Tuesday, Nov. 19th - What better way to celebrate the Christmas Season with family and friends than taking in a live performance of Miracle on 34th Street - one of the most famous holiday stories of all time. This yuletide tale of a department store Santa who claims to be the real Santa Claus has endeared itself with people of all ages for decades.    

        The legendary story gets a lively musical and magical production on Upper Canada Playhouse's stage Thursday, Nov. 28th through Sunday, Dec. 15th when one of the theatre’s largest casts of actors and musicians will bring this story to life on an exciting revolving stage. The Playhouse will also feature several local children sharing the stage with the professional cast to make the production a truly community celebration of the Christmas season.  

        The Playhouse Christmas productions always include live music to heighten and brighten the story and Miracle on 34th Street is no exception with a cast of talented actors who are also singers, dancers and musicians as well.

       "Music is a big part of the Christmas season," remarks the show’s director Donnie Bowes.  "It’s always a joy to work with multi-talented actors and musicians who can make a story come alive in so many different ways."

        This classic Christmas story set in New York City in the late 1940’s is timeless. When an elderly man named Kris Kringle takes a job as Macy’s Department store Santa, the entire city is soon filled with Christmas spirit including a little girl named Susan who has had her doubts. He surprises everyone by claiming to be the real Santa Claus and is forced to prove it in court. It’s a wonderful Yuletide experience for the whole family complete with a concert of everyone’s favourite holiday songs. 

        Playing the central role of Kris Kringle is Daniel Michael Karpenchuk who also appeared in the same role several years ago in The Playhouse’s first production of the show. He was a hit in the original production with audience members of all ages and especially with the children. Karpenchuk was also seen in Doris and Ivy in the Home, Drinking Alone and The Christmas Express.

        Joining Karpenchuk is newcomer to the Playhouse stage, actor and musician Rita Dottor, who is also musical director for the production. The cast includes Playhouse favourites Sweeney MacArthur last seen in this season’s Bedtime Stories and Alison MacKay, Chris George, Robert Clarke and Jess Vandenberg who starred in The Playhouse’s hit production of A Christmas Carol. Vandenberg also choreographs the show’s musical numbers. The production features local actors and musicians Conor Veinotte and Caitlyn Acheson. 

        The involvement of local children is an added attraction of the production. The role of Susan will be shared by Kate Morrell and Payschence Sheldrick. Christmas elves will be played by Arley Jones, Camden Millard, Kiera Tyo, Rachel Bolton, Asa Bolton and Kamryn Loverin. Miracle on 34th Street’s exciting set is designed by Sean Free with incredible 1940’s costumes by Alex Amini.

        The Playhouse is a hectic place this time of year. Having just completed a successful season of summer theatre and off-season concerts, the theatre’s box office is busy with ticket sales for Miracle on 34th Street and an additional school show has been added to meet demand.

        Patrons are purchasing their flex passes and seats for the theatre’s announced 2025 Season of laughter and music.  

Miracle on 34th Street

Thursday, Nov. 28th - Sunday, Dec. 15th

Public Shows 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

  School Shows 11:00 am, Friday, Nov. 29th, Tuesday, Dec. 3rd & 10th

Contact Box Office at 613-543-3713/877-550-3650

uppercanadaplayhouse.com

Wednesday, Nov. 13th - “For EV drivers finding a charging station that’s close by and available can mean the difference between a quick stop and a time-consuming detour that takes time away from work, school or family,” said MPP Nolan Quinn, Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. Quinn was delivering the welcome investment news as part of the government’s $63 million EV ChargeON Program Community Sites Stream.

        “I’m proud to be delivering 6 new EV charging stations in Cornwall and South Dundas to make life easier and more convenient for drivers.” Quinn explained, pointing out, "The new chargers will be located at the Cornwall Municipal Works Administrative Building (4); at 1950 McConnell Rd in Cornwall (8); at the South Dundas Arena in Morrisburg (3); at the Morrisburg Plaza (3); at the Matilda Hall in Brinston (3); and at the Morrisburg Justice Building (3)."

        “With the addition of more EV chargers to South Dundas it should naturally lead to more cars getting off the highway into our great community," added an ecstatic South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad, "Look at how busy the current ev chargers are in Morrisburg every day. Increased traffic flow will be a benefit to our local businesses, and will build tourism opportunities for the future.”

