4th Line Theatre Breaks Ground With Maja Ardal’s The Legend of Pearl Hart

4th Line Theatre announces its 19th annual Breaking Ground event on Jan. 31 at Catherine Parr Traill College’s Bagnani Hall, with excerpts from Maja Ardal’s The Legend of Pearl Hart.

file photo.

Born in Lindsay, Ontario in 1871, Pearl Hart was the first woman tried and convicted of stagecoach robbery in the U.S. Pearl’s journey takes her from small town Ontario through Chicago’s World’s Fair, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows and rough mining frontiers of Arizona. Her trial, imprisonment and escapades while disguised as a boy made her a notorious celebrity of the times.

Breaking Ground is part of 4th Line Theatre’s New Play Development program, designed to support, nurture and encourage the creation of environmentally-staged historical plays

“Public readings are an important part of the creation of plays,” says Kim Blackwell, 4th Line’s Managing Artistic Director. “This forum gives the writer the opportunity to figure out what resonates with audiences. The audience’s feedback during the discussion afterward may be the most valuable aspect of Breaking Ground.”

Kim Blackwell will dramaturge the reading, directed by Anita La Selva, which will feature performers: Robert Winslow, Amy Keating, Colin A. Doyle, Lindsay Wilson, Ryan Tobin and Celine Gadoury.

The free event will take place at Bagnani Hall on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. To reserve a seat call or email 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office.

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New Stages Theatre Presents Women of the Fur Trade

New Stages Theatre presents a staged reading of Frances Koncan’s Women of the Fur Trade, coming to Market Hall Jan. 24.

photo courtesy of new stages.

Set in “18 hundred and something-something,” the story revolves around the lives of three women, Ojibwe, Métis and British, all of whom speak in a 21st-century slang.

The playwright, Frances Koncan, found that historical accounts of the fur trade were written by men and decides to feature the perspective of “unheard voices”; three women during the time of the fur trade and the Red River Resistance.

Directed by Patti Shaughnessy, Women of the Fur Trade’s cast includes Michelle Bardach (seen recently in Rez Gas in Port Hope), Sera-Lys McArthur and Megan Murphy, featuring Mac Fyfe as Thomas Scott and Chris Mejaki as Louis Riel. The play is stage managed by Sarah Lazzarino.

The 7 p.m. show runs for approximately two hours and is suitable for ages 14 plus.

Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling the Market Hall box office. If preferred seats are not available, call the box office and join the waiting list, as some new seats may become available in the days leading up to the show.

Tickets are $30 plus a $4 venue fee, available on a sliding-scale of ticketing options.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Six Theatrical Productions For 2025-26 Season

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has released its lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 season with six theatrical productions slated to run from late September to early May next year, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The following the shows and dates:

• Opening Night by Norm Foster

  • Directed by Margaret Monis

  • Sept. 19 – Oct. 4

• 291 by Jade O’Keeffe

  • Directed by Lisa Dixon

  • Nov. 1 – 15

• The Emperor’s New Clothes by Gerry McBride based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen

  • Directed by Gerry McBride

  • Dec. 5 - 14, 2025

• Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva

  • Directed by Jerry Allen

  • Jan. 16 - 31, 2026

• Midnight Madness by Dave Carley

  • Directed by Jane Werger

  • Feb. 27 – March 14, 2026

• The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks, Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman

  • Directed by Nate Axcell

  • April 17 – May 3, 2026

The season starts with Opening Night by renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster, directed by Margaret Monis. This hilarious play takes audiences on a journey behind the scenes of a chaotic theatre premiere. Get ready for twists and turns, sharp wit and great characters.

Adding a dramatic twist, 291, written by local playwright Jade O’Keeffe and directed by Lisa Dixon, brings a touch of historical intrigue with a locally written piece that delves into the letters between acclaimed artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her lover, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. This original work highlights the artistry and emotion behind one of history’s most famous creative couples.

As the holiday season approaches, families can enjoy the beloved children's production of The Emperor's New Clothes, written and directed by Gerry McBride. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, this adaptation promises to be full of humour and enchantment for audiences of all ages.

Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva, directed by Jerry Allen, is a comedy that features a heartwarming tale of love, family, and unexpected second chances in a charming, small-town setting.

Midnight Madness by Peterborough Native, Dave Carley, is a romantic comedy about two former classmates who unexpectedly reunite at a furniture store’s going-out-of-business sale.

