Left to Right: Brady, Nikki Campbell, Beatrice, Ayla and Max
After a six-year journey filled with setbacks, resilience, and a whole lot of heart, A Glass Half Full is finally hitting the stage in Port Dover. The original musical, created by Art with Heart Studio founder Nikki Campbell and music director Jessica Rayner-Bieri, will be performed on May 9th at the Port Dover Community Centre, proving that when life hands you lemons—you make lemonade.
The uplifting production, brought to life by 17 young actors and two returning performers from the original 2020 cast, tells the story of two kids determined to reopen their lemonade stand against all odds. From red tape to theft to flood, their journey mirrors the real-life struggles Campbell faced while relocating her youth arts studio from Port Dover to Simcoe.
Campbell experienced permit issues, contractor problems and even a flood. The metaphorical script, written in early 2020, was set for a full production with 31 young actors when the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down just two weeks before opening night.
Since then, the cast held a virtual table read in 2021 and a private screening in 2022. But now, A Glass Half Full is finally getting its live debut, with fresh energy and a brand-new cast excited to tell this story of perseverance.
Ayla and Max are the only two actors from the original production who are returning for the current version. Ayla, who now plays Blake, recalls what it was like to learn the original run had been cancelled.
Beatrice, who will play the part of Ricky, says her character is so positive it becomes toxic, but adds that the play encourages audiences to always find the upside.
Max, who also had a part in the original, says nothing will stop him from taking the stage as Leeman this time around.
and Brady, one of the new cast members fills three roles, but as he explains he likes being the narrator best.
The public performance is Friday, May 9th at 7 pm at the Port Dover Community Centre. Tickets are $15+HST for adults or $20 cash at the door, and $10+HST or $15 at the door for youth under 17. Children two and under are free.
From a play written in the depths of uncertainty to a live production filled with laughter, music, and young talent, A Glass Half Full is more than a show—it’s a celebration of hope, community, and never giving up.
Written by Jeremy Hall