Show Program: Beautiful: The Carole King Story at Huron Country Playhouse

land acknowledgement

Drayton Entertainment acknowledges that we live, work, and create on land that has been home to many nations and peoples (acknowledged and unacknowledged, recorded and unrecorded).

The Huron Country Playhouse is situated on territory that is within Treaty 29 of 1827; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers:

The Anishinabewaki

The Attiwonderonk (Neutral)

The Mississauga

JUSTIN TRUDEAU Prime Minister Canada

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 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,

Justin Trudeau

Minister of Canada

ELIZABETH DOWDESWELL Lieutenant Governor Ontario

I happily extend greetings to Drayton Entertainment as it commences a new theatrical season in seven historic venues across southwestern Ontario!

In these complex and rapidly changing times, the arts are crucial to bringing people together and to helping us better understand ourselves and each other. Theatre can build bridges between generations, and I commend Drayton Entertainment for having offered a space for such important conversations for over 30 years.

I thank those on stage, backstage, at the front of house, as well as those in the seats for their support of local artistic expression. As His Majesty The King’s representative in Ontario, I send my best wishes to all attending another year of memorable theatre.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime

Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 Season.

DOUG FORD Premier

Ontario

Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Drayton Entertainment’s 2023 Season.

One of the many things that makes Ontario great is our vibrant scene. We’re home to outstanding artists, and we are a destination those who appreciate world-class theatre, opera, musical performances and the allied arts.

One of the many things that makes Ontario great is our vibrant cultural scene. We’re home to outstanding artists, and we are a destination for those who appreciate world-class theatre, opera, musical performances and the allied arts.

Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the country’s most successful theatre companies. I want to commend the amazing professionals who have lent their skills and talents productions over the years. Know that you have helped build communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene.

Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the country’s most successful theatre companies. I want to commend all the amazing professionals who have lent their skills and talents to the productions over the years. Know that you have helped build great communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene.

Best wishes for another successful season.

Best wishes for another successful season.

BEN LOBB

MP

Huron-Bruce

It brings me great pleasure to welcome you all to the 2023 Season at the Huron Country Playhouse. For nearly 30 years, Drayton Entertainment has been bringing talented performers and providing memorable artistic experiences on stages in communities all across Ontario. As your Member of Parliament, I welcome you to Huron-Bruce, and invite you to discover the diverse beauty of Huron County. Please join me in celebrating another successful season with Drayton Entertainment. They have a great playbill for 2023 that you won’t want to miss.

Ben Lobb, MP Huron-Bruce

Doug Ford Premier of Ontario

Doug Ford Premier

As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Huron Country Playhouse, and the performance you are about to enjoy. I am quite excited about the 2023 Season and I hope you are as well – there is something special about live theatre and entertainment! While you are visiting Ontario’s incredible West Coast, I encourage you to explore the many beaches, trails, restaurants, breweries and wineries, festivals, and activities that are available throughout Huron County. You will experience the friendly hospitality for which our communities have an outstanding reputation. I hope you enjoy your stay, and I invite you to visit the area again soon!

It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate Drayton Entertainment as the 2023 Season begins!

The Huron Country Playhouse and Playhouse II are treasured jewels here in the community of South Huron. During your visit, I encourage you to discover all that South Huron has to offer, from magnificent sunsets and sandy beaches along Ontario’s West Coast, to our signature food and beverage artisans, and our charming main streets packed with boutiques ready to serve up something special – all just minutes away. On behalf of all citizens of South Huron, welcome!

LISA THOMPSON MPP Huron-Bruce

Lisa Thompson, MPP Huron-Bruce

GEORGE FINCH Mayor South Huron

George Finch, Mayor South Huron

welcome from the board president

On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, thank you so much for joining us at the theatre.

We are thrilled to 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 19 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,

Tony Mohr

John C. Green

Bruce

Schieck

Secretary/Treasurer

Bob Bignell

Cheryl

Everton

James

Wilmot

Greg Durocher

Hello and Welcome!

Broadway blockbusters, side-splitting comedies, thoughtprovoking dramas, plenty of family fare, and some good old rock ‘n' roll … with 19 productions set to take the stage in 2023, there really is something for everyone!

After a tough couple of years during the pandemic, we’re all grateful to move forward towards the hope of a better tomorrow – united through live theatre experiences that capture and celebrate our shared humanity. And, they’re taking place near you, on stages throughout Ontario!

Each of our seven unique venues across the province – the original Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre

Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse Mainstage and South Huron Stage in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre – offers a distinctive theatre experience.

From rolling farmland and picturesque sunsets, to spectacular shorelines and distinct histories, the charm of our theatres and their unique locations appeal to residents and visitors in equal measure. We encourage you to visit each one and explore the surrounding charming communities with their great local restaurants, accommodations, shopping, and attractions.

Beyond the stage, we offer a multitude of ways to stay connected and engaged with Drayton Entertainment. Become a Member to enjoy exclusive benefits, such as priority booking. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates on upcoming shows and special events. For our younger audience members, the new Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and special programs at our theatres offer a range of programs that encourage creativity and skill-building.

Visit draytonentertainment.com for more information on these opportunities, as well as exciting off-season concerts and events. You can also learn about our valued partners and sponsors. And of course, you can always buy tickets to our productions online, with just a few clicks. Join us and experience the magic of live theatre!

