Welcome home to Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre in 2026
What a lineup this coming year.
The Capitol’s Artistic Director, Rob Kempson, certainly knows how to program a slate that attracts audiences. I’ll make some personal comments after each show.
Here’s the 2026 slate:
On the Main Stage
May 15 – 31, 2026
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed & Choreographed by Rob Kempson
Music Direction by Shane O’Regan
May 15 – 31, 2026
Our Theatre Voice: What’s not to love about Charlie Brown and his friends? Plus, there are some wonderful musical moments and an opportunity to reminisce, recall and reflect on what it’s like to think from a child’s perspective.
Liars at a Funeral by Sophia Fabiilli
Directed by Aaron Jan
June 12 – 28, 2026
“Grief has never been so hilarious!
When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive!”
Our Theatre Voice: I saw this show at Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque two months after my mother died. The show allowed me to laugh after an extremely sad time. I know in my heart my mother would have been laughing along with me.
Come From Away
Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein
Directed by Rob Kempson
Music Direction by Jeff Newberry
Choreography by Genny Sermonia
July 10 – August 2, 2026
Our Theatre Voice: Need we say anymore? The story that makes us proud to be Canadian in a divisive political world right now.
A truly Canadian story of creating community around the world.
This global sensation takes you into the centre of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, that welcomed them during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Gaslight
By Johnna Wright & Patty Jamieson
Based on Patrick Hamilton’s Play
Directed by Marie Farsi
August 21 – September 6, 2026
Our Theatre Voice: I’m one of the few who have never seen this story.
The classic thriller comes with even more twists in this Canadian adaptation.
Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. But is she losing her grip on reality, or is it being loosened for her?
RED!…a Big Bad Wolf Panto written by Rebecca Northan
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Newberry
Directed by Aurora Browne
November 20 – December 27, 2026
World Premiere
Our Theatre Voice: Rebecca Northan makes excellent theatre as an actor and writer.
Never take a shortcut through the woods!
The classic fairytale gets a panto treatment from the writer of 2023’s hit production—Jack: A Beanstalk Panto. When Little Red Riding Hood leaves home with a basket of treats for her Granny, all she has to do is stick to the path and avoid talking to strangers…but there’s a groovy beat in the darkest part of the woods, and every young girl is up for adventure!
SECOND STAGE
Chris Tsujiuchi’s Big Gay Cabaret
Written & Performed by Chris Tsujiuchi
June 4 – 7, 2026
World Premiere
Our Theatre Voice: I interviewed Chris a few years ago when he was the voice of Audrey II at the Capitol. Personable, loves life, loves being an artist, and loves being who he is.
Celebrate Pride with a hilarious night of music!
For over a decade, the enigmatic and multi-talented Chris Tsujiuchi has been creating and performing solo shows, celebrated across the country. This year, exclusively for the Capitol Theatre, he’s creating a brand-new show—one that celebrates the queer community with the anthems that define it.
Born to be Bad: The Villains of Broadway
Created & Performed by Tahirih Vejdani
June 30 – July 5, 2026
World Premiere
Our Theatre Voice: Terrific performer. Looking forward to this.
A hero is only as good as their villain.
EMBARGO TO 7:30 P.M. ET – OCTOBER 28, 2025
From the evildoers we adore to the scoundrels we love to hate, this new solo show from Capitol Theatre favourite Tahirih Vejdani (Little Shop of Horrors, Sleeping Beauty, Billboard in Concert) shares the best of being bad.
Farley Mowat’s
And No Birds Sang
Adapted by Dave Carley
Directed by Rob Kempson
August 14 – September 6, 2026
World Premiere
Our Theatre Voice: Always loved Mowat’s stories. And with adaptation by Dave and direction by Rob, this world premiere is one I’m looking forward to seeing.
A beloved war memoir comes to life in the town where it was written.
Based on Farley Mowat’s acclaimed war memoir, And No Birds Sang tells his autobiographical account of military service during World War II, as a member of the Hastings Prince Edward (or, affectionately, Hasty P’s) Regiment. In this touching world premiere, Mowat transforms from a young man into a combat veteran, alongside the devastating losses that come with wartime.
MUSIC
Heartbreak Hits: Billboard in Concert
Conceived by Jeff Newberry & Rob Kempson
Directed by Margot Greve
February 6 – 8, 2026
Our Theatre Voice: Lovin’ these Billboard concerts. This one caught my eye about the anti-Valentine’s celebration.
An anti-Valentine’s celebration of the darker side of love.
The Capitol’s signature remix of your favourite tunes returns in 2026 with a tribute to the songs about falling out of love.
Tom Thomson’s Wake
Created & Performed by Shipyard Kitchen Party: John Eaton, Sacha Law & Jason Murphy
March 6 – 8, 2026
Our Theatre Voice: Saw Shipyard Kitchen Party last year and loved it.
A great Canadian mystery told with East Coast-style tunes.
Two years after renowned painter Tom Thomson’s mysterious death, his friend, his mentor and his lover gather to share their memories of Algonquin Park’s most famous resident.
Saw Shipyard Kitchen Party last year and loved it.
I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook
Written & Performed by Taylor Lovelace
Music Supervision by Jeff Newberry
Directed by Rob Kempson
October 23 – 25, 2026
World Premiere
Our Theatre Voice: gotta love Whitney’s music. I’ve also seen Taylor perform and looking forward to this.
The iconic songbook of a legend, like you’ve never heard it before.
Capitol Theatre favourite Taylor Lovelace (Waitress, Little Shop of Horrors, A Year with Frog & Toad, Billboard in Concert) pays tribute to one of the most defining artists of the 20th century in this musical celebration of women’s voices.
MORE MUSIC & ON SCREEN
The Capitol’s Cabaret and Kitchen Party programs will be offered throughout the year in the Sculthorpe Theatre, additional Concerts will be featured on our mainstage, and the Capitol’s On Screen programming will continue to feature the popular Met Opera program.
CAMP CAPITOL
The Capitol’s popular camp program will continue in 2026 with three week-long offerings for kids ages 8-15. Led by Kelly Perras, this program regularly sells out. Save the Dates: March Break: March 16-20, 2026; Summer Camp: July 6-10 & July 13-17, 2026.
TICKETS
The Capitol’s biggest fans and early birds save the most! Subscription packages are up to 15% off when booked before December 31. Single tickets will be available in early 2026.
Mainstage Subscription – Liars at a Funeral, Come From Away, Gaslight
Mainstage Subscription PLUS – above shows PLUS You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Music Lovers’ Subscription – Heartbreak Hits: Billboard in Concert, Tom Thomson’s Wake, I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook
Second Stage Subscription – Big Gay Cabaret, Born to be Bad: The Villains of Broadway, Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang
Flex Pass Subscription – choice of any three shows from Mainstage, Music Lovers’ or Second Stage Subscriptions.
The Capitol Theatre gratefully acknowledges regional support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the municipality of Port Hope, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Capitol Theatre is dedicated to producing and presenting a balanced schedule of high-quality professional theatre, live music, film, and other special events in historic Port Hope, while also providing a home for the local arts community. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future, where all individuals, groups, and organizations are welcome to create, collaborate, and connect. We strive to provide memorable experiences for our guests through artistic excellence, a wide variety of programming, and the historic venue itself. For more information, check out capitoltheatre.com.
