There is a new musical theatre group in Fort Frances.

Row I Theatre is the brainchild of Trevor Barker.

Barker says it was something he’s been thinking about for several years.

“I wanted to start a musical theatre company for more than ten years now, and it never felt like the right time. Now coming off of these past few hard years, for most, I had the mentality of, if not now, when and if not me, who? I really had to decide I was going to create Row I Theater and then take the necessary steps toward that,” says Barker.

“I’ve had a love for musical theatre for many years. I’ve acted in shows, directed and music directed and choreographed a few. And now, there are many other talented musical theatre performers here in our hometown, people who have gone away to school for theatre or they’ve acted in communities outside of our own. And these are people who’ve come back and are never given the opportunity to flex those muscles in a way. So in a community like Fort Frances, if you don’t see the opportunity, you have to create the opportunity.”

There is a fundraiser for the group tonight at Rainy Lake Square.

Barker has amassed seventeen local performers who will bring a variety of famous show tunes to the stage in what is called, Summer Lovin, Our Broadway Favourites.

“A lot of great shows being featured. We have God’s spell, Les Misérables, Legally Blonde, Funny Girl, Shrek the Musical Waitress, Wicked, Hamilton, Mean Girls, and Dear Evan Hansen to name just a few.”

Things will get going at around 6:30 p.m. with snack vendors on hand.

The show is free, but donations are welcomed.

The first performers will hit the stage at around 7 p.m. Bring your own chair.