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 OntarioKitchener-Conestoga
As the Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga, proud home of two of Drayton Entertainment’s theatres, it is my honour to congratulate all those involved on a new season of the finest in live theatre. After two long years, I am thrilled to see the curtain rise again to welcome patrons back to the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre for a full season of entertainment.
As a professional musician myself, I have a great respect for the value that a thriving arts community brings to our society. We can be proud that Canadian artists, like those you’re about to enjoy, are among the most talented in the world; they help tell our stories and foster innovation through creativity.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you great success this season!
Tim Louis, MP Kitchener-Conestoga
Kitchener-Conestoga
As the MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, it my pleasure to greet you as we together embark on another great year of entertainment. I am amazed at Drayton Entertainment’s ability to capture the imagination of patrons and maintain its premier status through an impressive array of world-class and diverse productions. These are only possible with the incredible knowledge and dedication of its performers, staff, volunteers, and patrons who altogether raise the bar year over year.
As we enter 2022, I wish Drayton Entertainment new heights of success as it continues to be a cultural trailblazer in our region and beyond.
Mike Harris, MPP Kitchener-Conestoga
On behalf of the Township of Woolwich, I am happy to welcome you to another season of Drayton Entertainment’s renowned live theatre.
Woolwich Township is the fastest-growing municipality in Waterloo Region, but that hasn’t stopped us from remembering our past while we continue to embrace our rich and evolving culture. Our many smaller communities each offer a unique experience, from the West Montrose covered bridge and St. Jacobs Market to our Regional Airport, national and international businesses, and scenic trails.
Woolwich offers residents and visitors alike new and exciting ways to experience a taste of both pastoral country living and thriving business communities. We hope you enjoy the hospitality, individuality, natural beauty and great theatre of our Township this season.
Sandy Shantz, Mayor Woolwich Township
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
and Lyrics by
and some songs with Stig Anderson
by Catherine Johnson
Conceived by Judy Craymer
Mamma Mia! was originally produced in London by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
Additional Material & Arrangements by Martin Koch
Music Published by Universal Music Publishing Group and EMI Grove Park Music Inc. and EMI Waterford Music Inc.
Director & Choreographer
David Connolly
Music Director
Brigham Phillips
Is presented through
MAMMA MIA!
arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
The video and audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.
Sophie, Ali,
Donna, Tanya, Rosie,
Sophie, Sam, Harry,
Donna
Donna, Tanya, Rosie
Donna, Tanya, Rosie
Sophie
Donna, Tanya, Rosie
Female Ensemble
Orchestra
Donna
Sam
Tanya, Pepper
Sam
Donna
Rosie, Bill
Sam,
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Disney’s Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Other Theatre: Mamma Mia! (Aquarius/Western), Beauty and the Beast (Neptune), Just Rock/Formidable (Carnival), Notre Dame De Paris (Betty Oliphant). Film/TV: Once Upon A Time (ABC), Schitt’s Creek (Netflix), Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu), Zoeys Ex. Playlist (NBC), Let’s Go Luna (PBS Kids), Full Out (Netflix), Cirque Du Soleil, Cirque Eloise, Canada’s Got Talent (choreographer), Ukulele U (ass. Choreographer), Cineplex, Tim Hortons and Pizza Hut commercials. International artists: Psy (MMVAs), Deborah Cox, Fefe Dobson, Classified. A.D./Choreographer (T.D.C Ent.). This one’s for you, Jido. R.I.P.
