‘But Why Bump Off Barnaby?’ is a murder mystery farce at its most hilarious directed by Emma Phillips. When an eccentric family gathers at Marlgate Manor, the evening takes a sinister turn indeed! The race is on to find the killer. The only problem? The clues and motives make absolutely no sense to anyone. While the bizarre group frantically tries to unmask the murderer, people are implicated, stories are questioned and pure mayhem follows. To find out who committed the crime, you’ll just have to come and see the show for yourself!

“This is an exceptionally silly play, fun and fast paced. It is the perfect piece to just sit back and let yourself be immersed in laughter,” says director Emma Phillips, “We have gathered some of the best local actors and crafted a stunning backdrop and beautiful period costumes. It took 20 years to bring this play to the stage, and we’re thrilled to bring this theatrical experience to the community”.

The cast of local performers includes Earl Sacrey, James Currie, Beth Bussotti, Rachel Thompson, Allen Hutchings, Fritz Ruttan, Nancy Jamieson, Shaman Johann, Rachel Walker-Brown and Lauren Rodrigues.

‘But Why Bump Off Barnaby?’ will take place at the Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre (100 Clearbrook Trail, Bracebridge) from May 6^th-9^th at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee also on May 9th. Tickets are $30 for general audience, with a discount for groups of 10+ and HTC members. They can be purchased at theatremuskoka.ca.

The post Check Out ‘But Why Bump Off Barnaby?’ From May 6th-9th In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

This year’s theme—“The Arts Are In Our Nature”—invites audiences and visitors to explore and discover their own creative spirit through inspiring performances and shared artistic moments.

From concerts to lakeside movie nights, the 2026 season is bursting with opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to shine.

Returning favourites include legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Jim Cuddy (2 shows), the enchanting Holly Cole, acclaimed comedian Ron James, Canadian icon Steven Page, country legends The Good Brothers, and the return of William Prince, bringing his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and country gospel.

Audiences can revisit iconic albums with Classic Albums Live: Hotel California. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live recreates legendary records live—note for note, cut for cut—with world-class musicians. CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! returns for two epic sing-along shows celebrating the hits of the ’80s and ’90s. Additional tribute highlights include The Last Waltz (The Band), Oh So Sweet (Gordon Lightfoot), and Whiskey Jack (Stompin’ Tom Connors).

The season also showcases outstanding Canadian talent, including the eclectic Rheostatics, Celtic fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, maritime troubadour Adam Baldwin, and Toronto indie legends Lowest of the Low, celebrating the 35th anniversary of their seminal album Shakespeare My Butt.

Programming continues to include unique venues. Hillside Farm will host MORE BARN!: The Music of Neil Young for two nights, spearheaded by local favourite Tobin Spring, as well as a performance by multi-JUNO Award-winning banjo player Kaia Kater.

Classical music lovers can look forward to the return of The Elmer Iseler Singers, joined by Vancouver’s renowned Bergmann Piano Duo for a dynamic program including selections from West Side Story. In August, local pianist Kyung-A Lee returns with a stunning candlelight concert celebrating iconic film music.

History and storytelling take centre stage with the return of Tom Thomson’s Wake, a musical exploring the life and mysterious death of the famed Canadian artist. Legendary broadcaster Alan Cross will also present an engaging talk featuring stories from his career and insights into the evolution of modern music.

Comedy fans can enjoy Yuk Yuk’s On Tour at Canvas Brewing, while the Cottage Country Drag Festival returns with a vibrant showcase featuring the Spice Queens, Karamilk, and performers from Muskoka’s drag community. For families, Dogs Do Magic promises an unforgettable mix of magic, comedy, and canine hijinks.

The festival also features a wide range of community events. Nuit Blanche North returns as a one-night, multi-arts street festival transforming downtown Huntsville. Movie on the Docks offers a unique boat-in cinema experience, with films projected on a double-sided screen for audiences on land and water.

On June 21, HfA will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at River Mill Park, featuring performances and activities that honour Indigenous culture and heritage. Canada Day celebrations include the 2026 Canoe Mural Project, where graffiti artists reinterpret the works of Tom Thomson on canoes.

