2024.25 Theatre, Music and Dance Shows in St. Catharines and the surrounding area

October 4, 2024
Joe Avati World Tour
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.

Beach Towel LIVE presents the Joe Avati World Tour at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in Downtown St. Catharines on Friday, October 4. In his new show, the internationally renowned comedian asks you to leave your political correctness at the door as he delivers his hilarious insights on how times have changed, for better or worse, since he grew up as a teenager in the 80s.

October 5, 2024
Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.

Beach Towel Live presents Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on Saturday, October 5. Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience is the world’s most authentic tribute to Supertramp featuring songs from the Crime of the Century album, plus all of the biggest hits. Dreamer: The Supertramp Experience delivers a world-class show with authentic instrumentation, including vintage keyboards and live horns. Costume changes in between sets set the stage for a memorable evening of the very best Supertramp songs of all time, that are performed by some of North America’s finest A-List musicians.

October 6, 2024
Relive the Music
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.

Relive the Music presents Relive the Music 50s and 60s Rock ‘n Roll Show at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on Sunday, October 6. Back by popular demand, this one-of-a-kind show takes the audience through music history, trivia and memories of the 1950s and 1960s. You’ll learn many things you never knew about these artists. You’ll see an energetic band, amazing frontline singers and dancing transforming and re-living through two decades of music, costumes, and trends along with informative video imagery in the background.

October 20 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: All Gershwin
Partridge Hall, 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

George Gershwin wrote primarily for Broadway musical theatre, but important as well are his orchestral and piano compositions in which he blended the techniques and forms of classical music with the stylistic nuances and techniques of popular music and jazz.

October 24, 2024
Outerbridge Magic
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC07-Outerbridge-Magic-Mysteries&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

If you like magic you will love Outerbridge Magic — Mysteries of the Keyhole House, a show filled with magic and illusions that will amaze and thrill audiences of all ages. Ted and Marion Outerbridge have headlined around the world including Hollywood’s Magic Castle. From grand illusions and comedy-magic to mentalism and extraordinary prestidigitation, Outerbridge Magic — Mysteries of the Keyhole is a world-class magic show you’ll never forget.

October 25 – 31, 2024
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC08-Rocky-Horror-Picture-Show&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show in St. Catharines with four shows at the Film House from October 25-31. They are doing it again. The time warp again. The OG audience partici-(SAY IT!)-pation film. Don’t miss the Rocky Horror Picture Show with host Darryl Dyball guiding you through the call backs, when to throw props and all the dance moves. Dress up in your Rocky Horror finery.

October 29, 2024
The Psychology of Serial Killers
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC58-The-Psychology-of-Serial-Killers&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

The Psychology of Serial Killers features a touring masterclass, diving deep into the darkest and most thought provoking of subjects. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

November 1, 2024
In Search of Digital Truth
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC09-in-Search-of-Digital-Truth&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

In an age where digital technologies are increasingly shaping our reality, the line between truth and fiction can often blur. This presentation takes us on a journey into the world of Large Language Models (LLMs) – a powerful form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that’s quietly revolutionizing the way we interact with information. Through engaging examples and relatable insights, we’ll uncover how LLMs can absorb and amplify the biases embedded in the vast amounts of data they process.

November 4, 2024
Maria Bamford
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
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Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She’s the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult” and is the star of four hour-long standup specials (“Local Act,” “Weakness is the Brand,” “Old Baby” and “Maria Bamford: the special, special, special!”) and the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown.

November 6, 2024
Chantal Kreviazuk
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
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Chantal Kreviazuk made her critically acclaimed full-length debut, Under These Rocks and Stones in 1997. Since then, the Winnipeg-born and internationally celebrated 3x JUNO Award and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and musician, classically trained pianist, actress, movie producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and proud wife and mother of three has recorded 10 albums, including a live album, a holiday album and a collaboration with her husband and Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida.

