speaks to the struggles, triumphs, and joys of life.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Catherine has also dedicated herself to shining a light on her father's legacy, producing an award-winning documentary and stage show that explore his life and struggles with mental health.
Through it all, Catherine remains committed to the craft of songwriting and the art of connection. Whether she's playing to a packed theatre or an intimate gathering, Catherine's warm presence and heartfelt music create an unforgettable experience for all who hear her.
Victoria Jubilee Hall -
Since 1897
Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook
Saturday, May 31, 2025 @ 8 p.m.
Part of the Jubilee Arts & Music Series (4 for $150) Individual Tickets $55
Suzanne
O Davis is very fortunate to be known as one of the busiest and most talented musicians in Ontario. Her career's journey has taken her across the globe from the Middle East to Texas to Cuba performing as a keyboardist, vocalist, and tribute artist. Her versatility keeps her in demand, and involved in all aspects of a musician’s life.
Music has always been a driving force in her life as a vocalist, flute player, pianist, teacher, and high energy performer. Her roots started in Ohio at the age of 5, where she was enrolled in children’s programs at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has voraciously studied in proper classrooms, private lessons, universities, and the road school of hard knocks. Suzanne brings all of these facets together to make each performance a combination of integrity, sophistication, and rock ‘n roll.
Suzanne has played some of the finest theatres and cruise ships to standing ovations in several countries around the world. She has toured in various production tribute shows, and had the opportunity to open stages for acts such as America, KC and the Sunshine Band, Eddie Money, Orleans, Gary Puckett, the Village People, and BJ Thomas. She continues this amazing journey with her latest and most heartfelt tribute to Carole King, ‘Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook’. This show has been receiving incredible attention and standing ovations, playing to sold out audiences in Canada and the US. Not only does Suzanne channel the characteristics of Carole at the piano, but her comfortable stage presentation really endears her to the audience.
“I really like to have fun and talk ‘with’ the audience about the history
Continued on page 17
Continued from page 15 of the songs. I think people want to feel that we’re all sharing these moments together…and we are.”
Suzanne has a busy and successful career, but wanted to present a show that stands out from other tribute acts with an artist that is a genuine fit, and one of a kind. She also feels that the importance of this show is not to be an over-the-top flashy spectacle, but an organic and respectful salute to a musical icon that has had so much influence on popular music. “The real Carole King fans are loving the show, totally appreciate that we keep it real, and get the fact that I bring the vibe
of Carole with me onstage”, says Suzanne. “The band and I feel that from the audience within the first song. Performing the Carole King catalogue is a perfect match for my abilities and experience. When I play and sing this music at the piano, I feel like I’ve really found my spot.”
Suzanne has certainly played enough shows to know when it’s really working and hitting home with the crowd. “The audience seems to want to go with me on this musical journey during these concerts. I’ve waited several years to be able to have the time to put this show together, and the time is right, and the time is now.”
The Hall was designed by A.R. Denison and constructed by contractor Henry Clark, using marl brick, clay and local fieldstone, intended to replace the original wooden structure used by the town. The marl clay was taken from an area which was gradually filled in with water, creating Marl Lakes.
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Victoria
Jubilee HallSince 1897
Independent Performance
Ontario Festival of Small Halls presents: Fred Eaglesmith
Friday, October 18, 2024 @ 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $55+ hst
Fred Eaglesmith is a songwriter/ singer from Southern Ontario Canada.
Over the last 45 years he has released 22 albums.
He has won a smattering of awards and has had his songs featured in both feature films and television series.
His songs are covered by many artists including a few country stars as well as hundreds of alternative and indie artists around the world.
Fred quit the road in 2019 and now only plays a few select shows a year.
He and his wife, Tif Ginn, have settled in Port Dover on the north shore of Lake Erie.
They are very happy.
For more info on Fred Eaglesmith please visit: fredeaglesmith.com
For more info on the Ontario Festival of Small Halls please visit: ontariosmallhalls.com
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Independent Performance
Dreamer Concert
Productions present Dreamer “The Supertramp Experience” Saturday, January 25, 2025 @ 8 p.m.