Thank you so much for joining us and supporting the arts in Ontario… now sit back and enjoy the show!

Artistic Director Sponsor

Alex Mustakas Artistic Director

next at On Stage

huron country playhouse

july 12 - july 22

huron country playhouse

“Step into a dream where glamour is extreme” with this international smash-hit musical! Winner of six Tony® Awards, London's Olivier Award, and a Grammy®, this huge-hearted, high-heeled hit features a sensational score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper.

Don’t miss this fresh, fabulous, feel-good musical that will lift you up!

get tickets

Book by Harvey Fierstein Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell

Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth

Book by Douglas McGrath

Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King

Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil

Music by Arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Orchestrations, Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements

Steve Sidwell

Originally Produced on Broadway by Paul Blake

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Mike Bosner

Director

John Stefaniuk

Choreographer

Hollywood Jade

Music Director

Nico Rhodes

Set Designer

Douglas Paraschuk

Stage Manager

Paul Pembleton

Costume Designer

Julia Holbert

Assistant Stage Manager

Rebecca Miller

Production Consultant

Chilina Kennedy

Josh Alcantara

Aadin Church

Vanessa Cobham

Nicholas Combitsis

Autumn-Joy Dames

Kaden Forsberg

Lighting Designer

Michael Walton

Assistant Stage Manager

Frances Johnson

The Company (In alphabetical order)

Joema Frith

Kory Fulton

Jordan Goodridge

Jacob James

Gabrielle Jones

Emily Lukasik

Ha’Keena Maneso

*Dance Captain

Ashley En-fu Matthews*

Anton May

Andrew McGillivray

Laura Mae Nason

Emily Robertson

Ocean Williams

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

BEAUTIFUL

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

song list

“Be Bop a Lula” by Tex Davis and Gene Vincent. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI) and Three Wise Boys Music LLC (BMI).

“Beautiful” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).

“Chains” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Screen Gems-EMI Music (BMI).

“Happy Days Are Here Again” by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen. EMI Robbins Catalog Inc. (ASCAP).

Special lyrics by Douglas McGrath and Cynthia Weil.

“He’s Sure the Boy I Love” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“I Go Ape” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI).

“It Might As Well Rain Until September” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“It’s Too Late” by Carole King and Toni Stern. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).

“Little Darlin’” by Maurice Williams. Cherio Corporation (BMI) 100%.

“The Locomotion” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Love Potion #9” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).

“Oh Carol” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI).

“On Broadway” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“One Fine Day” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Pleasant Valley Sunday” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Poison Ivy” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).

“So Far Away” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP).

“Some Kind of Wonderful” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin and Jean Murray. EMI Unart Catalog Inc. (BMI), Trio Music Co. Inc. (BMI) and Alley Music Corp. (BMI).

“Stupid Cupid” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and EMI Longitude Music (BMI).

“Take Good Care of My Baby” by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Ben King, George Treadwell and Lover Patterson. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).

"There Goes my Baby" by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Ben King, George Treadwell and Lover Patterson. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI).

“Up on the Roof” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Walking in The Rain” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI).

“We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Who Put the Bomp” by Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI)

“Yakkety Yak” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP).

“(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Gerald Wexler. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI).

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen Gem-EMI Music Inc, (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI).

thank you to our sponsors!

Season Media Sponsor

Production Sponsors

Design Sponsors

Media Sponsor

the company

(in alphabetical order)

Josh Alcantara (Neil Sedaka/Righteous Brother/Lou Adler)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Soldier in Sunday in the Park with George (Eclipse Theatre), Helga in Cabaret (Theatre Sheridan), Davey in Newsies (Theatre Sheridan), Ensemble in Mamma Mia (Theatre St. Johns). Josh is a proud graduate of Sheridan College. Thank you to my friends and family for their endless love and support, and for the opportunity to continuously work with stellar artists! Instagram and TikTok: @joshpalcantara www.jpa-studios.com

Aadin Church (Drifter)

Drayton Entertainment (selected): Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. Other Theatre (selected): Peter and the Starcatcher (Arts Club), Disney’s The Lion King, Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, The Buddy Holly Story, Ragtime, Guys & Dolls, Little Mermaid, Sister Act. Aadin has stepped behind-the-scenes writing, directing, and producing award-winning productions like Ruined and Caroline or Change. Born the last of six children in Toronto, Canada, Aadin has been blessed to perform with some of the world’s best: Patti Labelle, Mariah Carey, and Deborah Cox. The future is bright for Aadin, as he continues to achieve excellence in everything and anything that he decides to do. “Glory to God for the great things he has done!”

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), 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: Grease. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. … So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13. Dare Est Recipere!

Vanessa Cobham (Shirelle)

Nicholas Combitsis (Barry Mann)

Autumn-Joy Dames (Shirelle)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Back in ‘59 (Thousand Islands Playhouse), The Soul of Motown (Stage West Theatre), Legally Blonde (Hart House), Shopkins Live! (North American Tour/Koba Entertainment), CONTACT (Classical Theatre Project). Originally from The Bahamas, Autumn-Joy is a Toronto-based singer, dancer and actor. She’s a proud graduate of Holland College. Special thanks to her family and friends for their constant support, especially Ruthie!

