‘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.

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Theatre Is My Passion is HTC’s after school program for children ages 8-18. Participants learn what it takes to put on a theatrical performance and perform a full play as the final product. This year’s production is The Little Mermaid Jr. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr features the hit songs such as “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar winning “Under the Sea.”

Director Christine Robitaille says she is excited to showcase Muskoka’s youth on stage in her third year directing the program.

“These kids have worked so hard and audiences will be truly blown away by their talent! It’s a privilege to see them develop their craft and see their efforts pay off in this amazing show” says Robitaille.

Performances are June 5^th to June 7^th at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (1 High St, Huntsville). There are four performances, three evening shows at 7pm and one matinee at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at huntsvilletheatre.org.

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‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is a Tony Award winning fast-paced, side-splitting musical comedy follows an eccentric group of six overachieving spellers as they compete for the prestigious Putnam County spelling title. Along the way, they candidly reveal hilarious, awkward, and sometimes heartfelt stories from their home lives, grapple with the pressure of competition, and face unexpected challenges like the dreaded “ding” of elimination. But don’t worry even the losers get a juice box!

“What struck me about this show was not only the sublime humour, but the idea of being suspended in the lives of these kids, a spelling bee at age 12 may be the biggest deal of your life so far,” says director Paige Meunier. “Our cast is ready to quite literally lead you through their stories, whether you are lucky enough to be on stage with us as a speller, or along for the ride in the audience. I’m excited to take a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N from reality in sunny Putnam County!”

“Life is better with friends”, proposes Michelle Emson of Theatre Muskoka. “This exciting collaboration with HTC is just the beginning. We look forward to many more great HTC shows at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre.”

The cast of local performers includes Earl Sacrey, Emily Kuehn, Jordan Ross, Allen Hutchings, Laura Lynn Martin, Mark Rodrigues, Nickolas Kulchar, Paige Meunier and Veronica Leonard.

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ will take place at the Rene M Caisse Memorial Theatre (100 Clearbrook Trail, Bracebridge) from May 29th-31st at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee also on May 31st. Recommended 14+ for mature themes. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at theatremuskoka.ca.

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‘Once Upon a Holiday’ is a fun-filled event that takes you and the entire family right into the magic of the holidays! Join us at the library for a day full of pure holiday cheer! There will be live performances with carolling for everyone to join in, story time in Storybook Corner, photo opportunities, crafts and holiday treats!

HTC President Lauren Rodrigues says they are excited to share the holiday spirit with local families.

“This is a wonderful chance for the entire family to come have fun at our local library and enjoy the holiday festivities!” says Rodrigues.

Cara McQueen the Community Engagement Coordinator at HPL says, “We are so happy to once again be partnered with the Huntsville Theatre Company to offer our community unique family-oriented events that leave everyone smiling.”

‘Once Upon a Holiday’ will take place Saturday December 14th, 2024 at the Huntsville Public Library. There are two time slots families can choose from, either 10am-12pm or 1-3pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for Children & Youth or $25 for a Family Pass. They can be purchased at www.huntsvilletheatre.org. For any further inquiries, please email huntsvilletheatrecompany@gmail.com.

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Theatre Is My Passion is HTC’s after school program for children ages 8-18. Participants learn what it takes to put on a theatrical performance and perform a full play as the final product. This year’s production is The BFG. This stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book about the 24-feet-tall Big Friendly Giant and a little orphan called Sophie brings some of Dahl’s most memorable characters to life. The BFG and Sophie team up to save the children of England from the child-eating giants Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, Meatdripper, Childchewer and Gizzardgulper. They are assisted by the Queen of England and the Heads of the Army and Airforce with their helicopters. Locations include the BFG’s cave in Giant Country, Dream Country and Buckingham Palace.

Director Christine Robitaille says she is excited to see this fantastical story come to life on the Algonquin stage.

“The BFG (Marigold Mason) and Sophie (Marlena McIntosh) will surely capture your hearts with this magical story. The whole cast and crew is hard at work getting ready for the show date. We hop to see everyone there to support these amazing youth!” says Robitaille.

Performances are Friday June 14^th to Sunday June 16^th at the Algonquin Theatre. There are four performances, two matinees at 2pm and two evening shows at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased through the Algonquin Theatre at www.algonquintheatre.ca. If you are interested in other HTC events, you can read more on our website at www.huntsvilletheatre.org.

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Murder in a Galaxy Far Far Away is an interactive Star Wars themed murder mystery where everyone works together to solve a deep space murder. Dressing up and/or cosplay is encouraged! Come as your favourite character or create your own Star Wars character! Guests will receive one free drink and appetizers during the event and the Cantina will also be open for a cash bar! May the fourth be with us!

HTC President Lauren Rodrigues says they are excited to partner with the library once again to offer new immersive and interactive experiences.

“We love working with and supporting our local library! We’re constantly asked to do more of these events since everyone really gets into the interactive atmosphere and has an absolute blast!” says HTC President Lauren Rodrigues.