November 8 – 17, 2024
Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon
Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College, St. Catharines
https://gcp.ca/shows/brigadoon-4

Books and Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER
Music by FREDERICK LOEWE
Original dances created by Agnes DeMille
Directed and Choreographed by: JOHN McHENRY
Music Director: ADRIAN PETRY

Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 pm

Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon is the enchanting and beloved Broadway musical that inspired the classic MGM film, and numerous productions all over the world. Featuring such standards as Almost Like Being in Love, Come to Me, Bend To Me and The Heather on the Hill, Brigadoon is a timeless, romantic classic which vividly brings the mystery and magic of the Scottish highlands to life.

New Yorker Tommy Albright unexpectedly arrives at the mysterious Scottish Highland village of Brigadoon, which only appears for one day every 100 years. When Tommy meets and falls in love with Fiona, a beautiful villager in this magical hamlet, he must decide whether to return to his old life or stay in Brigadoon — forever.

November 17, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Social Tango Project
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC11-Social-Tango-Project&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Tango fascinates and touches people of all backgrounds and generations. Founded and based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Social Tango Project’s mission is to share the social value of dance, celebrating the tango community through performance, music and film. The company invites tango lovers to experience a real evening to the rhythm of this popular dance so closely linked to Argentina, in the intimacy of a milonga recreated here by multidisciplinary choreographer Agustina Videla from Buenos Aires.

November 23, 2024 | 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
November 24, 2024 | 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: The Queen Symphony
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story is an orchestral suite in nine movements adapted from parts of Bernstein’s landmark musical, West Side Story.

The Queen Symphony pays tribute to the timeless songs of the iconic rock band Queen, including Who Wants to Live Forever and Bohemian Rhapsody. The music is distinctly symphonic, building on musical fragments and adding brand-new material.

November 23, 2025 |  6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pre-Concert Wine & Jazz
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Join the Niagara Symphony Orchestra for a pre-concert Wine and Jazz before the Queen Symphony event on Saturday, November 23.

November 27, 2024 | 7:30 pm
Selling England by the Pound — 50th Anniversary Tour
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC12-Selling-England-by-the-Pound&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

It’s 1973 — Genesis releases Selling England by the Pound which, through Peter Gabriel’s eccentric theatrics and the band’s unique musicianship, produces some of the most iconic sounds and images of the 70’s, enjoying to this day a cult following. A timeless classic and emblematic concert which embodies the fascinating world of early Genesis, recreating the shows in painstaking detail.

The Musical Box is a Quebec-based band, for which the last 30 years, had the sole mission of recreating in all its glory the live experience of an early Genesis concert, including the use of vintage instruments. Yes, including a real mellotron — and thanks to Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, the original slides used by Genesis.

November 29, 2024 | 8 pm
The Carole King Songbook
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-24R13-Tapestry-Carole-King&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

This show recreates the sound and vibe of a 1970s Carole King concert experience following her legendary album, Tapestry. You will be transported back to the iconic image of her multi-million-selling album of 1971. Impeccable attention to detail is taken in recreating a respectful and accurate musical presentation of piano and vocals, just as they were. Suzanne’s performance will take you on a journey back to those great recordings.

November 30, 2024
Forever Seger
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.

The Beaches Jazz Festival presents Forever Seger: The Silver Bullet Experience, a tribute to the timeless music of Bob Seger, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on Saturday, November 30.

Get ready to embark on a journey through the soul-stirring melodies and electrifying beats of Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band with FOREVER SEGER! Recognized as the ultimate Bob Seger tribute experience, this powerhouse ensemble brings you an unforgettable night of classic rock magic.

December 14 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
December 15 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: Home For the Holidays
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

The NSO’s festive concert tradition returns with holly and mistletoe, and sweet sugar plums. Regardless of where you’re from, come home for the holidays with the NSO and celebrate with the familiar sounds of the most enchanting season. Stars of the Stratford Festival for many seasons, Jennifer Rider-Shaw played The Lady of the Lake in Monty Python’s Spamalot and Robert Markus most recently played Mark in RENT during the 2023 season.

December 28, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
One Man Star Wars
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines

The FirstOntarioPAC presents: Canadian actor Charles Ross may have the best job in the world: professional Geek.

