The Historic Roxy Theatre in Owen Sound, Ontario, is shifting gears this June with a lineup of tribute concerts and a community dance workshop, fresh off a wildly successful youth production. After the Roxy Young Company wrapped up its run of ‘Shrek the Musical JR’—with all 2,400 school show tickets selling out in just five minutes—the volunteer-run venue is bringing in professional touring acts aimed at adult audiences.
The summer schedule kicks off with ‘Becoming the Beatles’ on June 5, a live musical documentary starring Yale-educated musician Haley Marie. The following night, June 6, ‘80’s Confidential’ hits the stage as a multi-artist tribute featuring a full band with saxophone, dual vocals, and classic synth sounds. That show doubles as a fundraiser for the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound Foundation.
On June 11, ‘Bootleg Creedence’ brings together four musicians who have been playing together for more than 25 years to recreate the swamp-rock sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Wrapping up the concert series on June 13 is ‘Fleetwood Mac Mania,’ a tribute act that has performed for crowds as large as 18,000 and is recognized as North America’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band. Ticket prices for the shows range from $40 to $49 ($42.50 for Becoming the Beatles, $49 for 80’s Confidential and Bootleg Creedence, and $40 for Fleetwood Mac Mania).
The theatre is also hosting a Musical Theatre Choreography Workshop on June 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Led by award-winning choreographer Paula Mercer, who has created dances for more than a dozen Roxy productions including ‘Cinderella,’ ‘Something Rotten!,’ and ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,’ the session gives locals a chance to learn from a seasoned professional.
The Roxy, owned and operated by the charitable Owen Sound Little Theatre since 1986, has deep roots in the community. The building began its life in 1913 as the Griffin Opera House, later renamed The Grand Opera House in the 1920s, before becoming a cinema as The Roxy in 1948 and eventually a 400-seat performing arts venue. The latest tribute lineup continues the theatre’s post-pandemic momentum, with the earlier youth show proving just how strong the appetite for live performance remains in Owen Sound.
