Yes, it was forty years ago that Barbara Weider and a small team of creative visionaries decided that a professional theatre company was needed in Collingwood and would become a vital component of the fabric of South Georgian Bay.

They knew not only the emotional value of the arts for the community, but also the economic value of the arts.

Incidentally, Barbara was the first Director of Economic Development for Collingwood!

It’s now 40 years later and we are planning a year of celebrations! Starting with our Fabulous Forty Flex Pack.

This flexible way of purchasing tickets not only gives you $8 off each ticket but allows you to use those 4 tickets any way you want. Use one ticket at four shows, or two tickets at two shows, or all four tickets at one show!

Any way you choose, the Fabulous Forty Flex Pack is your ticket to great entertainment! But hurry, this deal is only available until February 29th, 2024.

ABOUT OUR FABULOUS PROGRAMMING...

We asked and you told us. Our audiences love music. This year we will be telling great stories through great music. You will experience some of Canada’s best musicians and hear some intriguing stories, all in an attempt to bring peace and harmony to your life.

Theatre Collingwood wants to be a creative hub for our community. We are not just about programming shows, but rather more bringing people together in creative experiences that enrich and grow our community.

This year we will also continue to develop our education programs in an effort to introduce more youth to the world of creative expressions, as well as to offer adults and seniors creative new programs to try.

At Theatre Collingwood we want to be accessible to all and to make every effort to reflect all audience members on our stages, in our board rooms, and in our offices. We are not totally there yet but we are trying very hard and we will get there. This is YOUR theatre company.

As we move towards the building of an Arts & Culture Centre in Collingwood, we need your help to allow us to continue to develop and grow and really be something that we can all be proud of. Tell us what you like, as well as suggestions you may have. Consider volunteering. Become a member or sponsor. Attend our shows and fundraisers. Take a class.

This year let’s all celebrate that Theatre Collingwood is FABULOUS @ FORTY and we could not be without YOU!

On with the shows!

2024 PRE-SEASON PRODUCTIONS

 * JS BACH'S LONG WALK IN THE SNOW *

Saturday, January 20th, 2024

3:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Written and performed by

Tom Allen - Master Storyteller

Lori Gemmell - Harpist

Suba Sankaran - Vocal virtuosa

Joe Phillips - Multi Instrumentalist

Erika Raum - Violin soloist

In CBC host Tom Allen’s latest 'chamber musical,' explore the early life of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Before his renowned compositions, Bach faced struggles in his first job, involving a street fight that led to a prolonged absence. Venturing 400 km north to a vibrant port city during this time, he possibly found love. Upon his return, Bach swiftly transformed into the revered genius we know today. JS Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow combines narration and captivating music, offering a glimpse into Bach's journey with a talented cast. A perfect post-holiday escape to enjoy a compelling tale and beautiful music!

 * ANY DREAM WILL DO - THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER *

February 13th & 14th, 2024

7:30 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Conceived & Directed by Adrian Marchuk

Musical Arrangements by Chris Tsujiuchi

Explore the life and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Any Dream Will Do, a captivating show that set box office records at Theatre Collingwood in 2016 and continues to thrill audiences. This musical documentary, featuring top Canadian performers, offers a 'behind-the-scenes' look at Webber's journey, bringing his hit songs to life, including Memory, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, Love Changes Everything, and more. A true triple-threat, "Any Dream Will Do" is a powerful and unique musical experience that leaves a lasting impression.

A Bit About Adrian Marchuk: He has worked across the country at various regional theatres and festivals before spending three years playing Frankie Valli in the Toronto and Las Vegas productions of the smash hit Jersey Boys.

CELEBRATING IWD 2024 #InspireInclusion

 * GIRLS NITE OUT *

March 7th & 8th, 2024

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Show time is 7:30 pm

The Normandy Room, Collingwood Legion

This annual comedy event is so well loved that we just have to bring it back for 2024.

Girls Nite Out is an all-female stand-up and improv troupe that includes some of the country's funniest women - Canadian Comedy Award winners, Second City alumni and CBC darlings!

