Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical | Aug 15 - Sep 1 | Huron Country Playhouse
Book by Stephan Elliott & Allan Scott
Based on the Latent Image/Specific Films Motion Picture
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Drayton Entertainment In association with NULLARBOR PRODUCTIONS In association with MGM ON STAGE
Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations by Stephen "Spud" Murphy
Developed for the Stage and Originally Directed by Simon Phillips
The original motion picture was written and directed by Stephan Elliott, produced by Al Clark and Michael Hamlyn, executive producer Rebel Penfold–Russell and was financed with the assistance of the Film Finance Corporation Australia Limited and the New South Wales Film and Television Office
Director & Choreographer
David Connolly
Music Direction by Darryn de Souza
Set Designer
Brian Dudkiewicz
Stage Manager
Laurel Oneil
Costume Designer
Dariusz Korbiel
Devin Alexander
Timothy Harder
Stacey Kay
Ryan Maschke
Declan Pothier
Julius Sermonia
Trayvon Ward
Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser
Assistant Director
Julius Sermonia
Assistant Stage Manager Frances Johnson
The
Cast
(in alphabetical order)
Trevor Covelli
Kelly Holiff
Lakota Knuckle
Julia McLellan
Brad Rudy
Lee Siegel
Sound Designer Allan McMillan
Assistant Stage Manager Nadene Riehl
Tiffany Deriveau
Gabrielle Jones
Billy Lake
Mei Miyazawa
Adam Sergison
Christina Vegas
"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is presented through special arrangement and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY, 10036. (8566) 378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com
The video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act One
It's Raining Men ................................................................................................... Divas, Mitzi, Boys
What's Love Got To Do With It .............................................................. Miss Understanding, Divas
I Say A Little Prayer ....................................................................... Tick, Miss Understanding, Divas
Don't Leave Me This Way .................................................................. Bernadette, Pastor, Company
Venus ................................................................................................................. Felicia, Divas, Boys
Go West ..................................................................................... Adam, Tick, Bernadette, Company
The Journey ................................................................................................ Adam, Tick, Bernadette
I Say A Little Prayer (Reprise) .......................................................................................... Tick, Divas
I Love The Nightlife ........................................................ Shirley, Bernadette, Tick, Adam, Company
Sempre Libera ........................................................................................................................ Adam
Colour My World ............................................................ Adam, Tick, Bernadette, Divas, Company
I Will Survive ................................................................. Bernadette, Felicia, Mitzi, Divas, Company
Intermission
Act Two
Thank God I'm A Country Boy ..................................................................... Country Boy, Company
A Fine Romance ................................................................................................... Young Bernadette
Thank God I'm A Country Boy (Reprise) .............................................................. Country Boy, Girls
Shake Your Groove Thing ................................................................. Tick, Bernadette, Felicia, Divas
Pop Muzik ........................................................................................................... Cynthia, Company
A Fine Romance (Reprise) ......................................................................................................... Bob
Girls Just Want To Have Fun ........................................................................................ Felicia, Divas
Hot Stuff .................................................................................................. Felicia, Bernadette, Divas
Go West (Reprise) Bernadette, Adam
MacArthur Park Bernadette, Tick, Divas
Boogie Wonderland Tick, Marion, Company
Boogie Wonderland (Reprise) Company
Casino Floorshow Montage Tick, Felicia, Bernadette, Divas, Company
Always On My Mind/Kylie Medley Tick, Benji, Felicia, Company
We Belong Tick, Felicia, Bernadette, Company
Finale Divas, Miss Understanding, Company
The Company
(in alphabetical order)
Devin Alexander (Pastor/Errol/ Ensemble)
Drayton Entertainment: The Prom, Peter Pan: The Panto. Upcoming: White Christmas. Other Theatre: Spamalot, Chicago (The Stratford Festival); The Little Mermaid, Encore! (Rainbow Stage); Grease (Mayfield Dinner Theatre); Sunday in the Park with George (Eclipse Theatre Company); Mamma Mia! (Dancyn Productions); Bobby in Cabaret, Ricky in Pump Up the Volume, Specs in Disney’s Newsies (Theatre Sheridan); Human Symbiosis (Dark Dance Company). Film/TV: Northern Tracks (Stratfest@Home). Work hard, be kind, and chase after your dreams. Love to my friends and family, and special thanks to my powerhouse agents at 10 Talent Management. I’m so happy to be here. @the.devin.alexander
Trevor Covelli (Felicia/Adam)
