City: Bancroft

“…AN AMAZING INSIGHT INTO ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS OF ALL TIME. I WAS BLOWN AWAY…” – Ronnie Brown, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts

With years of research and musical analysis at her fingertips, Haley Marie delivers a world-class performance about four lads, how they rose to incredible fame, their connection to classical music and how they changed the world forever.

Becoming the Beatles is definitely not a tribute act. It’s a show about four boys: one born during an air raid, one who had to reverse the strings on his guitar to make sense of it, one who stayed up late practicing with tears in his eyes and another who couldn’t read or write until he was eight. It’s also the story of a visionary young producer who was desperate to find his way out of the ‘comedy division’ at Parlophone records.

Haley Marie’s in-depth analysis reveals the re-awakening of a world devastated by war, the genius of oppressed musicians in the Deep South, the unexpected inspiration from the classical greats and the heartbreak from the death of the band’s biggest idol.

Haley Marie is a touring musician, a producer and holds a Master’s of Music from Yale University. She is a three-time Carnegie Hall performer, a music historian and brings this live musical documentary to the stage with an intimate and captivating acoustic duo.

Hear first-hand how the band used flour and water to fasten their logo to the side of their van en route to Germany. How that same band was turned down by 80% of the English recording market yet defied the odds to become the most successful musical group in history.

Directed by Mary-Lu Zahalan, the world’s first graduate in the Beatles Master’s Program (Liverpool)

Tickets are $35 HST. May 4th, 2024 @ 2pm & 7pm.

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

Underpaid, under appreciated, and underfunded first responders are true selfless heroes who commit themselves to serve their communities. Andrew Irving has launched a tour and song called, Hometown Heroes to encourage and uplift them to keep fighting. He’s teaming up with major artists, venues, and restaurants to rally behind these incredible heroes and if only for one day truly honour, love, and show gratitude to these tireless workers.

Andrew is delighted to be playing the BVP with Ken Tizzard and Music For Goats! Formed in 2016, Music for Goats consists of Ken Tizzard on guitar and vocals, alongside talented Canadian musicians; Ken Grain (Bass), and Neil Lucy (guitar).

Their sound is a mix of country, rock and folk, with lyrics that are often introspective and deeply personal. With the recent passing of their former drummer Steve Dagg, the band has decided to release a series of singles under the title “THE DAGG SESSIONS” which will include all the drum tracks recorded with Steve before his passing in March of 2023. The first single, Drunk Stoned and Broke, (May 6th, 2023) is a catchy and upbeat track that tells the story of a wild night with friends and enemies and the well-known consequences. The song features Tizzard’s signature Gretsch sound and powerful vocals, along with a driving drum beat and infectious guitar riffs. The following songs that were released included Pain Free Living (I Like To Get High), and A Dollar a Day.

Ken Tizzard is a Canadian singer-songwriter, bassist and producer, known for his work as a member of the popular Canadian bands The Watchmen, Thornley and Ron Hynes. In 2003 Ken went into semi-retirement from the rock and roll world to continue to work in the music industry as a solo artist and producer. He has released several albums, including Lost In Awe and No Dark No Light, which showcase his talent as a songwriter and musician.

Come on out to support a great cause and jam out to an incredible evening of live music!

TICKETS ARE $35.00 HST, or $25 HST for first responders.
Playing Saturday, May 18th at 7pm!

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

Featuring a blend of acoustic instruments, rural soundscapes, and wistful vocals, Great Lake Swimmers are a critically acclaimed indie-folk group led by songwriter/vocalist Tony Dekker with a revolving backing band. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the group emerged with a succession of heavily atmospheric albums recorded in old silos and rural country churches. The music has developed that pastoral warmth over subsequent albums through a continued vision to record and perform in acoustically unique and historical locales. They are renowned for their homespun folk and lush, intimate Americana in their live shows.

Great Lake Swimmers celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2023 with “Uncertain Country,” an album where doubts are followed by discovery, demos end up as finished tracks, and themes of new beginnings, rear-view reflections, and ruminations on the fluidity of time form the basis of the eleven new songs.

It follows a prolonged period of collective anxiety. Recorded in different locales—and with a variety of musicians—a theme of questioning runs throughout. Even before the world turned upside down, Dekker felt mired in uncertainty: from the climate crisis to the ever-changing political landscape. The “uncertain country” chosen as the album’s theme is not a specific place. Rather, it’s a territory we, as humans, inhabit in the 21st century — a world that, more often than not, is confusing, unfamiliar and unsettling.

“Moonlight, Stay Above” epitomizes what Great Lake Swimmers represents. A 10-voice strong women’s choir lifts the lonely-sounding and wistful song up. As with that addition, the band on each album is fluid and always evolving.

Great Lake Swimmers were shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize and nominated twice for Canada’s Juno Awards, with the CBC calling them “a national treasure.”

