Stage Door News
Stage Door News
We’re reaching for the stars in 2018 with a season that is bigger and bolder than ever before!
With attendance at record levels at all locations, we’re expanding into the fall shoulder season at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, and King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene (where you’ll also enjoy brand new seats with some cush for your tush ... forgive my cheeky humour!).
2018 also marks the official renaming of the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge to Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, thanks to the generous philanthropy of longtime supporters John and Terry Hamilton. Whatever venue you visit in the Drayton Entertainment family of theatres, you’ll be sure to find our signature mix of Broadway blockbusters, hilarious comedies, musical revues, and plenty of family fun.
Be sure to take in the Canadian premiere of the new Irving Berlin musical Holiday Inn, following its acclaimed Broadway run. Thrilling choreography, a huge dose of humor, and a steady stream of hits make this a winning production for all generations of theatregoers.
For the young at heart we have Disney’s The Little Mermaid, two of our popular pantos, and Broadway’s big hit, Hairspray. Adults, meanwhile, will relive the romance with Ghost: The Musical and laugh along with the hilarious hijinks in our outrageous comedies.
Fans of classic Broadway won’t want to miss West Side Story, in which star-crossed lovers get caught up in a war of prejudice and street gangs in a seminal retelling of Romeo and Juliet. A dazzling array of stars are featured in Kings & Queens of Country, a tribute to the legends of this popular genre of music. And Man of La Mancha, with its deluded knight chasing an unreachable star, is really a timely meditation about courage and idealism in the face of despair.
There really is something for everyone in 2018, so have fun planning.
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THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
A Courtship Comedy
This winning courtship comedy about chance encounters and fresh starts is a racy recipe for relentless laughter.
Sarah, a turkey farmer, has just left her husband and moved back home with her mother Gail, a long-divorced beekeeper who drowns her loneliness in the honey business. Both women are struggling to put their lives back in order when their hive is frequented by Ben, a strapping young grad student intent on studying the decline of the local bee population.
Throw in a meddlesome neighbour, a little internet dating, and a pair of tickets to the last-ever Turkey Days Dance, and love, lust and poultry come together in a raucously funny comedy with a huge, honeyed heart.
May 23 to June 10
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
July 25 to Aug 11
Drayton Festival Theatre
Aug 15 to Sept 1
Huron Country Playhouse II
By Mark Crawford
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CANADA 151: BETTER LATE THAN SORRY
The Mountie’s First Farewell Tour
Following Canada’s sesquicentennial celebration, our love for the true north strong and free is on full display in 2018 with a brand new show that celebrates what it means to be quintessentially Canadian.
After reaching his milestone 70th birthday, RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster and his faithful horse are both finally being put out to pasture! Join us as our favourite Mountie throws himself a retirement hoedown complete with music, dancing, humour, and of course, some biting political satire.
Never one to pull punches, gifted comedian Neil Aitchison once again takes aim at national and international events – with outrageous opinions on current affairs. Over the years, Inkster has made memorable appearances in Bending the Bows, Canadian Loonie, Canadian Toonie, Sorry...I’m Canadian, and Canadian Legends. See him one more time in this celebratory send-off that will melt your igloo.
June 20 to July 8
Drayton Festival Theatre
July 12 to Aug 4
Huron Country Playhouse
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CINDERELLA: THE PANTO
A Tradition for the Entire Family
The enduring fairy tale gets a clever and contemporary makeover in this glittering stage production that features all the classic elements you remember – the pumpkin, glass slipper, masked ball ... plus some unexpected and surprising new twists!
With its winning combination of popular songs, energetic dancing, tongue-in- cheek humour, and outrageous costumes, Cinderella will cast its magical spell and have you cheering for the heroine and her friends and booing the evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters.
So join us for family fun at the theatre this summer, and don’t worry – we’ll have you home well before the stroke of midnight!
