Theatre, music, and dance shows in Barrie, Orillia, and the surrounding areas offer a dynamic cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. The region’s thriving arts scene is anchored by venues like the Georgian Theatre in Barrie and the Orillia Opera House, which regularly host a diverse range of performances, from Broadway-style musicals and classic plays to contemporary dramas. Local theatre companies bring to life both beloved classics and new works, providing a stage for emerging talent and seasoned performers alike. Music enthusiasts can also enjoy concerts spanning various genres, from symphonic performances by local orchestras to intimate acoustic sets and lively rock shows.
In addition to theatre and music, dance plays a significant role in the cultural fabric of the area. Dance companies and schools in the region regularly stage performances that range from ballet and modern dance to traditional folk and contemporary styles. Annual events like the Barrie Dance Festival and performances by local dance troupes keep audiences captivated with their stunning choreography and artistic expression. With a rich calendar of performances throughout the year, Barrie, Orillia, and surrounding communities offer vibrant entertainment options for all lovers of the performing arts.
The following live theatre productions, concerts, and dance shows are presented at various locations in Barrie, Orillia, and the surrounding area.
Theatre, Music and Dance Shows in Barrie, Orillia and Surrounding Area
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May 1, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Pearl: A Janis Joplin Experience
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5753&cboEvent=2401&width=1903
If you love Janis Joplin, the blues, and ’60s music, you must see this concert! “Pearl: A Janis Joplin Experience” recreates the unforgettable sound and style of Janis Joplin, the Queen of rock and blues in a sensational multi-media musical production Ontario audiences have never seen before! Catapulting into stardom in the mid-60s, Janis Joplin’s signature style and polyphonic sound, unmatched emotional rawness and passion, dynamic stage presence, and unique portrayal of unearthed Blues standards paved the way for female artists and continues to inspire and invigorate music lovers 50 years later – and “Pearl: A Janis Joplin Experience” brings it all to you LIVE on stage!
May 2, 2025 | 7:30 PM
The Cold Play Experience and Desire
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5747&cboEvent=2396&width=1903
Two amazing bands, one Epic night!
- Desire, the international U2 tribute sensation, has consistently left audiences in awe of the passion and authenticity of their live performances. Following the footsteps of U2, Desire first united as friends in high school, dedicating years to perfecting their craft. Now, they expertly bring to life the soul, spirit, and bravado of U2’s extensive music catalogue spanning three decades.
- The Coldplay Experience is a tribute to the beloved British band Coldplay. This innovative show promises to deliver a magical experience, blending extensive performance skills with the enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics that Coldplay fans adore. The band’s authenticity and love for the music shine through in every note creating an immersive atmosphere that transports audiences into the world of Coldplay’s music.
May 6, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Dragons & Mythical Beasts
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5743&cboEvent=2392&width=1903
Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical show for all the family. Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you’d think), an adorable Unicorn and majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes, just don’t wake the Dragon! From the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live, who bring spectacular puppets to life, this award-winning show comes to Canada for the first time, direct from London’s West End.
Don’t miss this spell-binding adventure, live on stage! Suitable for all ages 3+.
Please note, there will be professional photographers at this event and your likeness may be used in future promotional materials by both the City of Orillia and Mansfield Entertainment
June 5 - 8, 2025
Four Play: A Showcase of Play Readings
South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown
www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com/fourplay
Every day a different play! Audiences will be treated to a showcase of lightly rehearsed readings of plays by local playwrights. Playwrights are invited to submit plays for consideration - sketches, monologues or full-length plays are accepted. Preference will be given to playwrights from Simcoe County and Ontario. Submissions from outside of Canada cannot be accepted.
June 5 - 15, 2025
KCP presents A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder
Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie
kempenfeltplayers.com/project/a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-murder
In A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder a distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm… and a dash of murder. It’s the knock-’em-dead, uproarious hit and the most-nominated show of the 2014 season with ten Tony nominations and four wins. It’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
July 3 – 18, 2025
A Woman’s Love List by Norm Foster
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5682&cboEvent=2387&bmultiple=1&width=1903
Megan and Carly write down a list of qualities that describe the Perfect Man, and much to their surprise, he appears! This hilarious comedy explores a woman’s quest for the perfect mate. In Foster’s former hit, The Love List, two men search for the ideal woman. Canada’s funniest playwright turns it all around in this new comedy as women look for the ideal man! Orillia Opera House audiences will be the first to enjoy this flip side of the love list!
July 23 – August 8, 2025
Hurry Hard by Kristen Da Silva
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5701&cboEvent=2388&bmultiple=1&width=1903
Bill and Sandy’s marriage split up, and their curling team splinters into men’s and women’s teams. When the men are short a player for the big Bonspiel, they set aside personal differences and unite as one team. You don’t need to know a thing about curling—just be ready to laugh at this witty, fast-paced comedy that explores this unlikely team’s hilarious ups and downs.
August 13 – 29, 2025
Common Ground by John Spurway
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5722&cboEvent=2389&bmultiple=1&width=1903
Common Ground is a heartfelt comedy about unexpected friendship and fresh starts. When Pam’s husband leaves her for another woman, she’s blindsided, devastated, and forced to pick up the pieces of her life. Enter Jake, the equally bewildered husband of the other woman, who shows up on Pam’s doorstep looking for answers and a bit of consolation.
Full of wit, warmth, and humour, Common Ground explores the absurdity of relationships and the resilience needed to start over. With quick banter, quirky revelations, and a dash of romantic possibility, Pam and Jake discover that sometimes, the best way forward is simply to find common ground.
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November 19, 2025 | 7:30 PM
RUMOURS – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Show
Orillia Opera House, 1 West Street N.
https://secure1.tixhub.com/orillia-oh/online/b_otix.asp?cboPerformances=5744&cboEvent=2393&width=1903
VaughnCo Entertainment is proud to present Rumours – The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute show based in Los Angeles, California. The group recreates the legendary band in its youthful heyday from 1975-1979. After finding huge success in Los Angeles, selling out their regular Roxy Theatre performances month after month, the band moved from the world famous Sunset Strip to Casinos, Theatres, and clubs all over Canada and the United States.
Rumours has meticulously put together a show that spares no detail. From period accurate equipment and costumes to spot on characterizations and musical performances, Rumours takes you back to a time when music was still an unbridled cultural experience, and bands weren’t afraid to put on a show.
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Whether you’re planning to attend or promote an event, Barrie and Orillia offer a fantastic range of shows that celebrate the best of Ontario’s community spirit and cultural vibrancy. If you’d like to have your event featured, we invite you to submit your details through our event submission form. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your event to a wider audience!