Additional highlights include the Huntsville ART CRAWL (June 1–August 30), and Dancing on the Docks, a free weekly event featuring live music and dance instruction every Thursday evening.

HfA will also partner with ISKCON Muskoka to present a free concert with Delhi 2 Dublin at River Mill Park, featuring food, family-friendly activities, and a Bhangra dance class ahead of the performance.

“The theme of our summer season is The Arts Are In Our Nature” says Dan Watson, Executive Director of Huntsville Festival of the Arts. “We hope our season invites artists and audiences alike to reflect on importance of the arts—within themselves, in their community, and in the beauty of this place we call home..”

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 5 at 10:00 AM. Early access is available starting April 22 through the “Friend of the Festival” membership, which also includes a 15% discount on Festival shows and additional perks.

Memberships are available now. Once purchased, members can buy tickets online at huntsvillefestival.ca or by calling the box office at 705-789-4975.

The Huntsville Festival of the Arts is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, members, and government funders. For more information, a full event listing, or to purchase tickets, visit www.huntsvillefestival.ca.

2026 Huntsville Festival of the Arts Summer Programming

●       Huntsville ART CRAWL | June 1- August 30 | Downtown Huntsville

●       National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21 | River Mill Park

●       Yuk Yuk’s On Tour | June 27, July 31 @ 8pm | Canvas Brewing

●       Movie on the Docks | June 28 @ 9pm, August 2, @ 8:30pm | Town Docks

●       2026 Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition | July 1 | River Mill Park

●       Dancing on the Docks | July 2-August 13 (Thursday) @7pm | Town Docks

●       Adam Baldwin | July 2  @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Rheostatics | July 3 @ 7:30 pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Dogs Do Magic | July 4 @ 2pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       HfA Nature Arts Camp | July 6-10 |Sandhill Nursery

●       The Elmer Iseler Singers & The Bergmann Piano Duo | July 9 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Holly Cole | July 10 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Tom Thomson’s Wake | July 11 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Oh So Sweet: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot | July 12 @ 2 pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Music at Noon Series | July 13-17 @ 12pm | Trinity United Church

●       The Last Waltz: Celebrating the Music of the Band | July 16 @ 7:30 pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       William Prince | July 17 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Nuit Blanche North | July 18 | 8pm-2am | Downtown Huntsville

●       HfA Music & Dance Camp | July 20-24 | HfA Studio

●       MORE BARN!: The Music of Neil Young | July 20 & 21 @ 7:30pm | Hillside Farm

●       Kaia Kater | July 22 @ 7:30pm | Hillside Farm

●       Ron James | July 23 @ 7:30 pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Cottage Country Drag Festival | July 24 & 25 | Algonquin Theatre

●       Steven Page | July 25 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Whiskey Jack: The Songs of Stompin’ Tom | July 26 @ 2pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       The Jim Cuddy Band | July 28 & 29 | Algonquin Theatre

●       Lowest of the Low | July 30 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       August 1 | Delhi 2 Dublin @ 8pm | River Mill Park

●       Story Time and Song | August 6 @ 11am | HfA Studio

●       The Good Brothers | August 6 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Classic Albums Live: Hotel California | August 7 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       Candlelight Concert: Kyung-A Lee | August 8 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Presents: Epic 80’s Sing-Along | August 9 @ 2pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Presents: Epic 90’s Sing-Along | August 9 @ 7:30pm | Algonquin Theatre

●       HfA Summer Drama Camp | August 10-14 | Algonquin Theatre

●       An Evening with Alan Cross  | August 13 @ 7:30pm | Canvas Brewery

●       Ashley MacIsaac | August 15 @ 7:30 pm | Algonquin Theatre

The post Huntsville Festival Of The Arts Announces 2026 Summer Season appeared first on Muskoka411.

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By signing up for the marathon, happening Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19,
2026, at the Port Sydney Community Hall and online via Zoom, you will also help
celebrate the nonprofit event’s 25th anniversary.

“This year marks an entire quarter century of toiling over our keyboards for 72 hot
summer hours, annually, and raising tens of thousands of dollars to fund literacy,
numeracy, computer skills, English as a Second Language, and more, in Muskoka,”
says KM Wehrstein, a novel marathon alumnus and convenor for the milestone
event. “The emotional and creative payoff is something that has been described so
well by so many writers – for many it has been life-changing. Literary careers –
including one for an international best-selling author – have been started here. Why
is this year the perfect time for you to jump in? Because it’s this year. The time to
start is now.”

