The Capitol Theatre Port Hope today shared a casting update for the fourth and final mainstage show of their summer season, the world premiere of Christmastown by Briana Brown. Directed by Capitol Artistic Director Rob Kempson, Christmastown stars Christy Bruce, Alison Deon, Deborah Drakeford, Darrel Gamotin, Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski and Mirabella Sundar Singh.

Kringle, Ontario, is in a rut. When the well-meaning town reeve devises a tourism development plan to celebrate Christmas all year round, the town thinks it’s a great idea. But two weeks and a heat wave later, they’re having second thoughts. Nora, whose convenience store (and gas station) is the centre of cultural activity, is suddenly desperate for a much-needed vacation. Throw in an anxious restaurateur, a sassy teenager, and a wide-eyed new resident, and you’ve got a recipe for a veritable blizzard of hilarity!

This world premiere Canadian comedy by celebrated writer Briana Brown chronicles the holiday magic of small-town living—all while sweating in Santa suits in August.

“Christmastown is inspired by the small towns in Ontario I’ve lived in and near,” said playwright Briana Brown. “There’s a specific kind of community that exists in these places, and I loved exploring that dynamic between families, neighbours, and tourists. And what could be more fun than writing a holiday show set in the midst of a heat wave?”

“Port Hope loves everything about the holidays,” said Artistic Director Rob Kempson. “So it only makes sense that our first ever summer season world premiere should celebrate a town where they love Christmas just as much. Sharing Briana’s new play marks an important first for the Capitol Theatre and I’m thrilled to share this heartwarming and hilarious production with our audiences.”

During the run of Christmastown, the Capitol will also honour its annual holiday traditions and activities, including a donation and food drive in support of Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank and a mini-Festival of Trees.

Christmastown features Sound Design by Jeff Newberry, Set and Costume Design by Anna Treusch, and Lighting Design by Jareth Li. The show’s Production Sponsor is Part Time CFO Services.

Christmastown runs from August 16 to September 1 at the Capitol Theatre Port Hope. Opening night is August 17 at 7:30 p.m. Visit capitoltheatre.com for tickets and details.

AND WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

PLAYWRIGHT IN PERSON WITH BRIANA BROWN

August 27 at 7 p.m.

Meet the playwright of the Capitol’s world premiere summer comedy! In conversation with Artistic Director Rob Kempson, she’ll discuss the inspiration behind Christmastown, her own appreciation for small town living, and the process of going from page to stage as a playwright. Free for subscribers or $5 general admission.

GABS SINGS BABS

Created and performed by Gabi Epstein

July 31 to August 11

A love letter from one artist to another.

Capitol Theatre favourite Gabi Epstein is one of Canada's leading stage and cabaret performers, often referred to as “Canada’s Barbra Streisand.” She returns to the Capitol, accompanied by Mark Camilleri, to share her own artistic journey, told through Streisand’s iconic music in original arrangements.

MAINSTAGE TICKETS range from $40 - $48 including taxes and fees. Pay-What-You-Can Previews are offered on all Summer Stage performances with tickets offered as low as $5. Concert tickets range from $5 - $50. The Capitol’s new Shop, Dine, & Show package offers savings of 25% and includes a show ticket, a shopping voucher, and a local restaurant voucher visit capitoltheatre.com/shopdineshow to learn more.

TALKBACK THURSDAYS - NEW in 2024

Stick around after mainstage shows for Talkback Thursdays for a Q&A with the artists in the show and to find out more about the process of making live theatre. Talkbacks are scheduled after all Thursday, 7:30 p.m. performances.

Visit capitoltheatre.com.