Select reviews for “Uncertain Country” (2023):

“A stunning variety of tones and textures… nothing less than both cerebral and sublime.” – American Songwriter, 4/5

“Dekker’s preoccupation with the Canadian state of mind flourishes in his lyrics. Few songwriters are able to convey the country’s harsh beauty as well. … Canadian folk tradition personified in the 21st century.” – Exclaim!

“It floats from country to folk to indie rock and back again, painting a sharp-toothed but achingly beautiful portrait of both the natural world and the human condition.” – New Noise Magazine, Best Of 2023

“An ‘elsewhere’ where uncertainties and anxieties are often the most willing to make waves…Americana which strives to deal with traumas through padded atmospheres.” – Rolling Stone France

“This collection of songs examines the passage of time masterfully… ‘Uncertain Country’ stands as some of the strongest & most consistent work by one of Canada’s best bands.” – Great Dark Wonder

“A minimalist, atmospheric compendium of songs with a sonic environment the listener can easily get lost in.” – The Vue

Learn more at greatlakeswimmers.com.

Tickets are $37.50 HST
Playing Saturday, May 25th, doors open at 6:30, show at 7pm.

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

John Prine is widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. Essentially creating the “Americana” & “Roots” genres of music with his mixture of Country, contemporary & Folk music.

The 4-time Grammy Award winner & Lifetime achievement recipient was known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as his serious songs with social commentary and songs that recollect sometimes melancholy tales from his life.

According to songwriter Bob Dylan, “Prine’s stuff is pure Prussian existentialism, midwestern mind trips to the nth degree… And he writes beautiful songs…”

Join us as we celebrate & elaborate on the beautiful songs of one of the finest songwriters of our generation. “In Spite of Ourselves” brings together some fine Canadian songwriters & friends of various genres, to enjoy stories and songs about the fabulous John Prine. They’ll be bringing the audiences along and having them join in the fun with stories and song.

Join Blair Packham (The Jitters), Bill Craig (The Irish Rovers) Kirsten Jones & 2 X JUNO nominee Johnny Max, as they perform and present their favourite and quirky John Prine Songs.

Playing at the Bancroft Village Playhouse on Friday, May 31st at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets are $35.00 HST

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

Born and raised in Bancroft, Alysha began singing with her family at the age of 2. As a teenager she learned how to play both piano and guitar by ear which would later aide in constructing songs. In 2020, she began writing and producing original songs, releasing her first EP in September 2021, and her first full length album ‘Wildflowers’ in September 2023. From that album, the song ‘Look To Me’ was nominated for Canada’s GMA Covenant Award ‘Canadian Christian Song of the Year’, 2023. Alysha has also been part of Disciple A City Music in Peterborough, writing songs for the local churches and occasionally leading worship with them across Canada.

Alysha’s songs tell stories of struggle, surrender, and her deep confidence in Jesus. Her journey of transformation can be read between the lines of each lyric. She hopes that they would lead people to a place of deep, personal encounter with the living God who deeply loves us and wants a relationship with us. There will also be a merch table with sweaters and CDs (cash, cheque or e-transfer).

Come on out for a beautiful evening of inspiring music by a very talented local artist!

TICKETS ARE $25 HST!
Playing Saturday, June 8th – doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm.

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

Created by Lindsay Kyte and Mike Ross
Featuring the music of Rita MacNeil
Arrangements by Mike Ross

June 12th to 16th, 2024

DEAR RITA is a musical celebration of Cape Breton’s first lady of song, Rita MacNeil — an iconic Canadian storyteller who invited us to see ourselves in her music. Rita herself said her life story is “something you could pretty well put anyone into. It’s about one person, but so many of us could be there.” Cape Breton playwright Lindsay Kyte was chosen by Rita’s son, Wade Langham, to develop this show, featuring a cast of six and band, and new, re-imagined arrangements of Rita’s music by PEI composer/musician Mike Ross.

Through her career MacNeil was at the time the best selling country artist in Canada, received five honorary degrees, released 24 albums, won three Juno Awards, a SOCAN National Achievement Award, four CCMA awards, eleven ECMA awards, was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and was named to the Orders of Nova Scotia and Canada.

From Rita’s popular hits to the lesser-known songs that made her bandmates cry like babies, DEAR RITA weaves Rita’s lyrics into new perspectives and invites her spirit into the room as her songs live on through our own experiences. Who is “Rita” in this show? It’s not one person. We all are — everyone on that stage, everyone in the audience, and everyone whose hearts she has touched with the musical prayers of her people.

Created by Lindsay Kyte and Mike Ros, featuring the music of Rita MacNeil with arrangements by Mike Ross. The cast includes actor-musicians who both sing and play instruments, channeling MacNeil’s stories and spirit through their own identities as opposed to a literal depiction of the Canadian icon herself.

Dear Rita was commissioned and first produced by the Confederation Centre of the Arts for the Charlottetown Festival in 2021. It was developed with dramaturgical support from Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre.
Dear Rita is produced by permission of the Creators and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers). www.MQlit.ca. 