June 6 to June 30
King’s Wharf Theatre
July 5 to July 22
Huron Country Playhouse II
See calendar on page 24 See calendar on page 22
By Caroline Smith
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CRUISIN’ CLASSICS
A ’50s Diner Revue
Grab your poodle skirt, pull on your bobby socks, and get ready for fun with a rock ‘n’ roll musical celebration featuring classic hits of the Baby Boomer era!
Hardy Rawls (the much-loved Maytag Repairman) stars as Chuck, the owner of a struggling diner who must grapple with the possibility of selling his beloved haunt. As he relives the moments and music of a simpler time, from the early rockin’ sounds of Bill Haley to the beautiful ballads of Brenda Lee, the voice of an entire generation is revealed. A hit parade of timeless tunes from the ‘50s and ‘60s are on the menu: “Rock Around The Clock,” “You Send Me,” “Crying,” “It’s My Party,” “In The Still of the Night,” and many more!
Entertaining and energetic, this joyous jive down memory lane will tickle your funny bone and touch your heart with its classic tunes and retro style.
June 27 to July 7
Huron Country Playhouse
July 11 to July 21
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
July 25 to Aug 4
King’s Wharf Theatre
Aug 22 to Sept 1
Drayton Festival Theatre
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THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
A Musical within a Comedy
Hailed as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” this five-time Tony® Award winner is a masterful love letter to musical comedy that will leave you singing, dancing and laughing your way out of the theatre.
Alone in his modest apartment, a Broadway fan puts on his favourite cast recording – a 1928 romp called The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record spins, the colourful characters spring to life, immersing him in the hilarious tale of a glamourous celebrity bride and her impending nuptials ... complete with a tap dancing groom, bumbling best man, wise-cracking butler, desperate producer, ambitious chorus girl, misguided Don Juan, two goofy gangsters posing as pastry chefs, and a tipsy chaperone!
Don’t miss the clever musical parody that will sweep you away on a Jazz Age journey of love, laughter, and libation with its show-stopping song and dance numbers.
March 28 to April 15
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar
Original Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman
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GHOST: THE MUSICAL
The Romantic New Musical
Relive the romance as the beloved Academy Award-winning film comes to life as a dazzling new musical.
Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly’s connection takes a shocking turn after his untimely death at the hands of a mugger. Trapped between two worlds as a ghost, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he realizes that she is still in grave danger. With the help of storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving her life and avenging his death.
Featuring the unforgettable song “Unchained Melody” and stunning new music by Grammy® Award-winning legends Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (writer of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), this captivating musical about the transcendent power of love will leave you breathless.
Oct 3 to Oct 21
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart Music & Lyrics by Glen Ballard
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HAIRSPRAY
The Broadway Musical
Get ready for something big with Hairspray, the musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony® Awards, including Best Musical.
It’s 1962 ... the ’50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – to dance! She wins a coveted spot on the popular Corny Collins Show, and overnight is transformed from social outcast to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show ... all without denting her ’do?
Don’t miss Broadway’s big musical hit!
March 14 to April 8
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
Aug 9 to Sept 1
King’s Wharf Theatre
Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters
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HOLIDAY INN
The New Irving Berlin Musical
Check in for a tap-happy musical about a crooner and a hoofer vying for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer in this new stage adaptation of the beloved 1942 Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire film. Twenty iconic songs from Irving Berlin’s phenomenal musical catalogue are featured in this celebratory four seasons musical, including “Blue Skies,” “Cheek to Cheek,” “White Christmas,” and more.
When Jim Hardy leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut, he quickly discovers life isn’t quite the same without a bit of song and dance. His luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, Jim must compete for her affections. Can he win her heart?
May 16 to June 3
Drayton Festival Theatre
Sept 13 to Sept 30
Huron Country Playhouse
Nov 22 to Dec 30
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge
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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: THE PANTO
A Tradition for the Entire Family
Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, a giant panto your way comes!
