Peterborough Theatre Guild Kicks Off 2025-26 Season With "Opening Night" Production Starting Sept. 19

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s (PTG) production of ‘Opening Night’ will lead off the 2025-26 season, with 10 dates slated for September and October.

Photo courtesy of the PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Two matinee shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m.

Show dates run on the following dates: Sept. 19, 20, 21* 25, 26, 27, 28* Oct. 2, 3 and 4.

*denotes matinee performances

Written by Canada’s most-produced playwright, Norm Foster, the production is directed by Margaret Monis. According to PTG, Opening Night follows a middle-aged couple out for an evening at the theatre—he’d rather be at home watching the game, she’s looking for a romantic night out—and the comedic chaos that ensues when backstage antics and front-row drama collide. With Foster’s trademark wit and warmth, this play offers hilarious insights into love, timing and what it really means to put on a show.

Tickets are $20-$30 (including fees) and can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

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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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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces New Year Production 'Outside Mullingar' For January/February

The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s first production of the new year, ‘Outside Mullingar’ has been announced with 10 shows scheduled spanning from late January to early February.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees (Jan. 26, Feb. 2) are at 2 p.m.

Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. In this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, the journey of eccentric souls is heartbreaking, funny as hell, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

Tickets range from $20 to $30 (including fees) and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 'Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical' As Next Production For November/December

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its next production, ‘Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical’ which will run 9 shows spanning late November and early December.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are occurring on Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. while matinees (Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8) are at 2 p.m. at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Dorothy Gale has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road and the wonderful Wizard of Oz is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. But before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion away to Wonderland. Equipped with their new assets — brains, heart and courage — Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and many more. They also must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts.

Tickets are $15 for any seat and are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Fall Production 'Mary's Wedding' For 10 Shows In October and November

Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its second production of the season, ‘Mary's Wedding' with ten dates slated for October and November, announced on Monday.

Justine Christensen as Mary/Flowers (left) and Eddie Sweeney as Charlie (right). Photo courtesy and PeterborougH Theatre Guild.

Two matinee shows are at 2 p.m. and evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Opening night begins on Oct. 25, and the final show is on Nov. 9.

The show runs on the following dates: Oct. 25, 26, 27* 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3* 7, 8, and 9.

*denotes matinee performances

Stephen Massicotte wrote the production, which is described as a ‘beautiful play with a heart as big as the skies’ that serves as its stage. According to a press release, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.

The play is directed by Jane Werger and produced by Jennifer Gruer.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students. They can be purchased by calling (705) 745-4211 or visiting Peterborough Theatre Guild’s website.

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Six Shows Unveiled For Peterborough Theatre Guild's 2024-25 Season Lineup

The Peterborough Theatre Guild (PTG) has unveiled six shows and seven staged readings for their upcoming 2024-2025 season.

Graphic by Mark Dizon.

Shows announced for this seasons are Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Dorothy in Wonderland, Mary’s Wedding, How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse, Ghost Story, Outside Mullingar and Silent Sky.

“Through the love of live theatre, we look forward to sharing in the power of storytelling and music,” said Kate Suhr of PTG.

The following are each show’s dates and details (all bolded dates denote matinee shows with a 2 p.m. start, 7:30 p.m. for all other shows):

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by Ben Muir and Ghost Story by Marni Walsh

Director: Margaret Monis / Producers: Marion Griffin and Cynthia Wardrope

• Dates: Sept. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 Oct. 3, 4 and 5

Ghost Story (two one-acts on the same evening with How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse):

Director: Lee Bolton / Producers: Jen Eve

• Dates: Sept. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, Oct. 3, 4 and 5

Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte

Director: Jane Werger / Producer: Jennifer Gruer

• Dates: Oct. 25, 26, 27 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3 7, 8 and 9

Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical by Brian D. Taylor:

Director: Sarah Rogers / Producers Marion Griffin and Cynthia Wardrope

• Dates: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8

Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley:

Director: Jerry Allen / Producers: Pat Hooper and Bob Campbell

• Dates: Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, Feb. 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8

Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson:

Director: Bea Quarrie / Producer: Ina Stenner

• Dates: Mar. 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, Apr. 3, 4 and 5

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber

Lyrics by Tim Rice

*All shows at Showplace Performance Centre

Director: Robert Ainsworth / Producer: Margaret Pieper

• Dates: April 25, 26, 27 and 30. May 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ticket Prices:

Full Length:

• Adult - $30.00 Seniors $27.00 Students: $20.00

• Musical - Adult: $42.00 Seniors $37.00 Students: $27.00

• Family - All Tickets: $15.00

• Staged Readings - All Tickets: $12

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Hometown PTBO: Actress Nancy Towns About Her Family's Douro Legacy and Upcoming Productions Including 'Girl in the Goldfish Bowl'

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with actress and singer Nancy Towns about her family's legacy in Douro especially with P.G. Towns & Sons, her upcoming production 'Girl in the Goldfish Bowl' with the Peterborough Theatre Guild and some of her favourite all-time concerts.

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces 10 Performances For May Production: Girl in the Goldfish Bowl

The Peterborough Theatre Guild has announced its May production of ‘Girl in the Goldfish Bowl’ slated for 10 shows from May 3 to 18.

pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

The production is directed by Kim Blackwell with Lindsay Wilson playing the lead role of Iris.

The comedy is set in the ocean-side, fishery town of 1960s Steveston, British Columbia; Iris takes us back to her 12-year-old self and what she describes as ‘the last few days of her childhood.’

Preoccupied with the impending Cuban Missile Crisis and the obvious strain in her parents’ marriage, Iris is convinced that the death of her goldfish, Amahl, must have brought on these troubles.

Shows are running on May 3, 4, 5*, 9, 10, 11, 12*, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m. except for matinee dates.

*denotes matinee show at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online or by calling (705)745-4211. They are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and $20 for students.

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Classic Musical 'Fiddler on the Roof' Is Peterborough Theatre Guild's February Production

The classic musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is hitting the Peterborough Theatre Guild for eight shows in February, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Shows are scheduled for Frb. 16, 17, 18*, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25* with matinee shows at 2:30 p.m. and evening shows at 7:30 p.m.

*denotes matinee performance

The nine Tony Award-winning musical is being produced by Jerry Allen and produced by Pat Hooper. Janina Krauss is the musical director while Laura Lawson is the choreographer for the shows.

The following are the cast for the production:

• Donnell MacKenzie – Tevye

• Lyndele Gauci – Golde

• Hilary Evans – Tzeitel

• Christine Helferty – Hodel

• Laura Lawson – Chavalah

• Bruno Merz – Motel

• Eddy Sweeney – Perchik

• Simon Banderob – Feydka

• Alex Hodson – Sprintze

• Poppy Alderson – Bielke

• Nicole Grady – Yente, the Matchmaker

• Matt Kraft – Lazar Wolf

Tickets are available online or by phone at (705) 745-4211.

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Hometown PTBO: Chris Marris of the Peterborough Theatre Guild and Two Generations Being Involved in Local Arts

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Chris Marris about how she got into the Peterborough Theatre Guild, her life as a retired teacher/principal and her mother's involvement in Peterborough arts.

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