With Remembrance Day right around the corner, Haliburton theatre troupe Ctrl-ARTDel is getting ready to present one of the country’s “most beloved” theatrical love stories.
Stephen Massicotte’s play Mary’s Wedding, released in 2001, is a First World War era tale that follows lovebirds Mary and Charlie who navigate their feelings during a complicated time – when most young men were shipping off to Europe.
It’s being directed by Tim Nicholson, who said he’s been wanting to recreate the play locally for years.
“This is a passion project for me. We were working with the high school on a Remembrance Day project a few years ago and Ella Leis (Ctrl-ART-Del member) dug this thing out and told me to read it. Once I did, I decided we had to recreate this someday. It’s such a unique piece,” Nicholson said. “The whole story takes place in a dream the night before Mary’s wedding.”
Jordan Kovacs is back for his fourth CtrlART-Del production, playing Charlie, with Robin Nicholson portraying Mary in what will be her fifth play. Rebecca Kidd will serve as stage manager. It runs for three shows Nov. 5-7 at Highland Hills United Church in Minden.
The crew said this is the smallest production they’ve ever been a part of. With only two actors, Kovacs and Robin Nicholson will be front and centre for the duration of the show.
“We’re not really going to be able to get off stage for a break, to get a drink of water, or anything. From start to finish, this is on us and we just have to nail it all the way through,” Kovacs said. “It’s a challenge for sure, but I always like a good challenge.”
Robin Nicholson added, “the biggest challenge for me is just having to be so in the moment. We have to make sure we’re always in the scene, in character.”
This is the troupe’s fourth production of 2026, following Punch Up!, The Welkin and Outside. Since forming in 2022, CtrlART-Del has brought more than 10 locally produced performances to the Highlands. Nicholson said the group prioritizes working with youth. He estimates about a dozen people have picked up theatre through the troupe and gone on to bigger and better things elsewhere.
“That’s what I’m most proud of – seeing the kids that have gone on to work in theatre, or study at college or university. We still see those kids wanting to come back and work for us, get gigs with other theatre groups in town… it’s rewarding, seeing the work we’ve put in impacting kids in a positive way,” Nicholson said.
Kovacs said he didn’t have any formal training when he joined in 2023, and said Ctrl-ART-Del helped him discover his passion for performing. He’s been a working actor with Highlands Summer Festival for the past four summers.
Robin Nicholson said joining Ctrl-ARTDel has been life-changing.
“I’ve found my chosen family through theatre. Tim, Ella and the rest of the team helped me through a very hard time in my life. For a while, theatre was the only thing that I had,” she said. “Theatre is like therapy and has been an outlet for me ever since.”
Nicholson said the run, being so close to Remembrance Day, was intentional. Tickets are $25, or $10 for students, and can be purchased online. Veterans can attend for free.
“If you want to know what Tim Nicholson thinks is a good, solid play, this is the one to choose. It’s so well-written, well-dramatized and is an award-winner. It has everything going for it,” Nicholson said.