Community Engagement Coordinator Cara McQueen says “HPL continues to champion a collaborative spirit to offer unique and engaging experiences for the community with the Huntsville Theatre Company. The Star Wars-themed murder mystery hopes to attract all the Star Wars fans and murder mystery fans across Muskoka. This year, let’s fully embrace May the 4th!”

Murder in a Galaxy Far Far Away will take place Saturday May 4th, 2024 at the Huntsville Public Library. The event is 19+ and sponsored by Lake of Bays Brewing Co and Bullock’s Independent Grocer. Doors open at 7:00pm and show begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 per person and include one drink ticket and appetizers. They can be purchased at www.huntsvilletheatre.org. For any further inquiries, please email huntsvilletheatrecompany@gmail.com.

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Director Lauren Rodrigues says this gut busting comedy will leave audiences in stitches.

“The interactions and relationships between these characters are hilarious and engaging,” says Rodrigues, “This is the perfect comedy for a pre-Valentine’s Day date or to chase the winter blues away! We’re also thrilled to be performing at Jimmy Joy’s Music Room for the first time and introducing our audiences to this amazing venue!”

The play follows bachelor Bernard in 1960’s Paris. He’s engaged to three stewardesses, without any of them knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay, and complications such as weather and a new, speedier Boeing jet disrupt his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in the city simultaneously. Catastrophe and hilarity ensue, with Robert and Bernard’s long time maid Berthe caught in the middle.

The cast consists of Nick Kulchar, Mark Rodrigues, Rachel Thompson, Laura Lynn Martin, Jordan Ross and Jayne Drinkwater.

Opening night is Thursday, February 8^th, 2024 and the show runs until Saturday, February 10^th, 2024. There are three evening performances at 7:30pm and one matinee at 2pm. Tickets to Boeing Boeing or subscriptions to the HTC 2023/2024 season can be purchased at www.huntsvilletheatre.org.

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Do you know every line of soundtrack? Get ready to belt it out. Celebrate this cult classic with a sing-along during the viewing, supported by the Huntsville Theatre Company.

Get into the seasonal spirit and dress up as your favourite character. The best costume of the night will win a prize!

HTC encourages audience participation but ask that you please be mindful of your props; no toast, rice, prunes, live flame, or water guns/pistols.

Tickets are $20 plus tax and can be purchased online at tickets.algonquintheatre.ca or by calling 705-789-4975.

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Fall for Muskoka is a musical showcase featuring the sounds of four local singer/songwriters: the up-and-comer making big waves everywhere, Carter Pharoah, Huntsville’s Got Talent winner Todd Blair, as well as two local legends, Gina Horswood and Mike “Mighty Lopez” Phillips.  Join us September 16^th at downtown hotspot Music on Main for an intimate show to welcome in the most beautiful time of year in Muskoka.

“This event is the first of its kind for the HTC- a concert series on an outdoor patio, under the twinkle lights of Music on Main. It’s already pretty dreamy; then you add in four incredible local talents, and you’ve got something pretty magical. Muskoka has so much to offer, we’re incredibly lucky with this musical line up”, says producer Dyanna Jacklin. “Throw on your favourite fall sweater and come out for a drink under the stars while falling in love with Carter, Todd, Gina and Lopez.”

Fall for Muskoka takes place Saturday September 16^th at Music on Main (7 Main St W) sponsored by Rogers Cove and Muskoka Traditions and made possible by the United Way’s Community Services Relief Fund. The event starts at 7:30pm (with doors at 7:00pm). Tickets are $25 or $15 for HTC members and can be purchased at https://www.huntsvilletheatre.org

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This is not your typical Christmas Carol. Staged in the tradition of a British Pantomime (informally known as a panto), this type of musical comedy stage production is designed for family entertainment and generally performed during the Christmas and New Year season. Modern pantomime includes songs, slapstick comedy and dancing, employs hilarious gender-crossing actors, and combines topical humour with a story loosely based on a well-known fairy tale. It is a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience can sing along with certain parts of the music and boo and cheer. The production will be directed by local theatre artist Robin Clipsham and is sure to be hit.

The production is seeking expressions of interest from local actors who want to take part. There are 15-20 roles to be filled including those for Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchett, the visiting ghosts and more.

Rehearsals will take place Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons starting October 11th up until the production. Community members ages 10 and up are encouraged to apply by visiting huntsvillefestival.ca and filling out an online form. Please note, these are volunteer roles. Deadline to submit is September 22, 2023.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Huntsville Theatre Company on this wonderful new production.”, notes Dan Watson, Executive Director of Huntsville Festival of the Arts.  “The holiday panto is a well known tradition that offers community members the opportunity to celebrate the holidays, to see their friends and family on stage, and to have some fun. Our Director Robin has many brilliant ideas for the show and we’re looking forward to actors joining us to bring some holiday magic to Downtown Huntsville.”

“Bringing pantomime to the Algonquin Theatre stage for the holidays is a dream come true and will be sure to delight many local families! We’re so happy to work once again with the Huntsville Festival of the Arts to bring theatrical magic to our community” adds Lauren Rodrigues, President of the Huntsville Theatre Company.

For more information on how to submit an expression of interest, please contact Hannah Naiman at hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca or call 705-788-2787

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