For those who love a musical spectacle, the season rounds out with the electrifying production of Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, directed by Nate Axcell. This hilarious parody of the horror genre promises electrifying choreography, clever wordplay and big belly laughs.

Season and individual show tickets will be available starting July 1 through the box office and online.

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Hometown PTBO: Andrew Mills Recovering From a Brain Tumour to Direct "Crossing Over" at Market Hall On May 29-31

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Andrew Mills, director of "Crossing Over" for Trent Valley Archives Theatre, about the production at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre from May 29-31, his recovery from suffering a brain tumour in 2018 and his first directing role since his injury.

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4th Line Theatre to Brings Peterborough History to Life In World Premiere Production 'Jim Watts: Girl Reporter'

4th Line Theatre is bringing Peterborough History to life with its world premiere production of 'Jim Watts: Girl Reporter' running from July 30 to Aug. 24.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

According to a synopsis, the play takes audiences from Toronto to Madrid to Peterborough and features a local connection in Jim Higgins who raised his family in Peterborough and was truly heroic as a member of the Mackenzie-Papineau brigade in Spain.

“Thankfully I've had one of the best tools you could possibly have which is Jim Higgins's daughter Jeanette, compiled a memoir of his so reading through that, reading his entire life story is the biggest resource that any actor could possible have from his own words,” said Thomas Fornier (Jim Higgins).

Eugenia “Jim” Watts, was most famously known for being a Canadian correspondent for the Spanish Civil War and the only woman to join the MacKenzie-Papineaus, Canada’s Republican regiment in Spain. Her political beliefs and actions were heavily inspired by Emma Goldman, a prominent feminist at the time. Jim Watts began her political work as a theatre artist in Toronto, later founding Theatre of Action. She was a prominent figure in the theatre movement during the 1930s. Watts did more than write about the Spanish Civil War, as she was also an active participant in nursing and driving ambulances for the wounded civilians and soldiers.

“I didn't know a lot about this piece of history myself so I'm sure that other people will be learning about it for the first time as well,” said Katie Ryerson (Jim Watts). “Getting to play someone who is a real person is a real honour and a real gift and premiering a new work for the first time is always a real honour and real privilege.”

The play is written by Beverly Cooper and directed by Kim Blackwell. The production has 28 cast members and a crew of 15 people.

“I think I'm ideally suited to direct it because I helped dramaturge it and help support Bev in the writing of the piece in the past five years,” said Blackwell. “I really like directing world premieres because I always imagine it like a field of fresh snow where there are no other footprints and I get to put my footprints in that fresh snow.”

Opening night is Aug. 1 with July 30 and 31 as preview nights. Shows run from Tuesday to Saturday at 6 p.m. and tickets are available online at 4th Line Theatre’s website.

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4th Line Theatre Announces Two Productions For Its 2024 Summer Lineup

4th Line Theatre has announced its 32nd summer season and two premiere productions ‘Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes’ and ‘Jim Watts: Girl Reporter’ on Monday morning.

Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes was written by Alison Lawrence (pictured). Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

The season will begin on July 1 with Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes, written by Alison Lawrence, based on the book by Shirleyan English and Bonnie Sitter and directed by Autumn Smith, who returns after appearing in the 2023 production of The Cavan Blazers. 

Beginning on July 30, Jim Watts: Girl Reporter, written by Beverley Cooper and directed by Kim Blackwell, will take the stage. Cooper wrote The Other: A Strange Christmas Tale for 4th Line, which had a sold-out run in December 2018.

“In our 2024 season, I am proud to share these two plays with audiences,” explained Blackwell, 4th Line’s managing artistic director “These world premiere productions have been developed through our new play development program.”

Longtime Musical Director Justin Hiscox returns to write original music, compose and musically direct for the summer season. Hiscox returns in 2024 for his 24th season after surviving a life-threatening illness this past summer.

Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes is a funny and enlightening exploration of the largely unknown story of the teenage girls who stepped up and worked on farms across Canada to feed the troops and all Canadians during WWII. These ‘Farmerettes,’ all in their 90s now, tell us that the summers they worked on those farms were the best of their lives, even 70 or more years later.

Jim Watts: Girl Reporter is a fascinating exploration of the experience of trailblazing youth who illegally flocked to Spain to fight fascism, attempting to stop its march across Europe in the mid-1930s. Jean ‘Jim’ Watts was the only woman to join Canada’s regiment in Spain, the MacKenzie-Papineaus. The play takes us from Toronto to Madrid, from political rallies to the battlefields of Spain—and Peterborough’s own Jim Higgins — union organizer and hero — figures prominently in the story.

