New Artistic Director David Leyshon creates an exhilarating season of comed, music, and unforgettable Canadian storytelling.
PORT DOVER, ON | August 13, 2026 – Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its 2027 season, an exciting collection of Canadian stories, musical favourites and theatrical experiences offering something for everyone.
Curated by Lighthouse Festival’s new Artistic Director, David Leyshon, the season brings together comedy, music, and heart. From New Wave rebels and hockey trailblazers to complicated marriages, family reconciliation and the many stages of modern love, the 2027 playbill celebrates people taking risks, confronting change and finding their way back to one another.
“When planning the 2027 season, I kept coming back to the question of why we gather,” says Leyshon. “What brings us together in a theatre, to hear and witness a story, to suspend our disbelief, to give over to laughter, to tears, to engage with a story as a shared experience, and ultimately, leave the theatre changed, in some small or significant way.”
The season includes the world premiere of Mark Weatherley’s Steeplechasers; Mark Crawford’s touching comedy-drama The Golden Anniversaries; the hilarious musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Norm Foster’s funny and moving Mending Fences; and Tracey Power’s inspiring hockey story Glory.
“The theatre has the special power of being able to invite us to escape, and reflect on these things,” continues Leyshon. “I hope we have put together a season that will allow our patrons to witness and experience joy, love, empathy and humour. So, in 2027, I’m inviting everyone to join in; to join in the telling of stories that shine a bright light on the important things in our lives.”
Executive Director Nicole Campbell says the 2027 season marks an exciting new era for Lighthouse Festival.
“What has impressed me most is not only David’s artistic vision for Lighthouse, but his understanding of the role theatre can play in people’s lives,” says Campbell. “How it brings communities together, creates connection, and makes a lasting impact. I think patrons will see that reflected in the season David has created. This season is something special, and I hope people will be every bit as excited about it as we are.”
The 2027 Season
Steeplechasers – World Premiere
Written by Mark Weatherley
What happens when the Golden Girls collide with the punk-pop energy of the Go-Go’s?
It’s 1983, and a beloved old church is facing disaster: the steeple has collapsed, the congregation is running out of time and they desperately need money. In one last outrageous attempt to save it, four spirited women swap sensible shoes for fishnets, chorale music for Culture Club and dive headfirst into a local New Wave music contest.
Packed with big laughs, big hair and even bigger heart, this play proves you’re never too old to take a risk to save what you love. Totally rad.
The Golden Anniversaries
Written by Mark Crawford
Every year since they were married, Glen and Sandy Golden have celebrated their wedding anniversary by returning to the same cottage on the lake for a weekend of quiet romance. This year marks a major milestone: 50 years of wedded bliss. Well, mostly bliss.
A week before the play begins, Sandy cancels their big anniversary party and kicks Glen to the curb. Now, he wants to talk. Set over the course of one evening—and across the past 50 years—Glen and Sandy remember the good, the bad and the ugly of spending half a century together while grappling with what comes next.
The Golden Anniversaries is a funny and moving comedy-drama about marriage, memory and long-term love.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – Musical
Book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Music by Jimmy Roberts
This witty musical tackles modern love in all its forms—from the perils and pitfalls of a first date to marriage, children and the twilight years of life.
Set in the modern world and told through a series of vignettes and songs, the show traces the arc of relationships throughout a lifetime. Insightful and hilarious, this musical resonates with the experiences we have all faced in the pursuit of love. It is the second-longest-running Off-Broadway musical in history.
Mending Fences
Written by Norm Foster
Harry, a stubborn Saskatchewan rancher, is forced to reconnect with his estranged adult son, Drew, when he returns home after 13 years.
With help from Harry’s neighbour and new love, Gin, father and son navigate strained relationships, long-held secrets and the possibility of reconciliation. Funny and touching, Mending Fences is Norm Foster at his finest.
Glory
Written by Tracey Power
In 1933, four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. With the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and political tensions rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds—and other people’s expectations—to forge their own path to glory?
Told through music and dance inspired by the Jazz Age, Glory is a thrilling hockey story that proves a woman’s place is on home ice.
I Love a Violin – Season Topper
Written and hosted by Leah Grandmont
I Love a Violin is written and hosted by Leah Grandmont, a multi-talented fiddler, violinist, singer and comedienne.
Joined by a talented band, Grandmont puts the violin and fiddle centre stage alongside favourite songs and inspiration from legendary entertainers such as Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Carol Burnett and Dolly Parton. The show will also feature a wide variety of music performed with special guests and band members.
Uplifting, energetic and comedic, Grandmont encourages a lively back-and-forth with the audience, making every performance feel as though it was created especially for them.
Subscriptions for the 2027 season will be available this fall, with single tickets going on sale in the new year.
For more information about Lighthouse Festival’s 2027 season, visit lighthousetheatre.com/2027-Summer-Season
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About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. The organization strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, interview requests, or further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: 226-290-0070 | Cell: 289-541-7410
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