Curveball: The Fast-Pitch Ladies from the Factory Floor
By Kelly McIntosh, Andy Pogson, Stacy Smith, and Severn Thompson
Original songs by Dayna Manning
Comedy | Musical | World Premiere
July 8 – August 22 | Opens July 10
A brand-new musical comedy … about baseball
Set in the 1950s, when factory softball teams ruled Southwestern Ontario, Curveball brings to life the extraordinary true story of the women of Stratford’s Kroehler Furniture Factory. By day, they built furniture. After work, they took to the diamond. And in 1953, against all odds, they staged a legendary comeback that carried them to the regional championships.
Researched through the archives of the Stratford Perth Museum and developed through collective creation, Curveball celebrates the grit, camaraderie, and quiet determination of women whose athletic achievements were rarely given their due. This expanded new version deepens the stories of each player and features original songs by Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Dayna Manning.
Adapted from the hit Kroehler Girls! and staged outdoors on Blyth’s iconic diamond-shaped Harvest Stage, Curveball is a big-hearted musical about teamwork, ambition, and finding your power – on the factory floor and far beyond.