Tickets $55+ hst
DREAMER
is the authentic recreation of the legendary ’70's rock band Supertramp. An 8 piece group of multi-instrumentalists perform all of the sounds used in the real Supertramp show, from sax, clarinet, trombone, vintage keyboards and of course the unmistakable Supertramp vocal sound. The musicians for DREAMER, hand picked for their incredible expertise in capturing the often intricate arrangements of Su-
pertramp’s material and are a strong compliment to the feature vocals of Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies (performed by keyboard player & singer Rich Hamelin)
Complete with projections and period style costumes, DREAMER will take you on a musical journey back in time to when music was performed by musicians, not computers. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Victoria Jubilee Hall
~ Volunteers for the 2023-24 season ~
Thank you to all our volunteers who have contributed thousands of hours and a wealth of expertise. Your support of Victoria Jubilee Hall allows us to continue to fulfill our mission and serve our community each year
Sharlene Adams
Marilyn Al
Maria Ballagh
Andrea Barclay
Grace Beninger
James Bohnert
Maryanne Buehlow
Ted Cobean
Ken Coleman
Ron Cook
Cathy Cormack
Reta Cunningham
Catherine Dickison
Cate Diebold
Jayne Dietrich
Ralph Dietrich
Elena Dobson
Leslie Dobson
Heather Eckert
Jeanne Eddyvean
Sharron Edgar
Ruth Fischer
Kendra Girodat
Donna Goodman
Janice Hawkins
Tim Hawkins
Michelle Humphrey
Barb Kerry
Gary Knoop
Doug Lonsdale
Bonnie McGinnis
Ken McGinnis
Dash McLean
Greg McLean
Terri McNinch
Bob McCulloch
Deb Meyer
Don Moore
Adam Nickel
Ron Nickel
Linda O'Hagan
Monica O'Hagan
Richard Osborne
Andrea Popiez
Richard Popiez
Cally Quish
Grant Robertson
Pauline Siegfried
Jayne Schlosser
Winnie Schmidt
Henry Simpson
Judy Sloan
Gemma Mendez-Smith
Gregory Smith
Terry Smith
Rylee Snyder
Marg Sockett
Bruce Stickney
Mary Stortini
Joanne Sutton
Mary Tally
Ron Tally
Bonnie Thompson
Gail Voisin
Michelle Walker
Vicky Weber
Robin Zettel
Victoria Jubilee Hall
Manufactured in 1870 in Troy New York, the bell was raised into the bell tower in 1897 where it sits today protected by the cupola. In the early years the bell tolled to mark the workday at 7 a.m., at 12 p.m. for lunch, at 6 p.m. to mark the end of day and finally at 9 p.m. to signal curfew for children. On Sunday mornings it rang at 10:30 a.m. to remind people to get to church. In addition, the small clapper on the bell was rung insistently to summon help if there was a fire and a very long tolling if someone had drowned in the river.
Inside the tower and up to the bell there are many names of those before us—so when you make the climb up the tower you are in good company. A wonderful article by Lloyd Cartwright, we hear about the lives and work of the the Wallace Brothers who, at least twice in the hall's history, rejuvenated the walls with a fresh coat. To this day, you can see the signed wall in the bell tower.
Did you know the balcony seats in the opera are original to the building. The seating was supplied by the Valley City Chair Co. of Dundas Ontario at a cost of $1.10 per seat. Valley City Chair Co. closed its woodworking doors in 2012 after a 178year run. They were the premier company for laboratory furniture but had a specialty for wooden seating for churches, courthouses and theatres.
Jubilee
• On the ground level, on the outside wall by the parking lot is the outline of the entrance to where the police station used to be. Inside, the area where the two washrooms are located once contained two cells.
• R.B. Ferguson was appointed police chief and caretaker in the early 1900s. Ferguson, his wife Norah and their ten children lived in the building, and had to climb five flights of stairs to their rooms on the top floor.
• On the ground level, on the south outside wall along the lane, are the outlines of the doors where the fire engines used to enter Victoria Jubilee Hall. They were housed where the kitchen and two little offices are today.
• The wrought iron railing on the balcony bows outward to accommodate the billowing dresses of the early 1900s.
• The hall keeps an old table lamp made from the wood of Walkerton’s first town hall which the Victoria Jubilee Hall replaced.
