Drayton Entertainment — An Exciting Line-Up for 2018
Huron Country Playhouse
West Side Story
The Iconic Broadway Musical
Huron Country Playhouse – June 7 – June 23
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.
Based on a conception of Jerome Robbins
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Also at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – May 9 – June 2
Cruisin’ Classics
A ’50s Diner Revue
Huron Country Playhouse – June 27 – July 7
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.
Also at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – July 11 – July 21, King’s Wharf Theatre – July 25 – Aug 4, Drayton Festival Theatre – Aug 22 – Sept 1
Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry
The Mountie’s First Farewell Tour
Huron Country Playhouse – July 12 – Aug 4
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 at 24 Sussex Drive 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. Starring Neil Aitchison in a brand new show!
Also at Drayton Festival Theatre – June 20 – July 8
The Little Mermaid
Disney’s Splashy Broadway Musical
Huron Country Playhouse – Aug 9 – Sept 2
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.
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Music by Alan Menken
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Adersen 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
Also at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – July 18 – Aug 4
Holiday Inn
The New Irving Berlin Musical
Huron Country Playhouse – Sept 13 – Sept 30
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?
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge
Also at Drayton Festival Theatre – May 16 – June 3, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – Nov 22 – Dec 30
Huron Country Playhouse II
Kings & Queens of Country
Classic Hits of Early Country Music
Huron Country Playhouse II- June 13 – June 30
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.
Conceived & Written by Alex Mustakas
Orchestrations & Vocal Arrangements by Nicole Gusé
Also at King’s Wharf Theatre – Sept 13 – Sept 30, Drayton Festival Theatre – Oct 3 – Oct 14
Cinderella: The Panto
A Tradition for the Entire Family
Huron Country Playhouse II- July 5 – July 22
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!
By Caroline Smith
Also at King’s Wharf Theatre – June 6 – June 30
Out of Order
A British Farce
Huron Country Playhouse II- July 25 – Aug 11
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.
By Ray Cooney
Also at King’s Wharf Theatre – July 4 – July 21, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – Aug 15 – Sept 1
The Birds and the Bees
A Courtship Comedy
Huron Country Playhouse II – Aug 15 – Sept 1
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.
By Mark Crawford
Also at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – May 23 – June 10, Drayton Festival Theatre – July 25 – Aug 11
Drayton Festival Theatre
Holiday Inn – May 16 – June 3, see above
Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry – June 20 – July 8, see above
The Birds and the Bees – July 25 – Aug 11, see above
Cruisin’ Classics – Aug 22 – Sept 1, see above
Kings & Queens of Country – Oct 3 – Oct 14, see above
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
(formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge)
Hairspray
The Broadway Musical
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – March 14 – April 8
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?
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
Also at King’s Wharf Theatre – Aug 9 – Sept 1
The Birds and the Bees – May 23 – June 10, see above
Cruisin’ Classics – July 11 – July 21, see above
Jonas & Barry in the Home
An Ageless Comedy
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – Aug 9 – Aug 26
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.
By Norm Foster, Starring Norm Foster
Man of La Mancha
An Inspiring Musical Quest
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge – Oct 10 – Nov 4
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.
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
Starring Alex Mustakas as Don Quixote
Holiday Inn – Nov 22 – Dec 30, see above
King’s Wharf Theatre
Cinderella: The Panto – June 6 – June 30, see above
Out of Order – July 4 – July 21, see above
Cruisin’ Classics – July 25 – Aug 4, see above
Hairspray – Aug 9 – Sept 1, see above
Kings & Queens of Country – Sept 13 – Sept 30, see above
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
The Drowsy Chaperone
A Musical within a Comedy
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – March 28 – April 15
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.
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar
West Side Story – May 9 – June 2, see above
The Rainmaker
A Romantic Comedy
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – June 20 – July 7
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 of 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.
By N. Richard Nash
The Little Mermaid – July 18 – Aug 4, see above
Out of Order – Aug 15 – Sept 1, see above
Ghost: The Musical
The Romantic New Musical
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – Oct 3 – Oct 21
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.
Book & Lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin
Music & Lyrics by Dave Stewart & Glen Ballard
Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto
A Tradition for the Entire Family
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse – Nov 28 – Dec 30
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.
St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre
Shear Madness
The Hilarious & Wacky Whodunit
St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre – Sept 12 – Dec 23
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!
By Paul Pörtner