Port Dover, ON – April 2, 2025 | Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce the exciting cast for its 2025 Summer Season, which promises to be a hilarious, diverse, and entertaining collection of performances. The season will feature five incredible productions, including the world-premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect by Jamie Williams, Mark Crawford’s beloved comedy The New Canadian Curling Club, the classic mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles, the unique and memorable performance of Hidden Treasures, and the unforgettable Here on the Flight Path, both by Norm Foster.
“This year, we have an incredible lineup of plays, all guaranteed to bring joy, humour, and a sense of togetherness to our patrons,” says Jane Spence, Artistic Director of Lighthouse Festival Theatre. “From the world premiere of Pinkerton Comes to Prospect to the heartwarming comedy like The New Canadian Curling Club, this season truly has something for everyone. It’s a celebration of great stories and incredible talent, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it all.”
Cast Announcement
The cast for the five productions has been carefully selected to bring these stories to life. Highlights include:
- The New Canadian Curling Club is a moving and comedic look at new Canadians finding their footing on the curling rink. It features Frank Chung as Mike Chang, Masha Ershadifar as Fatima, Chiamaka Glory as Charmaine Bailey, John Jarvis as Stuart McPhail, and Andrew Prashad as Anoopjeet Singh.
- The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock favourite starring Jonathan Ellul as Watson, Sweeney Macarthur as Jason, and Andrew Scanlon as Javier/Sherlock, all of whom will play 17 different characters.
- Hidden Treasures: Our special presentation of two Norm Foster-penned, one-act plays presented as a single production starring Jennifer Dzialoszynski as Lacy/Cassie, Melanie Janzen as Barb/Angel, David Leyshon as Miles/John, and Stephen Sparks as Bob/Doctor.
- Pinkerton Comes to Prospect: The world premiere of Jamie Williams’ newest work will feature an exciting ensemble cast, including the Norfolk County talent of Ryan Bommarito as Herschel Penkerton, as well as Matt Olver as Doc, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski as Amos, Jessica Sherman as Tallahassee Trigger, and Evelyn Wiebe as Lacy. Directed by Steven Gallagher, this laugh-a-minute western-themed play will have patrons rolling in the aisles and was featured in Lighthouse’s 2025 Play Development Festival.
- Here on the Flight Path: Examining one man’s relationship with three different women over several years, this Norm Foster classic is helmed by director Derek Ritschel and stars Julia Dyan as Fay, Angel and Gwen, and Reid Janisse as John.
Spence continues, “Each of these plays has been chosen for their ability to make us laugh and connect with one another, and I can’t wait to see the joy they bring to the stage. I’m so excited for this journey and look forward to celebrating the magic of live theatre with our patrons.”
Cast Reactions
Andrew Prashad, who plays Anoopjeet Singh in The New Canadian Curling Club, shares, “On their way home, the audiences will hopefully be thinking about the jokes and humour, but also how showing empathy for other people who are different, is a good thing in helping us understand one another.” He continues, “I love that my character is an honest, hardworking person who is trying to bring a smile to other people’s faces while doing his best for his family.”
Frank Chung, who portrays Mike Chang in The New Canadian Curling Club, adds, “I think audience members will be thinking a lot about what it truly means to be Canadian in an increasingly diverse world, but they will perhaps also think about how much it would cost to attend a Learn to Curl session!”
Mark Crawford, the playwright of The New Canadian Curling Club, explains, “This play originally premiered in 2018. Sitting here in 2025, it strikes me that a story about immigration, prejudice, and national identity is more relevant than ever. With threats to our sovereignty, many Canadians are taking a closer look at who we are and what we stand for. Lots of us are experiencing a renewed sense of patriotism. (Elbows up!) But despite all her great qualities, Canada isn’t perfect. As a theatre-maker, though, that’s the good stuff: conflict! I’m excited for you to meet these characters as they learn to curl, face challenges in a new land, and attempt to change and grow.” He continues, “I hope The New Canadian Curling Club tickles your funny bone. I also hope it makes you reflect on this great country we call home. Thanks for supporting Canadian culture. Enjoy the show. Hurry hard!”
Sweeney MacArthur, who plays Jason in The Hound of the Baskervilles, says, “I think the type of person that is going to love this show is the type of person that uses a funny voice to talk to their pets at home, then uses a different funny voice to answer!” He adds, “What I love most about my character in this show is there’s a dozen of them!”
This summer, Lighthouse Festival continues its legacy of offering funny, captivating, world-class performances in lakeside Port Dover and Port Colborne. The 2025 Summer Season promises to deliver unforgettable theatre moments, and the team is eager to welcome audiences back for another year of exceptional comedy.
Subscriptions and single tickets for the 2025 summer season are now on sale. For more information, visit www.lighthousetheatre.com or contact the box office at (888) 779-7703.
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival 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, cast interviews and further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410
www.lighthousetheatre.com