        The new investment in eastern Ontario marks a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province.  As the province continues to see substantial job creation and investment in the growing EV and EV battery manufacturing sector, these new charging stations will provide critical supporting infrastructure in communities across the province, including for EVs made right here in Ontario.

        “With more than 201,000 electric vehicles on the road in Ontario, we’re putting shovels in the ground to build more charging stations and make life easier for drivers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “That includes a focus on smaller and underserved communities across our province where we are providing more certainty for parents and workers during their commutes.”

        Smith said his team took “a couple of shifts off” in the opening period and went behind on a 2-0 count.

        Metcalfe's Chase Peck opened the scoring in favour of the home team when he netted the Jets first counter, combining with Sam Fisher to beat Lion’s net minder Nick Lyon on a short-handed effort.  Tyler Branchaud doubled the Jets lead in the final minute of the opening frame, slipping the puck into the visitors net for a 2-0 lead. Zach Branchaud and Jake Fisher drew the assists on the marker.

        Morrisburg’s latest acquisition, Aronhiawaks (Waksi) Rice, fired the Lion’s opening marker when, on a clear break, he relayed a Justin Cyr play into a rocket that beat the Jet’s cage guard Ashton Holmes. That goal cut the Metcalfe lead to 2-1 midway through the middle period. Rice then set up Aston Adams on a two on one attack that Adams potted behind Holmes to tie the game.

        Late in the final period Shamus McDonald initiated a three way game winning play that saw Ben Lapier hand Lukas Rozon an opportunity to put Morrisburg in the lead with four minutes remaining on the time clock. Rozon was true to the challenge, giving the Lions a much needed victory.

        “Nick Lyons stood on his head all night in front of our net,” pointed out Coach Smith, referring to the play of the Lion’s net minder,“and he was unbelievable in the final period.”

Drop second victory in overtime . . .

        “Would have been nice to record a four point weekend!” a somewhat beleaguered Jamie Smith announced following his Junior Lion’s overtime loss to the 5th-place North Dundas Rockets. Morrisburg’s optimistic Head Coach, who has suffered a season-long, individually lengthy, injury list, is looking forward to the return of three more extended-term injuries in Sean Joncas, Bradley Greggain and Alec Laroque. Those bodies are sorely needed as his team moves into the second half of the regular season schedule. 

        The 9th-place Lion’s ability to dress a full roster has been near impossible throughout the first half of the current season and will be some time yet without the services of talented defenceman, Kayne McCadden. McCadden suffered a broken ankle early in the year and is not expected to return before January.

       “We were up 1-0 after the first period and 3-2 after the second. Couldn’t put them away!” Coach Jamie Smith said following the game.

        The Lion’s Bennett Harty and Lukas Rozon netted counters to give Morrisburg a 2-0 lead midway through the middle frame before the home team Rockets Xavier Plante and Jordan Cruz evened the count late in the same period. Harty then corralled a short-handed set-up from Callum Stevenson and Justin Cyr to give Morrisburg a 3-2 lead in the final seconds of play prior to the 3rd-stanza.

        The Rockets Theo Laforest netted pair of counters in a three-minute span, the second on a power-play, snaring the home team’s initial lead of the night. Callum Stevenson and Ben Lapier repeated their set-up for Rozon midway through the third and Rozon was good on beating netminder Jason Van Wieren to close regulation time in a 4-4 deadlock.

        Seven minutes and several seconds into the overtime period Theo Laforest returned to haunt the Lion’s on this night when he beat Lyons for his third and the winning marker of the evening.

        The Lions travel to the Almonte & District Community Centre on Saturday, Nov. 23rd for a 7:30 p.m. challenge before returning to Morrisburg Arena on Saturday, Nov. 30th when the South Grenville Rangers visit the den on Ottawa Street. That game too is a scheduled 7:30 p.m. puck-drop.

        All of the injuries aside, the Lions continue to ice a strong product, and a faithful fan base continues to show for home games. Those fans also have team Captain Ben Lapier back in the battle for the regular season scoring race. Lapier is currently trailing scoring leader, Vankleek Hill’s Sebastien Ouimet, by just three points. The greatest difference between the two opportunists in this challenge is that Ouimet plays on a team that currently holds the league’s third spot in regular season standings. Lapier, it could be said, battles alongside a collection of talented road hockey warriors who appear to be preparing what could well be a second half challenge. To many, that is an expectation, and not a wish. So get ready Lion’s fans - they say our time's comin'!!!