Bring the entire family and cheer for Jack and boo the evil giant as one of the most popular children’s stories of all time becomes larger than life.
Jack and his mother are down on their luck and they need to make money fast. But when Jack takes their beloved cow to market, all he gets for her are a few measly beans. But these are no ordinary beans... they’re magic! When Jack wakes to find a gigantic beanstalk in the middle of his mom’s garden, a wild adventure begins. The brave young lad climbs to the top above the clouds where he finds an enormous castle, an enchanted harp, a feisty princess in need of rescue... and a giant with an even bigger appetite!
Filled with popular music, lively dancing, outrageous costumes, audience participation and more, Jack and the Beanstalk is a fun-filled adventure for audiences of all ages.
Nov 28 to Dec 30
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
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JONAS & BARRY IN THE HOME
An Ageless Comedy
Following wildly successful runs in St. Jacobs, Grand Bend and Penetanguishene, Norm Foster’s new hit comedy comes to Cambridge with big laughs and an even bigger heart.
Two seniors are searching for friendship, love, and elusive happiness at the Gateway Gardens assisted living home. Barry Butterfield, a newly retired dentist, is unsure of what to do with all his free time. Jonas Ainsworth, a suave stage actor, spends his days wooing the ladies. Proving opposites attract, the men quickly become an inseparable duo and embark on clever ways to spice up their lives – and the lives of those around them.
A mirthful and thoughtful exploration of friendships forged and relationships renewed, Jonas & Barry in the Home is a testament to living each day to the fullest – regardless of your age or stage in life.
Aug 9 to Aug 26
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge See calendar on page 16 (Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
By Norm Foster
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KINGS & QUEENS OF COUNTRY
Classic Hits of Early Country Music
Mosey on in for a hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’, feel-good tribute to classic hits of early country music.
In the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry, some of country music’s greatest pioneers are celebrated in this energetic, fun-filled musical revue: Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Conway Twitty, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and many, many more.
Fusing elements of classic country, western, gospel, bluegrass – and a touch of comedy – Kings & Queens of Country is a jubilant walk down memory lane. So venture back to the honky-tonks and saloons which shaped country music’s glorious history, and get lost in the nostalgia of a simpler time.
June 13 to June 30
Huron Country Playhouse II Sept 13 to Sept 30
King’s Wharf Theatre
Oct 3 to Oct 14
Drayton Festival Theatre
Conceived & Written by Alex Mustakas Orchestrations & Vocal Arrangements by Nicole Gusé
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The Drayton Entertainment Production of
Disney’s
THE LITTLE MERMAID
The Splashy Broadway Musical
Following the incredible success of Beauty and the Beast comes another spectacular Disney musical that appeals to audiences of all ages.
In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. When the evil sea witch, Ursula, grants her the opportunity to sprout legs and go after the heart of Prince Eric, she jumps at the opportunity. But with forces working against her, Ariel will need help from her friends and family if she is ever to see her dreams come true.
Featuring the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and the Oscar®-winning “Under the Sea,” The Little Mermaid is a splashy Broadway spectacle for the entire family.
July 18 to Aug 4
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Aug 9 to Sept 2
Huron Country Playhouse
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Music by Alan Menken
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker
Written & Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
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MAN OF LA MANCHA
An Inspiring Musical Quest
One of the greatest treasures in musical theatre, Man of La Mancha is a breathtaking tale of epic proportions.
In a bleak dungeon, the playwright Cervantes is awaiting trial by the Spanish Inquisition. But first he must face a court of fellow prisoners eager to relieve him of his precious unfinished manuscript. In order to save himself, Cervantes stages the saga of Don Quixote, casting himself as the deluded knight errant on a magical adventure to defend the noble principles of honour and truth.
With its timely message of courage and idealism in the face of despair, Man of La Mancha will inspire all of us to keep reaching for the stars with its unforgettable anthem, “The Impossible Dream.” This powerful and riveting theatrical experience will touch the heart, stir the soul, and unleash the imagination.
