Windsor Light Music Theatre

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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 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.

Video Windsor Light Music Theatre

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.

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 of 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.

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.

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.

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 28th, 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 1st, 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".