One man, many voices. An Irish tapestry of humour and heart.
GUELPH, ON March 11, 2026 — In Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears, veteran Ontario actor and storyteller Jay Wilson offers an evening of theatrical storytelling drawn from the spirit of rural Ireland. Wilson inhabits a gallery of unforgettable characters, revealing lives shaped by resilience, mischief, longing, and love. Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears takes the audience on a journey in River Run Centre’s Studio Theatre on Thursday, April 9 at 8 p.m.
With more than five decades of experience on the stage, Wilson moves fluidly from one voice to another, embodying characters such as Fiddler O’Flaherty, the formidable Widow O’Donnell, Devlin Haggerty — and even Frances O’Feline, a cat of uncommon presence. Each portrait is delivered with emotional nuance and a deep respect for the rhythms of oral tradition, expertly balancing laughter and loss.
This production is adapted from a collection of stories by the late Charlene Herrold, a long-time family friend of Wilson whose writing captured the cadence and character of Irish village life. When Wilson first encountered her work, he discovered intimate monologues alive with theatrical possibility. The project began as a creative exploration and early presentations with the Guelph Guild of Storytellers gradually evolved into a full one-person production blending theatrical craft with heartfelt storytelling.
Following sold-out performances at Theatre Collingwood’s 2023 Porchside Festival, Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears has continued to resonate with audiences across Ontario, inviting them into a world where wit softens sorrow and every life, no matter how ordinary, carries quiet significance. The show has also become a tribute to both the author and the storytelling tradition which she cherished.
This production is part of River Run’s Showcase Series, which features one-of-a-kind, theatrical performances. It is proudly supported by 2025/26 Season Sponsor, Richardson Wealth, as well as with funding from the Government of Canada.
Tickets to Lilt of Laughter, Trace of Tears are $30 for adults, $28 for patrons over 60 years old, and $25 for those under 30. Sliding Scale tickets are available for $10 and $20. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or purchase tickets online.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre
City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]