Oct 10 to Nov 4
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(Formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
By Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Original Production Staged by Albert Marre Originally Produced by Albert W. Selden & Hal James
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OUT OF ORDER
A British Farce
From the pen of Ray Cooney, the master of British Face, comes a gleeful, Olivier® Award-winning comedy that will have you doubled over in laughter.
Richard Willey, a married Government Minister with a “hands-on” approach to his work, uses the backdrop of an all-night parliamentary debate to spend a naughty evening at the Westminster Hotel with Jane Worthington, one of the Opposition’s typists. But things go disastrously wrong when they discover a body in their hotel suite, forcing Willey to call on his hapless secretary, George Pigden, to clean up his caddish mess and avoid a political scandal.
An orchestral effort of entrances, pratfalls and rejoinders ensues as uninvited guests congregate in Suite 648, including Jane’s agitated husband, an unscrupulous waiter, confused maid, frustrated Hotel Manager, the proper Mrs. Willey, and bossy Nurse Foster.
Surrender to the silliness of summer with this fun-filled poke at public life!
July 4 to July 21
King’s Wharf Theatre
July 25 to Aug 11
Huron Country Playhouse II Aug 15 to Sept 1
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
By Ray Cooney
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THE RAINMAKER
A Romantic Comedy
The forecast calls for showers of laughter with a romantic comedy that makes a handsome case for miracles.
In the midst of a harsh western summer, plain and hardworking Lizzie Curry is trying to help her family survive a severe drought. Out of nowhere, a fast- talking stranger appears, making an outrageous claim. For a price, he promises to bring rain! The offer sounds too refreshing to pass up and might just represent everyone’s last chance – a rancher’s last hope of survival, a con man’s last shot at redemption, and a woman’s last glimmer of romance.
The Rainmaker proves that dreams can come true, and with enough faith, all things are possible – magic, rain ... and yes, even love.
June 20 to July 7
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
By N. Richard Nash
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SHEAR MADNESS
The Hilarious & Wacky Whodunit
Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as America’s longest running play, Shear Madness continues to delight audiences with its unique blend of madcap improvisation and spine-tickling mystery.
Hairdresser Tony Whitcomb and manicurist Barbara DeMarco comb through the tasks of a normal day until concert pianist Isabel Czerny is murdered. Tony, Barbara, and the Shear Madness customers – socialite Eleanor Shubert, antiques dealer Eddie Lawrence, and cops Nick Rosetti and Mikey Thomas – are all suspects.
But whodunit? Witness the fun, put your detective skills to the test, and take a stab at solving the crime!
Sept 12 to Dec 23
St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre
By Paul Pörtner
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WEST SIDE STORY
The Iconic Broadway Musical
One of the greatest love stories of all time takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Star-crossed young lovers Tony and Maria find themselves caught in a turf war between rival gangs – the Puerto Rican Sharks and the American Jets – as they dream of being together in a world without prejudice in New York City’s derelict Upper West Side during the turbulent 1950s.
West Side Story features breathtaking choreography, charismatic characters, and a sweeping score including memorable songs like “I Feel Pretty,” “Somewhere,” “Maria,” “Tonight,” “America,” and more.
From the first note to the final breath, this epic tale of dueling street gangs, howling police sirens, and forbidden love is as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. Don’t miss it.
May 9 to June 2
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
June 7 to June 23
Huron Country Playhouse
Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
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Tickets are on sale by phone or in person exclusively to Members on Wednesday, November 1.
Tickets are on sale by phone or in person to Subscribers and Groups on Wednesday, November 15.
Tickets are on sale by phone, in person and online to the General Public on Friday, December 1.
1-855-drayton (372-9866)
draytonentertainment.com
2017-10-27
Cambridge: Drayton Entertainment announces its 2018 season