“Both of the plays focus on young people who are willing to do just about anything to do their part,” explains Blackwell. “These young people were desperate to try and make a difference in a world gone mad. They were all true heroes.”

Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes

• Directed by Autumn Smith

• July 1 – 20, 2024

• Previews: July 1, 2

• Opening Night: July 3

• Monday to Saturday at 6 p.m.

Jim Watts: Girl Reporter

• July 30 – August 24, 2024

• Previews: July 30, 31

• Opening Night: August 1

• Tuesday to Saturday at 6 p.m.

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Market Hall Gets New Lighting Equipment and Projector With Ontario Grant

Since Market Hall Performing Arts Centre received a $149,100 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) late last year, the venue was able to purchase a projector and new lighting equipment to improve visibility and accessibility for future arts presentations.

(From left to right) Joe Grant, Market Hall Board Chair; MPP Dave Smith; Chad Hogan, Market Hall general manager and Jennifer Cavanagh, Market Hall Board member. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Market Hall invited Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP — who presented the grant — back to see what improvements were made from the grant.

“It is great to see the results of the work that Market Hall has been able to do thanks to this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “These funds have allowed Market Hall Performance Art Centre to advance their facility and continue to serve the community by providing a space for everyone to enjoy.”

The grant allowed Market Hall to purchase and install a state-of-the-art projector for film and theatre performances. The theatre was also able to cover the cost for buying and installing new, state-of-the-art lighting elements. These upgrades will help extend the life of the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and provide the community with a terrific space for arts performances according to Chad Hogan, Market Hall general manager.

“We want to say thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support of the arts and culture in Peterborough,” he said. “Filmmakers and community groups alike will be able to screen their films with the highest quality available. And the lighting will improve the visual aesthetic for performances. So, overall, it’s a tremendous visual upgrade for the space.”

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4th Line Theatre Adding Additional Performance of The Cavan Blazers For This Monday

Due to multiple sellouts of the show, 4th Line Theatre has added an additional performance of The Cavan Blazers slated for this Monday at 6 p.m.

Patrick and Anne arguing during a production of The Cavan Blazers. Photo courtesy of 4th Line THeatre.

The production, written by Robert Winslow and directed by Kim Blackwell, is in its seventh iteration over the past 32 years.

The play is a gritty, intense play that has the audience on the edge of its seat from start to finish. This drama chronicles the religious conflict between Catholic and Protestant Irish settlers in Cavan Township in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Violence erupts when a Protestant vigilante gang known as the Cavan Blazers tries to stop a Catholic settlement from being established as stated by a press release.

The theatre is featuring local music under the big tent and Black Honey Bakery will be present with power bowls with vegan options and snack packs. The concession stand and BBQ will also be open.

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Hometown PTBO: Robert Winslow On Founding 4th Line Theatre and Its August Production, The Cavan Blazers

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with founder Robert Winslow about growing up in Millbrook, how his property became 4th Line Theatre and the month-long production of The Cavan Blazers running from Aug. 1 - 26.

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4th Line Theatre Production 'The Cavan Blazers' Looking For Antique Items

4th Line Theatre is looking for several items to use in the upcoming production of ‘The Cavan Blazers,’ set in 1854. 

photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

Those who are interested in lending or donating any of the following items or have any questions, contact the theatre via email.

• Rosaries

• Fabric - 4 yards+ pieces of quilting cotton or cotton/polyester mixes

• Wine skin

• Camouflage/green khaki military-style clothing and accessories

• Carpet bag

• Leather pouches, belts and accessories & knitted scarves/shawls

• Horse whip

• 3 medium size whiskey jugs (10-12" tall)

• Antique-style lantern

• 2 Antique-style adzes

• Cast Iron Pot with handle

• Antique-style garden hoe

This drama chronicles the religious conflict between Catholic and Protestant Irish settlers in Cavan Township in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Violence erupts when a Protestant vigilante gang known as the Cavan Blazers tries to stop a Catholic settlement from being established.

This production will run from August 1 to 26 and tickets for the 2023 season can be purchased at the Box Office (9 Tupper St., Millbrook) or online.

For more information on donating or lending items, visit the website.

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