Enjoy an evening of laughter and celebration with Jennine Profeta, Christy Bruce and Karen Parker with special guest comedienne extraordinaire, Elvira Kurt, for an extreme night sure to leave you in stitches!

Gather your friends and join us for an unforgettable night out at The Normandy Room where we'll celebrate with sweet treats, a cash bar, Best Dressed prizes, a fabulous DJ with pre-show music and dancing, swag bags and a photo booth to capture all the fun!

ANNOUNCING OUR SPRING/SUMMER SEASON...

 * BRILLIANTLY BACHARACH! *

Written and performed by Dean Hollin with John MacMurchy and Sheri Weldon

April 16th - 18th, 2024

The John Saunders Centre, Collingwood

Among the most prolific and influential composers of the second half of the twentieth century was, without a doubt, Burt Bacharach.

Beginning with his seemingly endless string of hits with lyricist Hal David – “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again”, “Alfie”, “What’s New Pussycat?”, “The Look of Love”, “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”, “I Say a Little Prayer”, “(They Long To Be) Close To You” (truly just scratching the surface) – to his re-emergence in the eighties collaborating with then wife/lyricist Carole Bayer Sager and producing hits like “Arthur’s Theme (The Best That You Can Do)”, “Heartlight”, “On My Own” and “That’s What Friends Are For” – Bacharach’s musical legacy is substantial, celebrated and far-reaching.

This unique production celebrates not only the music, but the life, times and personal trials and tribulations of this Grammy, Academy and Emmy Award-winning composer. Featuring entertainer/vocalists Dean Hollin and Sheri Weldon – supported by an outstanding band, BRILLIANTLY BACHARACH takes you on an epic “Musical Biography”.

A Bit About John McMurchie: He is a versatile performer, composer, and recording artist specializing in woodwind instruments. John has garnered acclaim for his four full-length records, receiving international recognition and airplay. His impressive career includes collaborations with renowned artists like Warren Vache, Howard Alden, Guido Basso, Henry Mancini, Cleo Laine, Linda Ronstadt, Carol Channing, Peter Appleyard and John Dankworth.

 * With a Song in My Heart *

Leisa Way & Friends perform Songs of the Great American & Canadian Songbook!

Written and produced by Leisa Way

May 7th - 10th, 2024

The John Saunders Centre, Collingwood

Leisa Way - vocals

Nathan Smith - violin and vocals

Jack Gaughan - guitars and vocals

Doug Balfour - piano and vocals

Bob Hewus - bass and vocals

Embark on a musical journey filled with hit after hit as Leisa Way and Friends bring the timeless tunes of The Great American Songbook to life. Dive into the rich tapestry of this influential era that began in the early 20th century and continues to shape music today.

Leisa Way, accompanied by her powerhouse quintet of exceptional musicians, serves as a captivating interpreter of melody, story, and song. This concert unveils a treasure trove of iconic and beloved songs, spanning from Harold Arlen to Joni Mitchell, Johnny Mercer to Leonard Cohen and Willie Nelson, and Irving Berlin to Paul McCartney.

Experience a celebration of both the classics of yesteryear and the new standards of today! In 2023, Leisa Way and her band graced the cover of International Musician Magazine, while Leisa secured the prestigious "Toronto Musician of the Year" award in both 2021 and 2022. Don't miss the chance to witness this award-winning ensemble in action!

 * How We Got to Jersey – A Tale of Two Frankies *

June 11th - 14th, 2024

The John Saunders Centre, Collingwood

Join the sensational Jeff Madden (Frankie Valli in Toronto, Australia) and the dynamic Adrian Marchuk (Frankie Valli in Toronto, Las Vegas) in this brand-new musical concert that tells the behind-the-scenes story of portraying Frankie Valli in the world-wide smash-hit Jersey Boys.

With incredible musical arrangements by the talented Mark Camilleri, this electrifying show whisks you on a thrilling journey from Toronto to New York and beyond. Experience the highs and lows of these incredible performers' lives while they serenade you with the iconic hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Get ready for a whirlwind adventure through the world of unforgettable music and captivating stories!

 * The Porchside Festival *

Returns to various porches around Collingwood

July 10th - 31st

10 shows, 30 performances

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

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