A twisted take on the story of some very very long hair.
September 10, 2024: Port Hope, ON – Rob Kempson, Artistic Director of the Capitol Theatre Port Hope today shared casting for the theatre’s annual holiday show, the world premiere of Rapunzel: A Merry (Hairy) Holiday Panto, written by former Second City Creative Director Carly Heffernan and directed by Dora Award-winning director Cherissa Richards.
Rapunzel is bored and lonely, with her lengthy braid as her only potential for escape. When a dim-witted prince accidentally discovers her plight, it sets in motion a string of events that will unravel the original story in a surprising and wonderful way. In this wildly funny reimagining of the traditional tale, Rapunzel comes to discover the power within—all set to a score of popular songs and beloved panto traditions.
This year’s panto cast features Naomi Costain, Jeremy Lapalme, Lia Luz, Stewart Adam McKensy, Caulin Moore, Christopher Sherwood, Yunike Soedarmasto, and Jennifer Villaverde.
“Writing this year’s holiday panto for the Capitol Theatre is especially meaningful to me, as someone from the Northumberland area, it’s a creative full-circle moment for sure,” shared writer Carly Heffernan. “I think it’s more important than ever for people to come together and just laugh, and interactive theatre, like panto, creates the perfect space for that joy and connection to take place. Allowing the audience to be full participants in the fun, breaking that fourth wall, makes the comedy that much more exciting and genuine. Working with this incredibly talented team to create such a fun and festive show in a venue so close to my heart makes it all the more special. There’s nothing better than creatively coming home for the holidays.”
As in past years, the Capitol has two panto variations on offer: a more mature version for the ‘Naughty’; and a ‘Nice’ version, suitable for young audiences and families. Rapuzel runs from November 22 to December 22. Visit capitoltheatre.com for tickets and scheduling details.
28th Annual Festival of Lights & Trees
Special holiday concerts and the Capitol Theatre’s annual Festival of Lights Trees will also be returning this year. Enjoy a winter wonderland of holiday wreaths and Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and community organisations, and enter to win the decorations by participating in the theatre’s popular yearly raffle. Festival viewing will be available before every panto performance and admission is free of charge.
COMING SOON – CONCERTS AT THE CAPITOL
The Capitol’s fall season is full of can’t-miss concerts including: Kate Suhr; Who Made Who: A Tribute to AC/DC; The Beach Party Boys; ABBAMANIA; George Canyon; Murray McLauchlan; and the Capitol’s own original live songbook Billboard in Concert: 2000. Visit capitoltheatre.com/music/ to see the full concert lineup.
SAVE THE DATE
The Capitol’s 2025 season will be announced on October 10 at 7 p.m.
Panto tickets range from $22 – $48 including taxes and fees.
Concert tickets range from $55 – $65.
Group Discounts are available for celebrations of 15 or more guests.
Twitter: @capitolporthope | Instagram: @capitoltheatreporthope | Facebook: Capitol Theatre Port Hope
Season Brochure #Capitol2024 capitoltheatre.com
Visit the Capitol: 20 Queen Street, Port Hope, ON Canada L1A 2Y7.
Contact the Box Office: 1-905-885-1071; [email protected].
The Capitol Theatre gratefully acknowledges regional support from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the municipality of Port Hope, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. A special thanks to our 2024 Season Sponsors and Supporters: Allan & Robin Dines of Ganaraska Brewing Company, Atelier on john, Elexicon Energy, The Beamish House, Part Time CFO Services, Schmidt Law Legal Services, Stacy Vermeire Team RE/MAX, and our 2024 Program Sponsors Bosley Real Estate and Furby House Books.
The Capitol Theatre is dedicated to producing and presenting a balanced schedule of high-quality professional theatre, live music, film, and other special events in historic Port Hope, while also providing a home for the local arts community. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive future, where all individuals, groups, and organisations are welcome to create, collaborate, and connect. We strive to provide memorable experiences for our guests through artistic excellence, a wide variety of programming, and the historic venue itself. For more information, visit capitoltheatre.com.