CHEER UP, HAMLET: AN OUTDOOR “SHAKESPEARE-ISH IN THE PARK” PARODY MUSICAL JULY 2026

A Palpable Hit Productions, in partnership with Korda Artistic Productions and Fogolar Furlan Club, presents an outdoor “Shakespeare-ish In the Park” experience with CHEER UP, HAMLET!

Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare and packed with familiar songs and parodies, this goofy mash-up asks one important question: can anyone cheer up that melancholy Dane?

Hamlet is depressed and searching for meaning, so he sets off on a journey of self-discovery. On the way, he encounters star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, feuding sisters Kate and Bianca, gold-digging Petruchio, power-hungry Lady Macbeth, and even his old girlfriend Ophelia (who has yet to make it to the nunnery). Will Hamlet finally find joy? There’s only one way to find out!

This cheerful show runs outdoors at the Fogolar Furlan Club for five performances: July 3, 4, 10, 11 at 8 PM and July 5 at 2 PM.

Online tickets are $20 on SHOWPASS, and door tickets are $20 for general admission. Doors open at 7:30 PM for the evening shows, and 1:30 PM for the matinee performance. Dinner can be purchased separately by calling Fogolar Furlan at (519) 966-2230.

CHEER UP, HAMLET is a remount of Korda’s original 2007 Shakespearean parody production with its book written by Korda’s Founder and President, Tracey B. Atin. This silly musical mash-up is directed by Korda’s Resident Director and Board Member Jeff Maronate, produced by Secretary and Board Member, Gemma Cunial, choreographed by Board Member Hope Forman with music direction by Atin. Bo Dominguez serves as the show’s stage manager.

This show features the talents of Tracey B. Atin, Noah Ball, Gemma Cunial, Hope Forman, Calum McMillan, and David Sivak.

CHEER UP, HAMLET is supported by the City of Windsor’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund.

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Lineup Announced for Leamington’s Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series

The Municipality of Leamington has announced the full lineup for the 2026 Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series, returning to the SUNSET Amphitheatre at Seacliff Park with free live music all summer long.

From tribute bands and classic rock to country, Celtic, symphony, and local favourites, this year’s lineup offers something for everyone. Residents and visitors can enjoy live waterfront entertainment every Saturday throughout the summer, beginning July 1 and continuing through September 12, 2026.

“This concert series brings people together and enhances the quality of life in our community. Whether you enjoy rock, country, Celtic music, tribute bands, or orchestral performances, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy at our beautiful waterfront this summer.” – Mayor Hilda MacDonald

“It is always a great privilege to produce the music for Music Onthe42,” said John Moran, President of The Bank Theatre. “Over the years we’ve conducted surveys asking what YOU wanted to hear. You asked, we listened and we’re super excited to bring a wide variety of music to you all summer long!”

The 2026 Music Onthe42 lineup includes:

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

• Headliner – 7:30 PM – Big Shiny Toons: Ultimate Tribute to the 90s

Saturday, July 4, 2026

• Opener – 6:30 PM – ultrasonik

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – EPIC EAGLES – The Definitive Eagles Tribute Band

Saturday, July 11, 2026

• Opener – 7:30 PM – Andrew MacLeod

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Mary Frances Leahy

Saturday, July 18, 2026

• Opener – 7:30 PM – The 519 Band

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Rick LaBonte & Band of Brothers

Saturday, July 25, 2026

• Headliner – 7:30 PM – Windsor Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, August 8, 2026

• Opener – 7:30 PM – Jay Allan Duo

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Marshall Dane

Saturday, August 15, 2026

• Opener – 7:30 PM – Denis Bastarache

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Mystic Highway: CCR/Fogerty Tribute

Saturday, August 22, 2026

• Opener – 5:00 PM – Christian Vegh

• Featured Performance – 6:30 PM – Rick LaBonte & The Band of Brothers

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Teaze

Saturday, August 29, 2026

• Opener – 7:30 PM – River Rock Ramblers

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – South Detroit Band: A Tribute to Journey

Saturday, September 5, 2026

• Headliner – 8:00 PM – The S’Aints

Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Opener – 6:30 PM – This Thing We Started: Brian Adams Tribute

• Headliner – 8:30 PM – Keep The Faith: Bon Jovi Tribute

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show comfortably. Food and beverage options will be available on-site, and LT-Go Transit will be running extended evening service until 11:00 PM to make the concert accessible for everyone.

For a full schedule of the Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series website.

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KORDA’S “RIDE THE CYCLONE” JUNE 2026

Korda Artistic Productions’ 2026 season of Things That Go Bump in the Night… in the Heart… in the Mind continues with the thrilling Windsor Premiere of RIDE THE CYCLONE – an “ingeniously dark and funny” (The Washington Post) stunning Canadian hit musical.

The Book, Music and Lyrics are by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. The show was originally produced by Kevin McCollum and Morris Berchard in Canada by Atomic Vaudeville.

In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other – the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived! The show won the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Touring Production, the Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Outstanding New Musical, and received five nominations for the prestigious Lucille Lortel Awards including for Outstanding Musical, and a Drama League Award nomination. Korda’s production is helmed by Jeremy Burke, whose recent Korda directing credits include 2025’s The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, 2024’s The Trench, and 2023’s Romeo & Juliet.