Drayton Entertainment: Country Legends. Other Theatre: Breton Thunder (Holland America Line); Return to Grace (RGA Productions); The Boys in the Photograph (Mirvish); Forever Plaid (Theatre Aquarius); Legends (Grand Theatre). TV: Accused (Fox/Sony); Murdoch Mysteries (CBC). Abundant gratitude to Alex and David for their trust and to the entire team at Talent House for their ongoing and unwavering support and belief. My love to all my loves and to my three shooting stars, who infinitely inspire me in unimaginable ways. Thank you for supporting live theatre and for celebrating joy with us today. It’s so wonderful to be back. Let your true colours always shine through. Instagram: @trevorcovelli
Tiffany Deriveau (Diva)
Drayton Entertainment: Beehive, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical. Other Theatre: The Guide To Being Fabulous (Soulpepper) *Dora Nomination; Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); ‘Da Kink In My Hair (Soulpepper/TOLive); Chicago (Stratford Festival); Mamma Mia! (Mirvish); Cookin’ At The Cookery (Canadian Stage); Hairspray (Charlottetown Festival); Little Shop of Horrors (Grand Theatre); Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray, Hair, Soul Sistas (Mayfield). I am so glad I get to tell this story again. Love wins! Thank you to my loving parents, and to my awesome kids, Daniya and Adam. I couldn’t do this without you. XO Follow me @tderiveau
Timothy Harder (Ensemble)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof. Other Theatre: Let’s Dance! (Terra Bruce Productions); Mary Poppins, Enchanting! (Theatre Sheridan); The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia); Ghost: The Musical (Starvox). Training: Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance (Sheridan College). Many thanks to David, Alex, and the entire Drayton and Priscilla teams. Much love to his parents and his partner Jordan for all the support.
Kelly Holiff (Diva)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha, Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Kings and Queens of Country. Other Theatre (selected): Million Dollar Quartet (The Grand); Rent (Stratford); Wrinkle In Time (Stratford); Doralee in 9 to 5 (Capitol); Mixed Tape (Musical Stage Co.); Brooke in Noises Off (Mayfield); Hook in Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre); A Train (Soulpepper); Anne Of Green Gables (Charlottetown); Knishes and Grits (Harold Green); Uncovered (Musical Stage Co.). Selected performance highlights: Touring with Colm Wilkinson, opening for Presidents Bush and Clinton, creating/headlining in Rumour Has It: The Songbook Of Adele (Neptune). Kelly is thrilled to be back with her Drayton family!
Gabrielle Jones (Shirley)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof (2023), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Elf: The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Miracle Worker, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2019), 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 Misérables (Toronto & 2nd National Tour); Mamma Mia! (Toronto & 1st. National U.S. Tour).
Stacey Kay (Diva)
Drayton Entertainment: Lion in Wizard of Oz, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2019), Kinky Boots, Jack and the Beanstalk, Legends of Rock, Legally Blonde. Other Theatre: Godspell (US National Tour); Parfumerie (Soulpepper Theatre). Film/TV: Canada’s Got Talent (City TV); America’s Got Talent (NBC); Painkiller, My Little Pony, Go Dog Go (Netflix); Big Block Sing Song, Blue’s Clues (Nickelodeon/Disney). Stacey is a Juno Award winner and podcast host of “I Have To Call My Sister”. She is also a motivational speaker who travels the world spreading her message about positive body image! You can stream her original music on all major platforms. @StaceyKayMusic @IHaveToCallMySister
Lakota Knuckle (Ensemble)
Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rock of Ages. Other Theatre (selected): Rock of Ages (Elgin Theatre/More Ent.); Chicago (Stratford Fest.); Station X (European Tour); Starwater, Spectra’s Cabaret, Live Love Legs (Royal Caribbean Ent.); The Nutcracker (Toronto International Ballet Theatre). Film/TV (selected): Art On Ice 2024 (Swiss National TV); The Next Step (Family Channel). Instagram @ lakotaknuckle www.knuckletwins.com/lakota
Billy Lake (Mitzi/Tick)
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots (2020 and 2023), The Wizard of Oz, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Felicia/ Adam in Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2019), Cinderella, Lucky Stiff. Other Theatre: Cinderella… if the Shoe Fits (Theatre Orangeville); Camelot (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia); Dancing Lessons (Miracle Theatre); Directed The Judas Kiss (Talk is Free Theatre); Stonecliff (Yukon/Alaska); Snow White and 007 (The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre); HONK! (Globe Theatre); 10 seasons at the Shaw Festival, including Peter and the Starcatcher, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Major Barbara, My Fair Lady, Saint Joan. Love and huge thanks to Aidan. @billyonthelake
Ryan Maschke (Young Bernadette)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other Theatre (selected): Grease, Rock Of Ages (Mayfield Dinner Theatre); Cinderella (Gateway Theatre); Starwalker (Urban Ink & Musical Stage Co.); Kinky Boots (Arts Club Theatre); Hair, Sweet Charity (BrownCow Collective, Choreographer); TC Sings for Pride (Choreographer), The Louder We Get, Billy Elliot: The Musical (Theatre Calgary); Sweeney Todd: In Concert, Assassins: In Concert (StoryBook Theatre). Ryan is the founder and Artistic Director of BrownCow Collective, a queer-run theatre in Central Alberta, Instagram @browncowcollective. Big shout out to both Ryan’s given and chosen family for their endless support, along with the whole team at 10 Talent!
