PREVIEW: Lighthouse Theatre bringing Munsch and Cinderella to March Break stage (Haldimand Press)

By Nick Fearns | The Haldimand Press

March 5, 2026

PORT DOVER—A ‘glass slipper’ and a paper bag princess are set to share the spotlight this March Break at Lighthouse Festival Theatre.

Lighthouse Festival Theatre’s annual March Break programming returns March 17 to 19, 2026 with Fireside Munsch Classics and Cinderella, two high-energy shows designed to entertain children and adults alike at a price point aimed squarely at families.

“We, every March Break, put on children and family programming,” said Don Kearney-Bourque, Marketing and Communications Manager for Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation. “This year, we have two productions that we’re doing.”

The lineup begins Tuesday, March 17 at the Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover with Fireside Munsch Classics at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 60-minute production features a single performer who reimagines four of Robert Munsch’s best-known stories in one whirlwind theatrical experience.

“It’s such a timeless author that not only kids these days still read, but people who are now parents and even grandparents read before,” Kearney-Bourque said.

The show brings 50 Below Zero, PIGS, Something Good, and The Paper Bag Princess to life through physical comedy, big characters, and lively storytelling. Performed as a single, fast-paced play, the production captures the joy, imagination, and mischievous spirit that has made Munsch a household name for generations.

The following day, March 18, Cinderella arrives in Port Dover with performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. before moving to the Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne on March 19 for two shows, also at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Presented by DuffleBag Theatre, Cinderella features a small professional cast who invite audience members to step into starring roles. Children may find themselves cast as Prince Charming.

“They’ll also see if they can get adults up there too,” Kearney-Bourque said. “It actually makes for a very funny and almost improv production because you never know how the person’s going to act on stage and interact with the actors.”

The familiar fairy tale unfolds with comic timing as curfews, lost footwear, and giant pumpkins become opportunities for playful chaos that is focused on kids but fun for the whole family.

“A lot of the jokes that you find in these are obviously geared towards kids, with a slightly adult edge so that the adults come and get it,” Kearney-Bourque said.

Both productions are designed with financial accessibility in mind. Tickets are $17 each or four for $60.

“We feel that that’s a great deal – $60 is a pretty good way to bring four people to the theatre,” Kearney-Bourque said. “We want to make sure that it’s accessible to everybody.”

He added that Lighthouse has kept prices steady in recent years.

“We haven’t raised those prices in the last couple years, despite everything else going up, because we know how challenging it can be for people right now,” he said.

Kearney-Bourque said the theatre offers a simple and memorable outing for families this March Break.

“It’s a great way to … have a fun, fun time at the theatre with your whole family,” he said.

Interest is already building, particularly for the Munsch production.

“We’re certainly noticing that the Munsch show is selling very quickly, and Cinderella is catching up,” Kearney-Bourque said.

In addition to the on-stage entertainment, Lighthouse is partnering with Beach Reads Bookstore to highlight Munsch titles in the theatre lobby, giving families an opportunity to reconnect with the stories that inspired the performance.

“It’s kind of a nice way to share across generational love of books,” Kearney-Bourque said.

Tickets are available online at lighthousetheatre.com, by phone at 1-888-779-7703, or in person at the Port Dover and Port Colborne box offices.

After studying journalism at Niagara College, Nick Fearns began his reporting career immediately after graduation with the Macklin Mirror in Macklin, Saskatchewan. He later returned to Niagara, where he worked for Niagara This Week, writing for seven different newspapers across the peninsula. Nick joined The Haldimand Press in the summer of 2024 and has since focused on community-driven reporting that highlights local voices and issues. He is an Ontario Community Newspaper Association award winner and is passionate about community journalism.