March 10, 2026 | NorfolkToday.ca
By Jeremy Hall
The Lighthouse Festival Theatre is preparing to raise the curtain on its annual community production, the musical Curtains, running April 10 to 26 in Port Dover.
The show is directed by David Leyshon, who is also serving as the theatre’s Interim Artistic Producer this season. Leyshon said he was excited to step into the role and support the Lighthouse team.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to come in for the season and support the incredible team at Lighthouse from an artistic perspective. I was very lucky to get asked to come in and just offer that artistic lens, and so far it’s been a pretty incredible experience.”
The musical blends two popular genres — classic Broadway and murder mystery. Set in Boston in 1959, the story follows a theatre troupe trying out a show for Broadway when the leading actress is suddenly found dead. A detective steps in to solve the mystery, leading to a series of comedic twists and backstage chaos.
Leyshon said the show brings together several elements. “It’s sort of a big, giant love letter to the theatre, but also about chasing your dreams, and I think all of those components, on top of it being a great Kander & Ebb score, it’s a hilarious book by Rupert Holmes. I think it gives us all these sorts of incredible elements that make it a super fun musical to work on.”
The production features a large cast made up primarily of community members from across the region, with performers travelling from communities including Brantford and Oakville to take part. “I’ve been blown away by the fact that we had so many people come out who want to be a part of it, who have committed themselves 100% to it, and are just sort of rising to the occasion; they’re bringing all themselves. They’re singing and dancing. They’re doing the full meal deal and it is awesome.”
While the performers are largely local volunteers, the show is supported by Lighthouse’s professional production team, including sets, costumes and direction.
Leyshon added that Curtains appeals to a wide audience. “If you love mysteries, if you love musicals, if you love a story with heart, if you’d love to laugh, I think it has a pretty broad appeal.”
For more show details and tickets, visit Lighthouse Festival website here.