The Muskoka Novel Marathon brings together both new and experienced writers for
an intense and exciting weekend. Participants write around the clock, building
momentum, breaking through self-doubt, and producing a substantial piece of work
in just three days – all in a supportive, creative, and focused environment.

Writers can register to participate in person ($100) or virtually ($25), but space is
limited. Only 40 in-person spots are available – and they fill quickly. Early registration
helps ensure your seat – literally – as a new online seat selection option is now
available. In-person registration includes meals, coffee, tea, and Muskoka-sourced
spring water. Special 25th anniversary T-shirts and tumblers are available for
participants to purchase as keepsakes.

Participants can compete in two categories: Best Novel and, now in its second year,
Best Spanish Language Novel. Writers can work solo or in pairs and may bring a
one-page outline to guide their story. While submitting a manuscript at the end for
judging is optional, participants are encouraged to take the leap.
A panel of judges – such as editors, librarians, and professional writers – will review
submissions, offering feedback. The grand prize? The winning manuscript is sent
directly to a publisher or literary agent for review.

Beyond writing and prizes, though, the marathon has a fundamental purpose: to
support writers in helping readers. Funds raised through registration fees – and
pledges collected by participants – will support YMCA Simcoe Muskoka’s adult
literacy supports and services in Huntsville and area. Participants will have access to
fundraising tools, templates, and donor incentives. Top fundraisers can earn prizes –
including guaranteed entry into the 2027 marathon.

“Literacy is directly tied to employment and income. It also impacts health,
independence and quality of life – but we know that the demand for literacy far
outweighs the participation,” says Brent McIntosh, Site Manager of Learning
Services for YMCA Simcoe-Muskoka in Huntsville. He said about one-third of people in Muskoka are affected by low literacy in some
way.

“If support like the Muskoka Novel Marathon didn’t exist, we would likely see fewer
programs and longer waitlists, reduced one-on-one support, and less outreach and
visibility. Adults in our community could remain stuck,” said McIntosh. “This
partnership ensures that literacy services remain not just available, but strong,
responsive, and rooted in the community.”

Reading, writing, English-language skills, basic math and digital literacy are essential
life skills that help newcomers, job seekers, adults with barriers to education, and
others gain confidence, forge connections, and seize new opportunities in
employment or self-employment. These essential services change lives by helping to
unlock a person’s potential. Every dollar raised improves lives, strengthens families,
and builds healthier, more resilient communities.

Whether you’re starting your first novel or finally finishing one, the Muskoka Novel
Marathon offers a powerful mix of creativity, community, and purpose – but don’t
wait. Spots are limited, and the countdown is already on.

To register or learn more, visit MuskokaNovelMarathon.com or follow the Muskoka
Novel Marathon on Facebook.

The post Writers Wanted: Registration Open For 25th Muskoka Novel Marathon appeared first on Muskoka411.

Artists from across the region and beyond are invited to submit proposals for this year’s event, which embraces the theme Into the Wild.

“Into the Wild considers ‘wild’ as both landscape and state of being,” says Artistic Dan Watson. “We are inviting artists to explore the untamed—within nature, within ourselves, and within the spaces we inhabit—blurring the boundaries between control and chaos, restraint and release, and the forces that pull us between order and freedom.”

Nuit Blanche North encourages bold, imaginative, and interactive projects that engage audiences and activate public space. Organizers are particularly interested in works that foster participation and reflect the unique character of the Muskoka/Parry Sound region.

The exhibition area spans downtown Huntsville, including Main Street from the swing bridge to Centre Street, bounded by Minerva Street to the south and River Mill Park to the north. Main St. will be closed to traffic between Centre St. and Brunel Rd. Local businesses, cultural organizations, and community spaces are encouraged to take part by opening their doors and hosting artistic programming throughout the night.

The call is open to individual artists and collectives of all disciplines and experience levels. Selected projects must be site-specific, free to the public, and accessible throughout the duration of the event.

