Glory Days: The Troubadours at the Troubadour |
||
| by Chris McHarge | ||
|
|
||
| The OOH! Proudly Presents | ||
| July 7 to 11, 2026 | ||
|
|
|
|
| Starring: | ||
|
Imogen Wasse John Kenny |
Joel Haynes Lew Mele |
Peter Mueller Aidan Wasse |
| Run time: Approximately 2.5 hours | ||
| There will be one 15-minute intermission | ||
Follow Us:
(1).png)
On behalf of everyone at the Orillia Opera House, welcome to Glory Days: The Troubadours at the Troubadour!
There's something magical about the songs that came out of that one small stage on Santa Monica Boulevard. The Troubadour Club gave a generation of singer-songwriters — the Eagles, Elton John, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Jackson Browne, Gordon Lightfoot, and so many others — the room to find their voices. Today, we celebrate that legacy right here in Orillia.
We're so grateful to creator Chris McHarge for bringing this heartfelt tribute to our stage, and to our incredibly talented band for breathing new life into these timeless songs. Whether you grew up with these artists on the radio or are discovering them for the first time, I hope this production reminds you why these songs have endured for decades.
Thank you for choosing to spend your day with us. Summer Theatre wouldn't be possible without the support of patrons like you, and I'm delighted you're here to share in these Glory Days.
Enjoy the show!
Warmly,
Emily Martin
Theatre Manager, Orillia Opera House
About the Show
Through music and storytelling, Glory Days celebrates the artists who first found their voices on the open mic nights of Hollywood's legendary Troubadour Club. Featuring songs made famous by the Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others, the production highlights the musicians whose work has shaped the soundtrack of our lives.
Written and directed by Chris McHarge - former Artistic Director at Lighthouse Festival (Port Dover), Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton), and the Grand Theatre (Fergus), and founder of the Brave New Works play-reading series - Glory Days pays tribute to the passion, resilience, and enduring influence of some of the greatest songwriters in music history.
Song List
- Seven Bridges Road – Eagles
- Hotel California – Eagles
- You're No Good – Linda Ronstadt
- Poor, Poor Pitiful Me – Linda Ronstadt
- Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down – Kristofferson (Johnny Cash)
- Help Me Make It Through the Night – Kris Kristofferson
- Your Song – Elton John
- Rocket Man – Elton John
- Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
- Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell
- Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- Moondance – Van Morrison
- Song Sung Blue – Neil Diamond
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
- Take It to the Limit – Eagles
- One of These Nights – Eagles
- Desperado – Eagles
- Heartache Tonight – Eagles
- Tequila Sunrise – Eagles
- Fire and Rain – James Taylor
- You've Got a Friend – Carole King/James Taylor
- I Feel the Earth Move – Carole King
- So Far Away – Carole King
- Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens
- The First Cut Is the Deepest – Cat Stevens
- Wild World – Cat Stevens
- Father and Son – Cat Stevens
- Anticipation – Carly Simon
- Mockingbird – Carly Simon/James Taylor
- That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be – Carly Simon
- You're So Vain – Carly Simon
- Running on Empty – Jackson Browne
- The Pretender – Jackson Browne
- Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
- Take It Easy – Eagles
Who's Who
Chris McHarge
Chris is thrilled to return to work with Orillia Opera House. He has been directing for over 30 years, serving 5 years as Artistic Director at Lighthouse. Chris has also served as Artistic and Executive Director of Theatre on the Grand in Fergus, as well as former Artistic Associate at Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton. Chris maintains an active schedule as a freelance director and producer, and has worked throughout Canada, in Europe, and in the United States. In his career, Chris has directed well over 100 productions including 32 world premieres, and he has been nominated for several awards including the Eleanor and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre (2001 & 2004), the Township of Centre Wellington Artist of the Year Award, the Canada Council John Hirsch Award, and the Pauline McGibbon Award for directing. Chris is most proud of his adult kids Caitlyn, Erin, and Quinn, who are off carving their own paths of success in this world.
Stephen Ingram
Stephen is a Hamilton-born, London-based singer/songwriter, actor, composer, multi-instrumentalist, music director, and music teacher. A graduate from Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music, he has worked professionally in theatres across Ontario. Recent credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Come From Away, Juno’s Reward (Grand Theatre), Gypsy, Brigadoon, A Grand Night For Singing (Shaw Festival), Cinderella: The Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Memories of the Rat Pack, Glory Days, Memphis To Motown (Lighthouse Festival), Home for the Holidays, A Hamilton Holiday (Theatre Aquarius), Way Out There, Bad Hats’ Peter Pan (YES Theatre). He released his debut album "Fridge Magnet Symphony” in 2023 to critical acclaim, and his second album "Silly Things," is set for release in September 2026. Follow him @Stephenjamesingram on any and all social media platforms!
