Photo from the Comox Valley Record
The World Needs a Song
The World Needs a Song is a joyful two-act celebration of music, storytelling, and community. Pictured is last year’s event. (Beach Street Players/Contributed).
January brings cold days and even colder evenings, but there’s something warm and wonderful happening at the Comox United Church Hall. On Sunday afternoons and a couple of evenings each week, the Beach Street Players have been gathering to rehearse their 15th Have a Heart Musical Review. As always, the show is the creative vision of Gloria Herauf, who writes, produces, directs, and leads the orchestra.
This year’s production, The World Needs a Song, is a joyful two-act celebration of music, storytelling, and community.
Act One takes place in the Beach Street Bar, where a group of quirky characters backed by a lively orchestra and talented vocalists invite the audience on a musical journey across many styles. Expect everything from Barbershop and Gospel to Broadway favourites and good old rock ’n’ roll.
After intermission, Act Two – O Canada: True North Strong and Free turns the spotlight on Canada’s incredible musical talent. From Stompin’ Tom Connors to Anne Murray, from Come From Away to Takin’ Care of Business, and from Joni Mitchell to Leonard Cohen, it’s a heartfelt celebration of the music that has shaped us.
For the Beach Street Players, the Have a Heart shows are truly a labour of love. Everyone involved donates their time and talent, and the proceeds go directly to support local community needs. With this year’s show, the total raised will reach nearly $275,000.
The production is proudly supported by the Strathcona-Sunrise Rotary Club. President Marty Douglas, a long-time musical theatre fan and performer, and is a long time cast member. For Douglas, it’s the mix of corny jokes, Herauf’s wonderful musical arrangements, and the beautiful acoustics of Comox United Church that make these performances such a joy, especially before a full house.
So, come in from the cold and join the Beach Street Players in mid-February for the 2026 Have a Heart production of The World Needs a Song.
Matinees: February 7, 8, and 14
Evening shows: February 6 and 13