By Emily Stonehouse

The Highlands Summer Festival (HSF) has been known to dazzle audiences in the region for years. 25 years, to be exact. 

That’s right, this year HSF will be honouring their “silver anniversary”, officially marking 25 years of drama, comedy, and music right here in the Haliburton Highlands. 

And with the milestone, comes the opportunity to bring a fresh face into the mix. Douglas Walker has officially been announced as the new artistic director of the organization, following in the footsteps of former director, Scot Denton, who was with HSF for over two decades. 

“It feels great, it’s very exciting,” said Walker. “It’s something I’ve thought about for ages, but didn’t realize it would happen now.” 

Walker and Denton share a wealth of experiences together, and Walker noted that he has an open-door policy with the former director, who has given him nothing but support and encouragement since stepping into the role. 

And what a time to step in. With the 25th year on the roster, Walker felt the need to make this season’s lineup truly stand out. With support and input from the HSF board, Walker managed to confirm three outstanding plays that will be brought to local audiences this summer. 

The season kicks off with the well-known musical, Urinetown. “This one is really right up my alley in terms of how silly it is,” chuckled Walker. While it has humorous moments, the show carries an undertone of political commentary, which will not go unnoticed by viewers. 

“The show was one of my choices for up here, because it really melds well with community theatre,” said Walker, “everyone of all ages can be in the show, anyone in the community can take part.” 

Walker also noted that the music that weaves the show together is both catchy, and clever, and will be sure to dazzle audiences of all ages. “If Les Miserables and Monty Python had a baby, it would be Urinetown,” said Walker. 

The second play of the season is the Canadian love story, Salt Water Moon. “It’s a beautiful play,” said Walker, referencing the Newfoundland-set tale. Some long-time members of the Highlands Summer Festival may recognize this show, as it was one of the very first shows HSF put on in their first year of inception. “We wanted to do something to really market that this is our 25th season,” said Walker, “so it’s a full circle moment with Salt Water Moon, to honour the first season, as well as try to do our new things moving forward.”

The third play on the roster is Drinking Habits, which is a farce, and something that Walker is very excited about. “It has all the tropes you would see in a traditional comedy farce,” he said. “It’s super fast paced; lots of entrances and exits, ludicrous storyline,” he laughed. The play is set in a convent, which is struggling to keep its doors open. So naturally, the nuns turn to making wine in an attempt to keep afloat. “It’s another example of great community theatre,” said Walker. “It can bring the whole community together.”

And that’s exactly what Walker hopes to do this season at HSF. “I want everyone to audition for these plays,” he said, noting that auditions will be held early in the new year. He is hoping to see some new faces, as well as opening up the doors to those who may not live locally by offering virtual auditions. 

On top of the three plays, the HSF will also feature two concert offerings: The Fitzgeralds, a Bancroft-based band, who are well known for their celtic tunes, and Jay Davis and the Feeling Buble Band. The full lineup can be seen on the Highlands Summer Festival Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as their website. Season’s tickets can be purchased online. 

While the 25th season of HSF warms up, Walker is happy to be settled into the community, officially calling Haliburton “home” since June of this year. Originally hailing from Scotland, the new artistic director is happy to be settled in the community with his young family. “This is the first small town I’ve lived in,” he said, noting that with his background in dance and theatre, he is usually drawn to urban centres, “but I am ready to be here. You don’t realize you’re ready until you’re really here. But I am ready to be here, ready to be a part of the community here.” 

More information on this year’s HSF lineup can be found at www.highlandssummerfestival.on.ca.