Fireweed Entertainment to lead Diamond Tooth Gerties shows starting in 2026
Published 12:00 pm Sunday, December 7, 2025
Canada’s oldest operating legal casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall in Dawson City, is set to enter a new era of cabaret entertainment.
The Klondike Visitors Association announced on Dec. 2 that Fireweed Entertainment will take over the venue’s nightly shows from 2026 through 2028.
The change marks the conclusion of KareVan Productions’ three-year stewardship, which upheld the tradition of burlesque-infused cabaret performances staged each evening from May to September.
Fireweed Entertainment is helmed by Amy Soloway and Courtney Deelen, both of whom are steeped in Gerties’ history, according to KVA’s executive director, Ricky Mawunganidze.
He told the News that Soloway herself embodied Miss Diamond Tooth Gertie for more than fourteen seasons, while Deelen once graced the stage as a Gold Rush Girl.
Mawunganidze said audiences can expect the Klondike Gold Rush theme to remain firmly at the heart of the program. Miss Gertie and the Gold Rush Girls will continue to entertain audiences with Can-Can routines and musical numbers, ensuring the hall’s distinctive atmosphere endures.
Soloway will reprise her role as Miss Gertie, a gesture Fireweed described as both homage to tradition and an opportunity to infuse the performances with fresh inspiration drawn from the Yukon’s cultural heritage. Returning cast members will be joined by new talent eager to embrace Dawson’s singular spirit, Mawunganidze said.
He highlighted that Fireweed Entertainment was chosen for its creative vision, depth of experience and strong local representation.
“Each producer brings their own flair to the presentation and we are excited to see what Fireweed Entertainment can provide to our audiences,” Mawunganidze said.
Operating as a non-profit, Diamond Tooth Gerties reinvests its profits into the Dawson community, according to the news release. Its entertainment programme has been a cornerstone of the visitor experience, which offers three shows nightly and embodies the town’s Gold Rush heritage.
With Fireweed Entertainment stepping in, the curtain will first rise on 8 May 2026, ushering in a three-year partnership that aims to blend tradition with fresh Yukon inspiration.
“We cannot wait to show everyone what we have planned, including all the talented individuals joining us to bring our vision to life. Our gratitude goes out to the KVA and so many more, your confidence in us means everything. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable opening night on May 8th,” Deelen and Soloway said in the news release.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com