Dear Friends:
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 season of live theatre.
Since 1991, Drayton Entertainment has entertained audiences across southwestern Ontario. I am certain that the many performances planned for this season will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
I would like to commend all those involved with Drayton Entertainment, both on the stage and behind the scenes, for sharing their talent and creativity. You can take pride in your contributions to Canada’s cultural heritage.
Please accept my best wishes for a memorable season.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada
Over the past few years, the Drayton Entertainment family — including all those on and off the stage, as well as its many loyal audience members — have made it through so many challenges. Your efforts to continue delivering remarkable performances to Ontarians by virtual means is a story of innovation, resilience, and is an illustration of the power of the arts to help us heal, laugh, and persevere. As you welcome back patrons to your theatres for the 2022 Season, know that we have all been inspired by your good work to bring joy to others.
In this, the year of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the 70th Anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to celebrate service and our nation’s proud heritage. And so, I take this opportunity to thank all those at Drayton for supporting artistic expression, a vital part of what it means to be Canadian, and a part of our identity that is now more important than ever. The entire 2022 Season promises to thrill, and I have no doubt that today’s performance will be a memorable one.
Enjoy the show!
Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Justin Trudeau
I’m delighted to extend greetings to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2022 Season.
I want to thank all those who helped to make this exciting program a success, including everyone at Drayton Entertainment, as well as the performers, artists, sponsors, backstage crews, and front-of-house teams in Drayton, Cambridge, Grand Bend, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs.
I would also like to recognize the many keen theatregoers who are sure to enjoy this terrific opportunity to share in the magic of live theatre. Performing arts professionals and their audiences have facedtremendous challenges over the past two years, and I know we all look forward to once again engaging in these communal experiences. Have a memorable and enjoyable season.
Doug Ford Premier of OntarioMP
Cambridge
Live theatre is a hallmark of vibrant communities, and I trust that you will enjoy today’s performance. I know the hard work required to produce these productions and the effort and talent that goes into entertaining the audience. I congratulate Drayton Entertainment on another successful season and their ongoing contributions to Cambridge’s exciting arts community.
Whether you’re a regular theatregoer or this is your first time, I encourage you to bring your friends and family, and plan an evening of theatre, food, fun, and sightseeing in Cambridge.
Enjoy the show!
Bryan May, MP Cambridge
Welcome, everyone! Live theatre is back at Hamilton Family Theatre and I am thrilled that they are kicking off a full season of entertainment. You’re in for an amazing show at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge! On behalf of City Council and the community of Cambridge, we hope you will enjoy the coming 2022 Season, and I encourage you to experience all that Cambridge has to offer!
2022 is going to be a great year for the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, and I can’t wait to catch some of the performances right alongside you.
On with the show!
Kathryn McGarry, Mayor City of Cambridge
Welcome back! Know that our number one priority is ensuring that you feel safe, comfortable, and confident with your decision to enjoy live theatre again. Our Duty of Care adheres to local and provincial health guidelines and is subject to change in response to current conditions throughout the season. We have been awarded the World Travel and Tourism Council/Tourism Industry Association of Ontario Safe Travels stamp for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols. This stamp is globally recognized as an indicator that enhanced COVID mitigation protocols are in place.
The Government of Ontario has lifted restrictions for theatres, allowing for 100% capacity. However, we have surveyed our patrons a number of times over the last two years, and you've made it clear to us that you have different degrees of comfort. We want the return to live theatre to be as easy as possible for everyone. With that in mind, we have created show schedules with varying capacities and protocols that gradually change as the season progresses. You’ve already got tickets, so please double check and make sure you know the requirements for your chosen performance.
Enhanced cleaning measures have been put into place before, during, and after every performance including increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. We also ask that you use the hand sanitizer provided as you enter the theatre. Sanitizer can also be found at designated points throughout each venue.
Our theatres are equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation systems that exchange the air in our public spaces every 15 minutes. Plexiglass barriers have been installed at our bars as well as our Box Offices.
Our artists, artisans, staff, and volunteers are fully vaccinated. Additional rules and protocols are in place to keep people safe in their work environment.
We encourage everyone to continue wearing masks.
Our doors are open, the stage lights are on, and we’re thrilled to finally welcome you back to the theatre. Whether you’re an avid theatregoer, or someone new to the wonders of the stage, we look forward to entertaining you as you take a break from real life and escape into a memorable live theatre experience. There are hundreds of performances that will take centre stage during our 2022 Season at our theatres across the province of Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre.
