So much drama!
March 18, 2026 7:50 PM
Once again, it is that time of year when Theatre Antigonish will be presenting The One-Act Play Festival, showcasing the best dramatic talent that the community at large has to offer. This year’s festival, taking place at the Bauer Theatre, will be running from March 17 to 20 with a total of nine productions.
All of this year’s submissions will be adjudicated by stage veteran Genevieve Steele in a public adjudication after the performance, and a private session with the cast afterwards. On the final evening, she will also award certain production for outstanding achievement.
Here is a brief description of all of this year’s productions to help you determine which evening’s performances you may enjoy the most (although attending every evening is strongly encouraged).
Thursday, March 17
“The Belle of Amherst” will be opening the festival, and is a one woman play depicting the life of famous poet Emily Dickinson. The play incorporates her poetry, along with her diaries and life experiences. It features Amanda Gillis as Dickinson.
“Les Amants Du Metro”, directed by Marie-Noelle Cocton will follow. The play, also known as “Underground Lovers”, shows a view of Parisian society, and a complicated and compelling love affair which occurs amongst it, along with the inner workings of the mind when in love.
Friday, March 18
This night begins with “Kawaii Ne”, an original play written by and featuring Alice Hoskins and the Harbour Players. The title, loosely translated, is a Japanese phrase for cute, or “cute isn’t it?”.
The second production is the Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) musical, “Children of Eden”. Directed by Samantha Faulkner, this high energy, colourful show, tells the story of Noah’s ark, and the struggles of his family, dealing with their relationship with God and each other, along with a forbidden love affair. It features A.J. MacQuarrie, Ginny Pottie, Steve Holloway, Eric Scarffe, and Tia Andriani among numerous others.
Saturday, March 19
“Lending a Hand inside the Land of Disney” promises to be an entertaining experience as it is the first of three productions to be presented on Saturday evening. It is directed by Sarah Cavan along with members of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL).
Following them is “A Chip in the Sugar”, which will be presented by the Harbour Players, featuring Ken Kingston as Graham Whittaker, a middle aged man who lives with his mother. Things soon become more complicated when a new man enters his mother’s life and drama, of course, ensues.
Closing the night is “While It Lasts”, an original production by Clara Halfpenny, Caleb Halfpenny, Julianna Ali, & Jenny Armin-Pereda and, directed by Gary Blackwood. The story revolves around young Maria, an ambitious opera singer who will do anything to gain fame.
Sunday, March 20
The final evening of productions begins with “Oh Death Rock Me Asleep”, an original production created by and featuring Lucia Dodero, along with Daniel Halfpenny.
To close out the festival, the grand finale will be a production of the comedy, “Two Canterbury Tales”. It will be presented by Harbour Players and directed by Pauline Liengme, featuring the talents of Adrienne Belyea, Ally Heustis, Scott McNeill, Ryan Scott, Michelle Terris, and Ashley Williams.
Tickets to this festival are $8 and can be reserved by calling 867-3333, or purchased at the door.