“There is an ever-present tragedy in following these teenagers pulled from life so early,” states Burke. “Hearing their hopes and dreams they never got to pursue, the things they never had a chance to say or do is sad, yes, but it is bittersweet in the same way Icarus flying so close to the sun is. They had the chance to dream, they all had the chance to wish, and they will never know if those dreams were even possible or not – because it doesn’t matter. They got to fly, and though there they met their tragic fate, they got to Ride the Cyclone.”

The talented cast includes Mena Fusaro as Ocean O’Connel Rosenberg, Ian MacDonald as Mischa Bachinski, Beau St. Pierre as Noel Gruber, Eóghan McCullough as Ricky Potts, Larissa Dawn as Constance Blackwood, Sydney White as Jane Doe, and Eric Miinch as The Amazing Karnak.

The creative team includes Sam Bourque as music director, Julia Pastorius as choreographer, Alex Hagen as stage manager, Nicole Clark as set designer, Elaina Bialkowski as lighting operator, River Bourque as sound operator, Jess Foster as backstage tech, Nicole and Steve Clark for set construction, and Ed Savoie as the technical advisor. Tracey B. Atin serves as producer, and Christopher Menard and Hope Forman assist with website, promotions, and social media support.

A live band features Sam Bourque on keys and additional vocals, Matthew Vriesen on keys 2 and additional vocals, Aaron Gasparini on guitar, Ian Scott on bass, and Taylor Unis on drums. Jen Gurniak Theatre Photography will photograph the production.

Ride the Cyclone runs June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 & 27, 2026, at 8 p.m., and June 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. All performances are at The KordaZone Theatre, at 2520 Seminole. Tickets are available at the door an hour ahead of the show, or in advance online. Tickets are $30 for General Admission and $25 for students and seniors.

Ride the Cyclone is presented through special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global (www.broadwaylicensing.com), and with support from Windsor Improve Theatre and Denise and Peter Hrastovec.

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Open Air Weekends 2026 In Downtown Amherstburg

Open Air Weekends return to downtown Amherstburg beginning Friday, June 5, 2026 at 3 p.m., launching a full summer of vibrant events, entertainment, and interactive programming.

Opening night features a lively vendor market, live music, and a traditional bagpipe parade, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the charm of downtown. Guests can shop local, dine on patios, and enjoy interactive activities in the open-air atmosphere.

Running through September 6, 2026 Open Air transforms the downtown core of Amherstburg into a hub of activity every weekend, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, hands-on crafts and more.

In addition to previous programming, we are adding exciting brand-new themed weekends:

• Brazilian Village (June 12-14), as part of the Carrousel of the Nations, celebrating Brazilian culture through food, music and sport
• Pride Weekend (June 26-28), featuring the return of TRUE Festival on June 27
• Heritage Weekend (July 31 – August 2), highlighting Amherstburg’s rich history
• Cycle the Burg (August 14-16), a cycling themed event in partnership with WEBC
• Barrels & Brass (August 21-23), a unique jazz and history-themed weekend in collaboration with the Marsh Historical Collection

In addition to these themed experiences, visitors can enjoy guided historic tours every Saturday and Sunday, cultural conversations downtown on Sundays, learn to play chess sessions, and free yoga in the park on Sundays. The popular bagpipe parades will also continue throughout the season on select Friday evenings, adding to the event’s signature atmosphere.

Open Air Weekends are free to attend and offer something for everyone – from families and food lovers to history enthusiasts and music fans.

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Riverfront Theatre Company’s Musical May 2026

Riverfront Theatre Company is set to bring something truly special to the Capitol Theatre this spring with its upcoming production of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical.

Running May 15–17 and May 22–24, this production also marks the Windsor premiere of the show — an exciting milestone for both the company and local audiences who won’t have to travel far to experience this powerful story live on stage.

At its heart, The Prince of Egypt is more than a familiar story — it’s a deeply human one. It explores identity, family, and the courage it takes to choose what is right, even when it comes at great personal cost. The journey of two brothers raised side by side but destined for very different paths continues to resonate, offering something meaningful for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

This production is also a reflection of the incredible young talent here in our own community. Riverfront Theatre Company has built a reputation for nurturing youth performers, and that commitment is front and centre in this show. Rehearsals have been filled with energy, focus, and a genuine sense of excitement as these performers bring the story to life. Their dedication is evident on stage, and for many, this experience marks an important step in their artistic growth.

The music, composed by Stephen Schwartz — known to many for his work on Wicked — adds another layer of richness to the production. His score for The Prince of Egypt is both powerful and emotional, blending sweeping ensemble numbers with intimate ballads that stay with you long after the curtain falls.

For Riverfront Theatre Company, this production continues a long-standing tradition of bringing stories to life in a way that connects with local audiences. Over the years, the company has become more than a theatre group — it’s a creative community that audiences have come to trust for engaging, high-quality productions.

For the community, this production is a chance to see what’s possible when local young people are given the space to grow and be challenged. The talent on stage isn’t coming from somewhere else — it’s right here. These are students, neighbours, and familiar faces putting in the work and taking on something ambitious. Coming out to the show means recognizing that effort and being part of it. It’s a reminder that the arts in Windsor aren’t just something to watch — they’re something we build together.

Purchase tickets to the musical here.

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