This summer and fall, Stone Fence Theatre presents an updated version of one of its most popular shows, High Times at the Heart Institute, by the company’s producer, Ish Theilheimer. It is a musical comedy tribute to Canada’s health care system inspired by Ish’s own experience as a patient at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. At a time when Canadians are reflecting on what makes our country great, it seems quite timely, as well as hilarious. Above: Heart patients Arthur (Ted Schnare) and “MAGA” Maggie (Beverly Lewis) exchange views on Canadian vs. American health care. (Photo submitted)
Written and originally produced for a limited run in 2016, the show is a musical comedy directed and choreographed by Shirley Hill and Sarah Wright. It tells the story of four heart patients who collide at the Institue. They include the main character, party boy Bobby (Rob Tremblay), his space-case ex-partner Wendy (Fran Pinkerton), committed leftie activist Arthur (Ted Schnare), and American, MAGA-type Maggie (Beverly Lewis). Nurse Toni is played by co-director Shirley Hill. Chorus members David Green, Tabitha Green and Ryan Webster add great comedy and fun to the production. The band consists of Greg Russell (guitar), Derek Tolhurst (bass), Peter Sattelberger (drums) and playwright/musical director Ish Theilheimer (keys).
Return of dinner theatre
By popular demand, Stone Fence Theatre is bringing back the kind of “supper theatre” that made it so popular. Seven of the 13 performances of High Times at the Heart Institute will feature a roast beef buffet prepared by Schmidt’s Catering, of Pembroke. A highlight of the season will be the August 7 gala dinner performance in Barry’s Bay, which will feature a dazzling array of stars and some of Stone Fence Theatre’s favourite performers – including Emma & Will March and Peter Brown – for a gala dinner show in support of the expansion of the emergency room at St. Frances Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay.
Another feature this year is pre-show entertainment, at every performance, by an array of talented young Ottawa Valley performers. The performer(s) of the day is listed on the ticket sales page. Information and tickets are available on the company’s website Click HERE for stonefence.ca or by calling the Ticketsplease box office at 613-628-6600 or, toll-free, 1-866-310-1004.
SHOW SCHEDULE:
All shows (except the August 7 Gala in Barry’s Bay) will be at the Rankin Culture & Recreation Centre, 20 Rankin Rink Rd. (off Highway 41 between Pembroke and Eganville).
Dessert theatre shows feature complimentary hot beverage from Madawaska Coffee and dessert from Schmidt’s Catering. Tickets cost $45 or $15 for youth.
Dinner theatre shows feature a full roast beef dinner buffet by Schmidt’s Catering, with options available for special needs. Tickets cost $75 or $30 for youth.
Doors open one hour before performance, with pre-show entertainment, so come early and make yourself at home!
Performance times and dates:
- 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 22 – DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by Rory Jamieson
- 7 p.m., Thursday, July 24 – DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by The O’Connor’s
- 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 29 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by ) Aliah Nizaha (613-859-4145 and Juliette Stewart
- 6 p.m., Thursday, July 31 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by Daniella and Dave Bell
- 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 5 – DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by Rory Jamieson
- 6 p.m., Thursday, August 7 – DINNER THEATRE GALA in Barry’s Bay at Paul J. Yakabuskie Community Centre, with proceeds to St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation and their Emergency Room renovation fund. Tickets: $89 – Preshow entertainment headlined by Peter Brown and Emma and Will March, with special guests
- 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept 13- DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by Papase drum group
- 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept 14 – DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by Adam Fieldhouse
- 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept 20 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by Rory Jamieson
- 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept 21 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by Jenssen Squires
- 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept 27 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by TBA
- 1 p.m., Sunday, Sept 28 – DINNER THEATRE – Preshow music by TBA
- 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct 5 – DESSERT THEATRE – Preshow music by Hannah Billstrom’
Theilheimer,I.,StoneFenceTheatre(2025,June30) Stone Fence Theatre brings back dinner shows with High Times at the Heart Institute [media release]