The excitement for a full summer season at Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg is almost tangible.

Nestled in the heart of South Eastern Ontario, Upper Canada Playhouse is a beacon of theatrical excellence, boasting a history spanning over three decades. Housed within the walls of a repurposed Toothbrush and Argyle Sock Factory, the Playhouse has been transformed into a captivating venue, offering patrons an intimate, climate-controlled space equipped with modern amenities. Complete with ample parking, a licensed canteen, and state-of-the-art seating ensuring every audience member is immersed in the action, it’s a destination where the magic of live performance thrives.

It’s all about welcoming back the community and top-notch talent to this intimate heritage venue. In fact, it’s the enchanting combination of it all, bolstered by eager audiences and quality shows, that has kept breathing life into this theatre for almost four decades.

Today, the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg welcomes more than 40,000 people annually and is known as the leading professional arts and culture organization in the Seaway Valley region of South Eastern Ontario.

Summer Season 2024

Perfect Wedding

by Robin Hawdon

JUNE 6 – 30

The groom awakes to find a strange girl in bed beside him! What’s more, he has no idea who she is! It’s hysterical chaos when the bride arrives, the girl is trapped in the bathroom, the best man pretends to be her boyfriend and the chambermaid pretends to be everyone’s girlfriend. Disaster for them! Fun for us!

Bedtime Stories

by Norm Foster

JULY 4 – 28

The hilarious & engaging lives and stories of 15 different characters are revealed in 6 different bedrooms! It’s a madcap roller coaster ride when they all get remarkably connected in this clever comedy by Canada’s favourite & funniest playwright! Fasten your seat belts as you peak into the lives of these unforgettable characters.

Leaving Marjorie Bliss
World Premiere!

by John Spurway

AUGUST 1 – 25

Friends Edythe, Audrey and Maxine are residents of the Marjorie Bliss Retirement Home. But the ladies soon discover it’s not all it’s cracked up to be! So they decide to plan an escape from the home together. Add handsome widower Reggie to the mix and it’s a touching and hilarious comedy about friendship and the meaning of home.

Those Movies

by Norm Foster

SEPTEMBER 5 – 29

Harry has finally gotten the nerve to ask co-worker Millie out on a date. She enthusiastically accepts. But Harry’s friend Patrick has moved in with him while his place is being fumigated. And Millie’s accident-prone cousin Chelsea is visiting to try and get over a recent break-up. So they all decide to double date. Could romance follow like in those movies? What could go wrong?

Rooted In Community

The Upper Canada Playhouse started as a summer theatre company in 1983. After presenting touring shows for its first season, the Playhouse soon mounted its own productions.

Bowes said the theatre has operated out of two interesting venues during its four decades of operation. “The theatre originally produced out of a large tent located on a country side-road on the outskirts of Morrisburg,” he said. “It sat over 300 people and often was filled to capacity with theatre-goers charmed by experiencing live theatre in the great outdoors.” Bowes admitted it had its challenges, with “both cars and geese honking horns during shows and rainstorms forcing unscheduled breaks in the action.”

So, in 1990 the theatre took a leap and purchased a former toothbrush and argyle sock factory in Morrisburg itself. The organization never looked back – it has since transformed the building into an intimate, 275-seat, climate-controlled venue where patrons are close to the action. “With some public funding and support, and chiefly by robust box office, the theatre has created a space that is totally equipped with an onsite box office, workshop, rehearsal hall, as well as state-of-the-art seating and technical facilities – while retaining the historic charm reflected on the stunning mural of old Morrisburg on the exterior of the venue,” Bowes said.

And audiences have responded. Since then, Upper Canada Playhouse operations have expanded to a full nine-month, eight-show season stretching from March through December, attracting an audience base derived from not only the Seaway Valley itself, but also the neighbouring urban centres of Ottawa, Brockville, Montreal, Northern New York State and the many smaller surrounding rural communities. The Playhouse has also been instrumental in the development and premiering of several concerts and plays which have gone on to realize success nationally at other venues.

Bowes said the audience appeal lies in the informality of the venue, the immediate impact of live theatre, and the inherent quality that professional theatres provide. He said it has all aided in growing the theatre’s local and tourist audience base, which also includes a robust bus tour component. However, he said that growth is also attributed to programming that speaks to a diverse blend of attendees.

“The theatre’s programming offers a mix of theatre and music, with a variety of genres to appeal to a wide audience. The shows are accessible, entertaining and thought-provoking and very often reflect the lives of the audiences that experience them,” Bowes said.

Creative Outreach

The Upper Canada Playhouse doesn’t stop at staging its own shows: it also offers an inspiring outlet for the community. The Playhouse provides local youth with an educational and interactive experience during its summer theatre school directed by professionals. Bowes said participants work as a team using theatre arts techniques to develop projects, increase their communication skills, build self-confidence and discover talents they never knew they had. In addition, the Playhouse also conducts theatre arts workshops with clients from Community Living Dundas County.

Bowes also notes that along with its many colleagues operating under the jurisdiction of Canadian Actors Equity Association and Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, The Playhouse makes a substantial contribution to the economic and cultural fabric of the rural communities it serves. The Upper Canada Playhouse location along the shores of the St. Lawrence River offers natural side-trip excursions to augment the live theatre experience.

Looking to learn more? Get the details on the Upper Canada Playhouse’s 2022 season by visiting uppercanadaplayhouse.com or contacting the Box Office at: 613-543-3713; toll free 877-550-3650.