Our first production in our 5-show series is a musical biography tracing the life and times of American composer Cole Albert Porter, who wrote songs and music for over 30 stage and film musicals. In the 1930s and 1940s, Porter provided full scores for a number of smash Broadway and Hollywood productions, among them “Anything Goes” (1934), “Jubilee” (1935), “Rosalie” (1937), “Panama Hattie” (1940), and “Kiss Me, Kate” (1948).

Many folks in Collingwood and beyond know the actor, Dean Hollin and his passion for the Great American Songbook. You may have heard Dean sing Porter's memorable music... And this production will take you on a magical journey as Hollin traces the incredible story of Cole Porter's wildly complex life. Porter was a creative genius. He had a profound effect on the music of yesteryear, and of today. Even contemporary artists attribute their inspiration to Porter. In fact, Lady Gaga is one of his biggest fans! Cole Porter’s life was complicated, inspiring and beautiful, all at the same time.

Theatre Collingwood takes over the Simcoe Street Theatre to present this theatrical production. It's a uniquely intimate space to tell an intimate story. And, I'm so delighted to present our 2023 Season in downtown Collingwood, so that you can also enjoy the great local restaurants and then come together in a charming space for our special productions.

Meet Our COLE HEARTED Music Man!

Steve Thomas is our Music Director and Accompanist for Cole Hearted. He's sought after across North America and we are so excited to welcome him to Collingwood next week!

Steve has written or arranged over 25 productions for the stage. He collaborated with award winning playwright Norm Foster writing the musicals ‘Jasper Station’, ‘Race Day’, ‘Sitting Pretty’, ‘One Moment’ and ‘Beside Myself’. Steve has also provided Musical direction for over 100 productions throughout the United States and Canada, including Theatre Aquarius, The Elgin Theatre, Lighthouse Festival, Drayton Festival Theatres, Vancouver Playhouse, Charlottetown Festival, Showboat Festival, Sunshine Festival, Muskoka Festival, Stage West, Theatre Brockville, Canada’s Wonderland, and Theatre Sheridan.

COLE HEARTED runs for one week only, April 11-15 with six performances including a matinee on Wednesday, April 12th. Tickets are $48 each and we offer special pricing for students and arts workers.

COLE HEARTED

A Music Portrait of Cole Porter

Written by & Starring Dean Hollin, Music Direction by Steve Thomas

APRIL 11-15, Simcoe Street Theatre

theatrecollingwood.ca