Show Program: LEGALLY BLONDE (The High School Project)

Major Sponsor

In honour of his high school drama teacher, Mr. Gord Davis (Elmira District Secondary School)

Additional Support

Youth Academy

Season Sponsor

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 St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is situated on territory that is within the Haldimand Tract and Treaty 3 of 1792; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers:

The Anishinabek

The Attiwonderonk (Neutral)

hello, and Welcome!

Over the past two years, Drayton Entertainment has used the “pandemic pause” to re-evaluate, reconsider, and reimagine how we can best support the broader generational shift underway in our society.

We are deeply committed to providing training opportunities for youth, anchored in the Drayton Entertainment brand of performing arts excellence and facilitated by passionate, professional industry mentors. In so doing, we can positively impact the lives of young people through arts education, engagement, and outreach. The resulting Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, located at 145 Northfield Dr. W. in Waterloo, is a cultural incubator where we cultivate community, inspire leadership, spark imagination, and boost confidence in a socially aware, inclusive environment.

Our first official program – the inaugural High School Musical Production – involves 50 of Waterloo Region’s best and brightest working as a cohesive unit in all aspects of live theatre, including performers, musicians, technicians, running crew, stage managers, props-builders, and costume makers. Through this initiative – and the many more to follow – we instill creative problem-solving, strengthen critical thinking, enhance communication skills, and help develop confidence, collaboration, perseverance, focus, and so much more!

Thank you for supporting this next generation of talent. The future is in good hands.

Enjoy the show.

Alex Mustakas Artistic Director

Artistic Director Sponsor

A Message from the Director

Welcome to our inaugural High School Musical Production!

On behalf of our cast and crew of fifty high school students, thank you for being a vital part of the creative learning process. The rigour and reward of presenting to a live audience is unparalleled for these young people who have banded together with one common goal – to uplift you, the audience.

We couldn’t think of a more uplifting and relevant musical to accomplish this than Legally Blonde. Set against a backdrop of narrow-mindedness, exclusion and hypercritical examination of appearance, it demonstrates the power of resilience, determination and unwavering optimism – themes that have a deep resonance and value for today’s post-pandemic, social media-pressured teens.

Not coincidentally, the values of community and belonging demonstrated in the musical are the very principles that lay the foundation of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. We believe that whether these students pursue artistic endeavours or not, they’ll leave us with a sense of self-worth and empathy that will not only help them through this run of show, but throughout their lives.

Thank you again for supporting this remarkable group. They truly embody Elle Woods’ philosophy that “being true to yourself never goes out of style.”

david connolly Director and Choreographer Legally Blonde

Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Book by Heather Hach

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture

Directed & Choreographed by David Connolly

Music Direction by Steve Lavoie

Set Consultant

David Boechler

Costume Designer

Jessica Pembleton

Stage Manager

Nadene Riehl

Assistant Stage Managers

Lighting Designer

Lyle Franklin

Anna Castro, Megan Hill, Lauren Hobbs Roth

Assistant Director

Favour Arisekola-Ojo

Assistant Choreographer

Travis Brooks

Original Production by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, Dori Berinstein, James L. Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Firman, Amanda Lipitz, Broadway Asia, Barbara Whitman, FWPM Group, Hendel/Wiesenfeld, Goldberg/Binder, Stern/Meyer, Lane/ Comley, Bartner-Jenkins/Nocciolino and Warren Trepp; Producted in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

LEGALLY BLONDE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

The video and audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.

OMIGOD YOU GUYS

musical numbers

ACT ONE

Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Salesgirls, and Delta Nu’s

SERIOUS ................................................................................................................ Warner and Elle

DAUGHTER OF DELTA NU ................................................... Serena, Margot, Pilar, and Delta Nu’s

WHAT YOU WANT Elle, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Kate, Elle’s Parents, Grandmaster Chad, and Company

THE HARVARD VARIATIONS ................................................... Emmett, Aaron, Enid, Padamadan, Warner, and Harvard Students

BLOOD IN THE WATER ...................... Callahan, Chad, Enid, Elle, Vivienne, and Harvard Students

IRELAND Paulette

IRELAND (REPRISE) ........................................................................................................... Paulette

CHIP ON MY SHOULDER ............................................................. Elle, Emmett, and Greek Chorus

RUN RUFUS RUN/ELLE REFLECTS Elle and Emmett

SO MUCH BETTER .................................................................. Elle, Greek Chorus and Company

ACT TWO

WHIPPED INTO SHAPE

Brooke, Callahan and Company

DELTA NU NU NU ................................................................................................... Elle and Brooke

TAKE IT LIKE A MAN Elle, Emmett and Salespeople

BEND AND SNAP ................................................................... Elle, Paulette, Serena, Margot, Pilar, Hairdressers, Kyle, and Company

THERE! RIGHT THERE!