Whether you love heartfelt musicals, laugh-out-loud comedies, thought-provoking dramas, Canadian content, or musical memoirs, there’s something for everyone, and so much to see … so come back soon, or explore another Drayton Entertainment venue!
We hope your trip to the theatre includes a visit to one of the friendly communities that surround each of our venues, as the hospitality and charm of each locale plays an integral role in the Drayton Experience®. From delicious dining and unique shopping, to comfortable accommodations and other interesting attractions, there are many ways to enhance your experience. When you visit our neighbouring businesses, please be sure to tell them we sent you!
These last two years have been challenging, but they’ve also given us time to develop an exciting project – the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. We have seen firsthand the impact we have on the lives of young people through arts education. The world has changed significantly, and we must change with it by supporting a broader generational shift in our society. We will accomplish this by providing training opportunities to youth in the Drayton Entertainment brand of performing arts excellence.
Jump to the back page of this program for more information about our new Youth Academy, and programs for kids and adults alike!
We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support. Although we continue to navigate this ongoing pandemic, we’re hopeful about the future. We know you love LIVE theatre as much as we do, so thank you for joining us in making wonderful memories this season. Years from now we’ll all talk about where we were, and what shows we saw, the year that theatre came back.
Enjoy the show!
Artistic Director Sponsor Alex Mustakas Artistic Director
On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, thank you so much for joining us at the theatre. After everything we’ve all been through together over the last two years, it’s extra special and exciting to welcome you back in person to enjoy a live performance.
We are thrilled to finally share another season of great entertainment with you. Whether you’re here for a memorable musical, hilarious comedy, stirring drama, or family fun, get ready to be swept away by the magic of theatre. It is our passion for theatre that fuels us to continue delivering the high-quality performances and exceptional, friendly customer service that have become hallmarks of The Drayton Experience®.
In addition to the 15 professional productions offered this season, we are delighted to present many educational programs through the new Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy designed to give aspiring young performers the opportunity to hone their skills in a practical way. It is through programs like these that we foster inclusion, enthusiasm for arts and culture, and invest in the artists of tomorrow.
None of this would be possible without our Members, volunteers, sponsors, and of course, you, our
Tony Mohr Bruce Schieck Secretary/Treasurer
Bob Bignell
Everton Wilmot
Written by Anna Bartlett Warner Church In The Wildwood
Jesus Loves Me
Written by Dr. William S. Pitts Old Time Religion
Traditional Just A Little Talk With Jesus Written by Cleavant Derricks Precious Memories Written by J. B. F. Wright Blessed Assurance Music by Phoebe Knapp, Lyrics by Fanny Crosby One Day At A Time
by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson Keep On The Sunny Side Of Life
Written by Ada Blenkhorn That Old Rugged Cross Written by George Bennard That Pure Religion Traditional Coat Of Many Colours Written by Dolly Parton Take My Hand, Precious
Written by Thomas A. Dorsey Noah Found Grace
Written by Roger W. Smith In The Garden
Written by C. Austin Miles Operator (Give Me Jesus On The Line) Written by Gerry Thompson What A Friend We Have In Jesus Written by Joseph M. Scriven How Great Thou Art
by Carl Boberg, with English lyrics by Stuart K. Hine Swing Low, Sweet
Written by Wallis Willis Swing Down Chariot
Traditional This Ole House Written by Stuart Hamblen When The Saints Go Marching In Traditional
Down To The River To Pray Traditional Shall We Gather By The River
Written by Robert Lowry I’ll Fly Away
Written by Albert E. Brumley Daddy Sang Bass Written by Carl Perkins Whispering
Traditional Just A Closer Walk With Thee Traditional Rock Of Ages
Written by Augustus Toplady Daddy Was An Old Time
Written by Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner On The Wings Of A
Written by Bob Ferguson Tell Me The
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Written by Katherine Hankey Peace In The
Written by Thomas A. Dorsey In The Sweet
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by Charlie Tillman, J.R. Baster, and M.E. Abbey This Train Is Bound
Traditional It Is Well
by Horatio Spafford, music by Philip Bliss Softly And
Written by Will L. Thompson Amazing
Written by Hank Williams
Written by John Newton I Saw
Drayton Entertainment: Godspell. Other Theatre: Country Sunshine, The Heart and Soul of Broadway, The Fiddler On The Loose, Everything Elvis, Canada Sings, The Fiddler On The Moose, Folks Like Us, Rockabilly Swingtime, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Rocky Mountain High, East Coast Kitchen Party, You’ve Got A Friend, Murder For 2, Hogan’s Howdown, The VPP Country Christmas Jamboree, Starbright Christmas. Alex Baerg is a singer, guitarist, pianist, and performer from London, ON. He is so happy to finally be back with Drayton Entertainment. Alex would like to thank his beautiful wife, Alessia Lupiano, and his beautiful children, Poppy and Jack Baerg, for their unending support and love.
