How a trade war led to a new kind of high school musical – featuring songs by the Barenaked Ladies
A high school in Belleville, Ontario, is producing an original musical titled 'Finding Joy,' featuring songs by the Barenaked Ladies. The decision to create this musical was influenced by a directive from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to avoid U.S. licensed shows due to a trade war. The production allows students to shine in roles tailored to their talents, fostering a unique and collaborative creative environment.
- ▪The musical 'Finding Joy' follows five sisters dealing with their father's death and selling their family home.
- ▪David Reed, the music teacher, wrote the original piece to give every student a chance to shine.
- ▪The project was inspired by a directive to divert school funds away from U.S. productions due to trade tensions.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Open this photo in gallery:From Left to right- The lead cast of five sisters— Kendra Dixon (Joy), Sophia Erdogan (Hazel), Cadence Robinson (Mary), Allie Doran (Beth) and Astrid van Zijl (Ruby) perform on stage during a rehearsal of Finding Joy at Eastside Secondary School in Belleville on May 21, 2026. /Shay ConroyShay Conroy/The Globe and MailShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountFor most high schoolers, spring is synonymous with endings: Kids graduate. Courses wrap up in a flurry of exams. Championship games are played, won and lost. Lockers are cleaned out. Yearbooks are signed. But for theatre students, spring means a musical – and usually a big one.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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