@autumnjoy242

Kaden Forsberg (Gerry Goffin)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Almost a Full Moon (Citadel Theatre), One Day (Segal Centre, Playwrights’ Workshop Mtl), Naked Radio, Classic Country Roads (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Little Women, Candide, Fiddler of the Roof (NUOVA). Opera (selected): Mary’s Wedding, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (POV), Les Contes d’Hoffmann (Aspen Music Festival), Orlando Paladino (Mozarteum), Gianni Schicchi (Amalfi Coast Music Festival). Film/TV: March Hare/Card #2 in The Garden of Alice. Kaden Forsberg is an actor, singer, composer, and writer who crosses genres as a creator and as a performer. kadenforsberg.com

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Of The Sea (Obsidian Theatre), Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Cinderella (BMT), RENT (BOTG), Little Shop Of Horrors (BMT). Joema is so honoured to be making his Drayton debut in Beautiful! Joema is grateful to his friends family and team and Talenthouse for their endless support, love and motivation.

Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music. Other Theatre: Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, Danny Zuko in Grease, Columbus! The Musical (Royal Caribbean Entertainment), Grease (Irregular Entertainment), Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Spamalot (Lower Ossington), Billy in 42nd Street, MacHeath in The Threepenny Opera, Pooh-Bah in The Mikado, Claude in Hair, Danny Zuko in Grease (SLC Stage). Kory is a proud graduate of St. Lawrence College and Sheridan College. Thank you to all of my friends, family and the TH team for all of their love and support! @koryfulton

Joema Frith (Drifter)

Kory Fulton (Ensemble)

Jordan Goodridge (Drifter)

Drayton Entertainment: The Music Man. Other Theatre: Chicago (Stratford Festival), Jersey Boys (Citadel Theatre), In Studio with Britta Johnson (Theatre Sheridan), The Music Man (Drayton Entertainment), Beauty and the Beast, Oliver (Theatre Norfolk). Training: Sheridan College Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre (on-going). Awards: Stratford Festival – Tyrone Guthrie award, Sheridan College - Dance award, Vocal music award. Jordan is so excited to be back at Drayton in four shows this Season. BIG Thank you to the awesome team at TH, my family, and friends for their constant support and to Irena, Gill, Darnell, And Lisa for being the BEST teachers a boy could ask for. Love to Jada, Dad, Diggs, and Timothy.

Jacob James (Donny Kirshner)

Drayton Entertainment: Look No Hans, The Foursome, Office Hours, Out of Order, Twelve Angry Men, Annie, 39 Steps, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Sound of Music. Other Theatre: The Stratford Festival, Videocabaret, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Magnus Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, Theatre Kingston, Neptune Theatre, Globe Theatre Regina, Soulpepper, New York Shakespeare Exchange, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, National Arts Centre, Theatre Orangeville, The Foster Festival. Film/TV/Voice: Mayday (A&E), TURN (AMC), The Martian Chronicles (BBC), Firman Sam (Calon UK). Jacob is a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada, The Birmingham Conservatory. @jacoboneilljames

Gabrielle Jones (Genie Klein)

Drayton Entertainment: Elf: The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Miracle Worker, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Birds & the Bees, The Drowsy Chaperone, Harvest, The Ladies Foursome, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Sexy Laundry, The Crazy Time. Other Theatre: The Shaw Festival (14 seasons), The Stratford Festival (7 seasons), The Foster Festival, Theatre Calgary, Theatre Aquarius, Stage West, Capitol Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse. For Mirvish Productions: The Audience, Les Miserables (Toronto & 2nd National Tour), Mamma Mia! (Toronto & 1st. National U.S. Tour).

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): As You Like It (Canadian Stage), Retold (Musical Stage Co.), Little Women (Theatre New Brunswick, Theatre Orangeville, Theatre Sheridan), Once (Mirvish, Dora Award), Hook Up (TPM/Tapestry Opera), Fiddler On the Roof (Persephone), Kitchen Radio, Saint Anne’s Reel (Blyth Festival), five seasons at the Shaw Festival including Saint Joan, Sweeney Todd, Wilde Tales; The Team (ETC/Theatre Aquarius), Home For the Holidays (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: Echoes (Chaos and Light/Montreal World Film Festival). Love and gratitude to my rocks. emilylukasik.com

Emily Lukasik (Carole King)

Ha’Keena Maneso (Shirelle)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Magenta in Rocky Horror Picture Show, Leading Player in Pippin, Lady in Apothecary, Bombalurina in Cats (St. Lawrence College) and 9 to 5 (Stephenville Theatre Festival). Ha’Keena wants to thank her friends and family for all their support! Instagram: @hakeena_c_maneso

Ashley En-fu Matthews (Betty/Marilyn)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): Rock of Ages (Off Broadway & Las Vegas Co.), Miss Saigon (Macau), Mamma Mia (Hollywood Bowl), Sweet Charity in Los Angeles directed by Kathleen Marshall. Ashley is thrilled to be making her Drayton and Canadian theatre debut with Beautiful! Ashley is based in New York City, a proud member of Actors' Equity, and a part-time activist/full-time cat lady. Big thanks to Drayton Ent., her team and family. @ashleyematthews