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose, Sorry I’m Canadian (2006, 2008, 2013). Other Theatre: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Shrek in Shrek the Musical Jr., Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. (Studio 410). Film/TV: Family Feud Canada (CBC). Matt owns his own recording studio ‘On Track Studios’ and has toured North America and Ireland with his family band (The Ballaghs) and is a part of his sibling band ‘The Crew’. Matt is a Singer/Songwriter, and his original music can be found on all streaming platforms. Matt is a proud graduate of the Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College, and is SO excited to be back performing with Drayton Entertainment! Website: www.mattballagh.com
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler On The Loose, Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Broadway Heroes. Jesse started playing the violin at the age of three, and has been fiddling around ever since. His love of performing has taken him across the world as a fiddler, singer, actor, musical director and arranger. Most recently, Jesse spent a year in Dubai where he performed for Expo 2020 Dubai as a featured musical artist before returning home to star in Fiddler on the Loose with Drayton Entertainment! Jesse thanks D2 and Alex Mustakas for making this show possible as well as his Mom and Dad, Leah and Maddy for their love and support. Keep fiddlin’ and enjoy the show! Instagram: @jaizeviolinist
Drayton Entertainment: Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Fiddler on the Loose, Ghost: The Musical. Other Theatre: Vigilante (The Grand Theatre), East Coast Kitchen Party, Scotland Sings, Women of Country, The VPP Jamboree, Fiddler on the Loose 2 (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia). Leah appeared on America’s Got Talent as a member of Stacey Kay’s band, and has performed across Canada, Germany, and Scotland for several summers as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Leah began studying the violin with Professor Patrick Burroughs at age 3, and has recently completed her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at Wilfrid Laurier University from the studio of Dr. Jeremy Bell.
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler On The Loose (2019/22), Music Man, Buddy Holly Story. Other Theatre: Legally Blonde, Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig … (Hart House Theatre), Forever Plaid (Starvox Entertainment), Mary Poppins (Young People’s Theatre), On The Town (Theatre Sheridan), Roaring Twenties, Hogan’s Hoedown, Rocky Mountain High (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia). In 2019, Erik became a sub for Mirvish Productions’ smash hit show Come From Away, and worked with Steven Page on his musical workshop Here’s What It Takes at the Stratford Festival. As a jazz player, you can see Erik perform as a member of trumpeter Mike Herriott’s Off The Road Big Band.
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose. Other Theatre: Hogan’s Hoedown, Summer of ’69, Mark Payne’s East Coast Kitchen Party, You’ve Got a Friend, Happy Together 1967, Rockabilly Swingtime, Starbright Christmas (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Dreamgirls (Grand Theatre). Musician: Duo Percussion, Windsor Symphony, London Symphonia, Jeans ’n Classics Rock Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Hamilton Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Dave is a proud graduate of The University of Western Ontario and Oklahoma City University, and he is honoured to play Pearl/Adams Drums and Concert Percussion and DREAM Cymbals and Gongs. Thank you to my family and friends for their love and support!
Drayton Entertainment: Don in Kinky Boots, Good Ol’ Country Gospel. Victoria Playhouse Petrolia: Maxwell Andrews in The Andrews Brothers, Good Ol’ Country Gospel. Humbled to get the call, Paul is thrilled and elated to be making his return to the stage after our time away. With all thanks going to David Rogers and Alex Mustakas for trusting him once again to bring his voice and talent to the stage.