Drayton Entertainment: Sky in Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre: Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz (Rainbow Stage), Deacon in Destination Wedding! (Musical Stage Company). Sebastian in Twelfth Night: The Musical, Lead Dancer in Working Title (Theatre Sheridan). Vinnie (he/him) is a proud Métis performer who holds an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Music Theatre Performance from Sheridan College and is a recipient of Musical Stage Company’s Banks Prize for emerging musical theatre artists. Special thank you to Alex, David, Drayton Entertainment and 10 Talent! Welcome Back!! @vinniealberto
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre (select): Cellblock Tango Reimagined (EveryBody On Stage), Jiggijump Beach Party (Education Arts Canada), The Astrology Play (Toronto Fringe), Tess in Crazy for You, Ralph in Kiss Me Kate, Jean in My Bonnie Lass (Theatre Sheridan). Hailey is thrilled to be back at Drayton! Hailey is an extremely proud graduate of The Etobicoke School of the Arts and Sheridan College. A huge thank you to her incredible family, Cat Ladies and partner who have supported her endlessly through all the ups and downs. She dedicates this performance to Paul Aikens, who she wouldn’t be on this stage without. www.haileybalaz.com | @hails_balaz
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lauren in Kinky Boots, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan in Peter Pan: The Panto. Other Theatre (select): Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), leading roles in several Ross Petty Pantos, Dora Award Nominee for her role as Lauren in Kinky Boots (Mirvish). Film/TV: Odd Squad (TVO Kids), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Private Eyes (Global), Voice of Pipp Petals in My Little Pony (Netflix). AJ could not be happier to revisit Greece with this beautiful cast and crew! Big thanks to David, Alex and my whole Drayton family, Talent House, Bruce and my Lobster for the unwavering support. Insta and Twitter: @ajbridel
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music. Other Theatre: Canada: Kinky Boots (Mirvish), Bend It Like Beckham (St Laurence Centre), Les Belles Soeurs Musical (Segal Centre/Theatre Calgary), Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables, Bittergirls, Kronberg (Charlottetown Fest), Mamma Mia! (Aquarius), Smarty Pants (Magnus). West End/UK (select): Copacabana, Aspects of Love (Prince of Wales Theatre), Fame (Victoria Theatre), Taboo (Venue), The Sound of Music (Sadlers Wells), Thing About Men (Kings Head), When Harry Met Barry (Gatehouse), Leader of the Pack, Happy End (Theatre Clwyd), Chess (UK Tour). Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco and Joyà. Thanks Bruce, the TH Gang, my Mum and Joe! www.nicoladawn.com
Drayton Entertainment: Annie, Rocky: The Musical, Hairspray, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors, South Pacific. Other Theatre: Mamma Mia (The Mayfield Theatre), The Lion King (Mirvish), Sister Act (Rainbow Stage), Hairspray (Port Hope), Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre Aquarius), Elf: The Musical (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: The Boys (Amazon Prime), The Porter (CBC/BET), A Simple Favor (Lionsgate), Heroes Reborn (NBC), Man Seeking Woman (FX), Hairspray (New Line Cinema), and Warehouse 13 (SYFY). Upcoming: Madam C J Walker, Grand Army (Netflix – 2020). Vanessa is very excited to be back with Drayton Entertainment. Vanessa would like to thank her family for always supporting her career. Instagram: @vanessacobham
Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Mamma Mia! (Tweed and Co), Mamma Mia! (Mayfield), Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius), Beauty and the Beast, Shrek (Globe Theatre), Kamp (Eastern Front/Neptune Theatre), Rock of Ages (Stage West Calgary), Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre), Anne of Green Gables, Canada ROCKS!, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Mamma Mia (Charlottetown Festival). Josh could not be happier about getting the chance to sing ABBA and perform in Mamma Mia! for the third time this year! “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life!” Thanks to Josh’s friends, family and da Costa Talent. @doigjosh
Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages, Joseph … Dreamcoat, The Foursome, Camelot, High School Musical, Footloose, Damn Yankees, Mamma Mia!. Stratford Festival: Billy Elliot, The Music Man, Camelot, Coriolanus, Equus Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Winters Tale, Man of La Mancha, The Boyfriend, Alice through the looking Glass. Shaw Festival: She Loves Me, Pal Joey, Pygmalion, Floyd Collins. Other Theatre: Mary Poppins (North American tour), Billy Bishop Goes to War (Rose Theatre), The Gingko Tree, Cruel Tears, McGillicuddy (Blyth Festival), Cabaret, Legally Blonde, Sound of Music (Theatre Aquarius), Man of La Mancha (Mirvish Productions), Evita, Camelot (RMTC, Theatre Calgary, Citadel Theatre), The Last Resort (Charlottetown Festival).
Drayton Entertainment: Joseph …, Cinderella: The Panto, Boylan Sister in Annie. Other Theatre: Tanya/Donna U/S Mamma Mia (Tweed & Co,) Tanya U/S Mamma Mia, Spamalot (Stagewest Calgary,) Tantomile in CATS (Panasonic/Mirvish,) Robin Hood, S’narled (Capitol Theatre,) White Christmas (MTC,) Beauty & the Beast, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre Calgary,) Beauty & the Beast 2x (Citadel Theatre.) Selected Film/TV: Grizelda Movement Double in Nightbooks, Ghost Annie in Pay The Ghost, Suicide Squad, Star Trek: Strange New World & Discovery, Resident Evil, The Strain, Locke & Key and Nikita. Kalie is a grad of Alberta Ballet/UofC, and owns Metro Movement in TO. Love to her family!
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre: Bend It Like Beckham (Toronto), Jesus Christ Superstar (London/World Arena Tour), Love Me Tender (West End/UK Tour), The Insect Play (West-End), The Beautiful Game (London), Guys and Dolls (Port Hope), Prairie Du Chien (West End), Blues Brothers (UK Tour), Oliver! The Musical (Malaysia), Romeo and Juliet (London). Film/TV: Mamma Mia! The Movie, Harry Potter 6, Sweetness in the Belly, Suspects, Comfort and Joy, Break Kids, Red October, Fire Station, As the Bell Rings seasons one and two. Will is an award-winning screenwriter/director/voice over artist.
Drayton Entertainment: Pepper in Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music. Other Theatre: Galileo Standby in We Will Rock You (North American Tour), Jack in Jack And The BeansTalk (Torrent Productions), JukeBox Hero (Annerin/ Ed Mirvish Theatre), Fredric in Pirates of Penzance, Romeo in This Way Madness Lies (KordaZone). Caulin thanks his family and friends for their constant love and support, and Drayton Entertainment for their warm welcome this season!
Drayton Entertainment (select): Jane Banks in Mary Poppins, Wendy in Peter Pan, Duffy in Annie, and Brigitta in The Sound of Music. Other Theatre (select): Mamma Mia (Tweed & Company), The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Shrek The Musical (KWMP), The Chasm (The Registry Theatre), Sleepy Hollow (Elmira Theatre Company), and The Odyssey (National Theatre School Drama Festival). Thank you to Drayton Entertainment for the opportunity to be a part of spreading joy and laughter one jazz hand at a time, and to my friends and family for their love and support.
Drayton Entertainment (select): Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, The Rainmaker, Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, Death of a Salesman, Baroness in Cinderella: The Panto, Queen Diabolica in Snow White: The Panto, Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, The Affections of May, Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Polly in Crazy For You, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street. Choreographer: Kings & Queens of Country, Dance Legends, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Music Man, 42nd Street, Anything Goes, Little Me, The Mikado. Welcome back everybody!
Drayton Entertainment: Joseph Pulitzer in Disney’s Newsies!. Other Theatre: Smarty Pants (Magnus Theatre), Lunenburg, Screwball Comedy, Baskerville (Lighthouse Festival), Little Women, Off the Grid, Norman Bray (Theatre Orangeville), The 39 Steps (Sudbury Theatre). Film/TV: Murdoch Mysteries, The Boys, Star Trek SNW, Private Eyes. Along with his wife, Shelley Hoffman, Stephen has written the plays Buying the Farm and Smarty Pants. The latter just premiered in Thunder Bay. This summer, Buying the Farm was on stage in Drayton, Penetanguishene, Port Dover, and Port Colborne.
Drayton Entertainment: Velma in West Side Story. Other Theatre: Mamma Mia (Mayfield), Tillie Boulter/Gertie Pye in Anne of Green Gables, Kronborg: The Hamlet Rock Musical, Swing in Mamma Mia (Charlottetown Festival), Sillabub in Cats (Panasonic Theatre), Carpet in Beauty and the Beast (Neptune), Young Frankenstein (Stage West Calgary), La Traviata (COC), Speciality Dancer (Celebrity Cruise Entertainment). Film/TV: Schmigadoon seasons 1 & 2 (Apple TV+), In the Tall Grass (Copperheart), Rise (Shaftesbury), Mas (CBC). Ashley is so happy to do what she loves! Biggest love to my family, friends, and partner Evan. @abstjohn www.ashleystjohn.ca
Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: The Rocky Horror Show (Neptune Theatre), The North American premiere of Bend it like Beckham: The Musical (Starvox Ent.), Chicago, Mamma Mia (Globe Theatre), Guys and Dolls, Romeo & Juliet (Stratford Festival). Film/TV: Ukulele U – Assistant Choreographer (CBC), The House (Sheridan Productions), Romeo & Juliet (CBC/Stratford HD), Motives and Murders (Cineflix). Thank you to my family, Josh, Indy, and DaCosta Talent for always supporting me! A special thanks to David Connolly for all his mentorship and guidance over years. Here we go again! @natashakstrilchuk
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre: We Will Rock You (U.S. & Canada national tours; Annerin Productions), Ensemble in Otello (Canadian Opera Company), Brit in We Will Rock You (Starvox Ent.), Phoebus in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Broadway Live Broadway Ltd), Robertson Ay in Mary Poppins (RuBarb Theatre), Eddie in Mamma Mia! (Theatre St. Johns), Pippin in PIPPIN (Firehall Theatre), Whizzer in March Of The Falsettos (NeXt Company Theatre). Preston Vendramin is a proud graduate of St. Clair College. Love and thanks to my family, friends, Bruce and the TH for their continued support. We’ll see you on the island! Enjoy the show. Instagram: @Presto_Vee
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre: Legally Blonde (Hart House Theatre), Priscilla Queen of the Desert, 9 to 5 (The LOT), Raise the Stakes (Olde Walkerville Theatre), Featured Vocalist (WinterFest). Lukas has danced for international choreographers including James Kudelka, David Earle, Kenny Pearl and Gadfly, as well as choreographed for festivals such as Fall For Dance Festival at The Meridian Hall in Toronto. Lukas is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson) with a BFA in Performance Dance. Many thanks to my friends and family for the constant support and guidance. @lukasvernon on all socials!
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!. Other Dance: exhale (NLC Dance Company), London Fringe Festival “Say Nothing” Theatre, Live Dance Performance Kaaral Canada Hair Show, Ensemble in Grease (St Marys SS). Trayvon ward is a student of the University of Guelph. Thank you to all my mentors, family and friends for all the love and support! Support Trayvon’s journey by following him on Instagram @trayvon_ward
Drayton Entertainment debut. Other: Trained in Ballet, Jazz, Acro, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Jazz Funk. Mutual Friend - Jessie Reyez, MADD SAP 2022 - Post Game, Canadian Tire 100th Anniversary Gala, Toronto Kids Fashion Show.
Understudies
For Ali: Ashley St. John
For Bill: Will Jeffs
For Eddie: George Absi
For Lisa: Savanna Wright
For Pepper: George Absi
For the Priest: Josh Doig
For Rosie: Hailey Balaz
For Sam: Mark Harapiak
For Sky: Preston Vendramin
For Sophie: Hadley Mustakas
For Tanya: Kalie Hunter
Drayton Entertainment: Wizard of Oz: The Panto, Kinky Boots, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Annie, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Disney’s Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hairspray, HONK!, Lucky Stiff, Singin’ in the Rain, Cinderella: The Panto, Red Rock Diner, Aladdin: The Panto, Peter Pan: The Panto, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, Miss Saigon, and Crazy For You. Television: Ukulele U on CBC. David holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre, is a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, and is the Director of Education for the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Welcome back everyone! We missed you!!! Insta: @deyouthacademy
Drayton Entertainment: Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Canadian Legends, Marathon of Hope, Joseph …, and Sister Act. Other Theatre: The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon (Mirvish), and The Toxic Avenger. Brigham Phillips has been on the Toronto music scene for over 40 years as a performer (piano and trumpet), bandleader, teacher, producer, composer, and arranger. Brigham was musical director for John McDermott for 15 years and for David Clayton-Thomas (of Blood, Sweat and Tears) for 4 years. For much of 2013-17 Brigham toured with The Tenors. He completed a Masters in Music Composition in 2018.
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Annie, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Disney’s Newsies, Holiday Inn, The Drowsy Chaperone, HONK!, Million Dollar Quartet, Joseph…, Sister Act, Cinderella, Anything Goes, Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables, The Music Man, Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, and many more. Other theatre: Million Dollar Quartet (Stage West/ Mirvish), Aladdin (Silver Mist), The King and I, Crazy For You (Theatre Under the Stars), My Favorite Year, Pride and Prejudice, Cyrano de Bergerac (Randolph). Many thanks to Nicole, Jessica, and Jenine. Much love to my family for their continuing support.
Drayton Entertainment debut. Brandon is a set and costume designer based in Toronto with work appearing on stages across Canada. He was nominated for the 2017 Pauline McGibbon Award, the 2018 and 2020 Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design. He’s also a multiple Dora award nominee and two time winner. Brandon recently won a Merritt Award for his work bringing Viola Desmond to life in the world premier of Controlled Damage. For more information and to see his portfolio please visit: www.brandonkleimandesign.com
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lights: Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Million Dollar Quartet, Canadian Legends, Legends … of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Twist & Shout, Spamalot, Miss Saigon, Dance Legends. Technical Director/Lights: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Camelot (North American Tours). I am so happy to be back doing what I love. For over 30 years, I have created set & lighting designs for theatres across Canada, participated in the Edinburgh Festival, and operated my own scene shop in my hometown of Hamilton. Thank you to the entire Drayton Family for creating the magic of live Theatre. Love and thanks to the light of my life, my wife Susan for her constant support and encouragement. Enjoy!
Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music, Disney’s Newsies, Kinky Boots, Home for the Holidays. Other Theatre (selected): Into the Woods (TIFT), Blackout, Take The Moment, Light in The Piazza, Reprint, Craigslist Cantata (Musical Stage), Gigli Concert, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Glengarry Glen Ross, Faith Healer, Travesties, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Soulpepper), You Dance (National Ballet), A Man A Fish (Persephone), Musical of Musicals (Mirvish), I Love You You’re Perfect (Angelwalk), i think i can, Blue Planet (YPT), Rocky Horror, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tempest, Into the Woods, Great American Trailer Park Musical (Hart House), Soldier On (UK Toronto Tour).
Drayton Entertainment: A Few Good Men, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Annie, Rocky: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, Joseph …, Footloose, The Men’s Foursome, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, White Christmas, Mary Poppins, Sleuth, Tap Dogs (Tour), Shear Madness, Fiddler on the Roof, The Pirates of Penzance, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. Other Theatre: British Invasion (Stage West), Sword and the Stone (Theatre Orangeville), The Neverending Story (Roseneath: YPT/NYU Tour). Sadie is glad to be in her 22nd season with Drayton Entertainment. She would like to pass on love to her family for all of their support.
Drayton Entertainment: The Crooner. Other Theatre: Three Sisters & Co., The Corsican Complaint (GBTS). Molly is a recent graduate of the George Brown Theatre School and is excited to be a part of Drayton Entertainment this season. Thanks to Drayton for the opportunity and to her friends and family for the support.
Drayton Entertainment: Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada including We’ll Meet Again, It Runs in the Family, 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.
Björn Ulvaeus was born in 1945 in Gothenberg on the west coast of Sweden. After a successful local career in Sweden with a folk group in the mid 1960s, he started his collaboration with Benny Andersson. They then went on to form ABBA with Agnetha Faltskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Even during the ABBA years, the idea of writing a musical seemed appealing and, in 1981, Björn and Benny met Tim Rice and co-wrote Chess with him, which opened in the West End in 1986. In 1995 Björn and Benny opened a new musical called Kristina Från Duvemåla, which played for three years in Sweden. Their most recent musical is the Stockholm production Hjälp sökes, which opened in 2013. Bjorn is one of the producers for MAMMA MIA! The Party, which opened in Stockholm in January 2016.
Born 16 December 1946 in Stockholm. 1952: Received accordion lessons from his father and grandfather. 1964-68: Member of the Hep Stars, Sweden’s most popular rock band in the 1960’s. During this time, he began composing music. “Sunny Girl” and “Wedding” were huge hits for the Hep Stars. 1972-82: ABBA. 1982-84: Composed the music (together with Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice) for the musical, Chess. 1987: Began collaborating with Orsa Spelmän. Recorded three albums deeply rooted in Swedish folk music: Klinga Mina Klockor, November 1989 and Fiolen Min. In 2001, this collaboration led to the formation of Benny Andersson’s Orchestra, a 16man constellation with vocalists, Helen Sjöholm and Tommy Körberg. Thus far, this has resulted in five CD albums and several summer tours. 199095: Composed the music to Kristina from Duvemåla. Premiered in October 1995. 1995: Received the title of professor from the Swedish government. Inducted to in the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2007. Appointed Honorary Doctor of the College of Humanities at Stockholm University in 2008, and at Luleå University of Technology in 2012. Benny Andersson is married to former TV producer, Mona Nörklit. They have one child, Ludvig Andersson. Benny Andersson also has two children from a previous marriage, Peter Grönvall and Helene Odedal. He has five grandchildren: Charlie, Felix, Fabian, Malin and Viola.
Catherine Johnson (Book)
Theatre: Rag Doll, Renegades, Suspension (Bristol Old Vic); Too Much Too Young (Bristol Old Vic and London Bubble); Boys Mean Business, Dead Sheep, Little Baby Nothing (Bush Theatre, London); Shang-a-Lang (Bush Theatre and national tour); and Mamma Mia! (worldwide); Through the Wire and A Letter to Lacey for NT Connections. Creative consultant on ABBA the Museum, Stockholm. Television: “Casualty,” “Byker Grove,” “Love Hurts,” “Gold,” “Linda Green.” Original screenplays: “Rag Doll” and “Where’s Willy?” (HTV) and “Sin Bin” (BBC), the series “Love in the 21st Century” (Channel 4) and “Dappers” (BBC3). Awards: Catherine has won the Bristol Old Vic/HTV Playwrighting Award, Thames Television’s Writer-in-Residence Award and Thames Television’s Best Play Award and was nominated in 2002 for a Tony Award for Best Musical Book for Mamma Mia! Film: Catherine wrote the screenplay for the Mamma Mia! movie released July 2008.
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the U.S. and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
Oct 27 to Nov 12
Let your spirit soar as some of the most memorable melodies ever written come alive on stage in this inspirational musical tribute to the best of Gospel … with a country twist.
Featuring glorious arrangements of all your sacred favourites including “Amazing Grace,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Peace in the Valley,” “How Great Thou Art,” “I Saw the Light,” and many more.