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

July 17th to 28th, 2024

Book by Donald Harron
Music by Norman Campbell
Adapted from the novel by L. M. Montgomery

Canada’s longest running and most popular musical Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™ is making its way to Bancroft this summer for a stunning new production on the Village Playhouse stage!

Based on the beloved novel by L.M. Montgomery, Anne follows the precocious and imaginative Anne Shirley as she captures the hearts and minds of her newfound family and neighbours – simply by virtue of her own pluck and personality. This original, glorious adaptation – now firmly embedded in Canadian national culture and the musical theatre canon – continues to enrapture audiences around the world with its rich score and a rare, affecting story for all ages. The longest running annual theatre production in the world, Anne is sure to delight the whole family!

Anne Shirley is a freckle-faced, red-haired orphan who arrives at the Bright River Railway Station full of hope for a new life. When she arrives at Green Gables, the home of brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, Anne is devastated when she discovers that the elderly couple is expecting a boy from the orphanage… With her fiery temper, love of melodrama and romance, and penchant for misadventure, she brings laughter, love, and more than a little consternation to the Cuthberts’ quiet lives. In return, Anne finds the happiness and the home she has longed for all her life.

With our largest cast yet, beautiful costumes by Jocelyn Perry, and stunning sets designed by Bancroft’s own Mary Williams, Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ is a humorous, touching, and truly athletic musical that will inspire your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and mesmerize you with both graceful and exhilarating singing and dancing.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES-THE MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

RELAXED PERFORMANCE: Sunday, July 28th @ 2 PM will be a relaxed performance of Anne of Green Gables for anyone who may enjoy a calmer theatre environment. Relaxed performances were initially designed to make theatre spaces more comfortable and welcoming to audience members with autism spectrum disorders, sensory and communication disorders or learning disabilities. Other audience members who may benefit from Relaxed Performances include parents with toddlers, people with Tourette’s syndrome, people who experience anxiety, or even people who just don’t enjoy the conventions that are experienced in a traditional theatre setting. Some relaxed performances include adjustments to the technical elements of the show (for example, reducing the volume on loud sound cues or removing strobing lighting effects or full blackouts), leaving lights on in the audience throughout the show, allowing audience members to leave the theatre and return at any point, and assuring patrons that noise and movement during the show is acceptable. They can also include the actors introducing themselves before the show and leading a pre-show discussion about any elements of the performance that patrons might find surprising or startling (moments of staged violence, actors entering into the audience etc.).For more information on relaxed performances please call the box office or email info@tweedandcompany.com.

Get ready to witness the retellings of the original tales you know and love! On Saturday, August 3rd at 11am, the Bancroft 2024 Summer Youth Camp participants will be showcasing all their newly-acquired acting skills!

These rising stars will be performing some of the most iconic stories – like Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and much more!

With the help of their instructors, they have been practicing their singing, acting, and dancing skills to put together this awesome show for friends and family. So come on out to support their efforts and enjoy a special retelling of these classic tales!

Saturday August 3rd at 11am
Tickets are $10 HST for adults, $5 HST for students/youth!

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

The modern classic is coming to the Bancroft Village Playhouse! Frozen Jr. is the enchanting Disney film-turned-musical you know and love that will be performed by the budding Broadway Junior stars in the Bancroft Summer Teen Camp! Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, the show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, plus five new songs that were written for the Broadway version.

Relive the magical story of true love, acceptance, and friendship between two princess sisters, Anna and Elsa. Together, they’ll undergo a triumphant journey through which they’ll discover their hidden potential and how powerful their sisterly bond really is. A show filled with characters you know and love, lots of humour, and a big sprinkling of magic, Frozen Jr.is going to inspire every audience member to LET IT GO!

The Bancroft Summer Teen Camp participants will wow you with their singing, dancing, and incredible acting calibre. They have been hard at work preparing for this awesome performance for the last two weeks and cannot wait to show off what they have created together! So come on out and support your local rising stars!

Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Book by Jennifer Lee.

Friday, August 16th @ 7 PM and Saturday, August 17th @ 2 PM & 7 PM.

Tickets are $10 HST for adults, $5 HST for students/youth!

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.

August 21st to September 1st, 2024

A Co-Production with DreamCo Theatre

The Tony® Award-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny.

On December 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley assemble at the Sun Record recording studio in Memphis, Tennessee. Established performer Carl Perkins is there to record songs with a new performer, Jerry Lee Lewis. Elvis Presley stops by the studio along with his girlfriend, a singer named Dyanne. Johnny Cash has stopped by to talk to recording impresario Sam Philips. They soon have a jam session together. The rest is history…but there’s more to it than you think…

Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Showcased hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.

Don’t miss what is sure to be the entertainment highlight of the season…MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! This production will be directed by Phil Nero (Director of this year’s smash hit JOSEPH), and will play in both Tweed & Bancroft. Come and see why this show has sold out performances around the world, and continues to be one of the most sought after summer musicals across North America.

Million Dollar Quartet is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com.

*If you require wheelchair or fully accessible seating please call the box office at 613-478-6060.