        Exactly 26-seconds after Wilson’s 2nd-goal the home team’s Henry Martens inspired his Lion bench-mates roaring into the Demons zone with Martens cleaning up a goal mouth battle by slamming the puck across the North Dundas goal line. That play appeared to give the the home team the courage to finish the battle.

        South Dundas gasped control of the game in the opening half of the final period, tying the score at 14:28 when Isaiah Edwards beat Henry Link from in close. Mason Roderick drew the assist on the counter.

        Three minutes later Bryce Kirkwood stole a loose puck and gave the Lions their first lead of the night on an unassisted marker before adding an assurance goal following another three-minutes of action when Logan Cassleman handed him the opportunity to replay the goal.

        The Lion's Hoger was brilliant through the final 10 minutes although Cole Jones would bring the Demons within one goal late in the final period on a too little too late effort with with just 22-seconds remaining to play in the game.  

        South Dundas hosts the 7th-place Leeds Chargers on Thursday, Nov. 21st in an 8:00 p.m. puck-drop at Morrisburg Arena before travelling to Leeds to complete the home-and-home on Monday, Nov. 25th at 7:00 p.m.

       Ty Merkley opened the game scoring on Saturday when he wired a shot into the netting behind Chargers goaltender Emery Daw for a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Luca Mills and Jayce Whittaker drew assists on the play. Mason Horrricks doubled the South Dundas lead two minutes later when he completed a Roderick play to make the score 2-0 in favour of the Lions.

        Netminders Daw and Mossman took over the spotlight in the middle period, each turning a way numerous scoring opportunities by their respective opponents.

        Through the final period the Lions continued their methodical attack with Horricks adding his second of the game from Mason Keyes. Mills topped off the game scoring in the final minute with a marker from Horricks and Preston Hubert for the 4-0 win.

        On Sunday afternoon the Lions were upset by the South Grenville Rangers on a 4-0 score at Morrisburg. Details of the game were unavailable at the time of this posting.

Wednesday, Nov. 13th - A trip to the operating room at Winchester District Memorial Hospital usually involves receiving anesthesia to prepare for surgery. Now, a new anesthesia pump will support the very best care for patients.

        The Iroquois Matilda Lions Club recently donated $2,000 to the Foundation’s General Equipment Fund for purchases such as the new pump. Funds were raised through the club's weekly bingo nights.

        “We're so happy to support the purchase of the new anesthesia pump with this donation!” pointed out Lion Nancy Barkley, “It was wonderful to present the cheque in front of our Bingo players and share in this great cause together.”

        Additional funds were provided by Family Care Fund donors. In total, the WDMH Foundation was pleased to be able to support the purchase of two pumps for the hospital.

        “Thank you to the Lions Club and everyone who is helping to ensure that WDMH has the very best equipment to care for its patients,” says the hospital's Justine Plummer.

        Since its inception, over $20,000 has been raised to benefit the residents of and visitors to this Municipality. 

        The 100 Men Who Care About South Dundas offers an opportunity to meet, mingle, donate and network with others while learning about the great things happening in the community. It is an excellent way to give back, and at the same time take part in makimg a difference in South Dundas.

        The most recent 100 Men event was last held in November of 2019, although, as a result of the Covid pandemic, has not gathered since that time. The organization is re-launching their initiative in hopes of raising the same amount of money as at their last event when they presented some $12,000. The 100 Men are hoping to match that amount this time around. 

        100 Men is looking for charitable organizations that have an idea for a project that will enhance the community and who are seeking money to make it happen. 100 Men is here to help bring that idea to life. 

        There are criteria to be considered in selecting a candidate recipient that is eligible to receive the funds. To learn more about eligibility and to obtain an application form, view the website: www.100southdundas.ca.

        This year's organizing committee includes: Wally Baker, Jack Barkley, Scott Corden, Miles Harrison, Chuck Irvine, Doug Jarvis, Nick Lee, and Mark Lewis. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the 100 Men Who Care About South Dundas can join by filling out the form at www.100southdundas.ca.  

Intimate Acoustics!

January 11, 2025 | 7 pm

$10 in advance (+ online fees) or $15 at the door

        Our emerging artist lineup will feature six artists, performers to be announced closer to show date.

Tickets for this show are $10 in advance (+ online fees) or $15 at the door.Advance tickets are available online only through the Eventbrite Link below. Your ticket will be delivered to you via email. If shows are sold out, we will post that information here and on our Facebook page, otherwise you should assume you can also purchase tickets at the door. We accept cash, credit card or debit for day of show sales. 