Julia McLellan (Marion)
Drayton Entertainment: Newsies, Lucky Stiff, Kings & Queens of Country, Snow White, Footloose. Other Theatre: SIX (Mirvish); Kinky Boots (Broadway, First National Tour, Mirvish); A Chorus Line (Stratford); Mythic (Segal); Kelly v. Kelly (Musical Stage Co.); The Wizard of Oz (First National Tour, Mirvish); 9-5 (Citadel). Julia is also the Executive Director of the Canadian Green Alliance, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between theatre and sustainability. Thank you to Mike, the biffs, T House and my family! www.juliamclellan.com @juliaemilymclellan / www.canadiangreenalliance.com @canadiangreenalliance
Mei Miyazawa (Cynthia)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other Theatre: Tease (Crow’s Theatre); Cabaret (Ovation Productions Ottawa); Chicago, Parade (Wavestage Theatre). Film/TV: Pachinko (Apple TV); Cell Block Tango Reimagined (EveryBODY on Stage). Mei started her dance training at the age of three, and studied professionally at Quinte Ballet School of Canada, Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, and St. Lawrence College Music Theatre, among others. She is also a cabaret dancer, dance teacher, and a choreographer, and she prides herself for her versatility. Mei is excited to be making her Drayton Entertainment debut! She would like to thank her agent Gina, and her family, friends and mentors for their unconditional support. IG @mei_torontokyo
Declan Pothier (Benji)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other Theatre: Beauty and the Beast Jr., Little Mermaid Jr. (Studio 410 Productions); Joyful Little Noise (Studio 410 Productions presented by Here for Now Theatre). To all my family and friends, I wouldn’t be here without you. Big shout out to Paige and Devan Ballagh for all the help. I am so grateful for all your support and encouragement along the way.
Brad Rudy (Bob)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Walter Hobbs in ELF, Juror #10 in Twelve Angry Men, West Side Story, Whose Under Where? Other Theatre: Ted Narracott in War Horse (Mirvish/ Toronto); Padre in A Pack of Thieves, Ray in Sugar Road, Frank in Educating Rita (Lighthouse Festival); Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Pierre in The Father, Gabe in Dinner With Friends (Theatre Aquarius); over 60 productions/ 26 seasons (Stratford Festival) including Bill Sikes in Oliver!, Title role in The Count of Monte Cristo, The Common Man in A Man for All Seasons. Founding member of Alternative Theatre Works in Stratford. “Looking for a sunrise leading to a sunset.”
Adam Sergison (Ensemble)*
Drayton Entertainment: The Music Man, 9 to 5: The Musical, The Wizard of Oz. Other Theatre: The Wizard of Oz (First National Tour, Mirvish); We Will Rock You (Mirvish); Saturday Night Fever (North American Tour); Damn Yankees, Chitra, White Christmas, Holiday Inn (Shaw Festival); Rock of Ages (More Entertainment); Spamalot, Step By Step (Stage West Calgary); Otello, Tadzio in Death in Venice (Canadian Opera Company); An American Hymnal (Terra Bruce); Elf (Theatre Aquarius); Jesus Christ Superstar, Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia! (Charlottetown Festival); Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats (Rainbow Stage); West Side Story (Neptune, Vancouver Opera). Thanks and love to Ariel, my family and friends, and T House! *Dance Captain
Julius Sermonia (Jimmy)
Drayton Entertainment: Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Damn Yankees, Beauty and The Beast. Other Theatre: Broadway: Miss Saigon, The King & I, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Contact. Regional: Stratford Festival (10 seasons), Shaw Festival, Theatre Aquarius, Charlottetown Festival, Mirvish Productions, Grand Theatre, Ross Petty Productions, Neptune Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, StageWest, Canadian Stage, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, La Jolla Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO. Julius would like to express love and gratitude to his pamilya, friends and agents for their constant support - and special thanks to David Connolly for this amazing opportunity. Enjoy the ride! @juliussermonia
Lee Siegel (Miss Understanding/Frank/Country Boy Singer)
Drayton Entertainment: Cats (Old Deuteronomy), Les Miserables (Javert), Little Shop Of Horrors (Audrey II), Sister Act (Curtis), and many a music review! Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon Z), Paradise Square (Albert). Lee also appeared on the 66th Tony Awards (CBS). Other theatre: Tom Collins in RENT at the Stratford Festival; Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot. Lee is happy to return to Drayton in an unexpected way, heels and all! Thanks Mom, Dad, Mike, Talent House, God, and you, our audience, for supporting the arts. Never let your light dim, shine bright with pride! @Lee_Siegel on socials.
Christina Vegas (Bernadette)
Drayton Entertainment: Debut. Other Theatre: Headliner for USO Armed Forces Tours in Bosnia and Kosovo (US Government); International Impression show (Casinos, Corporate Events & Theatrical Venues); Kismet at the Royal Alexandra Theatre (Canadian Opera Company); Al in A Chorus Line (Theatre Aquarius); Principal Vocalist in Singin’ & Dancin’ Tonight (Charlottetown Festival). Christina is a proud trans woman from Oakville and an award-winning playwright/composer. Love to daughters Rachael and Kayla, family and friends, Sandie and Yanick. Special thanks to Bruce and big thanks to Drayton Entertainment. www.christinavegas.com
Trayvon Ward (Ensemble)
Drayton Entertainment: Mamma Mia!, The Prom, Kinky Boots. Other dance: exhale (NLC Dance Company); London Fringe Festival “Say Nothing” Theatre; Live Dance Performance (Kaaral Canada Hair Show); Ensemble in Grease (St Marys SS). Trayvon Ward is a student at the University of Guelph. Thank you to all my mentors, family, and friends for all the love and support! Support Trayvon’s journey by following him on Instagram @trayvon_ward
the creative team
David Connolly (Director & Choreographer)
Drayton Entertainment: Beehive, Peter Pan: The Panto, Kinky Boots, The Prom, Mamma Mia!, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, Disney’s Newsies, Annie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, Hairspray, Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto, Red Rock Diner, HONK!, Lucky Stiff, Singin’ in the Rain, Cinderella: The Panto, Aladdin: The Panto, Legally Blonde, Disney’s High School Musical, Miss Saigon, and Crazy For You. David is also the Director of Education for the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy who holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre, a recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Award of Excellence, and is an internationally recognized Disability Inclusion Advocate. Insta: @deyouthacademy
Darryn de Souza (Music Director)
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots (2023), Footloose (Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, 2024). Other Theatre: Chitra (Shaw Festival, Composer); 33 1/3 (Theatre Aquarius, Workshop); Prison Dancer (Copyist); Maudie (Copyist); Kiss Me, Kate (TIFT); Songs For A New World (Performer); Seussical the Musical (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: Filmed concert recordings: Lead With Your Heart (Juno Award); Under One Sky, The Tenors Fan Favourites Concert. Thanks to my devoted family Alma, Charlotte, Austin, Harper and Sally. Music is a vehicle for change. Play the record! Instagram @ddesouza, darryndesouza.com
Brian Dudkiewicz (Set Designer)*
Drayton Entertainment: The Marvelous Wonderettes, Kinky Boots, The Sound of Music, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Disney’s Newsies, Rocky: The Musical. Other credits: Brian is an award-winning designer whose work has been seen across Canada, the United States, and in Asia. Billy Elliot, The Last Five Years (Neptune); Never Not Once (Theatre Aquarius); Controlled Damage, Titanic (The Grand); Jukebox Hero (Mirvish/Jubilee Theatre); Dixon Road (Musical Stage Company); Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Theatre Calgary); The Jungle Book (ATP); April Fools, Prayer for the French Republic, Indecent, Million Dollar Quartet (Segal Center); Dear Jack, Dear Louise, The Great Divide, Bad Jews (Harold Green); Jersey Boys (1000 Island Playhouse); Orphans (Coal Mine); many shows Off-Broadway in NYC. Brian holds an M.F.A. in Set Design from Yale University, and a Bachelor in Architecture from McGill. @briandud1
*Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659.