Anton May (Drifter)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Swing in Choir Boy (Canadian Stage 2022), B in All Shall Be Well (Repercussion Theatre 2022), Echo in The Love Trial (Purple Divine 2021), Lola in Kinky Boots (Juste Pour Rire 2020), Michael in Tick Tick Boom (Rentrobuff Prod. 2019), Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (Repercussion Theatre 2018), Donkey in Shrek the Musical (WISTA 2017). Anton May (he/him) is a British born, now Montreal-based multidisciplinary artist, an honours graduate from Dawson College’s Professional Theatre Program, and alumni of Black Theatre Workshop’s Artist Mentorship Program (201617). Excited to share this story with you. Libra sun Cancer moon and rising for the astrology lovers. Instagram: @_anton.maye__

Andrew McGillivray (Nick/Righteous Brother)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: George in The Wedding Singer the Musical, One Hit Wonders, M.C. in Hollywood Hits (Stage West Calgary), Ugly Stepsister in Cinderella the Panto (Capitol Theatre), Lucky in The Gadot Cycle (Toronto Fringe), Mrs Cratchit in Totally Scrooged (Moonpath). Film/TV: The Handmaid’s Tale (HULU), Cabinet of Curiosities (NETFLIX), The Umbrella Academy (NETFLIX). Other: A Sheridan graduate for Musical Theater, Andrew is honoured to be making his Drayton debut. Lots of love to Sandie Newton and the NLM team, and to his biggest fan, his wife the lovely Laura.

Laura Mae Nason (Cynthia Weil)

Drayton Entertainment: Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet (Drayton, Mirvish, Stage West), Amber/Penny in Hairspray, Mary Robert in Sister Act, We'll Meet Again, Marathon of Hope, Twist & Shout, Canada Legends. Other Theatre: Dear Evan Hansen (Mirvish), Here’s What it Takes (Stratford Fest. - workshop), Hairspray (Charlottetown, Rainbow Stage, Mayfield), Beauty & the Beast (Arts Club), Josie Pye in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown), Margot in Legally Blonde (Aquarius). Many thanks to Alex and John for this opportunity to play Cynthia Weil. Special thanks to Gerrad, Elliott (her #backstagebaby), Bruce, the Talent House, & her family/friends for their endless love and support. @lauramaenason

Emily Robertson (Ensemble)

Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music. Other Theatre: Anne of Green Gables (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Lucy Maud and Anne, At The Hop (Smile Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Capitol Theatre), Footloose, Into the Woods, Crazy for You, Kiss Me Kate (Theatre Sheridan). Direction: James and the Giant Peach JR. (Spotlight Theatre NS). Choreography: Annie Jr., Peter Pan Jr. (iMusical Theatre Shanghai), James and the Giant Peach Jr. (Spotlight Theatre NS). Emily is a Graduate of the Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College, and is a proud Maritimer. She sends all her love to her forever supportive friends, family and partner, the Cat Ladies, K&J, and her agent! #TeamCat

Ocean Williams (Shirelle)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Legally Blonde (Ottawa University Theatre Society), Chicago (Contact Theatre). Ocean Williams is excited to enter her fourth year at Sheridan College. Ocean would love to thank both Drayton Entertainment for this opportunity and her family/friends for their continued love and support! Go follow: @Ocwilliams22

understudies

Understudies never substitute for listed performers unless a specific notice is posted at the time of the performance.

For Barry Mann: Josh Alcantara

For Neil Sedaka: Kory Fulton

For Cynthia Weil & Genie Klein: Ashley En-Fu Matthews

For Gerry Goffin & Donny Kirshner: Andrew McGillivray

For Carole King & Betty/Marilyn: Emily Robertson

the creative team

John Stefaniuk (Director)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Director of Wicked (with Stephen Schwartz, San Paolo), World Wide Associate Director for Disney’s The Lion King (Paris, London, Sydney, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Singapore, Taipai, and Johannesburg), Billy Elliot (Critic’s Choice Award, Sao Paulo), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Atelier), Evita Open Air. Film/TV: Dancing with the Stars, The TONY Awards, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Disney on Broadway Live in Times Square featuring Aladdin, Frozen and Lion King. A native of Toronto, and alum of the University of British Columbia, John began his career as the Artistic Director for Stagedoor Manor in New York.

Hollywood Jade (Choreographer)

Drayton Entertainment debut. Other (selected): Choreographer: Sleeping Beauty (Capitol Theatre), The Soul of Motown (Stage West), Queen Tut (Fae), Accused (Fox). Resident Choreographer/Guest Judge: Canada’s Drag Race (Crave/World of Wonder). Assistant Choreographer: The United States vs Billie Holiday (Hulu). Hollywood Jade is a dancer/choreographer turned artistic director; a visionary with a passion for excellence who continues to find new and exciting ways to present his timeless creativity to the masses. @HollywoodJade

Drayton Entertainment: Anne of Green Gables. Other Theatre: A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (The Arts Club), A Wonderful Life (Chemainus Theatre Festival/Persephone), TONIGHT…PIAF (Vancouver Island Symphony), Twist and Shout: The British Invasion (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Out of my Dreams (PSP). A studio musician, music director, arranger/orchestrator, composer, pianist and woodwind player, Nico is at home in almost any musical environment. Nico has written and performed with symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, big bands, choirs and musicals. Recently Nico arranged/orchestrated the world premiere of a new musical The Best Laid Plans, based on the Canadian novel.