Elle, Callahan, Emmett, Brooke, Vivienne, Warner, Enid, Judge, Nikos, Carlos and Company

LEGALLY BLONDE .................................................................................................. Elle and Emmett

LEGALLY BLONDE REMIX ................................. V ivienne, Elle, Paulette, Kyle, Enid, Elle’s Parents, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Brooke and Company

SCENE OF THE CRIME

Elle, Judge, Serena, Margot, Pilar and Company

OMIGOD YOU GUYS (REPRISE) .............................................. Elle, Brooke, Margot, Serena, Pilar, Judge, and Company

FIND MY WAY/FINALE

Elle, Paulette, Emmett and Company

the company (In alphabetical order)

Emily Buchanan (Ensemble, Vivienne Understudy)

Emily Buchanan is very excited to join the cast of Legally Blonde The Musical. This is her first Drayton Entertainment production. She has previously performed with KW Glee and Agnew Acting Studios, where she was in Our Town and Spring Awakening. She would like to thank her family and friends.

As a Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and KW Glee alum, Travis Brooks is thrilled to be joining this production of Legally Blonde. Having danced since the age of eight, he spent his formative years learning from David Connolly and the Drayton Entertainment team. A big thank you to my family, and as always, Miss Brooke.

Addi Butchart (Brooke)

Addi Butchart is thrilled to be playing Brooke. This is Addi’s first Drayton Entertainment show but has done other shows with Elora Community Theatre, KW Musical Productions, Royal City Musical Productions and Agnew Acting Studio. Addi is enrolled in the Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s art program and is a drama major. They love to act and sing. They can’t wait to be on stage again.

Alex Caldarelli (Ensemble, Aaron Understudy)

Alex Caldarelli is so excited to be on this journey with Drayton Entertainment! The first musical she appeared in was Sleeping Beauty in 2016 which jump-started her love of performing, which grew throughout other musicals such as Les Miserables in 2018 and singing with KW Glee. Alex thanks everyone who supported her along the way!

Isabella Castillo is a Grade 12 student at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. She developed her love for performing from a young age as an actress, singer and dancer. Some of her biggest accomplishments have been a part of KW Glee, Drayton Entertainment and the Stratford Festival. She is so excited and grateful to be a part of this incredible show.

Isabella Castillo (Ensemble, Kate Understudy)

Travis Brooks (Warner)

Leah Coupal (Ensemble, Margot Understudy)

Leah Coupal has been performing since age nine. Her favourite performances include Les Miserables (actOUT! KW Children’s Drama Workshop), Oliver! (The Community Players) in 2018 and two Drayton Entertainment pantos. Currently she attends Eastwood Collegiate Institute, where she continues her passion for the arts. She’s excited to perform in Legally Blonde The Musical for family and friends.

Lucas Coutts (Ensemble, Emmett Understudy)

Lucas Coutts is a triple threat performer. He most recently wowed audiences as Donkey in his school’s production of Shrek the Musical. He is excited to be on stage with Drayton Entertainment again, after being in Joseph... when he was only nine. He would like to thank his family for their support.

Mitchell Cruickshank (Emmett)

Mitchell is a passionate and dedicated performer. He is delighted to be part of this talented cast. Finding his love for performing with KW Glee and more recently with Agnew Acting, Our Town and Spring Awakening. Huge thanks to his friends and family for their support.

Davi Cunningham (Ensemble)

Davi Cunningham, is currently enrolled in the Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s art program. He is working towards becoming a professional actor as well as a performance artist. His goal is to one day be able to bring a character to life on screen so well it makes people feel safe with the character and that they can relate and see themselves in him. Davi loves being a part of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. He wishes to thank all the people that have led him to this point.

Megan Dart (Ensemble)

Hello, I’m Megs, I go by she/her pronouns. Not to brag or anything but I’ve been coached by Broadway’s Alex Brightman and look to hopefully follow in his footsteps in the future!

