Morrisburg Ontario’s Upper Canada Playhouse will spotlight theater and music with a 2022 season filled with the kind of performances that have made Eastern Ontario’s popular professional theater the entertainment choice of more than 40,000 local customers and visitors every year.

The season includes live concerts in the spring and fall, summer comedies and a Christmas musical family show, all performed by some of the country’s top talent on a stage where everyone is close to the action. He hopes to keep audiences laughing, engaged, surprised and tapping their feet all year long.

After playing to an audience of 10,000 in its shortened season last fall, the theater is once again offering a full season of seven shows from May to December, including three world premiere productions.

“People are so ready for this,” said art director Donnie Bowes. “We are all. We are providing what people need right now, a chance to escape into a world of live entertainment and let go of our worries to laugh and listen to music.

rock all night

The season starts in style from May 10 to 22 with Rock all night, a live gig engineered by Chris McHarge that brought past hits such as Johnny and June. It celebrates the music and lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper, three of the hottest rock ‘n’ roll stars of the 1950s. Featuring Aaran Solomon and a dynamic live band, you’ll hear hits like that It will be the day, Peggy Sue, Not Fade Away, Donna, LaBamba, Chantilly Lace, and much more.

Doris and Ivy at home

Kicking off the summer season June 2-26 will be the premiere of Norm Foster’s new show Doris and Ivy at home. Like Foster’s old hit, Jonas and Barry at home, it takes place in a nursing home but has a completely different story and characters. Doris, a retired prison guard, is new to the house and soon befriends Ivy, a former ski champion. Add in stylish fellow resident Arthur Beech and it’s Foster at his hilarious best. The star-studded cast includes Terri Cherniak, Deb Collins and Dan Karpenchuk, who played Santa Claus in The Playhouse’s Miracle on 34th Street.

Sugar Route

The next step from July 7 to July 31 is sugar road, a popular comedy from Kristen Da Silva, one of the country’s hottest new playwrights. Hannah Taylor runs the family amusement park and has booked country music star Jesse Emberley to headline their Spurs and Hearts Festival. Their lives are about to cross again after the night they shared under the stars 12 years ago before he was famous. Her best friend Caroline and roadie Ray ensure that laughter, romance and heart come into play, making their encounter very different this time around. Anna Marie Lea and Brian Young join Kevin Aichele and Dana Fradkin in the cast.

Wally’s Cafe

Everyone is welcome to visit Wally’s Cafe by Sam Bobrick and Ron Clark from August 4 to 28. Wally and Louise’s marriage is about to change when he convinces her to buy an abandoned restaurant in the desert. When budding movie star Janet hitches a ride in Hollywood, the comedy kicks into high gear and we join the three in 30 years of ups and downs. The show stars Sweeney MacArthur, Susan Greenfield and Kate Veinotte.

Get off the river

Another success from Foster, Descend the river upstream, concludes the summer series from September 8 to October 2. Shaver Bennett leads a solitary life as a lumberjack in New Brunswick. When he arrives at his niece and wife’s home in Saint John, welcoming him into their home has its ups and downs as he and Bonnie settle old scores. A healthy dose of humor and heart abound in this new Foster comedy that has already wowed audiences across the country. The shows feature Marshall Button, Alison MacKay and Cassandra Guthrie.

The Eagles and Linda Ronstadt: what could have been

The public will be treated to another new live concert, Tes Eagles and Linda Ronstadt: what could have been, October 18-30. Created by Jesse Collins, whose concert Dean & Jerry: What Could Have Been twice sold out at the Playhouse, the gig takes us back to when four young musicians were a backing band for Ronstadt and then a budding young singer. It was the birth of the Eagles and both acts became hit machines with the Eagles. Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Best of My Love, Hotel California, Peaceful Easy Feeling and that of Ronstadt Desperado, silver threads and golden needles, bayou blue, you’re no good and much more!

A Christmas Carol

The 2022 season ends with A Christmas Carol December 1-18. The perfect family show, audiences will follow Scrooge’s classic journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas as it unfolds in a musical and magical adventure on an exciting rotating stage. Classic Dickensian characters come to life with upbeat song, dance and special effects culminating in a concert performance of your favorite Yuletide songs by the cast and a community choir. A wonderful addition to everyone’s Christmas.

The Playhouse will adhere to all government and public health guidelines for the 2022 season. They will operate at full capacity and no proof of vaccination will be required. Although masks are no longer mandatory, choosing to continue wearing a mask is highly recommended for your safety and comfort level, that of other audience members, cast, crew, staff and volunteers.

For more information on the 2022 Playhouse season, contact the box office at: 613-543-3713; toll free 877-550-3650 or visit uppercanadaplayhouse.com

— Theater of Upper Canada

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