January 30, 2025 7:30 p.m.
The FirstOntarioPAC presents Proarte Danza
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines

Created by award winning choreographers Roberto Campanella and Robert Glumbek, The 9th provides an immersive experience that captures the essence of freedom and resilience witnessed during the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through narratives of families separated and reunited, the production delves into the universal struggle against personal barriers. The athleticism and intense physicality of the choreography serve as poignant reminders of the human struggle behind each dancer. As they transcend performance constraints, raw emotions and vulnerabilities are revealed, inviting audiences to confront their own inner obstacles. The production serves as a platform for reflection on historical events, emphasizing the significance of breaking down both physical and metaphorical walls. Ultimately, The 9th celebrates the triumph of human connection and solidarity, fostering an understanding of the complexities of liberation and unity.

The 9th is a bold and provocative dance work that captures the essence of freedom and resilience witnessed during the fall of the Berlin Wall.

January 23, 2025
Sum41
Meridian Centre, 1 David S. Howes Way

Get ready rock fans!! Grammy-nominated band Sum 41 embarks on their final headlining world tour and will rock St. Catharines one last time on January 23, 2025.

The Tour of the Setting Sum celebrates the group’s final album “Heaven: :x: Hell.” Joining Sum41 are special guests Pup and Gob. Tickets range from $40-$385 plus fees.

January 26, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: Mozart & Beyond
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

The overture to one of the greatest operas ever written begins with a solemn three-chord sequence from the brass, associated with the Priests of the Temple of Wisdom. We are thrilled that Eric Guo will be playing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No 1, the piece that won him the first prize at the 2nd International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments. Eric is a laureate of the Fifth Canadian Chopin Piano Competition and was named one of CBC’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30 in 2019. Symphony No. 41 is the last of a set of three that Mozart composed in rapid succession. It is argued that Mozart composed the three symphonies as a unified work; Symphony No. 41, as the final work, has no introduction (unlike No. 39) but has a grand finale.

February 16, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: The Four Seasons Reimagined
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

The Four Seasons Reimagined is a complete re-composition and reinterpretation of Vivaldi’s violin concertos, emphasizing Richter’s grounding in postmodern and minimalist music. Each tango of The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires is a unique blending of the syncopations of the dance. Originally conceived as separate compositions, Piazzolla established the practice of performing them as one suite. Drawing from her rich Mexican-American background, Maureen Conlon-Gutierrez has garnered acclaim with audiences across the U.S., Latin America and Europe. One of the world’s most sought-after bandoneonists, Hector Del Curto has performed with many renowned artists across many musical genres and appeared with the world’s leading orchestras.\

February 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
The FirstOntarioPAC presents Step Afrika!
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC39-Step-Afrika&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

This is your introduction to the world of stepping.

Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humour and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

Step Afrika! introduces audiences to stepping through both a traditional and contemporary lens. Step Afrika! incorporates percussive dance styles practised by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humour, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.

March 6, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Girls Nite Out Comedy Troupe
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines

Enjoy an all-female, all-funny troupe of improv and stand-up comedy performers that will have you in stitches with their side-splitting sketches.

March 8, 2025 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
March 9, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: Classical Mystery Tour
Partridge Hall, 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. Enjoy two dozen Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written. From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them.

March 14, 2025 | 3 and 6 pm.
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock Live
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://www.firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC43-Jim-Hensons-Fraggle-Rock&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

MARCH BREAK FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Starring the characters of the beloved original Jim Henson series currently seen in the hit Emmy Award-winning Apple TV+ reboot, Fraggle Rock LIVE features the iconic Fraggles alongside all the favourite characters from the show, as well as new characters in a brand-new exciting, interactive, live musical adventure perfect for all ages!

March 16, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
The FirstOntarioPAC presents Rhythm of the Dance
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC44-Rhythm-of-the-Dance&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Rhythm of the Dance, the Irish dance and musical spectacular has embarked on a Global tour that includes a stop in downtown St. Catharines. The performance takes audiences through the journey of Ireland’s history showcasing authentic Celtic melodies, signature Irish dance, live music and singing.

This incredible live show creates a new era in Irish Entertainment, containing a wealth of Irish talent, featuring World and Irish champion dancers and some of the finest Traditional musicians and singers who are a big hit everywhere.

