What would you do for a Timbit? Would you compete in semi-athletic events? Run out into a blizzard (just once…okay twice)? Steal for your best friend? Or maybe even ask out the boy you like? Nine strangers are faced with this dilemma as their Timbit supplies dwindle while they’re trapped in a Tim Hortons during a snow storm. Developed in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Canada’s most iconic café, The Last Timbit is a delightful piece of Canadian pride. Nick Green’s writing paired with the musical talents of sister team Anika and Britta Johnson is a winning combination, like chili in a bread bowl! This tasty musical will have you hungry for Tim’s and whistling its titular tune long after you leave the theatre.

Growing up in a small town in southwestern Ontario, the Tim Hortons on Main Street was easily recognizable as the hub of social activity (shortly followed by the grocery store and doctor’s office). The patrons came in like clockwork: the retired farmers and car plant workers had their little corners, the elementary school crossing guards were in and having their lunch by 9 am, and I can always find someone I know around the Timmies mid afternoon. The Last Timbit exudes this same familiar, cozy feeling throughout the production; the care that the owner of the store shows his patrons, the depiction of Anton, who’s sat at the same table for the last twenty-something years, it IS Tim Hortons.

The Last Timbit is pure Canadiana: plenty of word-play with the Tim Hortons menu items, a story about community and caring for one another, and a perfectly tasteful amount of plaid. I mean, they even mention the Kiwanis Music Festival, a blast from my own past! The references range from the nuanced, to the stereotypical (they had to mention hockey at least once, right?) to the groan-inducing pun, all of which create a charming story about love, family, and friendship. Like its Rubinoff-produced predecessor Come From Away, The Last Timbit leaves you feeling good and proudly Canadian. To get to show off who we are through our theatre, and particularly through musicals, and allow our Canadian quirkiness and positivity to shine through is a great tradition which I hope will continue.

Kelly Wolf’s set design is note perfect, you know you’re in a Tim Hortons immediately. Cameron Davis’ video design, which features both their current menu board as well as Davis’ unique creations, is the perfect addition to Wolf’s set. However, what takes the cake, or rather the birthday cake Timbit, is the Disco Ball which has been crafted to look like the fan-favourite confection, coloured sprinkles and all. I was astonished; I never thought I’d be writing down the words TIMBIT DISCO BALL in my notebook, but am I delighted I was given the opportunity to do so.

The Last Timbit has assembled some of the best performers in musical theatre for this unique project. Chilina Kennedy and Kaya Kanashiro are the mother-daughter duo Michelle and Olivia, and their stories of divorce, the realities of being a teenager, and the importance of communication provide the nucleus of the play. Barbara Fulton and DeAnn DeGruijter’s Kathy and Ellen are true characters, and the exact kind of feisty woman I hope to become. Vince and Nicole, played by Andrew Broderick and Kimberly-Ann Truong are the embodiment of social media influences, gbf included, yet their characters emotional progression was heartwarming and sweet. Jake Epstein’s Shane adds a dash of oddity to the mix, and I refuse to accept any other reasoning other than Shane’s as to what happened to my beloved bread bowls. Peter Millard’s Anton is not only representative of so many seniors who can be found in your local Timmies, but also creates a kind and loving moral centre for the story. Sterling Jarvis and Danté Prince make all the fun, and all the puns, as Monty and Charlie, the employees of the Tim Hortons. Sara Farb’s performance as Chloe is fantastic; her storyline is relatable and Farb’s embodiment of this character was spot on. I knew when I saw the casting this would be a truly unforgettable cast, and they delivered from the first beat to the last Timbit.

Get yourself a tasty little treat and see The Last Timbit. This musical is sweeter than an Iced Cap and as Canadian as a Maple Dip donut. Sure to brighten your day, and make you crave a double double, The Last Timbit not only celebrates the legacy of the Tim Hortons franchise, but the memories we’ve all created around it as well. The Last Timbit is only on until June 30th at the historic Elgin Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/The-Last-Timbit-2024

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Cover photo: The Cast of “The Last Timbit” Photo by Dahlia Katz

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