Connor Foran (Ensemble, Callahan Understudy)

Connor Foran is proud to be part of Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s inaugural production. An active member of KW Glee, Connor has always had a passion for performing on stage. He continues to pursue music and the performing arts. Connor would like to thank his family for their support.

Kyri Friedman (Ensemble, Enid Understudy)

Kyri Friedman is a 15-year-old musical theatre enthusiast attending Waterloo Collegiate Institute. She dances at Carousel Dance Company, attends the Studio Acting Program at The Singer’s Theatre, and plays violin for her school’s orchestra.

Lauryn Hayden (Ensemble)

Lauryn Hayden is ecstatic to be making her debut with Drayton Entertainment. Recent performances include Matilda the Musical (Royal City Musical Productions), One Kid Show (Guelph Fringe Festival), and One Song Glory (Musical Stage Company). Thank you to friends and family, and to the talented cast and crew of the show!

Emma Hortie (Ensemble, Pforzheimer Understudy)

Emma Hortie started acting in 2018 with Drayton Entertainment in Honk. Previously, Emma acted in Curiouser and Grease (Penny and Pound Productions). She participated in KW Glee’s Term 20 and is currently a triple major at Eastwood Collegiate Institute for vocals, dance and drama. Emma is also a competitive dancer at Davenport Dance Project.

Ariba Idrees (Ensemble, Padamadan Understudy)

Ariba Idress has enjoyed various supporting roles in ensembles for both theatre and musical productions. Ariba also has experience helping with writing, planning and directing events. Ariba has more than six years experience playing the flute and being part of various bands or choirs in both Hong Kong and Canada.

Carter Johnston (Ensemble, Warner Understudy)

Carter Johnston is a grade 12 student at Waterloo Collegiate Institute, performing artist, and general menace to society. Recently, Carter helped organize their school’s production serving as an actor, writer, and director. Carter would like to thank all of their family, friends, and teachers who supported them in their artistic endeavors.

Sydney Kedmenecz (Ensemble, Winthrop Understudy)

Sydney Kedmenecz is honoured to be part of Legally Blonde The Musical with this very talented group of performers. She is very passionate about singing and acting. She found her love for performing with KW Glee and Agnew Acting Studio in the production of Spring Awakening. Big thanks to her friends and family for supporting her through her journey.

Kaitlyn Kuiper (Ensemble)

Kaitlyn Kuiper is so thankful and excited that she gets to be part of this wonderful production and community at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy. Thank you very much for this opportunity, and for watching!

Naomi Lofft (Ensemble, Lowell Understudy)

Naomi Lofft has done five other productions with Drayton Entertainment including Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jack and The Beanstalk: The Panto, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, and most recently Wizard of Oz: The Panto.

Evie O’Toole* (Elle Woods)

Evie O’Toole is thrilled and thankful to be part of the inaugural Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School production of Legally Blonde. A love of performing has led Evie to stages at Ed Mirvish Theatre, the Stratford Festival, KW Glee and Corey Agnews production of Spring Awakening. Love you Mom! Thank you David!

Emery Peace Oudshoorn (Ensemble, Brooke Understudy)

Emery Peace Oudshoorn is a Grade 12 student at Forest Heights Collegiate Institute. She developed her love for performing as a competitive dancer, and has since been a part of KW Glee and multiple productions with Drayton Entertainment. Emery is so excited to be the dance captain and play Kate in this incredible show.

Alyssa Panda (Enid, Dad Understudy)

Alyssa Panda is a proud lifelong member of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy community. They first performed with the children’s chorus for Joseph... in 2017 and most recently in Wizard of Oz: The Panto in 2022. Also a member of KW Glee, Alyssa thanks everyone who has been cheering them on throughout their journey.

Charleigh Perry (Ensemble, Mom Understudy)

Charleigh Perry’s love for theatre grew after being part of the children’s chorus in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Drayton Entertainment) at age nine. She’s in the Cambridge Girls Choir and danced competitively for years. Charleigh has also been in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Curiouser, GREASE, and Miss Scrooge (Penny and Pound Productions).

Elias Poulin (Ensemble)

Elias Poulin (He/They) is an actor with a passion for musical theater. They are currently drama major at Eastwood Collegiate institute. He has previously appeared in Wizard of Oz: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse as Part of the children’s chorus.

Sevile Schryer (Vivienne)

Seville Schryer is a student attending Eastwood Collegiate Institute. They have performed in school functions such as an open mic performance, Eastwood’s Improv Open and Troupe. They also have over eight years of dance experience from multiple dance schools including Contemporary School of Dance, Bojangles, Dimensions in Dance, Lets Dance and they participated in Drayton’s Youth Performance Camp.