Deadline for applications is April 24, 2026 at 5pm
Application deadline and submission details can be found at huntsvillefestival.ca

About Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) has been enriching the cultural life of Muskoka for 33 years, presenting a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and community-engaged artistic experiences.

The post Call For Artists: Nuit Blanche North 2026 Huntsville Invites Creators To Go Into The Wild appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Orillia is proud to welcome home one of Canada’s most influential thinkers,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Don Tapscott’s work continues to shape how we understand and navigate the digital world, and this event offers a unique opportunity for our community to engage directly with ideas that are defining the future. We’re excited to host this conversation right here in Orillia.”

As the Executive Chairman and CEO of Blockchain Research Institute, Tapscott is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the impact of technology on business and society. He has authored more than a dozen bestselling books on the digital age, and his TED Talk has been viewed more than 15 million times. His distinguished career also includes roles as an Adjunct Professor at INSEAD, Chancellor Emeritus at Trent University, and Member of the Order of Canada.

His latest book introduces the concept of “Identic AI,” described as the next era of artificial intelligence, where technology shifts from being a tool to becoming an active participant in human potential and productivity. By welcoming global thought leaders like Don Tapscott, the City continues to position Orillia as a hub for forward-thinking ideas, entrepreneurship, and meaningful dialogue on the technologies shaping our future

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of Canada’s foremost thinkers on the future of technology. Tickets are free and must be reserved in advance through the Orillia Opera House Box Office. To learn more or register, visit orilliaoperahouse.ca or call the Box Office at 705-326-8011.

The post Don Tapscott Returns To Orillia For Keynote And Book Launch appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Huntsville Art CRAWL is a free, self-guided art tour that allows visitors to explore local businesses, galleries, and studios featuring exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive experiences by local artists. Thousands of visitors participate each year, supporting local businesses and purchasing art from regional artists. This year, in response to community feedback, the Art CRAWL will extend throughout the summer, increasing visibility for artists and businesses alike.

“The Art CRAWL has become a Muskoka summer tradition for Downtown Huntsville,” says HfA Executive Director Dan Watson. “We’re thrilled to once again extend the CRAWL throughout the summer months from June to August. This increased timeframe offer more opportunities to highlight the amazing businesses and artists in our community while attracting more visitors to our beautiful downtown.”

Benefits of Participation

For Businesses:

●      Featured as an official stop on the Huntsville Art CRAWL

●      Inclusion in advertising and the Huntsville Art CRAWL website

●      Negotiated commissions on the sale of artwork

●      Increased visitation and promotional support from HfA

●      Businesses must provide space for art display and coordinate with artists during May 2026

For Artists:

●      Artwork on display from June 1 to August 30, 2026

●      Increased exposure and community recognition

●      Opportunities for increased sales

●      Advertising and promotional support from HfA

●      Artist spotlight video (filming dates May 2 & 3, 2026)

●      Opportunities to lead workshops and give public presentations

Application Details

●      Deadline to submit interest: April 16, 2026

●      No fee to participate

●      Artists can apply through the Artist Application Form [HERE]

●      Businesses can apply through the Business Intake Form [HERE]

Special Events

●      Wednesday Walkabouts (Every Wednesday in June): Join an organized group walk through downtown Huntsville to explore the Art CRAWL, featuring artist meet-and-greets, prizes, music, and a social gathering at a local restaurant or bar.

●      Artist Demonstrations: Watch local artists create live outdoor paintings in downtown Huntsville.

●      Canoe Mural Project: Street Art Edition: On Canada Day, celebrate in Downtown Huntsville as artists transform real canoes into bold, street-art inspired works influenced by the iconic landscape paintings of Tom Thomson.

●      Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery Tours: Enjoy self-guided and facilitated tours of Huntsville’s stunning Group of Seven & Tom Thomson outdoor murals throughout the summer.

The Huntsville Art CRAWL is presented by the Huntsville Festival of the Arts with support from the Huntsville Downtown BIA and community partners, including the Huntsville Art Society. The Canoe Murals project is made possible through the support of Algonquin Outfitters through their annual Paddle Art Auction.

For more information and updates, please visit huntsvillefestival.ca or huntsvilleArtCRAWL.ca.

