Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
Warm up your winter by making plans for summer theatre!
This summer, the greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz, is touching down in Grand Bend! Venture down the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and faithful dog Toto during their epic journey to find the mighty Wizard who can send them home. Munchkins of all ages will be enchanted from June 4th through June 23rd.
Next up, audiences will be treated to a brand new production in Drayton Entertainment’s popular Legends series. Backed by an all-star orchestra, Big Band Legends is a high-octane show that honours the greatest crooners and songbirds of our time, from Bing Crosby to Michael Bublé. It features a spectrum of hits that have dominated the charts for the past 80 years with orchestrations and arrangements by the big band legend himself, Howard Cable; June 27th through July 14th.
After a sold out run last season, the King returns for one week only! Get ready to swivel your hips to the rockin’ music of Elvis Presley with Blue Suede Shoes: Memories of the King. Relive a jukebox of classics including, “Love Me Tender”, “Hound Dog”, “Suspicious Mind”, “Heartbreak Hotel” and many more in this energetic tribute; July 17th through July 21st.
An instant sensation on Broadway, 9 To 5: The Musical is an all-new musical comedy based on the classic motion picture that features the blockbuster title song, plus an exciting score of 18 original numbers penned by the iconic Dolly Parton. Don’t miss this hilarious story of friendship, female empowerment, and revenge; July 25th through August 11th.
To close the season, Annie will capture the hearts of audiences young and old. Brimming with memorable music and magical moments, this story about a darling orphan with an irrepressible spirit is a family favourite the world over; August 15th through September 1st.
Playhouse II, Grand Bend
All’s fair in love – and murder – in the screwball suspense-comedy Murder at Oakwood Resort*. Set in an inconspicuous hotel room on Lake Huron , this twisted tale about a love triangle between a ditzy wife, her serious husband, and their buffoon dentist will leave you screaming bloody murder by the time the curtain falls on the final witty line; June 12th through June 23rd.
*Previously titled Murder at the Howard Johnson’s & Murder at the Best Western
There’s no doubt that audiences will be delighted by the Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Harvey . A classic comedy about dignity, self-respect and loyalty, the story centres upon Elwood P. Dowd and his mythical friend – a six-foot tall rabbit named Harvey . This inspiring tale will charm audiences with its warmth, wit … and yes, whiskers; June 26th through July 14th.
Then it’s a long and hilarious trip to the altar in the matrimonial comedy Perfect Wedding. When the groom-to-be wakes up with a dreadful hangover on the morning of his wedding day to find an unknown – and unclothed – woman in his bed, it’s clear that wedded bliss is not on the agenda. Say “I DO!” to a lifetime of love, laughter and lunacy; July 18th through July 28th.
Escape for a weekend of laughs in Norm Foster’s humorous tale of brotherly love, The Melville Boys. Owen and Lee are ready for a relaxing guy’s getaway but, their plans are thrown for a loop when they meet two attractive sisters who unwittingly change their agenda – and their perspective on life; August 1st through August 11th.
To end the season, enter the golden age of country music with Johnny & June, a nostalgic tribute to the Man in Black and his talented wife, June Carter. Each classic song is reborn in this musical walk down memory lane including their Grammy Award-winning duet “Jackson”, along with “Folsum Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” and many more; August 15th through September 1st.