A podcast unveiling the history of Kawartha Lakes’ Flato Academy Theatre, a 125-year-old building of stories and mysteries, as well as what misadventures are happening right now. The first season is set to have ten episodes, one a month, and will feature new guest stars every episode. Hosted by Lindsay, Ontario’s Randy Read.
Now & Then Episode 30 - Elf The Musical Behind The Scenes - October 2026
For this Fall Episode on Now & Then, we interview the director of the upcoming Elf The Musical! Tickets are selling out very fast! She talks about putting it together, and all it took to be able to get the rights.
We also have some breaking news about the Academy Theatre itself, with some questions in the air about its future (but at least the certainty it will continue to run for years to come.) We hear from the Acting General Manager Vangie Patton about what else to expect this October, November and December.
In addition, we're doing a throwback to the James Barker Band, from back when I interviewed them from Nashville. They recently won the CCMA Award, and James Barker, as well as his friend Connor Stephen, are originally from here in Kawartha Lakes, and we recount the story of how they actually formed.
Lastly, I get to talk with Danno O'Shea, the drummer and leader of My Son The Hurricane. This hip hop funk band has visited Ptbo but this was their first time in Lindsay. And they've been to 15 countries over the last two years!
16 Jun 2026
Now & Then Episode 29 - June 2026 - Open Mic, Warren Frank, & Shrek The Musical
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Upcoming Events
03:26 - Quote from The Creative Act
04:37 - Warren Frank
10:58 - Showcase Finale
12:11 - Ian McKechnie
24:02 - Vaudeville Look Back
29:13 - Ron Sharman
33:43 - Shrek The Musical
34:25 - Outro
In this brand new episode of the Now & Then Podcast, may I start by saying Thursday, June 18th at the Flato Academy Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. is the last Showcase Open Mic where a bunch of local comedians do improv. In fact, this has been a little competition, and the six finalists will all be there! Feel free to come to this event! It’s free!
Also in this episode, we will be talking about some big upcoming events, including Shrek The Musical with the Triple Threat Theatre’s cast gracing the stage, tributes to some great ones like Simon & Garfunkel & Bruce Springsteen, Foreigner Meets Journey, and much more!
I also interview our producer and friend Warren Frank, about what it’s like for him to write and produce music, and how his band The Kents are getting back together for a 10th anniversary tour this summer!
Our historian friend Ian McKechnie also looks back with us about a story from 95 years ago, in 1931, when these special outfits were given to the ushers, projectionists and volunteers as an addition to a big renovation that took place. Ian also reminisces about what it was like to volunteer at the theatre and educate high schoolers when he worked at the Olde Gaol Museum.
We also look back at what we talked about in Vaudeville with Mary The Ghost, all the way back in Episode 2 back in 2022, and some cool things our dear friend Ron Sharman has recently seen at the Theatre!
13 Apr 2026
Now & Then Episode 28 - Back In Time 100 Years Ago & To Episode 1 - April 2026
The Now & Then podcast is back, but in addition to telling new stories, we're also going to take a look back into our jar of treats. Our very first episode was three and a half years ago, when we got in contact with Mary the Ghost, and we're going to reminisce about her stories of haunting and practical joking.
The highlight of the podcast, though, is a special event next Sunday, April 26th, which will take us all back in time when the theatre specialized in silent films, and not just displaying them, but having live performers! Did you know they had those?! They will be playing a film from 1922 that actually did play at this exact theatre back then, also with live music, including our friend Sophia Mackey singing live songs!
We talk with our good friend Ian McKechnie, who's made the night possible, and Shannon Rozell, a local musician from Fenelon Falls who's been all over Canada and details her journey into composing original music, signing with a producer, and recording her first album!
Timecodes:
Intro: 00:00
Victoria Sheppard: 01:06
Episode 1 Flashback: 06:31
Ian McKechnie: 13:42
Shannon Rozell: 24:43
Outro: 36:04
Who has been a guest on Now & Then
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Linda Brown
Ian McKechnie
David McMillan
Dylan John Garton
Jess Spagnolo
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100
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Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
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