Benji Schyven (Serena)

Benji Schyven is a grade nine student that goes to Eastwood Collegiate Institute. They’re a drama major and have grown up doing theatre since they were small.

Zakia Selim (Ensemble, Pilar Understudy)

Zakia Selim believes art can express, learn and promote creativity to our community, especially youth. Zakia is a member of the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and KW Glee. Zakia is an active leader in drama and music programs at her school. Zakia thanks her family and friends for all their support.

Joyce Sun (Margot)

Joyce Sun is a grade 12 student in Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s Integrated Arts Program as an art and drama major. This is the first ever musical she has been a part of, so she is incredibly grateful to be Margot in this production of her favourite musical of all time.

Erin Tell (Ensemble, Serena Understudy)

Erin Tell attends Eastwood Collegiate Institute where she is a vocal drama major and a peer tutor. She has been doing theatre since the age of 4 and loves to sing, dance, and have fun.

Emmalea Thomas (Pilar)

Emmalea Thomas is a student who recently started theatre in the summer of 2022 at the Stratford Festival’s Musical Theatre Intensive Program. Though she is new to the performing arts she has done excellent work so early on and is excited to be a part of this production of Legally Blonde The Musical.

Aspen Walsh (Ensemble, Elle Understudy)

This is Aspen Walsh’s first show with Drayton Entertainment. Previously, they have performed in several shows in the UK and most recently in SpongeBob The Musical and Matilda (Royal City Musical Productions). Legally Blonde is their eighth musical and they are thrilled to be in the show. Aspen is a drama and vocal music major at Eastwood Collegiate Institute.

James Wright (Callahan)

James Wright is attending Eastwood Collegiate Institute. He’s a double major in drama and vocals. He is excited to perform in Legally Blonde tonight.

Jorja Yantha (Ensemble, Paulette Understudy)

Hi, I’m Jorja, an aspiring queer actor and singer, so excited for my first Drayton Entertainment show but my previous experience involves KW Glee and several years of vocal lessons. I am enrolled currently at Eastwood Collegiate Institute.

Maddie Young (Ensemble)

Maddie Young’s first show at seven years old was Honk Jr. (CAST Theatre Company). Since then she has performed in 15 productions including Dr. Dolittle Jr. (St. John’s Theatre Company), and The Little Mermaid (Resurrection High School). Maddie would like to thank Drayton Entertainment for this incredible opportunity!

Caleigh De Vito (Ensemble)

This is Caleigh De Vito’s first production with Drayton Entertainment. Some of her previous roles include Pugsley in The Addams Family, (KW Musical Productions) as well as ensemble roles in Our Town and Spring Awakening, (Agnew Acting Studio). She is very grateful to everyone who worked so hard and made this production possible.

Mackenna VanMassenhoven (Paulette)

Mackenna VanMassenhoven is from Thedford Ontario. She has appeared in multiple productions, such as The Addams Family, Disney’s Frozen Jr and High School Musical. She is excited to spread the magic of musical theatre in this production of Legally Blonde The Musical.

Otis (Rufus)

Otis is very excited to be making his acting debut in Drayton Entertainment’s Legally Blonde the Musical. He loves being a spoiled basset hound. When he’s not performing on stage, he enjoys lounging on the couch with his human family or playing with his feline sister and brother. You’ll find Otis at the Fergus dog park greeting each and every dog that enters the park. He wants to thank his human Mom and human sister Zoe for always supporting his dreams.

Tigger was adopted by the Walsh family in 2016 from the Cambridge SPCA and appeared later that year as Toto in the RCMPI production of The Wizard of Oz. Legally Blonde marks his triumphant return to the stage. Tigger lives in Guelph and wishes to thank his humans. Break a leg, Aspen.

MARCH BREAK

Ages 8 - 12

Ages 13 - 18

Tigger (Bruiser)

the crew (In alphabetical order)

Miranda Blair (Sets/Props/Running Crew)

Miranda is very excited to be working on the set of Legally Blonde. This is her debut with Drayton Entertainment, though she has experience backstage with several amateur productions including directing a children’s musical theatre program. When not listening to musicals, she enjoys reading, writing, and playing the flute.

