Kroehler Girls, The Musical, at the Blyth Festival
Co-creators Stacy Smith, Andy Pogson, Severn Thompson, Kelly McIntosh & Dayna Manning
Photo Credit: Ann Baggley
Curveball: The Fast-Pitch Ladies From The Factory Floor
World Premiere Musical at the Blyth Festival
July 8 – August 22, 2026
The Stratford Perth Museum is proud to have participated in the research and development of Curveball: The Fast-Pitch Ladies From The Factory Floor, a new musical comedy inspired by the extraordinary true story of Stratford’s legendary Kroehler Girls softball team.
Originally developed from the hit 2021 Here For Now Theatre production Kroehler Girls!, this expanded two-act musical grew through archival research, community storytelling, musical workshops, and the Stratford Perth Museum’s “Kray-ler Trailers” events, where audience members shared photographs, memories, uniforms, keepsakes, and family stories connected to the Kroehler Manufacturing Company and the women who played for its famed softball team.
Set in the 1950s, Curveball tells the story of the women who worked on the factory floor by day and took to the baseball diamond by night. In 1953, against all odds, the team mounted a remarkable comeback season that carried them to the regional championships.
Developed through collective creation and grounded in extensive historical research, the play celebrates the grit, humour, camaraderie, and determination of women whose athletic achievements were rarely recognized in their own time.
The production features original songs by Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Dayna Manning and will be staged outdoors on Blyth Festival’s iconic Harvest Stage.
Created by Kelly McIntosh, Andy Pogson, Stacy Smith, and Severn Thompson
Original music, composition and lyrics by Dayna Manning
“We’ll sing you the song of our ball team, it’s the finest team in all the land. We’ll tell you about all the players, and we’ll tell you the truth if we can.”
— excerpt from a team song written by Dorothy Landers
Tickets to Curveball at the Blyth Festival
Listen to Kelly McIntosh’s podcast exploring the stories of Kroehler employees
Visit our Kroehler Exhibit here at the museum: Hidden Qualities