A season that Chemainus Theatre Festival marketing director Michelle Vogelgesang says will be “brimming with hope, heart and homecomings” will kick off in two weeks.
The 2025 season starts with a gathering around the wishing well inside an ice fishing shanty, with some cheesy cheer that reveals the interiors of two guys’ hearts as they hope for the big one that won’t get away.
Guys on Ice runs from Thursday, March 13 to Sunday, April 6 and audiences are invited to join lifelong friends and fishermen Marvin and Lloyd as they laugh, sing and philosophize about life’s essentials – beer, bait and hockey.
Next up will be a classic mystery with iconic characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson visiting the windswept moors of England in an attempt to crack the case of the Baskerville in a madcap retelling of a classic Arthur Conan Doyle tale. Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig wrote this play that is sure to delight Chemainus audiences.
Baskerville runs from May 2 to June 1.
Spectacular summer musicals have become a tradition at the Chemainus Theatre Festival and this year’s offering will follow that trend.
Footloose, the blockbuster musical, will run from June 27 until August 24 and tickets are expected to be in high demand for this two-month run.
“We’re happy to have this on the boards again with a new and exciting version,” Vogelgesang says.
Audiences will rock and roll with the young rebels of a small town as they break free from judgment while a community works to embrace all and cut Footloose.
One kid. One town. One chance. A spirited city kid moves to a small farming town where he finds himself at odds with the restrictive dancing ban enforced by the local preacher. This lively musical breaks down barriers in a triumph of spirit and freedom
More laughs will arrive in the fall with Kristen Da Silva’s comedy, Home to Roost opening on Sept. 26 and running until Oct. 19.
“Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters!” Glenda and Suzanne enjoy their retirement by selling homemade jam and cherishing visits from Suzanne’s adult daughter, Beth. This poignant comedy beautifully captures the essence of family ties as they stretch, strain, yet ultimately weave a fabric of unwavering love and support.
Elf: The Musical is a holiday classic that audiences will love. Based on the book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, Elf opens on Nov. 14 and runs to Dec. 21.
Vogelgesang says the Theatre is thrilled to have Elf back on stage.
“We love the story and the fact that we’re returning to a hugely successful holiday show, with a fresh lens and production.”
Buddy the Elf, a cheerful and innocent soul raised in Santa’s workshop, embarks on a whimsical journey to New York City in search of his biological father. Little does he know his father is on Santa’s naughty list! This delightful and heartwarming musical rekindles the magic of Christmas and spreads joy and cheer for all to hear.
Vogelgesang says as well as the five major productions, there’s plenty more going on at the Chemainus Theatre in the coming year.
“There will be community engagement in education programs like the Discover Theatre workshops, Cabaret shows featuring fantastic musicians, tribute shows and retrospectives, indulge in delicious pre- and post-show dining and hospitality in the Playbill Dining Room,” Vogelgesang says
“We can’t wait to welcome you to gather among friends in an exciting and sacred space for storytelling and song – your theatre, full of conversation and good cheer,” she adds.
For more information about the Chemainus Theatre Festival and to reserve tickets, visit chemainustheatrefestival.ca
Posted Thursday, February 27, 2025, 10.45 a.m. by WDG
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