Port Hope's Capitol Theatre Artistic Director Rob Kempson recently shared the 2025 season line-up and has announced casting for the upcoming shows.

Get yourselves to Port Hope this summer as there are some wonderful artists coming into town.

Before we delve into that, Rob shared one of his visions as Artistic Director. In these uncertain times, the Capitol believes that finding stories to connect us is a responsibility of both artists and arts organizations. By supporting diverse identities, encouraging and amplifying the voices of traditionally marginalized communities, and creating substantial new strategies toward accessibility, we can ensure that the Capitol’s legacy is that of a true invitation for everyone.

I like that.

Rob then reported on the 2025 statistics for the Capitol and believes they are exciting.

There are six Canadian plays, three LGBTQ+ writers, two world premieres, two BIPOC directors, two BIPOC writers, two Canadian musicals, and the first production of a play developed in the Capitol’s Creators’ Unit.

Kempson says:

“It’s a very exciting and ambitious season, and one that we’re proud of.”

Under the 2025 theme A PLACE TO CALL HOME, Rob introduced the following 2025 slate:

MAINSTAGE
Bad Hats Theatre Production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Adapted by Fiona Sauder with music by Landon Doak and Victor Pokinko and directed by Sue Miner. The cast includes: Colleen Furlan in the title role, with Dave Ball, Rosie Callaghan, Eden Chiam, Christopher Fulton, Ben Kopp, Matt Pilipiak, Chelsea Preston, Fiona Sauder, Emry Tupper, and Anika Venkatesh.

Performance dates for 'Alice in Wonderland' are May 16 – June 1, 2025
(I have already seen this production elsewhere and am looking forward to it seeing it at the Capitol)

‘Waitress’ based on the motion picture by Adrienne Shelly and directed by Rob Kempson. The cast includes:
featuring real-life couple Kaylee Harwood and Sayer Roberts in the leading roles of Jenna and Dr. Pomatter. The ensemble features Malinda Carroll, Michael Cox, Oliver Dennis, Beau Dixon, Taylor Lovelace, Lia Luz, Clea McCaffrey, Caulin Moore, and Margaret Thompson. The live band includes Music Director Jonathan Corkal-Astorga, with Matt Ray, David Schotzko and Tami Sorovaiski. Performance dates for 'Waitress' are June 13-29, 2025

‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harling
Directed by Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster. The cast includes: Raquel Duffy making her Capitol Theatre debut as Truvy, with Belinda Corpuz as Anelle, Carolyn Fe as Clairee, and Brenda Robins as Ouiser, with real-life mother-daughter pair Deborah Drakeford as M’Lynn and Charlotte Dennis as Shelby. Performance dates for 'Steel Magnolias' are July 18-August 3, 2025

‘Rez Gaz’ by Cale Crowe and Genevieve Adam. Music Supervision by Jeff Newberry and directed by Herbie Barnes. A homegrown musical created by extraordinary musical talent Cale Crowe of Alderville First Nation and Genevieve Adam of Cobourg, the world premiere of Rez Gas will be directed by Young People’s Theatre Artistic Director Herbie Barnes, featuring John Wamsley, Vinnie Alberto and Dillan Meighan Chiblow as a trio of old friends at the centre of the action. The ensemble also features Cheri Maracle, Michelle Bardach, Jonathan Fisher and Emma Rudy. The band will be led by Music Supervisor Jeff Newberry, and features Haneul Yi and Emry Tupper. Performance dates for 'Rez Gaz' are August 22 - September 7, 2025.


THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PANTO (what we’ve all come to enjoy during the Christmas season)
‘Hansel & Gretel: The Sticky and Sweet Panto’ by Rob Kempson
Musical Arrangements by Jeff Newberry and directed by Rob Kempson
November 21-December 28, 2025

SECOND STAGE SERIES
‘Handsome But Charmless’ Created and Performed by Kyle Golemba with music direction by Adam White
June 3-8, 2025.
(I’ve seen Kyle’s work recently in BED & BREAKFAST and am looking forward to his show billed as a ‘bad review becoming a brilliant one-man show.)

‘The Newfoundland Project’ created and performed by Shipyard Kitchen Party
July 3-13, 2025.

Green Light Arts
‘Let Me Explain’ created and performed by Izad Etemadi
Directed by Matt White
August 12-17, 2025

CONCERTS
Billboard in Concert
‘The Power of Women & 1986’
Conceived by Jeff Newberry and Rob Kempson
March 8-9 & September 27-28, 2025

‘How We Got to Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies’
Created and performed by Jeff Madden and Adrian Marchuk
Musical Direction and Arrangements by Mark Camilleri
October 24-26, 2025
(Finally, I get the chance to attend this concert. I had the opportunity to interview Jeff and Adrian earlier this year but could not attend the show. I'm not going to miss this one at all.)

The season announcement culminated with many people renewing their subscriptions in the lobby immediately following. I also overheard many wanted to make a financial donation to the theatre.

What struck me the most about this evening?

Residents from Port Hope to Durham Region and quite a way east support the Capitol for its professional, quality productions.

If you would like to learn more about Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, please visit www.capitoltheatre.com. You can find out more about donating to the theatre, purchasing a 2025 subscription and PLAYING A PART in the years to come.

To follow the theatre on its social media:
Twitter: @capitolporthope
Instagram: @capitoltheatreporthope
Facebook: Capitol Theatre Port Hope
#Capitol2025