May 12, 2026 | Port Dover, ON – Lighthouse Festival continues its 2026 Summer Season with Crees in the Caribbean by acclaimed Canadian playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, a heartfelt comedy about love, culture, and stepping far outside your comfort zone.
The production will be on stage at Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover from June 17 to July 4, followed by performances at Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne from July 8 to July 19.
In Crees in the Caribbean, a long-married Cree couple, Evie (played by Krystle Pederson) and Cecil (played by Lawrence Bayne) Poundmaker, leave their familiar northern life behind to celebrate their anniversary at a tropical Mexican resort. But sun, sand, and relaxation quickly give way to unexpected friendships (including Manuela, played by Andrea Cabeza), cultural misunderstandings, and discoveries about themselves and each other. Funny, touching, and deeply human, the play offers audiences a joyful look at relationships, identity, and the adventure of trying something new at any age.
“I wanted to do an Elder’s love story & comedy,” said playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. “I know plenty of older people who have never been out of the country and thought this might be an interesting way to approach telling an old-fashioned love story. I’ve been to Mexico many times, and I frequently wonder how my grandparents would react. To the best of my knowledge, they never left the county. That was the genesis.”
Taylor, one of Canada’s most celebrated Indigenous playwrights and storytellers, says the play was also an opportunity to share a lighter perspective on Indigenous life and culture.
“I told this story quite a few years ago,” said Taylor. “Personally, as a writer, I like going back and forth between comedies and dramas. I’ve seen so many dark and bleak stories of Indigenous people, and I frequently like to present a more positive and enjoyable peek at our lives. Fish-out-of-water stories are always fun. Also, providing a window for other cultures to see how we live, and vice versa- creating a play to show unusual aspects of the dominant culture. I am a storyteller. I realize the world is the audience. I write stories that tell a truthful perspective. I can’t do anything else.”
Interim Artistic Producer David Leyshon says the production perfectly balances comedy with emotional depth.
“Drew Hayden Taylor has an extraordinary ability to make audiences laugh while also opening the door to meaningful conversations,” said Leyshon. “Crees in the Caribbean is warm, funny, and full of heart, but beneath the comedy is a beautiful exploration of relationships and human connection.”
Leyshon also noted that the play continues Lighthouse Festival’s commitment to bringing distinctly Canadian stories to audiences across Ontario.
“One of the things that makes this play so special is how relatable it feels,” he said. “Whether you’ve travelled the world or never left your hometown, audiences will recognize themselves in these characters. Funny, honest, and incredibly uplifting, it’s a play that will resonate with everyone. We’re proud to bring this Canadian story to both Port Dover and Port Colborne this summer.”
Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2026 season are available now at lighthousetheatre.com or by calling the box office at 1-888-779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
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Direct: 226-290-0070
Cell: 289-541-7410