Drayton Entertainment: Good Ol’ Country Gospel. Other Theatre (selected): The Verandah Society In Residence at 4th Line Theatre, Tess Wilson in Bloom: A Rock n Roll Fable (4th Line Theatre), Nancy in A New Brain (Ryan DeSouza/Randy Read), Harper in Angels In America (New Stages), Our Lady Of The Spa in Nine (Podium Concert Productions), Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Diversified Theatre), Rose/Mrs Winthrope/ Claire in Secret Garden (Podium Concert Productions), Ariel in The Little Mermaid (Randolph Theatre), Ensemble in Assassins (Steve Ross). Kate Suhr studied Opera at The University of Western Ontario and holds a Bachelor of Applied Music from Humber College. Instagram: @katesuhr
Drayton Entertainment: Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Harold Hill in The Music Man, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Che in Evita, Broadway Heroes (one-man show), Fiddler on the Loose (Creator), Canada 151, Good Ol‘ Country Gospel (Creator and Director). One of Canada’s leading musical theatre artists, David began his career at the Charlottetown Festival where he first met Alex Mustakas. Not sure what became of Alex, but David has appeared as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestras of Toronto, Edmonton, Nova Scotia, Sudbury, Kitchener, Florida, National Arts Centre, and Kingston (his home town) as well as many other celebrated concert events. He was a featured vocalist in the Canadian premieres of Kander and Ebb’s The World Goes ‘Round and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and has played many leading roles in musicals across North America including The Phantom of the Opera, Tommy, Camelot, Cats and Into the Woods. David is the creator of A Starbright Christmas which began at the Stratford Festival Theatre and continues to play at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. David is currently the Co- Artistic Director of the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
Drayton Entertainment: Godspell. Other Theatre: Country Sunshine, The Heart and Soul of Broadway, The Fiddler On The Loose, Everything Elvis, Canada Sings, The Fiddler On The Moose, Folks Like Us, Rockabilly Swingtime, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Rocky Mountain High, East Coast Kitchen Party, You’ve Got A Friend, Murder For 2, Hogan’s Howdown, The VPP Country Christmas Jamboree, Starbright Christmas. Alex Baerg is a singer, guitarist, pianist, and performer from London, ON. He is so happy to finally be back with Drayton Entertainment. Alex would like to thank his beautiful wife, Alessia Lupiano, and his beautiful children, Poppy and Jack Baerg, for their unending support and love.
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Stage Manager: It Runs in the Family, A Few Good Men, ‘ART’, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Miracle Worker, Rocky: The Musical, Holiday Inn, Man of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone, Death of a Salesman, The 39 Steps, Sister Act, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, Godspell (U.S. National Tour), The Love List, Harvey, Shear Madness, On Golden Pond, The Heiress, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (U.S. National Tour). Other Theatre: They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville), Suds: The Musical (Carousel Playhouse), 1812 (The Foster Festival).
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Loose, Annie, Rocky: The Musical, Holiday Inn, Sexy Laundry. Other Theatre: Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius). Stephanie is so grateful to be back doing what she loves. Special thank you to Alex for the opportunity, and also to her friends, family and Ryan for all their love and support!
Alex Mustakas (Artistic Director)
Drayton Entertainment: Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada including The Crooner, Sorry, I’m Canadian 2, You’ll Get Used To It! ... The War Show, Rocky: The Musical, Rock of Ages, Kings & Queens of Country, Million Dollar Quartet, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the world premiere of Marathon of Hope, Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Spamalot, Les Misérables, Twist & Shout, and others. Alex holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from City University in London, England, and an Honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University. He is the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Media & Entertainment, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Maggie Bassett Award from Theatre Ontario, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.
Drayton Entertainment is proud to be completely accessible at each of its seven stages and through its
Customer Service Policy, is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to patrons with disabilities. Drayton Entertainment currently recognizes both the CNIB Card and the Access 2 Entertainment Card. Patrons with disabilities presenting valid cards from one of these two programs will be provided with a complimentary ticket for their support person, if requested.
All venues are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with special seating locations. Please reserve the required number of seats when ordering tickets, and advise us if you need special assistance. Patrons using wheelchairs are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance. Complimentary hearing assist devices and child booster seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public Access Automatic External Defibrillators are located in the lobby of each theatre.
Everyone entering the theatre auditorium must have a valid ticket. In order for everyone to enjoy the performance, and in consideration to the performers on stage, latecomers are seated at a suitable break at the discretion of House Management. The use of recording devices or cameras of any kind is strictly prohibited, and all mobile devices must be turned off during the show. In consideration of those who have allergies, please avoid using scented products. Physicians may leave their seat location with the Box Office.