Eowyn Ford (Sets/Props/Running Crew)

Eowyn Ford is a student at Bluevale in their 13th year. She is a part of the props, set and running crew. She is very grateful for the opportunity and has learned a lot from this experience.

My Name is Megan Haas and I’m very excited to be a part of Legally Blonde this coming production! I am an IAP student attending Eastwood. I am a part of the crew for Wardrobe and looking forward to helping the production look as fashionable and fabulous as it deserves!

Zoe

This is Zoe! This is Zoe’s first show with Drayton and also her first show being backstage. She is thrilled to have this opportunity to try something new and fun. Zoe attends Eastwood Collegiate Institute as a part of the Integrated Arts Program; she is majoring in Drama and Visual Arts. She is so excited to be a part of this amazing show!

Logan is very excited to be a part of Legally Blonde in his Drayton debut. Usually he is up on stage performing; past performances include KW Glee, Oliver! (TCP), Frozen (MacGregor Public School). He is currently attending Eastwood as a vocal and drama major. Thanks to Drayton Entertainment for the opportunity!

McWhirter (Sets/Props/Running Crew)

Logan Miller (Sound)

Megan Haas (Wardrobe/Dresser)

Miles Shephard (Lights/Followspot)

Miles attends ECI as a production tech major where he avidly learns all areas of the arts. He runs lights for school performances and volunteers at KW Bluesfest as a stagehand. In his free time, Miles enjoys graphic novels, CrossFit, and rhythm games.

Olivia Silva (Wardrobe/Dresser)

Olivia has always loved the theater and is thrilled to be a part of the making of Legally Blonde. She has had such an amazing experience and met incredibly talented, kind people. Being able to come from small theatre productions to a big stage like this is an incredible accomplishment.

Noah Snow (Lights/Followspot)

Noah started tech at his church in 2018, and joined the WCI tech crew in 2019, having since become tech director for his school. Noah’s very excited to be able to work with everyone on this show!

Ryan Vale (Sound)

Ryan (he/him), loves the theatre and is building on his previous tech experience by working in the sound department. He has previously volunteered with Drayton before working in front of house. He would also like to wave to his mom because she’s in the “stands.”

Ella Way (Wardrobe/Dresser)

Ella is excited to be a part of the wardrobe team in Legally Blonde. She has been doing theatre since she was four years old, and has been involved on stage and backstage as well. She is looking forward to everyone enjoying the show!

Emma van Dijk (Sets/Props/Running Crew)

Emma (she/her) is excited to make her crew debut in Drayton Entertainment’s teen production of Legally Blonde. Emma is a grade 12 student at Forest Heights. She also enjoys ushering at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and curling.

Production Mentors

the creative team

David Connolly* (Director & Choreographer)

David Connolly is the Associate Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment and the Director of Education for their Youth Academy. He is also an active Disability and Inclusion Advocate who is deeply committed to changing the statistic of being the only male amputee to have performed on Broadway. In his thirty-year career, he has collaborated with artists including Katy Perry, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Sarah Jessica Parker, kd lang, Patti LaBelle, and Sarah Brightman, among others. David is a recipient of The Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, speaker for the DEI Committee of the International Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance, and has proudly served as a peer assessor for The Canada Council for the Arts. As an Educator, David has been an Adjunct Professor and Advisor to Western University, Wilfred Laurier University, Sheridan College, Randolph College, VanderCook College and most recently, the Hopkins Centre for the Arts at Dartmouth College. David has helmed over thirty productions including Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Mamma Mia!, Newsies, many popular panto productions and later this year, The Prom.

Steve Lavoie (Music Director)

Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha, 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 theaccidentalaccompanist.com. A big thank you to Alex, David, Nadene, the cast, and the team, for all their hard work and dedication. Enjoy the show!

Drayton Entertainment (selected): The Crooner, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, You’ll Get Used To It! … The War Show, Hairspray, Kings & Queens of Country, Million Dollar Quartet, Red Rock Diner, Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Canadian Legends, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, and more. Other Theatre: Seussical The Musical, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Sound of Music (KWMP) and KW Glee. Since training at Sheridan College, Nadene continues to be heavily involved with KW Glee and numerous community theatres in the region. She’s excited to return for another season at Drayton Entertainment. Enjoy the show!

Nadene Riehl* (Stage Manager)

* The participation of this Artist (these Artists) is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy (DOT).

Anna Castro (Assistant Stage Manager)

Anna is very excited to show off all her hard work for Legally Blonde The Musical. She’s loved the whole experience and can’t wait for you to see it. She also would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her along the way. Enjoy the show!