Willem Cowan
Willem is a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist based in London, Ontario. He is an experienced singer, and can wrap his head around most horizontal string instruments. A graduate of Fanshawe College’s renowned Music Industry Arts program, he has released three singles in the last two years and is gearing up to release a follow up to his 2022 album, Mourning in the Morningtime. Having performed in a variety of bands since the age of 10, Willem has opened for acts such as Bahamas, April Wine, Glass Tiger, and David Wilcox. Past theatre credits include Baby John in West Side Story, and Ewart Dunlop in The Music Man. Special thanks to his friends and family for their never-ending support! @willemjamescowan on all internet platforms
Imogen Wasse
A native of London, Ontario, Imogen was born into a family of musicians, actors, and artists. She has been joining them in song since day one, and is thrilled that her musical family has grown to include colleagues, classmates, and collaborators across the country. Imogen is a founding member of London bands “Waterbaby” and the “River Valley Stringband,” as well as a session vocalist and backup singer for multiple local acts. She is also a proud supporter of community arts organizations, having most recently worked with Sunfest and London Girls’ Rock Camp. After studying Voice Performance at the University of Toronto, Imogen completed her Bachelor of Musical Arts at Western University. She is also a proud alumnus of Fanshawe’s Music Industry Arts program, where she received the 2018 “Female Vocalist of the Year” award. Imogen would like to thank her incredible family, friends, and teachers for their endless support and guidance. Enjoy the show!
Sherman Dean Harrison
Dean Harrison is a keyboard player, singer, and arranger living in London, Ontario. He has toured all over the world in theatre and live music. Dean is at home with theatre, pop artists, swing bands, and orchestras. “I’m excited to be back with Chris McHarge because I know he loves roots rock n’ roll as much as I do, and it shows. His enthusiasm drives us to be authentic.”
Joel Haynes
Based in Burlington, Ontario, Joel Haynes has grown from his early community musical experiences to playing with some of the finest jazz artists in the world. Career highlights include being nominated for a National Jazz Award in 2003, and nominations for CD of the Year and Drummer of the Year in 2009. Joel has played on over 30 recordings as a sideman, including artists such as Seamus Blake, Russell Malone, Ray Anderson, David Braid, The Cookers, and Denzel Sinclaire. His live performances have been featured at many international jazz festivals in North America, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean. Joel has released three albums as a leader; ‘The Time is Now’ (Nov 2005) on Cellar Live Records, with special guest vocalist, Denzel Sinclaire. His second album, ‘Transitions’ (Feb 2008) was recorded live at the Cellar Jazz Club with special guest Seamus Blake. And after 15 years, his much anticipated third recording ‘The Return’ (Sept 2023) also on Cellar Records, features Seamus Blake, Tilden Webb, and Neil Swanson.
Peter Mueller
Peter Mueller is a working Toronto guitarist and music writer whose career has involved backing many musical artists (mostly Canadian) including Tom Cochrane, David Clayton Thomas, Marc Jordan, Buffy St. Marie, Anne Murray, Alan Frew, Ian Thomas, Regatta (Q107 Homegrown winners), and many others. Peter has also worked behind the scenes in television and radio. Musical theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Tommy, Les Miserable and Aladdin. Peter’s instrumental music is used in various music libraries across Canada and the US. For the six full years Canadian Idol aired, Peter worked in the show’s backing band on and off camera. This included working directly with contestants, such as Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as with many established international stars, including Tom Jones and Martina McBride.
John Kenny
Toronto born guitarist and multi-instrumentalist John Kenny is a full-time musician and a first call for the area's bands and music projects. John's attachment to the guitar began around the time he was eight, when his uncle would drop by the house and play tunes on his Silvertone. By the eighth grade, he was playing at church dances and school parties across the city. Equally comfortable with country, rock, pop, and jazz, John has since performed in theatres and nightclubs across Canada (all ten provinces) and the U.S. with various entertainers including JUNO Award winners Patricia Dahlquist and Christopher Ward. John has taught guitar and bass to hundreds of students, both privately and at Fanshawe College in London.
Lew Mele
Lew Mele is a professional bass player, composer, and producer, with more than 35 years’ experience on the Toronto music scene, working with such Canadian jazz greats as Bernie Senesky, Guido Basso, Eugene Amaro and Russ Little, as well as Lenny Solomon. Lew has also work with Hugh Jackman at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, and even performed at Sean Connery’s 80th birthday party in 2010. Additional highlights include opening for Rush with CBC recording artists The Tenants, touring Europe and the US with international recording artist Roger Whittaker, extensive touring of Asia with Asian stars Dadawa and George Gao, Canadian touring with Zappacosta, as well as performances with Frankie Avalon, Don Rickles, Howie Mandel, and Joe Piscopo. Musical Theatre performances include Toronto productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, We Will Rock You, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Little Shop of Horrors. Lew has also performed with the National Arts Orchestra and The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
Aidan Wasse
Aidan is a multi-instrumentalist and educator based in London, Ontario. A graduate of Fanshawe College's Music Industry Arts and Audio Post Production programs, he has a passion for performance, music production and audio engineering. Past theatre credits include Newsies (Grand Theatre); Memphis to Motown (Lighthouse Festival); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (MTP). Aidan is grateful to be working with the talented cast and crew of Glory Days and would like to thank his family, friends, and wonderful girlfriend Hayley for their support.
Shelby Price
Shelby is delighted to be joining this year’s production of Glory Days! Previous credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, and Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment), as well as On Golden Pond, Starbright Christmas, and The VPP Holiday Jamboree (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia). Shelby holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Western University as well as a Diploma in Theatre Arts - Technical Production. Shelby is grateful to be collaborating with such a wonderful company and she hopes you enjoy the show. Shelby sends heartfelt thanks to her parents, siblings, and extended family for their endless encouragement, and especially to her partner, Ian, and their dog, Posie, for always being her biggest supporters.
Emily Martin
Claude Labrecque
Max Kane
Jon Hutchinson
Emma Ross
Nicole McMurdy
Thank you to our Hotel Sponsors, The Champlain Waterfront Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel and the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre.
Coming up next at the OOH!:
.png)
.png)
