Victoria Playhouse Petrolia Named 'Success Story' as Recipient of 2015 Celebrate Ontario Grant

Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP) was cited by the Government of Ontario as a top "Success Story" as a recipient of the 2015 Celebrate Ontario Grant.

Using that grant money, the VPP was able to enhance two of 2015's summer shows. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD brought Tony Award winner BEN VEREEN to the Victoria Playhouse stage. FROM THE HEART - WOMEN OF COUNTRY utilized Celebrate Ontario money to increase the number of cast members, and enhance the production elements of the show. Both of these runs were resounding successes in terms of ticket sales and also in bringing in new patrons to Petrolia from over 100km away.

Surpassing initial goals for 2015, the Victoria Playhouse attracted more than $4.3 million in visitor spending with an estimated impact of $2.6 million in GDP in the Southwest Ontario Tourism Region.

Also announced today, the VPP is a 2016 Celebrate Ontario recipient. The grant money will be used to extend the runs of Scotland Sings and A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement. The grant also will be utilized in hiring local Highland performers to enhance Scotland Sings. Four-time Emmy Award winner MICHAEL LEARNED will be starring in Driving Miss Daisy and also takes the stage in Miss Michael - an intimate, three-performance only show that highlights the life of Michael Learned with videos, conversations with the audience and anecdotes from her life, both humorous and heart wrenching.

"The Celebrate Ontario grant we received in 2015 helped open the VPP doors to new patrons both through hiring world-renowned talent and by having the ability to market our wonderful theatre to a wider audience. We look forward to continuing this trend and welcoming new visitors to Petrolia and surrounding areas with 2016's generous grant." - Richard Poore, Director of Cultural Services for the Town of Petrolia.

To read the statement from the Government of Ontario, click here.

Tickets are on sale now at www.thevpp.ca or by calling the box office at 1-800-717- 7694. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday with both matinee and evening options available.

Co-Artistic Directors David Hogan and David Rogers bring the best talent summer theater has to offer to the beautiful town of Petrolia, ON. Following 2015's record breaking season, 2016's season includes: Scotland Sings (May 4-20); A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement (June 7-19); Driving Miss Daisy (July 5-24); Miss Michael - In Conversation with Michael Learned (July 27-29); Little Miss County Fair (August 9-20); Around the Piano (August 24-Sept 1); and The Men of Country - From the Heart (September 7-25).