        All seating at our shows is general admission - which means you will choose your seat on arrival. There isn't a bad seat in the house, but if you would like to be close to the front we recommend arriving at least half an hour before show time. 

        The Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg is a fully accessible venue - we will reserve seats for those who need access to wheelchair or walker spaces. Please email us at info@st-lawrencestage.com immediately before or after you have purchased your tickets so that we can ensure the space is reserved for you.

Buy your tickets here!

        The 2025 Season kicks off with two winter weekend concerts. Vegas Knights, starring Playhouse favourite Derek Marshall, plays Friday, Feb. 7th to Sunday, Feb. 9th and takes audiences back to the crooner days of Elvis, Sinatra, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, the Rat Pack and more with anecdotes and gossipy tidbits on the lounge singers of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. 

        Popular singer Leisa Way and her Wayward Wind Band follow with their sensational new concert Early Morning Rain-The Legend of Gordon Lightfoot. This concert of greatest hits from Canada’s favourite troubadour has toured throughout the country and lands at The Playhouse Friday, Mar. 28th to Sunday, Mar. 30th.

        The Playhouse is offering a special show just for kids and their families Saturday, Apr. 12th when the famous DuffleBag Theatre returns with their rendition of Beauty and the Beast. Everyone gets involved in the production as audience members get invited on stage to star in the show.

        Audiences are in for a treat in the spring when The Highwaymen, one of the theatre’s most asked-for concerts, debuts on the Playhouse stage Wednesday, Apr. 23rd to Friday, May 2. Featuring the biggest hits of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, this blockbuster country concert is created by the producers of such Playhouse hits as Johnny and June, Glory Days and most recently Memphis to Motown. 

        The Playhouse’s flagship summer season will open with the world premiere of the brand-new Norm Foster comedy A Woman’s Love List. It’s a counter-point to Foster’s previous play and audience hit, The Love List, where two men listed characteristics that would make the ideal woman.

        The Playhouse suggested to Foster that it might be time to flip this scenario and have two women look for the ideal man. He liked the idea and A Woman’s Love List will get its first production at The Playhouse Wednesday, June 5th thru Sunday, June 29th.

         The hit comedy The Sweet Delilah Swim Club follows Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 27th and audiences will enjoy the antics of five hilarious women who meet every year at a cottage to recharge their friendships, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives without their husbands.

        Another classic Foster comedy, Maggie’s Getting Married, plays next Thursday, July 31st to Sunday, Aug. 24th when audiences get caught up in hilarity and chaos when a big surprise turns a family wedding upside down.

        The summer season wraps up Thursday, Sept. 4th to Sunday, Sept. 28th with Hurry Hard, another new comedy that is taking theatres by storm. A men’s curling team are short a player for the big bonspiel and recruits a player from the women’s team. Audiences don’t need to know a thing about curling. They just need to be prepared to enjoy the hilarious ups and downs of this unlikely team in this fast-paced comedy.

       Two of the Playhouse’s favourite funny guys, Lucien and Jimmy the Janitor, take to the stage in the fall with their brand-new East Coast comedy Senior Moments running Tuesday, October 14th, thru Sunday, Oct. 19th. It’s always a sell-out when this Maritime comic duo comes to town. Following their previous hits Fort Mac Attack and A Short History of Nuthin’, Senior Moments probes the mysteries and wonders of aging with one-liners and belly-laughter from start to finish.

        The 2025 Season will conclude with the return of the Playhouse’s spectacular production of A Christmas Carol, Thursday, Dec. 4th to Sunday, 21st. Scrooge’s adventure discovering the true meaning of Christmas comes alive in a musical and magical production on a revolving stage filled with song, dance, special effects and all of Dicken’s legendary characters. The production sold out in 2022 and The Playhouse is excited to bring it back by popular demand for those who didn’t get to see it and those who wish to see it again.

        Flex passes and single tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online, by phone or in-person and patrons are advised to book early to get the seats and dates they wish. The Playhouse also reminds audiences that their final production of 2024, Miracle on 34th Street, plays November 28th to December 15th. This classic Christmas story of Kris Kringle claim to be the real Santa Claus is the perfect family show for all ages and a perfect conclusion to another successful Playhouse’s Season.

Upper Canada Playhouse

613 543-3713 or 877-550-3650

uppercanadaplayhouse.com