Sophie B. Hawkins, left, and Paula Cole. (photo/ Dekker Centre's website)
A NEW LINEUP

Dekker Centre announces 2025–26 season with Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins

Jun 11, 2025 | 10:30 AM

From nostalgic ’90s ballads to black light puppets and ballet, the Dekker Centre is bringing star power and creativity to the stage this season.

The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts in North Battleford announced its 2025–26 season Wednesday, unveiling a 17-show lineup that opens Oct. 16 with a double bill featuring Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins.

“We kick off our season with a big headliner,” said Kali Weber, program manager at the Dekker Centre.

The show brings together two iconic voices of the late ’90s and early 2000s. “Paula Cole, she wrote the theme song for Dawson’s Creek, I Don’t Want to Wait. And Sophie B. Hawkins is most well known for her hit song, Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover,” Weber said.

The centre’s October schedule also includes a performance by Calling Crush on Oct. 30, with an exclusive VIP meet-and-greet experience available for 50 guests. A standing-room section will be added to the theatre for the show.

“The Calling Crush is really big on connecting with their fans,” Weber said.

Holiday programming includes A Country Christmas on Dec. 12, featuring Beverly Mahood, Lisa Brokop and Patricia Conroy.

“Nothing is quite as special as a Christmas show,” said Weber. “We are so pleased to welcome the girls.”

One of the season’s most unusual offerings is The Book Review, a Halloween-themed black light puppet show from Calgary’s Puppet Stuff Canada — a company with ties to the Jim Henson Foundation.

“This crew is the real deal. They work on the soundstage of Fraggle Rock,” said Weber.

The performance is scheduled for Oct. 26. Families can also register for a puppet-making workshop before the show.

“At 4:30 p.m. you can come with your family and you’ll be able to create a ghost rod puppet with this crew as an extra add-on,” Weber said, adding that the main performance will follow at 6:30 p.m.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ballet Jörgen will return on March 10 with its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Local dancers from the Battlefords will have the opportunity to apply and perform alongside the professional touring company.

Tegan Littlechief, a pop-rock singer from White Bear First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan, will take the stage on April 29, performing a tribute to classic hits.

“She will cover lots of classic hits, especially Janis Joplin,” Weber said.

The centre’s “Pick Program” also returns, allowing patrons to choose shows in advance and save on ticket packages.

“We basically reward people for buying more shows early,” Weber said.

Tickets for all shows are now on sale. For the full lineup and more information, visit dekkercentre.com.

With files from Nic Fransoo

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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