Windsor Light Music Theatre

Windsor Light Music Theatre (formerly named The Windsor Light Opera Association) was founded by Dr. John H. L. Watson in 1948 with the goal of presenting musical theatre to the Windsor-Essex County area. The company started producing two major musical productions per year and has continued to do so to the present day.

In the early years the company presented what was at the time referred to as operettas, "light operas", which was reflected in the name Windsor Light Opera. Since this time musicals have changed and so has our name. However, The Light Opera as this group was known as in the community still produces outstanding shows that reflect the best of Broadway musical entertainment. Originally the productions were housed and presented on the Walkerville Collegiate[1] stage. In 1960 Windsor Light Opera moved to the Cleary Auditorium, now called the Chrysler Theatre in the Saint Clair College for the Arts, where Windsor Light Musical Theatre stages its spring and fall performances annually.

History

The company started producing two major musical productions per year and has continued to do so to the present day. In the early years the company presented what was at the time referred to as operettas, "light operas", which was reflected in the name Windsor Light Opera. Since this time musicals have changed and so has the name. However, The Light Opera as this group was known as in the community still produces outstanding shows that reflect the best of Broadway musical entertainment. Originally the productions were housed and presented on the Walkerville Collegiate stage. In 1960 Windsor Light Opera moved to the Cleary Auditorium, now called the Chrysler Theatre partially owned by St.Clair College for the Arts.

1948 to 1958

  • The purpose of the Association was to offer the people of the city and environs an opportunity to engage in the performance of light operas and the theatrical skills connected with the staging of such productions. Many of the initial members were recruited from the choir of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church.
  • A.J. "Gus" Gervais was named as the first president. Gus was also affectionately called the groups "Guardian Angel" since he bankrolled the first few critical productions until the local box office receipts could support upcoming shows.
  • an arrangement was also made with the Windsor Board of Education to nominally lease the auditorium at Walkerville Collegiate.
  • The first rehearsal hall was located at John Campbell Public School and rent was paid for by members who paid 25 cents to fulfill their dream
  • "The Pirates of Penzance" in November, 1949 consisted of 43 members onstage which established our tradition of large casts which our audiences seemed to enjoy. The orchestra consisted of twin Heintzman pianos played by the rehearsal accompanists Barbara Kelly and W.T. Balman. Costumes were supplied by Malabar of Toronto.
  • Acknowledgments were also given to the Windsor Theatre Guild who lent the group stage lights, equipment, make-up, and various experienced backstage people such as Doug Laing who acted as the stage manager.
  • Due to popular demand the organization added a third performance. The enthusiastic audience members numbered 876. the total cost of the production was $1400
  • For "HMS Pinafore" uniformed ushers were used, thanks to HMCS Hunter, which added a nautical flavour. Les Suddick was one of those ushers.
  • Acknowledgments went out to The Windsor Daily Star (who printed the programmes) & CKLW (who broadcast excerpts from 3 recordings made of the production, that were cut toi promote WLOA, for their weekly broadcast series).
  • During "Patience" Windsor Light was able to purchase a rehearsal piano,. a backdrop and floor drops for the stage and a string quartet was added to the orchestra
  • Following "Gondoliers" we had our first critique or adjudication by Mr. John Gardner
  • Our first social event for sustaining members consisted of a "tea" in the main lounge of the Willistead Library
  • "M'lle Modiiste" in April, 1954 was the Windsor Centennial production and the general chairman Mr. Henry Rosen was the before-the-curtain speaker on opening night. It was also the first show in which a ballet was performed with the cooperation of Jack Bickle Studio of the Dance. The group entertained for the blind at Alexander Hall and for patients at Essex County Sanatorium. The orchestra added a reed section.
  • in 1954 WLOA performed in the Ford Motor Co. of Canada's "Music Under the Stars" at Jackson Park. [ FIND AND INSERT PHOTO ]
  • after each show, members were welcomed to a dinner dance usually held at the Shawnee Gun Club. In the summer they gathered for a wiener roast. These social gatherings were the forerunners of our banquets.
  • For "Rio Rita" a brass section was first added to orchestra.
  • In 1955, "Brigadoon" was performed at Jackson Park. Also performed were numbers from the Merry Widow and Mikado with the Detroit Symphony at their new Forfr Auditorium.
  • "Finian's Rainbow" saw the first pictures in a programme. Saturday ticket prices increased to $2.00, and all other dates were $1.50
  • By November, 1956 the cost of each production exceeded $5000
  • In the summer of 1957, a fire at the band-shell in Jackson Park destroyed props, scenery, and sound equipment for our production of "Merry Widow". However , the show must go on! The following weekend they performed with new costumes, less scenery and a few less seats!
  • The Windsor Light Trophies were introduced following "Gypsy Baron". These "Lights" were presented by a guest adjudicator at each banquet. Honorary membership cards were issued to all Original members. This was the forerunner of out Life Memberships.
  • Carousel was our first Rogers& Hammerstein show. increased attendance demanded we offer 6 performances.
Presidents of the Decade
Year Name
1949 A. J. "Gus" Gervais
1950-1951 Chris Coburn
1952 Herk Ely
1953 Melba Aitchison
1954 Marguarite Skinner
1955 Jack Haggans
1956 Murray Hogarth
1957 Victor Hawkeswood/ Herk Ely
1958 Doreen Elliott

1959 to 1969

  • in 1959 we first repeated a previous show "The Mikado. The Cleary Auditorium & Memorial Convention Hall were under construction
  • the WLOA is already orienting its 1960 Spring production toward the goal of performance on the stage. we were hoping to make the Cleary the future home for all of out presentations where the facilities would be so ideal for Light Opera Productions
  • In November, 11959 we performed "Arcadian's" at the Tivoli Theatre
  • In April, 1960 our contribution to the formal opening of the Cleary was a presentation of a fully costumed production of "South Pacific" free to the public upon request. Only 2 tickets per family could be provided and hundreds of patrons had to be disappointed because the performance sold out. Incidentally, our set built for Walkerville was dwarfed by the huge Cleary Stage
  • Following"Kismet" in 1961 we has to increase our performances to seven due to audiences response
  • "Gondoliers" in November 1961 was presented as our 25th successive major production as a fully incorporated body.
  • For "Show Boat" we employed the largest on stage cast in out history as 95 performers tripped over the footlights.,
  • we has an open house at our new rehearsal hall at 740 Pellisier St.(formerly the Checker Cab stand). It was a dream come true to have a spacious building that provided ample room for storage of props and equipment and a lighting room with 20,000 watts of power! Previous rehearsal homes included John Campbell School, the Ferry Building of Ouellette, the Rosary Youth Centre, the East End Athletic Club, a hall on Wyandotte Street and many churches basements.
  • In May, 1963 we took "The Most Happy Fella" on the road to St. Thomas and were banned because of the "risque" nature of the show. We we never invited back! By that year the cost of productions increased to over $17,000. Our yearly audiences numbered 16,000 with 50% coming from the United States or outside Windsor
  • In 1965 we moved into a larger rehearsal facility at 395 Tecumseh Rd. West (the former Rose Bowling Alley). This year also saw the creation of the WLOA Players. Marie SImpson was chosen to leasd and promote these woerkshop prodiuctions that would provide3 an opportunity for training in dramatic arts.
  • 1966 we created the first 16mm sound film "The Oliver Story" showing the actionh from the audition process, casting, early rehearsals, blocking and set constructiohns right up to the triumphant opening night.
  • the musical comedy "Cocktail Group" was formed with John Watson, Eileen Chisholm, Lois Bendler, Kathy Hart, and Don Hart.
Presidents of the Decade
Year Name
1959 Don Forsyth/ Gwyn Whitefield
1961 Herk Ely
1962-1964 John Baird
1964-1965 Herk Ely
1965-1967 Jack Chisholm
1967-1969 Don Piper

