Four-Part Harmony and High-Seas Adventure Take Centre Stage in Central Ontario This August

BARRIE, ON — Four singers get one final chance to take the spotlight. A young adventurer discovers a treasure map and sets sail into a world of pirates, danger and musical mayhem. Theatre by the Bay is thrilled to announce the complete casts of its two major August productions: the internationally acclaimed musical comedy Forever Plaid and the fast-paced family adventure Treasure Island — The Pirate Musical. Featuring artists with Broadway, Mirvish, national touring, professional theatre, film and television credits, Forever Plaid will begin its Central Ontario run at the historic Gravenhurst Opera House from August 11 to 19, before moving to Theatre by the Bay's home stage at Five Points Theatre in downtown Barrie from August 21 to 29. Theatre by the Bay's Mair Young Company will present Treasure Island — The Pirate Musical at Five Points Theatre from August 19 to 29. The lively one-hour production is filled with music, comedy, colourful characters and swashbuckling fun for children, adults and the entire family. "These productions represent two completely different—but equally joyful—reasons to experience live theatre this summer," said Glenn Coulson, Executive Producer of Theatre by the Bay. "Forever Plaid offers extraordinary voices, timeless music and a story with tremendous heart, while Treasure Island invites the whole family into an imaginative world of pirates, laughter and adventure." Four singers. One unforgettable second chance. One of the most popular and enduring musical revues in contemporary theatre, Forever Plaid follows Sparky, Trudge, Jinx and Frankie—four young singers united by their love of music and dreams of becoming like their idols, The Four Freshmen, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. After rehearsing in the basement of Trudge's family plumbing-supply company, the quartet is finally on its way to its first major engagement when tragedy strikes. In a magical twist of fate, the Plaids are granted one final opportunity to return to the stage and perform the concert they never had the chance to give. Filled with pitch-perfect close harmony, endearing comedy and beloved songs such as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Moments to Remember," "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing" and "Heart and Soul," the production offers an uplifting night at the theatre for music lovers, couples, groups and audiences of every generation. The Plaids are played by: • Caulin Moore as Frankie, whose credits include We Will Rock You, Waitress, Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music and JukeBox Hero at Toronto's Ed Mirvish Theatre. • Roberto Sapienza as Sparky, who previously appeared in Forever Plaid at Niagara Falls' Avalon Theatre, with additional credits including Evil Dead: The Musical, Newsies and Beauty and the Beast. • Damien Broomes as Trudge, whose credits include Disney's The Lion King, The Comeback, Sister Act, Memphis and Shrek the Musical. • John C. Malcolm as Jinx, returning to the role after appearing in Forever Plaid at the Orillia Opera House. His screen credits include Clarice, Accused and American Gods. The production is directed by Dave Campbell, whose career spans more than four decades on stages across Canada and internationally. His television choreography includes more than 100 live broadcasts, including Canadian Idol, the Juno Awards and Canada's Walk of Fame. Campbell also directed the acclaimed Toronto revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. Casting is led by award-winning casting director and Theatre by the Bay co-founder Larissa Mair, C.D.C. Mair's credits include Youngblood, the PAW Patrol franchise, Mistletoe Murders, The Office Movers and Late Bloomer. In 2025, Mair and Colleen Rush received the Canadian Screen Award for Best Achievement in Casting, Fiction, for Late Bloomer. "Finding the Plaids required more than four outstanding singers," Coulson said. "The audience must believe they have rehearsed, dreamed and grown together. Larissa has assembled a quartet with exceptional individual talent and the chemistry that makes this musical come alive." Pirates, music and mayhem for the whole family Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless story, Treasure Island — The Pirate Musical follows young Jim on an unforgettable journey involving a mysterious visitor, a hidden map, buried treasure and a ship filled with characters who may not be what they seem. The one-hour musical is created for young audiences while offering humour, music and adventure designed to entertain parents, grandparents and adults as well. The Mair Young Company cast features Marcus Ngo, O Hinton, Jasper Lash, Summer Fallis, Skye Turner, Brennan Bielefeld, Will Archibong, Camden Cryderman and Samantha Marie. The production is directed by Tom Ketchum and co-directed by Larissa Mair, with musical direction by Meaghan Ing and choreography by Carla Tucker. "Adults are not simply bringing their children and waiting for the show to end," Coulson said. "The production moves quickly, the comedy works across generations and the entire audience becomes part of the adventure." Two destinations. One extraordinary summer of theatre. The regional run invites audiences from Muskoka, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area to build a summer outing around live performance—pairing Forever Plaid with the lakes and hospitality of Gravenhurst or the waterfront, restaurants, patios and shops of downtown Barrie. "World-class artists are creating exceptional theatre right here in Central Ontario," Coulson added. "Audiences can come north, explore our communities and experience productions that are ambitious, accessible and filled with joy." Tickets, schedules and performance information are available at theatrebythebay.com. Official Forever Plaid Billing FOREVER PLAID — Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Stuart Ross. Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt. Originally Produced by Gene Wolsk. Forever Plaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com Live professional theatre under the jurisdiction of the Independent Theatre Agreement of the Canadian Actors' Equity Association. About Theatre by the Bay Celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season in 2026, Theatre by the Bay is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company based in Barrie, Ontario. Through its Main Company, Mair Young Company, Barrie Theatre Festival and community programming, the organization presents professional live entertainment, supports Canadian artists and mentors the next generation of theatre professionals.