March 31, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Pauly Shore Comedy Tour
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC50-Pauly-Shore&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Pauly Shore is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker, best known for his work in the 1990s. He began performing stand-up comedy at the age of 17. His early performances at The Comedy Store helped him develop his unique comedic style.

April 2, 2025
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC51-The-Red-Hot-Chili-Pipers&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

It’s Bagpipes. It’s Rock. It’s Bagrock. AC/DC meets the poet Robert Burns. Where rock anthems sit comfortably alongside the great tunes from the glens and the mountains of Scotland.

It’s The Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not the Peppers), a 9-piece ensemble consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers — who have been rocking the world from New York to Beijing to Melbourne and everywhere in between with musicianship of the highest order and a passion for pipes that will leave you breathless. The band has four music degrees from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and all the pipers and drummers have played at the top level in bagpiping.

April 5, 2025 @ 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
April 6, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: Pastorale
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Fidelio is the only opera by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven struggled to produce an appropriate overture for Fidelio, and ultimately went through four versions. This somewhat lighter overture seems to work best of the four as a start to the opera. Appalachian Spring depicts the day of a wedding celebration at a Pennsylvania farmhouse in the early 20th Century. It opens at dawn and concludes as serenely as it began, ending the day with the same chords with which dawn was evoked. A lover of nature, Beethoven spent a great deal of time on walks in the country. He said that the Sixth Symphony is “more the expression of feeling than painting.” It is one of Beethoven’s few works containing explicitly programmatic content.

April 15, 2025
Classic Albums Live: Fleetwood Mac
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC52-Classic-Albums-Live-Fleetwood-Mac&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Rumours is Fleetwood Mac’s is the massively popular 11th studio album released in 1977 and includes “The Chain,” “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams” and so much more. Classic Albums Live will deliver it note for note, cut for cut.

April 17, 2025
Gowan
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC34-Gowan&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Lawrence Gowan is a multi-talented musician and performer known for his electrifying live shows and soaring vocals. With a career spanning over five decades, Gowan has established himself as one of the most dynamic and versatile performers in the music industry. With his soaring vocals, virtuosic keyboard skills, and signature showmanship, Gowan has captivated audiences around the world, become a fan favourite and established himself as a true icon of the music world.

His live shows are legendary, Gowan never fails to leave a lasting impression and leave fans begging for more. With his boundless energy, passion, and talent, Lawrence Gowan is a true master of the stage and a true icon of modern music.

April 24, 2025
Bageshree Vaze’s Global Bollywood
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St.
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-2425PAC53-Global-Bollywood&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Global Bollywood is a tribute to the rich musical landscape of Indian film music and the music composers who defined what is now celebrated as Bollywood music.

Featuring a multicultural cast of dancers and musicians, the show displays a tapestry of global and eclectic influences of Indian popular music from the 1950s until now: jazz inspired by Benny Goodwin, to the 60s sound of the Beatles, to Disco and beyond. Global Bollywood is directed by choreographer and singer Bageshree Vaze, an MTV India ‘rising star.’

April 25, 2025 7:30 p.m.
ONES – The Beatles #1 Hits
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines
https://firstontariopac.ca/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=EventArticle-24R57-ONES&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=

Live Is All You Need presents – ONES – The Beatles #1 Hits – “The Really Big Show” (with 16-piece orchestra). To select North American venues!

April 26, 2025 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
April 27, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
NSO: Blockbuster Broadway
Partridge Hall 250 St Paul St, St. Catharines

Celebrate Broadway’s biggest songs from Broadway’s biggest blockbusters featuring Broadway’s biggest stars! Spend an evening with songs from Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie, Jersey Boys, The Sound of Music, Chicago, CATS, The Lion King, and A Chorus Line.

April 28, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Just For Laughs Roadshow
Partridge Hall, St. Catharines

A comedic extravaganza that promises an evening filled with laughter and entertainment! Travelling across various cities and venues, the Just For Laughs Roadshow brings together some of the most talented comedians. From witty observational comedy to uproarious slapstick, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable night of side-splitting laughter and joyous camaraderie. Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a good time, the Just For Laughs Roadshow promises an evening of pure comedic bliss!

TBA