Megan Hill (Assistant Stage Manager)

Megan Hill believes that through the magic of theatre, anything is possible. Over the years she developed a love for the hidden, imagination defying mechanisms of theatre. She has helped stage manage and organize her school’s most recent productions. She’s thrilled to be part of such an amazing show.

Lauren Hobbs Roth (Assistant Stage Manager)

Lauren Hobbs Roth is excited to be a part of Legally Blonde The Musical as an Assistant Stage Manager. She has always enjoyed performing and is excited for the opportunity to try something new. She would like to send love to her friends and family, as well as Drayton Entertainment for giving her this wonderful experience.

Favour Arisekola-Ojo (Assistant Director)

Hi, I’m Favour, I don’t have much theatre experience, but Legally Blonde The Musical has been a great opportunity for me to learn and I’m excited to continue my journey in theatre going forward.

Travis Brooks (Assistant Choreographer)

As a Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy and KW Glee alum, Travis Brooks is thrilled to be joining this production of Legally Blonde. Having danced since the age of eight, he spent his formative years learning from David Connolly and the Drayton Entertainment team. A big thank you to my family, and as always, Miss Brooke.

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, 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.

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).

Music Theatre International

Special Thank You to Jackie Mustakas

* The participation of this Artist (these Artists) is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy (DOT).

the authors

Heather Hach (Book)

Heather received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her work on Legally Blonde. Graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder, School of Journalism. Worked at The New York Times Denver Bureau as a research assistant and Sports and Fitness Publishing in Boulder, Colorado, as a magazine editor. Member of Denver’s Comedy Sports improv comedy troupe. Worked on the TV shows “Caroline in the City” and “Dilbert.” Won Walt Disney Screenwriting Fellowship in 1999. Film credits include Disney’s “Freaky Friday” and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” Also wrote the young adult novel “Freaky Monday” with Mary Rodgers. Much love to friends and family, especially Jason, Harper and Drake.

Laurence O’Keefe received 2007 Tony and Drama Desk nominations for his work on Legally Blonde. Larry thanks all Blonde producers and creative team. He won the Ed Kleban Award, the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award and a Jonathan Larson award for his music and lyrics. Off-Broadway credits: Bat Boy: The Musical (Lucille Lortel, Richard Rodgers, Outer Critics’ Circle awards), which has received 100+ productions worldwide; music for Sarah, Plain and Tall, lyrics by Nell Benjamin (touring with TheatreWorksUSA). Co-author with Nell Benjamin of Cam Jansen (Drama Desk nomination) and The Mice. Larry is a product of his education with the Harvard Krokodiloes, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the Harvard Lampoon and the Actors’ Gang, but especially the incomparable Nell Benjamin.

Nell co-wrote the score to Legally Blonde, the Musical with composer Laurence O’Keefe, which received Tony Award nominations, Drama Desk nominations, and the Olivier and Helpmann Awards for Best Musical. Nell wrote the lyrics to Mean Girls, which received multiple Tony Award nominations, including for Best Original Score and Best Musical. Nell’s play, The Explorers Club, won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play, the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award, and an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation grant. Nell has written book and/or lyrics for Pirates! (or Gilbert and Sullivan plunder’d), Sarah, Plain and Tall, Cam Jansen (Drama Desk-nominated), I Want My Hat Back, How I Became A Pirate, The Mice, Life of the Party and Because of Winn Dixie. Upcoming musicals are: Huzzah!, Life of the Party, Dave. Television writing includes “Unhappily Ever After”, Animal Planet’s “Whoa! Sunday with Mo Rocca”, “Electric Company”, “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”, “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway”, “Julie’s Greenroom.” Benjamin is the recipient of the Kleban Foundation Award and a Jonathan Larson Grant.

Laurence O’Keefe (Music & Lyrics)

Nell Benjamin (Music & Lyrics)

the band

Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Canada 151, Hairspray. Other Theatre (selected): Ghost the Musical (Starvox), Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius), Evita, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha, 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 theaccidentalaccompanist.com. A big thank you to Alex, David, Nadene, the cast, and the team, for all their hard work and dedication. Enjoy the show!

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.