Drayton Entertainment (select): American Son, The Music Man, South Pacific, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Dial M for Murder. Over 30 productions for the Stratford Festival. Director of Design and Associate Director for the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebration (2021) Expo, Dubai. Designer for Stephen Fry’s Mythos (Shaw Festival, Edinburgh Festival, English National Tour). Director of Design for the Calgary Stampede Grandstand show (2014-23). Director of Design: 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics opening/medals/closing ceremonies, opening/closing ceremonies for the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Doug has designed for television, theatre, film, and touring productions, and has created hundreds of productions in regional theatres across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

Nico Rhodes (Music Director)

Douglas Paraschuk (Set Designer)

Julia Holbert (Costume Designer)

Drayton Entertainment: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, You’ll Get Over It … The War Show (2019), The Rain Maker (2018), Out of Order (2018), Office Hours (2017). Other Theatre: The Haunting of Hungerford (Tweed & Co., 2019), Stalkyard Hurts (Tweed and Co., 2015). Assistant Designer: Henry VIII, Mother’s Daughter, Nathan the Wise (Stratford Festival, 2019), Macbeth (Stratford Festival, 2016). Film/TV: Reacher (Amazon Prime; Costume Assistant). Julia is happy to be back designing with Drayton Entertainment.

Michael Walton (Lighting Designer)

Drayton Entertainment: Grease, Oliver!, Blue Champagne. Stratford (selected): 19 Seasons including: Rent, Chicago, Richard III, Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Show, The Music Man, The Tempest, Guys and Dolls, School for Scandal, A Chorus Line, Macbeth, The Sound of Music, Hamlet, Oedipus Rex, King Lear, Othello, Fiddler on the Roof. Other Theatre: Anne of Green Gables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Million Dollar Quartet, Mamma Mia!, Evangeline (Charlottetown Festival), A Doll’s House Part 2 (Mirvish/RMTC), The Little Prince – The Musical (Theatre Calgary), Cosi Fan Tutte (Canadian Opera Company/ Israeli Opera), Chimerica (RMTC/Canadian Stage), Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Sideways (La Jolla Playhouse), Mary Poppins, Next to Normal (Citadel/Theatre Calgary). Michael is also the Head of Design for the Stratford Festival.

Drayton Entertainment (select): 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 Salesmen, 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: Stage Manager: Alcestis (Theatre Erindale, UTM), They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville), 1812 (The Foster Festival), Suds: The Musical (Carousel Playhouse).

Drayton Entertainment: The Sweet Delilah Swim Club. Other Theatre (Selected): Stage Manager: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Winnipeg), After the Dance (Shaw Festival), 2004 Canada Day on Parliament Hill (Ottawa), Arms and the Man (National Arts Centre/ Citadel/Vancouver Playhouse). Assistant Stage Manager: Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (8 years), Billy Elliot (Stratford Festival), Wonderful Town, She Loves Me, A Foggy Day (Shaw Festival), The Glass Menagerie (NAC/Mirvish), Canadian Tour of The Who’s Tommy (Mirvish). Lighting Design: Smarty Pants, We Will Rock You, Of Human Bondage (Magnus Theatre), CAPPIES Awards Gala (NAC/10 years), various POPS with National Arts Centre Orchestra.

Paul Pembleton (Stage Manager)

Rebecca Miller (Assistant Stage Manager)

Frances Johnson (Assistant Stage Manager)

Drayton Entertainment: It Runs in the Family. Other Theatre: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mirvish), They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville), 1812 (Foster Festival).

Chilina Kennedy (Production Consultant)

Drayton Entertainment: Nellie in South Pacific. Other Theatre: Originated Annie in Paradise Square, over 1200 performances as Carole King in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar. National Tours: Dina in The Band’s Visit, Sophie in Mamma Mia!. Regional: Three seasons at Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, two seasons at Charlottetown Festival including the World Premiere of Evangeline, and the World Premiere of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (The Old Globe/Hartford Stage), The Importance of Being Earnest (Neptune Theatre). Film/TV: The 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, With Me (BravoFact, NY Shorts and Whistler Film Festivals), The Human Voice (Toronto OIC). Other: Lyricist/Composer for With(out) Her, Artistic Producer for Eclipse Theatre Company, Director of Camelot (Onstage Uxbridge). Winner of two Toronto Theatre Critics Awards and four Broadway World Awards.

Alex Mustakas (Artistic Director)

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.

the band

Nico Rhodes (Music Director/Piano)

Drayton Entertainment: Anne of Green Gables. Other Theatre: A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (The Arts Club), A Wonderful Life (Chemainus Theatre Festival/Persephone), TONIGHT…PIAF (Vancouver Island Symphony), Twist and Shout: The British Invasion (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Out of my Dreams (PSP). A studio musician, music director, arranger/orchestrator, composer, pianist and woodwind player, Nico is at home in almost any musical environment. Nico has written and performed with symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, big bands, choirs and musicals. Recently Nico arranged/orchestrated the world premiere of a new musical The Best Laid Plans, based on the Canadian novel.

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.

Earl Filsinger (Guitar)

Drayton Entertainment: Sorry I’m Canadian 2, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Rocky: The Musical, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Hairspray, Kings & Queens of Country, Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Man of La Mancha, Evita, Big River, Give My Regards to Broadway, Country Legends, Me and My Girl. Other Theatre: Grow, Mamma Mia! (Grand), The Music Man, Camelot (Stratford), Hank Williams Show (Petrolia), Jesus Christ Superstar, High School Musical. Earl has played lead guitar on the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary cruise ships touring Europe. He also toured Canada and the U.S. in various bands, and has produced numerous CDs. Earl is very happy to be back working with the wonderful family at Drayton Entertainment.

