By Emily R. Zarevich, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The snow may not be fully melted yet, but the emerging sun is reflecting on the white surface, promising brighter days ahead. Like the green grass hidden beneath the snow piles, Burlington’s theatre scene is also sprouting with renewed freshness and vitality at this moment in time. Starting in early March, the local theatres are inviting the public to participate in an array of exciting new springtime experiences, such as tackling climate change, solving murder mysteries, witnessing a tragic romance unfold in Ancient Egypt, and even following a very curious ape (though his moniker labels him a monkey) on one of his many wild adventures. Here is what’s on the agenda.
British author Dame Agatha Christie (1890–1976) is the undisputed queen of the murder mystery genre, and her 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express is the jewel in her crown. On a night where all travel is heavily deterred by snowfall, the famous private detective Hercule Poirot finds himself stranded aboard the stalled Orient Express passenger train between Istanbul and London. A heinous crime is committed aboard the vessel, and Poirot becomes entangled in a sinister web of secrets and intrigue as he strives to solve the mystery before the culprit, or culprits, can get away.
On March 4, 2026, Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton will be premiering their own production of the tale, arguably the tensest and most suspenseful train ride of all time. This version has been adapted for the stage by the respected American playwright Ken Ludwig and is directed by Morris Panych, a Canadian luminary. Actor Daniel Kash, who is officially making his debut on the Theatre Aquarius stage, is set to play Agatha Christie’s iconic mustachioed investigator. Tickets for this show can still be purchased on the Theatre Aquarius website.
In Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, an irresistibly lovely princess from Ethiopia protests her captivity at the hands of the Egyptian rulers. Forlorn and in agony, she is also steeped in a doomed romance with a high-ranking soldier who loves her passionately. On March 7, 2026, the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera, otherwise known as SOLO, will be staging its own production of the tragic opera at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.
Local-news.ca previously interviewed artistic director Sabatino Vacca back in January about his directorial vision while the production was in the early stages of development. He promised, and still promises, a deep respect for the source material and special consideration given to the cultural time period in which the classic Italian opera was written. Now, as the show rapidly approaches the date of its staging, SOLO invites opera enthusiasts to secure one of the remaining tickets for this elegant one-night-only affair. The stunning soprano Stephanie DeCiantis will star as the titular Aida, with a voice that powerfully conveys the protagonist’s inner strength and courage in the face of political powerlessness. Tickets for Aida can be purchased directly on the BPAC website.
True love can conquer anything. It can even face the impending climate crisis head-on. On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Toronto’s Why Not Theatre is bringing a unique theatrical experience to Burlington in the form of its original production, What You Won’t Do For Love. It’s set to be a cross between a live double date and a productive activists’ meeting, starring none other than the celebrated environmental activist David Suzuki and his beloved wife Tara Cullis. They are joined on stage by innovative actor couple Miriam Fernandes and Sturla Alvsvaag for an insightful discussion on what makes a marriage last, and how lasting love and the planet can be properly taken care of.
“David’s love radiates still, and is the force we need desperately to continue his life’s work. To love this planet and to see ourselves in a reciprocal relationship with Earth, not just to take what we need, but also to give back,” says artistic director and Why Not Theatre’s co-founder Ravi Jain. The show is currently on tour and will be stopping by in Burlington for only one night. Tickets can still be purchased here.
Families with young children looking for a March Break activity don’t have to go very far to find one. On Tuesday, March 17, Wishing Star Productions will be staging Curious George: The Golden Meatball at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. Based on the cherished children’s books by Margret and H. A. Rey, this lively tale will follow George as he dips his hands into culinary crafts: he wants to help his good friend Chef Pisghetti serve a legendary meatball feast!
Isaiah C.L. Harris is directing. Notably, one of the writers of the show is John Kavanaugh, best known for his work on Disney’s Sofia the First. Kavanaugh’s co-writer is Jeremy Desmon, known as the writer of the rock musical Pump Up the Volume. Tickets to see George and his crew are available on the BPAC website.
Do you ever feel like your devices are controlling your life, and your free will is disappearing into a soul-sucking spiral? Theatre Sheridan in Oakville invites attendees to the March 31 premiere of their self-reflective musical In Real Life, co-written by Nick Green and Kevin Wong. The main character, Max, a gifted tech prodigy, is faced with a crisis that forces him to directly confront the growing power struggle between humanity and the technology that threatens to overtake the planet. The talented students of Theatre Sheridan will have their say on finding the necessary compromise between industrial progress and human creativity at the Macdonald-Heaslip Hall on the Trafalgar campus. Tickets to In Real Life can be bought here.
Readers can regularly check Local-news.ca for updates about theatre entertainment in the Burlington area. Anyone who wishes to share their news or updates regarding Burlington’s entertainment sector can contact Local-news.ca at articles@local-news.ca.