The post Applications Now Open For The 2026 Huntsville Art CRAWL appeared first on Muskoka411.

Following a full and enthusiastic winter session, this new five-week series begins Monday, April 13, running weekly from 5:00–6:30 PM at the Muskoka Music Centre. The program is open to all experience levels — from complete beginners to seasoned singers — and is led by award-winning folk musician Hannah Shira Naiman, known for her warm, inclusive, and community-focused approach.

Participants learn to sing by ear in a relaxed, low-pressure environment, building confidence while exploring the richness of group harmony. Each session introduces accessible techniques that help demystify harmony singing, guiding the group toward a shared, resonant sound by the end of every class.

Songs are drawn from traditions rooted in connection and collective expression, including Shape Note music, Appalachian folk songs, African American gospel, and protest music. The series offers a space not just to learn, but to gather, listen, and experience the grounding and uplifting effects of singing together.

Community members are also invited to get a preview of the program on Monday, March 30 from 6:00–6:30 PM, when participants from the winter session will share what they’ve been working on. This informal, open-house-style gathering offers a chance to experience the class аtmosphere and see what community singing is all about.

Feedback from the winter session highlights the program’s welcoming atmosphere and impact:

“Hannah teaches a fun, low-pressure class where you just listen and sing and enjoy your voice.”

“I’ve never sung in public before… I was intimidated, but I signed up regardless. Hannah made all of us comfortable. Singing with others has been a joyous addition to my life.”

“Hannah is an inspiring presence and an encouraging leader with boundless enthusiasm.”

Program Details:

• Session Length: Five weeks

• Start Date: Monday, April 13

• Time: 5:00–6:30 PM

• Location: Muskoka Music Centre, 1A–15 Manominee Street, Huntsville, ON

• Registration Fee: Sliding scale $75–$100

While the program is designed for adults, children are welcome to accompany parents if childcare is a barrier.

Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

At a time when many are seeking meaningful ways to connect, Muskoka Community Sing offers a space to gather, share breath and voice, and create something beautiful together.

To register or learn more:
hannahshiranaiman.com/community-sing

The post Muskoka Community Sing Returns This Spring — Registration Now Open appeared first on Muskoka411.

As part of its plan to protect Ontario consumers and families, the government is taking action to propose amendments to the Ticket Sales Act, 2017, to combat overpriced ticket resale prices. New legislative changes would make it illegal for tickets to concerts, cultural, sports and other live events in Ontario to be re-sold for more than their original cost. These new measures would protect fans and consumers from exploitative, professional resellers who artificially drive up ticket prices and help ensure all Ontarians have the opportunity to attend premier live events across the province.

The post Ontario Is Banning Overpriced Sports, Concert And Live Event Resale Tickets appeared first on Muskoka411.

That night cemented the opera house as a key part of Gravenhurst. The town finally had something that would put it on the map. Since then, many important moments have happened in the grand theatre. Whether it was the revival of summer theatre by actor John Holden in 1934, Donald Sutherland making his acting debut on the stage in 1956, or the opera house welcoming Rhonda Way, the Currie Brothers, Grant Tingey & Family, Timberbeast Productions and many others to help celebrate its 125th anniversary this month, the importance of the building to the community has remained the same.

The Impact Of The Opera House On The Community

Over the years, many different events have taken place at the opera house.

Birthdays, celebrations of life, weddings, commencement ceremonies, pancake breakfasts, electoral candidates debates, musical performances, dance recitals – you name it, the Gravenhurst Opera House has hosted it.

“It really is the community hub,” Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “I don’t think that there is one person in this community that hasn’t had an opportunity to celebrate in some way or have some type of fellowship at the opera house.”

Theatre Programming and Community Events Coordinator Holly Carney, who became involved with the opera house as a stage hand in 1999 when she joined the Gravenhurst High School drama club, says the building is an important asset when it comes to mental health and wellness.

“Sometimes people forget how much joy can help you with your mental health,” Carney said.

“When you can get people out or when they make the effort to get out. I think they have a really heartwarming experience coming here. People go up to the bar and the staff remember they like four ice cubes in their drink of choice even if they don’t see them often. Moments like that are what make this place so special.”

“People forget how much joy can help with your mental health.”

Holly Carney

For many, these heartwarming experiences have come in the form of watching family perform on stage, watching the careers of actors and writers take off or watching visions come to life.

For Judy Humphries, head of the Gravenhurst Archives, her heartwarming experience was seeing plays written by Globe and Mail journalist John Ibbitson, who had attended Gravenhurst High School during Humphries’ time teaching there.

“Knowing he’d written the play and going and watching it and realizing it wasn’t just an average calibre experience, but that this guy really had something. I was an English teacher, so I definitely appreciated theatre and just going and seeing that.”

It wasn’t just seeing the career of someone she knew take off that brought Humphries joy at the opera house. Seeing the careers of the various actors that graced that stage was special to her too.

“Going and seeing plays at the opera house where one minute I’m watching a really moving play with people I’m really enjoying seeing act, and then three weeks later I turn on the television and there she is again or there he is again. Those are memories that I really treasure about the opera house.”

Earl Sacrey, the drama teacher at Gravenhurst High School, says the opera house has been a big part of his personal and professional life.

“The opera house is a fantastic partner with the school, and has been forever,” Sacrey said.

“We’ve done an annual haunted house there called the Spooktacular that’s been running for 30 years. We do annual shows there for our drama classes. And of course, they’re the big theatre down the street from where I live too, so I’ve gone to see a bunch of shows there. Something between two and five plays there every year.”

For Lorenz, it was seeing her son play guitar at his Christmas concert when he was eight years old that gave the opera house such a special place in her heart.

The Opera House Had A Rocky Past

But things haven’t always been this great for the opera house. Even before opening its doors on that cold night in 1901, the building had faced difficulties.

Originally, many people believed the idea of building an opera house was a mistake. The building was set to replace the town hall that had burnt down three years prior, but many questioned whether the cost of building such an extravagant structure was worth it. This belief caused the opera house to be dubbed “Mickle’s Folly,” a nod to the then mayor Charles Mickle.

“Charles Mickle felt that it was really important that the new town hall had a multi-purpose to it,” Humphries said. “He wanted it to be a place where there would be council meetings, but also a place where plays and concerts could take place.”

Humphries said that the nickname “Mickle’s Folly” didn’t phase the mayor one bit.

“He knew that it was going to be an important building. No other community in Muskoka had that, and they still don’t. We should consider ourselves lucky that Mickle thought that an opera house was a good idea.”

This wasn’t the only trouble that the opera house faced. On Feb. 23, 1993, its doors were closed by the Ministry of Labour after officials cited potential structural problems with the roof. Engineers brought in by the Town of Gravenhurst found that the roof was structurally sound, but not up to building codes.

During the two-year period that the opera house was closed, the town chose to invest over $3 million, which had been raised by an Opera House Renovation Committee, in order to make improvements to the building’s interior and roof. When the doors to the opera house reopened on Feb. 24, 1995, the building saw a full house.

“The opera house was built to last. It’s just incredible that we have it here,” Humphries said.

Plans For A Grand 125th Anniversary Celebration

In order to celebrate such a big milestone, Carney says that the opera house has a slew of events planned.

“For the 125th anniversary, we thought we would schedule as many people and voices as possible, not a normal show that people attend. We are planning something wild where everyone’s got three minutes, so it will be a combination of music, live theatre, and monologuing all night.”

The fun kicked off on March 12 with a day full of community-focused events, symbolizing the importance of the opera house to the community. Performances that night included an appearance by Miranda Mulholland, a JUNO-nominated singer, songwriter and fiddler who is the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Mickle.

The festivities continue on March 13, with a performance from alternative rock band Crash Test Dummies. The JUNO award winning group, who the opera house’s website describes as “one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history,” is set to perform many of their chart topping hits from the 1990s.

The anniversary celebrations come to an end on March 14, with a community market taking place in Heritage Square in front of the opera house during the day. That night, performances from singer-songwriter duo Chantal and Raine, who have co-written hits for the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, will help close out the fun.

“It’s pretty awesome, this space. We can’t wait to share it with everyone,” Carney said.

“If you think about what the opera house has done, where else could you have done those things? Where else could you have united a community? Hopefully the opera house can be something that lasts not just the next 125 years, but forever.”

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