Peter Bleakney (Bass)

Howard Gaul (Drums)

Drayton Entertainment (selected): Annie, Ghost, Rocky: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, Rock of Ages, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Sister Act, Marathon of Hope, Smokey Joe’s Café, Blood Brothers, Little Shop of Horrors, Footloose, Legally Blonde, Spamalot, Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (North American Tour). Other Theatre: Ring of Fire, Mamma Mia, Dance Legends (Grand), SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical (RCM Productions), The Full Monty (Moonpath). Howard has played, toured and recorded in many musical settings including with The Henrys and award-winning jazz group The Heillig Manoeuvre. Thanks to Alex and the Drayton Family for weathering the Covid storm and offering another exciting season of theatre excellence!

David Myers (Keys II)

Drayton Entertainment (selected): Joseph ..., Hairspray, Footloose, Priscilla …, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop ..., White Christmas, and numerous pantos. Best known in the theatre industry as one of Toronto’s main audition pianists, he has also taught at both Sheridan College and The Randolph Centre since 1998. Outside of theatre, David was a founding member of The Musical Box, the world’s premiere tribute to Genesis, where he enjoyed 15 years of touring Europe and the Americas, repeatedly appearing at such notable venues as The Royal Albert Hall in London.

Play To Play the ULTIMATE 50/50

the authors

Gerry Goffin (Words and Music)

Born in Brooklyn in 1939, Gerry Goffin met Carole King at Queens College, and their musical collaboration began almost immediately. They married in 1959, and that same year wrote their first hit song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” (The Shirelles). The duo penned more than 50 Top-40 hits including “The Locomotion,” “Natural Woman” and “Up on the Roof.” In 1987, Goffin and King were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Goffin has left an indelible mark on American music.

Carole King (Words and Music)

Pop music would be very different without the contributions of Carole King, who at age 17 wrote her first #1 hit with Gerry Goffin, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” for the Shirelles. The dozens of chart hits Goffin and King wrote during this period became legendary, but it was 1971’s Tapestry that took King to the pinnacle, speaking personally to her contemporaries and providing a spiritual musical backdrop to the decade. More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammys.

Barry

Mann (Words and Music)

Barry Mann has written the melodies of some of the most influential pop songs in musical history. In addition to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” the most-played song of the last century, and the songs heard in Beautiful, he composed later standards like “Somewhere Out There” (winner of two Grammys), “Here You Come Again,” “Sometimes When We Touch,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much.” Together he and Cynthia Weil have amassed an incredible 112 pop, country, and R&B awards from Broadcast Music Inc. for significant radio air play. He has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Cynthia Weil (Words and Music)

Cynthia Weil is known as the lyricist of classic songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” the most-played song of the 20th century. In addition to the songs heard in Beautiful, she set the words to later standards including “Somewhere Out There,” “Here You Come Again,” “He’s So Shy,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much,” to name just a few. Weil has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honored with multiple Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards for “Somewhere Out There” as the Motion Pictures Song of the Year and Song of the Year.

Douglas McGrath (Book)

Douglas McGrath was a filmmaker and playwright. Most recently, he directed the HBO documentary “Becoming Mike Nichols.” He collaborated with Woody Allen on the screenplay for Bullets Over Broadway, for which they were nominated for an Academy Award. He wrote and directed the Oscar-winning Emma from the Jane Austen novel; Company Man; Charles Dickens’s Nicholas Nickleby, which won the Best Ensemble Cast from the National Board of Review; Infamous; and the HBO documentary, “His Way,” nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Special. His play Checkers opened the 30th anniversary season of New York’s acclaimed Vineyard Theatre. His book for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. He began his creer as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” in what was incontestably the worst year in the show’s history. He has written essays on the arts and politics for the New Republic, the New Yorker, The Nation, The New York Times and Vanity Fair. Douglas McGrath passed away on November 4, 2022.

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Music by Arrangement with)

Sony/ATV Music Publishing, established in 1995 as a joint venture between Sony and Michael Jackson, is the world’s leading music publisher. Sony/ATV owns or administers more than two million copyrights, including those from such iconic music catalogs as EMI Music Publishing, Leiber & Stoller, Mijac Music, Motown and Famous Music. Sony/ATV controls many of the best-known songs ever written, including “New York, New York,” “All You Need Is Love,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Over the Rainbow” and “Stand By Me.” In addition, Sony/ATV represents the copyrights of such legendary artists as The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Sting, The Supremes, Hank Williams and Stevie Wonder, among others. Its ever-growing list of chart-topping artists and songwriters includes Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Shakira, and Taylor Swift.

Music Theatre International (MTI)

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 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 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. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

on stage nearby

south huron stage

june 7 to june 25

A Toto-ly Spectacular Family Favourite

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the theatre this summer, because one of the greatest tales ever told is touching down … with a brand new twist!

Just like past hits Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Snow White, this entertaining panto adaptation of the famed fable is a must-see spectacle packed with family fun!

By E Houldershaw and S Cartwright

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are deeply grateful for the efforts of so many people in our communities who continue to support our theatres. Special thanks to our tourism partners and to our extended family of volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and enthusiasm.

Drayton Festival Theatre

Ron Ellis

Jim Grose

The Township of Mapleton

Special thanks to Peter Etril Snyder, who painted and generously placed on permanent loan, the painting in the Library Lounge. Opening Night portrays the gas-lit Drayton Opera House in 1903.