Drayton Entertainment: Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Canadian Legends, Marathon of Hope, Joseph …, and Sister Act. Other Theatre: The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Miss Saigon (Mirvish), and The Toxic Avenger. Brigham Phillips has been on the Toronto music scene for over 40 years as a performer (piano and trumpet), bandleader, teacher, producer, composer, and arranger. Brigham was musical director for John McDermott for 15 years and for David Clayton-Thomas (of Blood, Sweat and Tears) for 4 years. For much of 2013-17 Brigham toured with The Tenors. He completed a Masters in Music Composition in 2018.
Drayton Entertainment: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (select): Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La M ancha, Damn Yankees, Spamalot, Sweeney Todd, The Who’s Tommy (Scarborough Music Theatre), Les Misérables, Ragtime (Etobicoke Musical Productions). In addition to music directing, Steve is an audition and rehearsal accompanist in and around the GTA. Find him online on YouTube or visit www.theaccidentalaccompanist.com. Enjoy the show!
Drayton Entertainment debut. Orchestra guitarist: The Last Ship, Bat out of Hell (2019), Beautiful, Book of Mormon, Matilda (2017), Kinky Boots (2016), Dirty Dancing, Matilda (2015), Billy Elliot (2011), Toxic Avenger (2009), Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hair (2008), Mamma Mia (20002005), Rent (1997), Tommy (1995-96), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1992). Professor of guitar Humber College, private lessons and ensemble instructor, 1986-present.
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, Disney’s Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Wizard of Oz, Footloose, Twist & Shout: The British Invasion, Legally Blonde, Disney’s Mary Poppins, Monty Python’s Spamalot, 9 to 5: The Musical, Peter Pan, Hairspray, Blood Brothers. Other Theatre: Peter played bass for the Toronto productions of Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, We Will Rock You (Mirvish), Ross Petty’s panto productions and Jersey Boys (Dancap). After 24 years of touring and recording with Anne Murray, Peter says he almost has “Snowbird” memorized. Peter is thrilled to be rockin’ in the pit with his musical buddies.
Drayton Entertainment: Grease. Other Theatre (select): Holiday Inn (Shaw 2021), Caroline, or Change (Musical Stage 2020). Performing/Recording/ Touring: David Boyd Janes (Warner Canada), Kira Isabella, Marshall Dane, Alli Walker, Elyse Saunders, Darcy Windover, The Ole Fashion, Stephanie Martin and Chad Irschick, Melissa Lauren, Swamperlla, Kaitlin Kozell, Voice Rock Canada, and many others. He has shared the stage performing with luminaries like Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo and Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies, and jazz legends like John Abercrombie, Seamus Blake, and Phil Nimmons.
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.
Artistic
Alex Mustakas Executive
Siobhan Lovejoy
Steven Karcher Director
David Connolly
Ellen Berwick Director
Alan Card Human
Jonathan Randall
Natasha Hopf Director
Karen De iuliis
Jenni Grandfield, Samareh Jones, Ria Moody
Stephanie Reeve
Joanne Labrecque Youth
Director of
Randi Perriam
Yvonne Schieck
Hanna Freitas
Dave Horner
Jeff JohnstonCollins
Simon Day, Lyle Franklin Head
Allan McMillan
Robert Clarke
Glenn Beckner, John Graham, Richard McLeod Followspot Charlene Payette, Naomi Damasco
Caitlyn Hill, Austin Wilson
Jenna Barry, Lindsay Woelfle
John Graham, Correy Polaniato Senior
Candice Jeromkin, Tara Crickmore, Brian Austin, Kristen McCormick
Nathan Brown, Chris Blanchenot
Kevin
Katherine Theriault
John Bigelow
Jenine
Nicole
Cul,
Pembleton
Rachel Berchtold
Amanda Kennedy
Joanna
Vallari Bhardwaj, Molly Fortier
Neeb-Craig,
Oudshoorn
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.
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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