By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre had a premiere of sorts October 10, as Artistic Director Rob Kempson announced the theatre’s 2025 season, called A Place To Call Home.
“Every show represents a story of identity, discovery and the importance of community in finding yourself,” Kempson said.
“The Capitol has become known as a place to see some of the best artists in Canada, right here in Northumberland County. We have assembled a season and artistic team that reflect a strong commitment to our values and a sense of balance, to sincerely welcome folks from near and far.
“While the work on stage might tug at your heartstrings, have you laughing all the way home, or keep your toes tapping, I know that it will also speak to individual experiences of finding out where we fit in the world.”
And throughout the season, the visitor experience will be enhanced with such offerings as backstage tours, artist talks, design presentations and other special events to take you behind the scenes. These events are free for subscribers, and available for everyone.
Managing Director Erin Peirce called the 2025 season a huge leap forward for the Capitol, “our biggest season ever, with 11 individual productions on offer.
“As one of the largest economic and tourism drivers in Port Hope, we have the privilege of welcoming tens of thousands of folks who love and value live entertainment The new season truly has something for everyone, and we can’t wait to get started.”
A series of four crowd-pleasing ensemble productions will take centre stage next summer.
Bad Hats Theatre’s award-winning magical take on Alice In Wonderland runs from May 16 to June 1, a Dora Award-winning family musical based on a classic adventure.
The Broadway hit Waitress (with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles) runs from June 13 to 29. Directed by Kempson, it shares the story of expert pie-maker Jenna who hopes to spin her skills into a way out of her troubles – but things get complicated.
The beloved comedic drama Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, directed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster, runs from July 18 to Aug. 3, showing how a group of women get through some of life’s greatest hardships helped by the strength of simple friendship.
A real home-grown property in its world premiere, Rez Gas (Aug. 22 to Sept. 7) was developed in the Capitol’s inaugural Creators’ Unit by local writers Cale Crowe (a well-known local musician from Alderville First Nation) and Genevieve Adam (and directed by Herbie Barnes). It tells the story of a musician who wants to take his career beyond the reservation, but unexpected car trouble forces a detour.
And looking beyond that, the 2025 holiday panto at the Capitol (a beloved holiday tradition) will be Kempson’s production of Hansel & Gretel: The Sticky & Sweet Panto, with shows from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28.
New for 2025, the Capitol has curated a Second Stage Series for the venue’s more intimate Sculthorpe Theatre, with three original Canadian shows.
Handsome But Charmless runs from June 3 to 8, created and performed by Kyle Golemba, sharing reflections on the ups and downs of life in the theatre.
The Newfoundland Songbook runs from July 3 to 15, created and performed by Shipyard Kitchen Party., a showcase of timeless sea-shanties, triumphant ballads and foot-stomping sing-alongs that characterize Canada’s tenth province.
Green Light Arts’ Let Me Explain (created and performed by Izad Eternad runs from Aug. 12 to 17, a night of songs, satire and stories from a queer German-born Iranian-Canadian immigrant who wants to explain his entire existence once and for all – then never again.
This is in addition to the year-round concerts from notable local and national visiting artists.
In 2025, the Capitol’s original Music Lovers’ program centres around Billboard In Concert.
The Power of Women will play March 8 and 9 and Sept. 27 and 28, with such favourites as Jann Arden, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift and Toni Braxton in the spotlight.
1986 will play Sept. 27 and 28, featuring the music of Lionel Ritchie, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Starship, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Janet Jackson and more.
How We Got To Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies (created and performed by former Jersey Boys stars Jeff Madden and Adrian Marchuk) will run Oct. 24 to 26, taking you behind the scenes of that blockbuster Broadway smash.
Subscriptions for 2025 productions are now on sale, with up to 15% off when booked by year’s end.
Single general-public tickets to be made available in early January.