The sudden cry of an infant is disruptive to the performers and the audience, and can hinder the emotional impact of a magical moment on stage. For this reason and for safety, babes in arms and children under the age of 2 are discouraged.
At Drayton Entertainment, we respect our customers, supporters, and other stakeholders right to personal privacy. We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of personal information and subscribe to all the safeguards standardized in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the federal privacy law for private-sector organizations, which sets out the ground rules for how businesses must handle personal information in the course of commercial activity. To view our Personal Information Policy, please visit our website.
Drayton Entertainment is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages professional artists under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement (CTA). Drayton Entertainment acknowledges the generous support of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA).
Drayton Entertainment is a proud participant in the Not In OUR Space! collaborative pilot project between PACT and CAEA, which supports our company's mandate regarding zero tolerance of workspace harassment and violence in our theatres.
The Musicians and Music Directors/Conductors engaged for Drayton Entertainment productions are members of the Canadian Federation of Musicians and are performing in the jurisdictions of Central Ontario Musicians’ Association, Local 226 (Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre); London Musicians’ Association, Local 279 (Huron Country Playhouse); Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 (King’s Wharf Theatre). Artists, programs, prices, and times are subject to change without notice.
Thank you! We are extremely grateful to our Members who support their theatre each year. For a complete list of our Members as of June 1, 2022, including Donor Members ($250 - $499), Contributing Members ($100 - $249) and Annual Members ($35-$99), please click here to visit our website.
Investing in the arts is good business! Put your company centre stage as part of our corporate family. From traditional to digital platforms, there are many ways for your company to engage current customers and reach new audiences in an entertaining way –starting as low as $500.
This is your opportunity to make a lasting difference that will impact generations of theatregoers! Your gift will be matched by the Department of Canadian Heritage, thereby doubling the value of your donation. That means … $50 becomes $100 $500 becomes $1,000 $5,000 becomes $10,000
Celebrate your love of the arts by purchasing an engraved floor tile in the theatre lobby at select venues, or a plush theatre seat where your name will be recorded on a plaque attached to the armrest. Create a truly unique Birthday, Anniversary, or Christmas Gift, or make a lasting legacy and dedicate a seat in loving remembrance.
An award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organization, Drayton Entertainment produces professional live theatre on seven stages across Ontario.
The stage for success was first set in 1991 with the launch of the Drayton Festival Theatre. Under the tutelage of founding and current Artistic Director Alex Mustakas, the theatre was an immediate success.
In 1997, a second stage was added nearby – the intimate Schoolhouse Theatre in the village of St. Jacobs.
The King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene followed suit in 1999. Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the rustic theatre was a perfect complement to the venues in Drayton and St. Jacobs.
The Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend opened in 1972 and joined the Drayton Entertainment family of theatres in 2001. Situated just minutes from Grand Bend’s famous strip and popular beaches, the theatre complex houses two stages.
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, located in the heart of Waterloo Region’s Market District, opened to instant acclaim in 2005.
A seventh venue in Cambridge opened in 2013. Renamed the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge in 2018, the state-of-the-art complex includes a 506-seat theatre alongside consolidated administration, production and wardrobe facilities.
Drayton Entertainment’s distinctive business model provides protection from the inherent fragility of the theatre industry, while providing an outlet for growth and prosperity. This has positive implications for artists, designers, sponsors, advertisers, and most importantly, theatre patrons – all of whom enjoy enhanced opportunities both on and off the stage.
By successfully balancing the competing demands of quality productions, fiscal responsibility, and community integrity, Drayton Entertainment has emerged as a true innovator and leader for arts and culture in Canada.
In 2022, the new Youth Academy was added to the Drayton Entertainment family of locations offering exciting arts education opportunities under the company’s umbrella.
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Despite their drive, determination and capability, Canada’s youth will soon find it increasingly difficult to navigate and succeed in an ever-evolving job market. Along with our youth-focused partners, RBC® is focusing our capabilities, assets and resources to ensure youth have greater access to skills development, networking opportunities and work experience. Because when Canada’s youth succeed, we all succeed.
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A profoundly new and positive approach to performing and technical arts education.
From musical theatre, improv, acting, and audition training, to technical theatre fun, show tune fitness, and more, there are tons of class options available.
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