1969 to 1979

  • in 1969 The Players under the direction of Bill Premin, produced its first play "Come Blow You Horn" for the public at Walkerville Collegiate.
  • "My Fair Lady" in April, 1974, was our 50th Production on our 25th Anniversary. Cost to produce a single production increased to $30,000. A formal Dinner Dance was held at the Cleary to celebrate our anniversary. Membership fees increased from $2.00 to $4.00!
  • In 1978 mirrored sections were purchased with the help of a Wintario Project Grant to be used by dancers for rehearsals.
  • In 1979 "Gigi" was performed in place of "Canterbury Tales"/
  • Sally Kaufman wrote, produced and directed the WLOA 30th Anniversary show "Reflections", a salute to our own membership and their many contributions.
Presidents of the Decade
Year Name
1969-1971 Jack Haggans
1971-1972 Don Piper
1972-1973 Mike Thomson
1973-1975 Wally Riding
1975-1976 Dave Crane
1976-1981 Eric Skelton

1979 to 1989

  • In 1983, the WLOA Players hosted the Western Ontario Drama League Festival.
  • "Kiss Me Kate" was our 70th production in our 35th year. A gala evening at the Cleary was attended by over 600. A robust musical review directed by Lois Bendler was presented.
  • The Spring production of "Annie" was repeated in the Fall due to audience demand!
  • we moved into a new rehearsal facility at the vacant Walker Road School in 1985
  • In May 1986 the Buy a Brick Campaign was introduced to help the WLOA buy or build a home
  • A successful Cleary dinner theatre package was introduced
  • in 1986 we purchased a former church at 2491 Joseph St. Louis to continue our long-time service to the performing arts community in Windsor and to establish a Centre for the Arts and Community Theatre.
  • "HMS Pinafore" in 1988 marked John Watson's last show as director. He played one of his favourite roles. Sir Joseph Porter, which he first played in 1939 at McMaster University. He repeated the role for us at our new facility.
  • An Open House was held at our new facility.
  • In 1988 the WLOA started to supplement revenue from ticket sales by participating in charity Bingo's. This highly successful programme was initiated by Pat and John McLaughlin, continued bye Joe Hocevar and is presently coordinated by Kay Reeves.
Presidents of the Decade
Year Name
1981-1983 Don Piper
1983-1985 Jean Charley
1985-1987 Rick Edwards
1987-1989 Bill Reeves

1989 to 1998

  • in 1989, we built an addition to the rehearsal hall , doubling the size of the facility and providing much needed space for set construction and storage.
  • "Hello Dolly" was the first show directed by John Whatley. He also directed a successful review show called "Curtain Up" for the freedom Festival.
  • "The King and I" was the first show directed by Bill Premin. He also formed a WLOA Choral Group that entertained for various groups at their special occasions.
  • On September 28, 1990 a Gala Dinner to Honour Dr. John H. L. Watson for His contribution to this community and to bestow him with the title Founding Director Emeritus. Over a 40-year period he worked continuously directing, producing and appearing in one successful production after another.
  • Herk and Oda Ely were honoured for their contribution of producing every souvenir programme since 1950.
  • Bill Premin directed "Mame" in the new Chrysler Theatre, Cleary International Centre following extensive renovations.
  • "Me and My Girl" was presented as a Windsor Centennial Celebration show directed by John Whatley. He formed a cabaret group presenting a review show for a community and also directed a joint venture for the Windsor Symphony's Pop Series called "A Salute to Gilbert & Sullivan".
  • "Man of La Mancha" was the first show directed by Lois Bendler
  • The Windsor Light Opera Youth Choir was formed by Kim Ottogalli.
  • "Barnum" was the first show directed and choreographed by Michele Milner
  • "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", directed by John Whatley, was the second largest onstage cast of 90 in our history. Due to popular response we added 2 shows as our run included an unprecedented 9 sold out performances!
  • A redesigned programme was introduced and given free to all audience members.
  • Successful pre-show dinner and shuttle packages were introduced.
  • A 50th Anniversary Open House was held on March 29, 1998. A proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Windsor and City Council declared WLOA day and the Open House.
  • Our 50th Anniversary float won first place in its category in the Canada Day Parade on July 1, 1998.
  • "Fiddler on the Roof" was the first show directed by Peter Sonnberg.
  • "Music Man will be the first show directed by Rick and Connie Farrer. We recognize and honour John Watson as our original "Music Man".
Presidents of the Decade
Year Name
1989-1993 Cheryl Thomson
1993-1995 Doug Burt
1995-1997 Gerry Turmel
1997-1998 Joan Hunter