Drayton Entertainment: Wizard of Oz: The Panto, The Crooner, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Rocky: The Musical, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, Anne of Green Gables, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. Other Theatre: Mamma Mia, Finding Black Joy (The Grand Theatre London), Yorkville: The Musical (Blyth), Now and Forever, a diva spectacular …, 9 to 5: The Musical (St. Lawrence College), The River Rolls (New Hamburg), … Patsy Cline (Leisa Wey Productions). Junior thanks the Drayton family for the opportunity.

Drayton Entertainment: Wizard of Oz: The Panto, The Crooner, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Kings & Queens of Country, Hairspray, Lucky Stiff, Red Rock Diner, Anything Goes, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Footloose, Big Band Legends, The Songs of Sinatra, Country Legends, Swing!. Kevin is an active member in the Toronto jazz scene and can be heard frequently on CJRT. He has also been on the McMaster University and Mohawk College music faculties for the last 30 years. Kevin has been performing with Drayton Entertainment since 1994.

David Myers (Keys II)

Steve Lavoie (Keys I)

Junior Riggan (Bass)

Kevin Dempsey (Drums)

Drayton Entertainment Staff

ADMINISTRATION

Artistic Director & CEO Alex Mustakas

Executive Director ................................................................................................... Steven Karcher

Director of Finance ................................................................................................ Siobhan Lovejoy

Associate Artistic Director/Youth Academy Director of Education David Connolly

Director of Audience Services .................................................................................... Ellen Berwick

Director of Facilities .......................................................................................................... Alan Card

Human Resources & Artistic Administrator Natasha Hopf

Director of Marketing & Development ................................................................. Jonathan Randall

Group, Events & Rentals Manager............................................................................. Karen De iuliis

Audience Services Manager Gary Good

Marketing & Development Associates ......................................... Justine Fraser, Jenni Grandfield, Samareh Jones, Ria Moody

Artistic Administrative Assistant Stephanie Reeve

Accounting Clerk ................................................................................................ Joanne Labrecque

Youth Academy Administrative Director Randi Perriam

PRODUCTION

Director of Production Dave Horner

Production Coordinator .................................................................................... Jeff JohnstonCollins

Production Administrator ............................................................................................... Caitlyn Hill

Technical Directors Simon Day, Lyle Franklin

Head of Audio ......................................................................................................... Allan McMillan

Audio Assistant ........................................................................................ Nicholas Wadel-Turcotte

Audio Operator James Chapeskie

Head of Construction ................................................................................................. Robert Clarke

House Technicians ................................................ Glenn Beckner, John Graham, Richard McLeod

Running Crew .............................. Naomi Damasco, Charles Russell, Austin Wilson, John Graham

Senior Carpenters .............................................................................. Jenna Barry, Lindsey Woelfle

Carpenters John Bigelow, Paul Briggs, Glenn Beckner, Jeff JohnstonCollins, John Graham

Senior Scenic Painters .......................................................... Frank Crickmore, Kristen McCormick

Props Master Kevin Lucas

Senior Props Assistant ................................................................................................. Kat Theriault

Props Assistant ..................................................................................................... Charlene Payette

Building Services/Production Technician John Bigelow

WARDROBE

Head of Wardrobe Jenine Kroeplin

Wardrobe Supervisor ......................................................................................... Jessica Pembleton

Cutter Rachel Berchtold

First Hand .................................................................................................................... Julia Holbert

Stitchers ......................................... June Gunn, Sarah Hunsberger, Amanda Kennedy, Joanna Lee

Wardrobe Maintenance Joanna Lee

Head Dresser .................................................................................................................. Joanna Lee

Dressers .................................................................................... Ella Way, Megan Haas, Olivia Silva

BOX OFFICE (Acting) Box Office Manager........................................................................................ Laurie Castro

Box Office Supervisor Paige Corriveau

Local Box Office Staff ............................................. Laura Hole, Fiona Lehmann, Katie Neeb-Craig, Tracy Novak, Yvonne Schieck

Other Box Office Staff Jenna DeGraaf, Hanna Freitas, Aly Hill, Lyne Lemaire-Harnack, Amanda Howe, Kayden McKeown

FACILITY (St. Jacobs Country Playhouse)

House Manager .................................................................................................. Cheryl Oudshoorn

Bartender Samantha Reid

Custodians ................................................................................................................ Domestic Bliss

SPRING SESSION CLASSES

March 21 to April 23

Tuition: $80

Includes your choice of class, which runs once per week for 5 weeks (this works out to just $16 per week).

Bundle and save!

Additional classes may be added on at a discounted rate.

Inquire about our flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs.