NEWS RELEASE
RESCUE LAKE SIMCOE COALITION
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The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition’s second annual Laugh for Lake Simcoe comedy event, on Friday, May 26, just got better.
It features Martha Chaves, Rob Bebeneck, Jon Steinberg, and — just added — Gibson Lubin. Tickets are now on sale at the Orillia Opera House.
Former CTV Barrie news anchor Jayne Pritchard will also be in attendance and selling/signing her new book, After the Diagnosis: One Woman’s Story of Overcoming Setbacks, at Laugh for Lake Simcoe. Pritchard says, “This was such an incredibly fun event last year. I had such an incredible time meeting Brent Butt and I am thrilled to support such an incredible clause. $5 off every book sold will be donated to the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition.”
“The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition is 20 years old this year,” says executive director Claire Malcolmson, “and we have achieved a lot. I strongly believe that we are one of the reasons the province has not gutted our Lake Simcoe Protection Act and Plan, as they have gutted most environmental legislation in Ontario. But we can’t do it for free. We need support. We think that offering people laughter in exchange for money is a pretty cool way to fundraise. Laughter is medicine for the soul.”
Guests can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets, large, original artwork by Ron Bolt and Richard Vandermeer, or purchase water protector cards and posters, or glass water protector jewelry from Deb Brown’s Spiral Dreamworks.
Canadian Comedy Award winner (2018) Martha Chaves is the show’s headliner. She describes herself as “the most famous Nicaraguan-Canadian LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian in the world.” She’s hilariously relatable, universally funny and multi-talented. Martha is also an actor, playwright and human-rights activist. She’s a comedy festival regular, and is often heard on CBC Radio’s Laugh Out Loud and The Debaters, and Because News.
Chaves will be followed by three other comedians. Jon Steinberg is another perennial favourite on CBC radio’s The Debaters, and also has a decade of impressive show experience and festivals including the Halifax and Winnipeg comedy festivals and Just for Laughs in Montreal.
Comedian Rob Bebeneck is establishing himself as one of the brightest new voices to come out of Canada. A quick wit and a keen eye for observation highlight a comedy skill set that is becoming a force on stages across North America, and has audiences wanting more.
Gilson Lubin is a former MTV Canada host and Canadian Comedy Award winner as a stand-up comedian. Versatile with audiences, the Toronto-bred comedian is a mixture of storytelling and social commentary. His comedy album, Foreign and Legal, airs on Sirius XM and has appeared on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, HBO’s Def Jam, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and Comedy.
When: Friday, May 26, 2023. Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m.; performances start at 7 p.m.
Where: The Orillia Opera House, 1 West St. N., Orillia. Tickets are sold at the box office and online. Buy your tickets here.
Why: A night of fun in support of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition. The coalition’s ongoing activities include education and raising awareness of Lake Simcoe’s health, and advocating for sustainable solutions at all levels of government.
About the venue: The Orillia Opera House has seating for 667 people, a beautiful performance space, a bar, and rooms for the silent art auction and information and sales tables. Light snacks and an assortment of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available before the performance and at intermission in the lobby.
Accessibility: Patrons using a wheelchair, walker or who have difficulty with stairs should advise the box office (705-326-8011) at the time of ticket purchase. Accessible seating is not available online. Visit the accessibility page for more information.
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