Past Productions[2]

Year Spring Production Fall Production Windsor Light Opera Association Players Year Spring Production Fall Production Windsor Light Opera Association Players Year Spring Production Fall Production Windsor Light Opera Players/

Separate Performances

1949 Pirates of Penzance 1980 The Music Man The Mikado Blythe Spirit 2011 The Drowsy Chaperone Into The Woods
1950 Yeoman of the Guard Trial by Jury, H.M.S. Pinafore 1981 Fiddler on the Roof The Pirates of Penzance Detective Story 2012 Legally Blonde the Musical Monty Python's Spamalot
1951 Patience The Mikado 1982 Plain & Fancy Yeoman of the Guard See How They Run 2013 The Wizard of Oz The King and I
1952 Iolanthe The Gondoliers 1983 Fanny Anne of Green Gables On Borrowed Time 2014 Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat

 Mary Poppins Driving Miss Daisy
1953 Ruddigore Florodora 1984 Kiss Me Kate Brigadoon 2015 Grease Disney's The Little Mermaid
1954 M'lle Modiste The Red Mill 1985 Annie Annie 2016 Sister Act Disney's Beauty and the Beast
1955 Rio Rita Brigadoon 1986 Bye Bye Birdie Ruddigore 2017 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Mamma Mia!
1956 Finian's Rainbow Kiss Me Kate 1987 Oliver A Christmas Carol 2018 Singin' In The Rain
1957 The Merry Widow The Gypsy Baron 1988 Annie Get Your Gun H.M.S. Pinafore
1958 Carousel Oklahoma! 1989 Hello, Dolly! Applause
1959 The Mikado The Arcadians 1990 The King & I Evita
1960 South Pacific Brigadoon 1991 Mame - You Can't Take it With You
1961 Kismet The Gondoliers 1992 Me and My Girl Man of La Mancha Steel Magnolias
1962 Show Boat The Student Prince 1993 Oklahoma! Sweeney Todd
1963 The Most Happy Fella Oklahoma! 1994 My Fair Lady Barnum
1964 The King & I South Pacific 1995 Guys and Dolls No, No, Nanette
1965 Camelot She Loves Me 1996 The Most Happy Fella Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
1966 Oliver! The Chocolate Soldier 1997 La Cage aux Folles Annie Warbucks
1967 Fanny H.M.S. Pinafore 1998 Fiddler on the Roof Music Man
1968 Guys and Dolls Sound of Music 1999 Blood Brothers Carousel
1969 My Fair Lady Patience Come Blow Your Horn 2000 The Secret Garden Titanic
1970 The Music Man Bye Bye Birdie Enter Laughing/ Barefoot in the Park 2001 The Wizard of Oz Chess Brighton Beach Memoirs
1971 Bitter Sweet A Christmas Carol Death of a Salesman/ My Three Angels 2002 How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying The Scarlet Pimpernel
1972 Hello, Dolly! Baker Street Seidman and Son 2003 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Ragtime
1973 Tenderloin Cabaret The Odd Couple 2004 Gypsy Seussical the Musical
1974 My Fair Lady Fiddler on the Roof Arsenic and Old Lace 2005 Godspell Beauty and the Beast
1975 The Most Happy Fella Damn Yankees Cactus Flower 2006 The Sound of Music Damn Yankees
1976 Camelot The Red Mill Mr. Roberts 2007 Miss Saigon A Christmas Carol the Musical
1977 New Girl in Town The Stingiest Man in Town Lovers and Other Strangers/

One Flew Over the Cookoo's Nest

 2008 Thoroughly Modern Millie Cabaret 60th Anniversary Chorus with WSO
1978 Finian's Rainbow South Pacific 2009 The Producers RENT
1979 Kismet Gigi Boeing, Boeing 2010 Willy Wonka A Christmas Carol the Musical

References

  1. ↑ Edwards, Chris. "Walkerville Collegiate Institute". www.walkervilletimes.com. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
  2. ↑ "List All Shows - Windsor Light Music Theatre". Windsor Light Music Theatre. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
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