October 2025 | Volume 77
THE HAT GAZETTE
THIS ISSUE: Under the HAT wITH Ella Jacobs|Fall In Full Effect|Season Announcement? Almost…
UNDER THE HAT: ELLA JACOBS
Tom: Hello Ella! For those who may not be familiar with you, can you kick us off with a brief rundown of your relationship to the HAT and the arts?
Ella: Hi! I first came into collaboration 7 years ago during Suessical! My grandmother introduced me to the HAT and got me to try it and I’ve been in love with it ever since, being in shows such as Mary Poppins JR, Music Man JR, and SpongeBob the Musical JR!
Tom: All of which you were fantastic in, and now you’re literally taking center stage as the title character!!! Let’s start with the main man himself: Betelgeuse a.k.a. Beetlejuice! How did you first come into contact with this character? And were you already familiar with the musical prior to this process?
Ella: I first came into contact with him by learning what the movie was at a young age, then as I got older I learned there was a musical as well, and instantly fell in love with the musical.
Tom: There’s a lot to love! For the people who are only familiar with the iconic film, can you give us a run down on some of the ways this stage production maintains the spirit of the film alive?
Ella: Obviously it brings back the iconic characters of the original movie, but it also keeps the humour of the original film as well. Making it enjoyable to the people who might’ve only watched the movie.
Tom: This is similar to my last question but inverted; in what ways does the musical make its own mark?
“It’s a lot of fun for everyone with the humour, the acting and the songs as well. If you want a good laugh, come to this show!
”
Ella: The musical changes a bit of the story from the original but it’s not enough that you wouldn’t think it had nothing to do with the movie. The music is also a key factor in what makes the musical so extraordinary. Mixing different types of music together along with the basic musical theatre type song musical lovers are used too.
Tom: That’s a great summation. And I would also add, I think the changed bits are just enough to keep fans on their toes. Nothing that spits in the face of the original. You’ve got a lovely duo of directors for this project! Sasha Young and Kiera Evely are co-directing the project. What’s it like working with two directors? And what was your relationship to them prior to this process?
Ella: They are a lot of fun to work with. They really encourage you to go to your full potential and to go big. I knew Sasha and Kiera from previous shows I’ve either been in or seen, and it’s so fun working with them after seeing them in other shows
Ella Jacobs as “Sheldon J. Plankton” in 2024’s The Spongebob Musical JR. Photo by Corey Katz.
Tom: We’ll wrap up in a moment, but I wanted to ask you about the Academy. You’ve been involved at the HAT Academy for a number of years now. Can you tell us a bit about why you keep coming back and what the Academy community is like for you?
Ella: I love the people and the overall community that is there. They are so nice and welcoming to everyone and they really push you to be the best you can be!
Tom: It makes me so happy to hear that. Okay, final question. Who would you say Beetlejuice The Musical JR is for, in terms of audience?
MacKenzie: I’d say just about everyone! People who have only seen the movie, people who’ve only seen the musical and anyone in between. It’s a lot of fun for everyone with the humour, the acting and the songs as well. If you want a good laugh, come to this show!
Tom: Thank you so much for doing this Ella! I hope you all have a wonderful run!
Ella: Thank you for giving me this opportunity!
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL JR opens THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd and runs until October 26th. Limited tickets remain so act fast! Radical Access Donors of $25+/monthly receive 2 free tickets, so if you haven’t booked yet now’s your chance.
What PATRONS Are Saying about:
“These young people are amazing. We have so much talent on this Island.”
RL
“There is nothing like a night of entertainment at THE HAT. Disney's Dare to Dream featured some of our best and brightest performers. Seeing them perform our favourite Disney songs was Magical and Vibrant. Bravo to everyone involved in this production.”
LB
“Absolutely incredible show! All of the performers have 100% and shined! Would see it again and again! They all have so much talent.”
RB
CATCH MANY OF THESE RETURNING TALENTS IN
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL JR
THE JULY RADICAL ACCESS
TICKET LOTTERY
Each month we hold a draw exclusive to RA donors, to remind them how amazing we know they are. The draws are completely random and all donation levels are included.
This month’s prize?
2 tickets to CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH THE BARRA MACNEIL’S
WINNERS
Nicole Bisson
Denise MacKenzie
Erin Phillips
NEXT UP: HAIRSPRAY
Directed by Wesley J. Colford
Music Directed by Chris Tsujiuchi
Choreographed by Aaron Aquino-Annobil & Nicole Rosove
You can't stop the beat!
It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire - to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!
This beloved Broadway sensation comes to Cape Breton for the first time in a stunning local production of incredible talent. Join us in Summer 2025 for.. HAIRSPRAY!
Select Seats available for Free every performance while supplies last thanks to Radical Access. There will also be a Pay-What-You-Choose Preview performance that will be launched and go on sale in Spring 2025.
Radical Access donors of $25+/monthly or $300+/annually save $10.00 PER ADULT TICKET as a thanks for your incredible support. Upgrade or start a donation today to instantly get access to this perk.
TRAILERS
FALL 2025 LINE UP
Catch these incredible events in a few months, including exciting new productions, and more than one beloved tradition. Watch the announcement video below, or click the button underneath to view all upcoming events!
All on sale NOW!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE HAT!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE HAT!
Want to receive a celebratory offer from us to you on your birthday?
Follow the simple steps below (shown for both desktop and mobile) so we can add to the celebration of YOU on your next birthday!
Need help?
Send an email to boxoffice@highlandartstheatre.com with your birth date and we'll take care of the rest!
With August knocking on our door we’ve got HAIRSPRAY finally open on the Mainstage! This team has been pouring everything into making one heck of a show and we hope you’ve got your tickets!
Last night there were literally 7 seats left empty in the entire building and the other performances are not far behind. With no chance of extension, we HIGHLY recommend getting your tickets while you still can to avoid disappointment!
And if you can’t swing the cost, no worries! Our Radical Access donors have your back with limited free tickets remaining for each performance.
Looking down the road we’ve still got plenty of fun packed into August with our Back To Broadway Encore performances at Sacred Heart, Disney’s Dare to Dream in full rehearsal mode, and more than a few great rentals stepping onstage.
If that’s not enough, our 2025 Fall Line Up is officially on sale! We hope to see you before the end of Summer, maybe even this weekend, but if you’re not available or interested we’ll have more ready for you when you’re ready.
(Plus the air conditioning doesn’t hurt anything.)
RA DONORS of $25+/Monthly!
Don’t forget to book your 2 COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to Beetlejuice The Musical JR and Pricked: A Sleepingly Beautiful Pantomime, PLUS make use of your $10.00 off discount on your first 4 tickets for A Christmas Carol!
** CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY TO START A MONTHLY DONATION **
SHOWING IN AUGUST