Hamilton Family Theatre

Cambridge

Cambridge Chamber of Commerce

Corporation of the City of Cambridge

Region of Waterloo

Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation

Huron Country Playhouse

Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce

Huron Country Playhouse Guild

Municipality of Lambton Shores

Municipality of South Huron

Regional Tourism Organization 4

King’s Wharf Theatre

Huronia Historical Parks

Penetanguishene Tourist Information Centre

Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce

Tiny & Tay Townships

The Town of Penetanguishene

The Town of Midland

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse

Theatre

Greater Kitchener-Waterloo

Chamber of Commerce

Region of Waterloo

The Township of Woolwich

Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation

Official Auditors of Drayton Entertainment

KPMG LLP

Duty of Care

Drayton Entertainment’s number one priority is ensuring that everyone feels safe, comfortable, and confident with their decision to participate in programs at our theatre facilities. We have developed a comprehensive plan that adheres to local and provincial health guidelines. Should the local, provincial and/or federal government make amendments to their mandates, government legislation will supersede this policy.

We have been awarded a Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council / Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols.

GENERAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

Vaccination Status

There are no vaccination requirements to attend our performances. Should government regulations change, Drayton Entertainment must comply with Province of Ontario and public health guidelines that are in effect at the time of the performance.

Masks

We continue to encourage masking for anyone that wishes to wear one; it is not a requirement to attend our performances. The Government of Ontario advises all Ontarians to wear a tightfitting, well-constructed mask in crowded indoor public spaces, especially those at higher risk of severe infection.

Auditorium Capacity Limits

Drayton Entertainment is offering a number of Reduced Capacity performances for each production staged during the 2023 Season. The maximum capacity for these select performances is 66% (1/3 reduction). The audience capacity for each performance is marked in the show calendar.

Screening

As a courtesy to fellow theatregoers, anyone entering a Drayton Entertainment facility is strongly encouraged to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19. If an individual has symptoms of COVID-19 and tests positive, they shall stay home.

ARRIVAL

Timing

Arrive early! The auditorium opens 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

Ticket scanning

Patrons may choose print-at-home tickets or bring their e-tickets on their mobile device on the day of the performance. Mailed tickets are also available.

Lounge Services

Patrons may purchase drinks and snacks before the performance and during intermission to enjoy

inside the theatre. We encourage pre-ordering intermission drinks and snacks before the show to reduce line-ups. Items will be waiting for you at the pre-assigned number.

Assistive Listening

Complimentary assistive listening devices are cleaned with minimum 70% isopropyl alcohol between uses.

WHILE AT THE THEATRE

Cleaning

Enhanced cleaning measures have been put into place before, during and after each performance including increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces. The use of electrostatic sprayers allow for an even coat on various surfaces, ensuring a more thorough disinfection. Our cleaning team regularly sanitizes common contact surfaces and washrooms.

HVAC / Air flow / Ventilation

Our theatres are equipped with modern mechanical ventilation systems that exchange the air in our public spaces every 15 minutes. We equip our HVAC systems with high quality filters to capture particles and clean the air. Our units are operating 24/7 to ensure fresh filtered air is in all public spaces at all times.

Directional Signage

Single direction foot traffic is in place in high traffic areas, such as washrooms and lounge ordering.

Sanitation Stations

Hand sanitizer is available at designated points throughout the venue.

Plexiglas Barriers

Barriers have been installed at our bars and box offices.

House Programs

Performance programs are available digitally to ticket purchasers and issued by email prior to the performance. They are also available online at www.draytonentertainment.com. This is part of our effort to reduce our carbon footprint.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Accessibility

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.

Theatre Etiquette

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.

We Respect Your Privacy

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.

Professional Affiliations

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).

Scenic Painters employed by Drayton Entertainment are represented by Local 828 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

Artists, programs, prices, and times are subject to change without notice.

Become a member

SALUTE TO OUR MEMBERS

Thank you! We are extremely grateful to our Members who support their theatre each year. Please click here to visit our website for a complete and up-to-date Membership list.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

For as little as $35 you can make a big impact on Drayton Entertainment. Attending a performance is only part of the experience. Taking pride in directly supporting the development of the finest musicals, comedies, and dramas the stage has to offer is the ultimate standing ovation. Ask us about the levels of Membership and join our family of supporters today.

ENJOY THE BENEFITS

As our way of saying thank you, Members enjoy a variety of benefits.

All Members receive:

• Free ticket exchange privileges up to 48 hours prior to performance

• Guaranteed advance ticket purchasing privileges prior to the general public

• Priority email correspondence on casting news, exclusive special events, and fundraisers

• A charitable tax receipt

FIND OUT MORE

For more information, please contact our Box Office at 1-855-372-9866 or visit us at draytonentertainment.com/members

Salute to our Members

PLANNED GIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

Mary Burdon, London

Frederick (Skip) & Sharon Dixon, Livonia

Ed & Wilk Gillin, Norwich

Frank Parks, Waterloo

Thomas Holloway, Oakville

Mary Eleanor Miller, London

Terrence John O’Neil, London

Donna Querengesser, Kitchener

Kay Stallard, London

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

In Memory of Mary Burdon

In Memory of Margaret Campbell

In Memory of Ray Daniels

In Memory of Ella Douglas

In Memory of Nuala Freund

In Memory of John Kerr

In Memory of Joyce Ferguson

In Memory of Barbara Knight

In Memory of Bob McQuigge

In Memory of Reta Smith

In Memory of Carole A. Welch

In Memory of Phyllis Wilkins

BENEFACTOR MEMBERS:

$1,000 - 5,000+

Douglas & Joan Bailey, Barrie

Mary Boucher, Waterloo

Brad Carr & Susan Wagler, West Montrose

Valerie Cook, Burlington

Emma Dundon, Kitchener

Cheryl Elliott, Brantford

Margaret Forwell, St Clements

Phil & Debbie Gleeson, Elmira

Barbara & Gary Hall, Guelph

Brenda & Len Jewitt, Waterloo

Howard Jones, Waterloo

Frederick & Dianne Joyner, Brantford

VIEW THE COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP LIST

Thank you! We are extremely grateful to our Members who support their theatre each year. For a complete list of our Members as of May 1, 2023, including Donor Members ($250 - $499), Contributing Members ($100 - $249) and Annual Members ($35-$99), please click here to visit our website.

Support Us

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING

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.

ENDOW THE FUTURE

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

TILES & SEATS

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.

Corporate Entertainment

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!

A theatre experience is the perfect idea for groups of all sizes. From casual office parties and elegant client appreciation events, to discount group tickets for staff and special guests, Drayton Entertainment offers affordable entertainment options for groups big and small.

• Discount Tickets

• School Pricing

• Special Events

• Private Performances

• Client Appreciation

• Holiday Parties

CONFERENCE & MEETING SPACE

• Fundraisers

• Day Trips

• Seniors Groups

• Red Hat Society

• Community Clubs

• and more!

Rent one of our casual theatre spaces for your next big meeting or event. We have a professional staff to ensure that all your requirements are met and that your event is a smashing success!

Auditoriums

Our unique theatre spaces are available for a variety of functions. Host your next AGM, workshop, or conference in one of our fully equipped venues.

For space availability, rental estimates, reservations, technical specifications, and further information, please contact:

Karen De Iuliis, Group Sales and Facility Rentals

Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 246

Email: karend@draytonentertainment.com

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.

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.

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.

Drayton Entertainment Staff

Cutter Rachel Berchtold

First Hand Fiona Magor

Stitchers Memegwans Eshawkogan, Molly Fortier, Sarah Hunsberger, Amanda Kennedy, Jenny Kolody, Jamie Lo, Grace Mason Soucie, Heather McKenzie, Kristina Nasato, Yoolim Ra

Wardrobe Maintenance Nicole Del Cul

Dressers .......................................................................................................... Sarah Hunsberger, Kristina Nasato, Janine Oblak

Wig Stylist Rich Halliday

Wig Assistant Wendy Dinh

AUDIO

Head of Audio Allan McMillan

Audio Assistant/Operator Nicholas Wadel-Turcotte

PROPS

Head of Props Kat Theriault

Props Assistants Josiah Bosse, Daijah Clement-Day, Charlene Payette

SCENIC PAINT

Senior Scenic Painters Frank Crickmore, Kristen McCormick

Junior Scenic Painter Janine Oblak

BOX OFFICE

(Acting) Box Office Manager Laurie Castro

Box Office Supervisor Paige Corriveau

Box Office Staff .................................................................... Aly Hill, Amanda Howe, Fiona Lehmann, Lyne Lemaire-Harnack, Kayden McKeown, Tracy Novak, Yvonne Schieck, Stacy Bastiaansen, Rebecca Little, Emma Simon, Elias Beamer, Brooke Bauer, Brianna Wing, Zoha Kan

FACILITY (HURON COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE - SOUTH HURON STAGE)

Facility Manager Devan Wales

Front of House Managers Stephanie Smith, Gary Wood

Bartenders Jordan Clarke, Abby Verberne

Custodian............................................................................................................................................. C.C.C. Cleaning Company

Spotlight on Sponsorship

We are extremely proud of the partnerships that have been cultivated with the following significant contributors. Their support is greatly appreciated.

King’s Wharf Theatre

Drayton Festival Theatre

Huron Country Playhouse

Family Theatre

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor

The Carr

Huron Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Auditorium Naming Sponsor

THE WORLD OF WORK IS CHANGING. WE NEED OUR YOUTH TO SUCCEED.

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.

RBC Future Launch. Empowering Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

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send us a review

Did you love the show? Did you enjoy your experience at the theatre? Let us know and help us spread the word! Click here to review us on TripAdvisor.

If you would prefer to send us your review privately, please click here to send us your thoughts directly. We want to hear from you!

JANUARY 28 TO 31, 2024

FERN RESORT

Winter Getaway

Join us on a fun-filled getaway and enjoy all the luxuries that Fern Resort has to offer including easily accessible and comfortable accommodation, great meals, first-rate service and more!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• 3 nights in a cozy room with a fireplace

• All meals (alcoholic beverages not included)

• Optional activities inside and outdoors

• Drayton Entertainment Cabarets

• Comfortable motorcoach transportation

PRICE:

Double Occupancy: $1,525 incl. HST

Single Occupancy: $1,725 incl. HST

Self-Drive Double Occupancy: $1,399 incl. HST

Self-Drive Single Occupancy: $1,599 incl. HST

Ask us about full details and restrictions!