There’s a new musical premiering at the Almonte Old Town Hall this May, and it’s no coincidence that the show is happening here and now in the Ottawa Valley. It’s an area brimming over with dynamic communities, inspiring landscapes, and heritage towns. And, of course, with people — musicians, writers, artists of all kinds, and audiences committed to supporting local creators.
The vibrant arts scene in this region is what drew James and Kelly Torck here nearly 20 years ago. But the seeds of The Perfect Time weren’t planted until 2024 during the original production of the musical The Wizard is Odd…?! where Kelly and James were introduced to a close-knit, incredibly supportive group of actors, musicians and technical artists committing their time and energy to creating something brand new. “It was awesome. It reminded us of our early experience in theatre — the magic that happens when you’re locked in with a group of like-minded folks who are doing it for the joy of it. While that may be a familiar story, it’s rare that the enthusiasm is matched by sheer talent.” They recognized the fertile ground for creating something special, and decided to write a show of their own.
The idea germinated over the winter and by the spring of 2025, draft one of their own musical had sprouted. With care and attention, it blossomed over the summer, and by the fall — thanks to invaluable feedback from local writers and actors — there was a complete script and 20 songs. But that was only the beginning. It is the care and nurturing of dozens of talented and generous people from across the region that is bringing it to life.
James notes that: “We’re our own worst critics. Nonetheless, we felt that what we’d written was pretty darned good, so we took the leap. But it was the director, Kris Riendeau, and the incredible cast and crew, who have taken it to a whole new level. They’ve found things within the characters and inside the songs that are beyond what we imagined. They have brought such fresh energy to everything. At this point, I listen to them rehearse and I don’t feel like they’re even my songs anymore. And I mean that in the best way. And our phenomenal live band — all lifelong, gigging musicians — just crackles. What more could you ask for?”
Says Kris: “The cast is a delight. Every one of them is brilliant and ‘all-in’. And how lucky were we to find two incredibly talented young women from Ottawa to play best friends Ruby and Simone, as well as the perfect pair of young lads from Lanark to fill the roles of highschoolers Max and Jackson!” ‘The two Jacks’, as they are affectionately known within the cast, were both part of the Mississippi Mudds production of Hadestown (Teen Edition) in which Jack McLean starred as Hades. More recently, they wrapped up The Music Man Jr. with the Perth District Collegiate Institute, where Jack Vanderspank shone as Harold Hill (a.k.a. “the music man” himself!).
The beautiful Almonte Old Town Hall is the perfect venue for this show. It’s a glorious space with amazing acoustics. “We have enjoyed so many memorable events there — from The Vinyl Café, live music like the Folkus concerts and classical performances with Almonte in Concert, to high school theatre productions and trivia night fundraisers for the Mississippi Mills Youth Centre,” says Kelly. “We’re thrilled that the Youth Centre will be operating the canteen for the show to help raise money for their programming.
“These kinds of collaboration and cross-fertilization are what make the Valley so special,” Kelly adds. “There’s a running theme in the show about the role that art plays in enriching our lives, about being inspired, and about what happens if we neglect what brings us joy. We’re so lucky to be living in an area where people value community and art and show it every day. I can’t imagine this could have happened anywhere else. This really is the perfect place for The Perfect Time.”
The Perfect Time runs May 22 to 24 and May 29 to 31 at the Almonte Old Town Hall. Tickets are available through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) for $35, or $25 for youth 25 and under.