History of Burns Wharf Theatre & Phoenix Theatre Company

Burns Wharf Theatre – The Early Years

Heritage Park, Manitowaning, ON

1981 – David Smith, then principal of Assiginack Public School, envisioned transforming the historic Manitowaning waterfront warehouse into a fully operational theatre. Discussions with the Sudbury Theatre Centre sparked a five-year experimental summer theatre program to test the idea’s long-term viability.

1982 – The Sudbury Theatre Centre, in collaboration with local supporters, presented Babes in Arms. The production was staged on the building’s lower level under very primitive working conditions. STC drafted initial plans for developing a functioning theatre space on the first floor.

1983 – The second play was staged on the lower level, while plans progressed for renovating the second floor to house a permanent theatre.

1984 – Through the Canada Works Program, the upper floor was renovated, complete with a built stage, tiered audience seating, additional roof supports, and steel reinforcement beams. A third production welcomed local audiences back into the historic space.

1985 – Dressing rooms were added on the first floor to support performers. The fourth production was staged.

1986 – Washrooms and showers were installed, and the building was connected to town water and sewage services.

After 1986, the theatre saw only limited use until a group of community visionaries revived it decades later.

The Evolution of the Burns Wharf Theatre Players

The rebirth of theatre at Burns Wharf began with Marilyn Wohlberg, a retired music teacher in Manitowaning. In 2007, she approached community members with the idea of staging Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. With early support secured, she invited David Smith to return as director.

In May 2008, with a cast of 29, musical theatre once again filled the Burns Wharf building after a long silence.

The overwhelming success of Pinafore led to the official establishment of The Burns Wharf Theatre Players in 2009. The founding committee included:

  • Co-Chairs: Marilyn Wohlberg & Peter Baumgarten
  • Secretary: Christianna Jones
  • Treasurer: Elwood Wohlberg
  • Supporting Members: Chris Mara, Deb Robinson, Margit Alberti

The committee oversaw administration, production, and finances, ensuring the group’s stability and future growth.

Productions Presented by the Burns Wharf Theatre Players

Over 15 years, the Players produced a rich variety of beloved musicals and operettas, including:

  • H.M.S. Pinafore
  • Broadway and Beyond
  • The Pirates of Penzance
  • Iolanthe
  • The Mikado
  • The Gondoliers
  • Ruddigore
  • The Sorcerer
  • The Baker’s Wife
  • Closer Than Ever (2022)
  • The Addams Family (2023) — the final production under the Burns Wharf Theatre Players name

Despite the closure of the Burns Wharf building due to evolving provincial regulations, the Players continued sharing musical theatre with the Island community by staging productions in alternate venues, most recently at Knox United Church in Manitowaning.

The Phoenix Rises – Transition to Phoenix Theatre Company (2025)

On October 5, 2025, the Burns Wharf Theatre Players officially transitioned into a new era as Phoenix Theatre Company.

This transformation symbolizes renewal, growth, and a fresh creative identity, while honouring the deep roots and history built by generations of local performers, musicians, creators, and volunteers.

Phoenix Theatre Company remains committed to cultivating community musical theatre on Manitoulin Island—focusing on accessibility, artistry, and fostering local talent. The company also continues to advocate for the future revitalization and return to Burns Wharf when the building is restored and can once again support performance use.

Phoenix Theatre Company Leadership (as of 2025)

The inaugural leadership team guiding Phoenix Theatre Company into its next chapter includes:

  • Co-CEO’s: Isaac Gosse & Natalia Bell
  • Treasurer: Jordan Pitawanakwat
  • Chair: Samantha Lynn Brennan
  • Chair: Ann Cummings

Closing Statement

From its origins in a historic waterfront warehouse to its re-emergence as Phoenix Theatre Company, this community’s passion for musical theatre has endured for over four decades. Today, Phoenix Theatre Company stands ready to build on this legacy—uplifting local talent, creating impactful productions, and writing the next chapter of theatre in Manitowaning.