Dariusz Korbiel (Costume Designer)
Drayton Entertainment: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical. His costume design for Priscilla was nominated for the 2019 Broadway World Toronto Awards and 2021/22 Betty Mitchell Awards in Calgary. Elsewhere, Dariusz was the Design Assistant for the Shaw Festival’s 2017 Season and has worked in London’s West End (Boy George’s Taboo, Double Falsehood) and on many productions at major theatres across Canada. Dariusz studied Set and Costume Design at the National Theatre School of Canada and has a fascination for larger-than-life puppetry design. Thank you to Jenine, Nicole, Anna and everyone who had a hand in creating the costumes for Priscilla. www.dariuszkorbiel.com
Kevin Fraser (Lighting Designer)*
Drayton Entertainment: Jersey Boys, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Few Good Men, The Sound of Music, On Golden Pond, ELF: The Musical, The Miracle Worker, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Man of La Mancha, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Death of a Salesman, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, and many more. Other Theatre: Gypsy (Shaw Festival); Cirque Ambiente (Canada’s Wonderland) The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Shakespeare In Love, Carousel (Stratford Festival). Kevin is a member of Associated Designers of Canada, and a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. Web: kevinfraserlighting.com
Allan McMillan (Sound Designer)
Drayton Entertainment: Evita, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Twist and Shout, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Rock of Ages. For over 35 years Allan has been “rattling” about in theatres in Ontario in various technical positions, from Technical Direction, Production Management, Lighting Design, Carpentry, and of course, Audio. Allan came to Drayton Entertainment in 2013 from Stage West Mississauga. Allan looks forward to having another go at some of the above and to the new challenges each season brings.
Julius Sermonia (Assistant Director)
Drayton Entertainment: Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Damn Yankees, Beauty and The Beast. Other Theatre: Broadway: Miss Saigon, The King & I, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Contact. Regional: Stratford Festival (10 seasons), Shaw Festival, Theatre Aquarius, Charlottetown Festival, Mirvish Productions, Grand Theatre, Ross Petty Productions, Neptune Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, StageWest, Canadian Stage, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, La Jolla Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO. Julius would like to express love and gratitude to his pamilya, friends and agents for their constant support - and special thanks to David Connolly for this amazing opportunity. Enjoy the ride! @juliussermonia
*Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659.
Laurel Oneil (Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof, A Few Good Men, Buying the Farm, Annie, Fiddler on the Loose. Other Theatre: BOOM (Theatre Calgary, Thousand Island Playhouse and Off-Broadway); BOOMX (Theatre Calgary and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); BOOMYZ, The Importance of Being Earnest, Escape to Margaritaville (Theatre Calgary); Jesus Christ Superstar, Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music (Western Canada Theatre); The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Extractionist, Murder in the Studio (Vertigo); 60+ productions at Stage West, including: Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Avenue Q. Laurel would like to dedicate her work to the loving memory of her mom, who helped her find her love of theatre at young age. She would also like to thank her family, friends & RP for their love & support.
Frances Johnson (Assistant Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler on the Roof, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, It Runs in the Family. Other Theatre: Buying the Farm (Upper Canada Playhouse); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Mirvish); They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville); 1812 (Foster Festival); Seagulls (Shaw Festival).
Nadene Riehl (Assistant Stage Manager)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Footloose, Bittergirl: The Musical, The Crooner, Wizard of Oz: The Panto, American Son, Legally Blonde – the Musical, We’ll Meet Again, 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, Twist & Shout, Snow White: The Panto, Footloose, Legends of Harmony. Other Theatre: Seussical The Musical, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Full Monty, Hairspray, The Sound of Music (KWMP); KW Glee. She’s excited to return for her 11th season at Drayton Entertainment. Enjoy the show!
THE BAND
Darryn de Souza (Music Director/Piano)
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots (2023), Footloose (Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy, 2024). Other Theatre: Chitra (Shaw Festival, Composer); 33 1/3 (Theatre Aquarius, Workshop); Prison Dancer (Copyist); Maudie (Copyist); Kiss Me, Kate (TIFT); Songs For A New World (Performer); Seussical the Musical (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: Filmed concert recordings: Lead With Your Heart (Juno Award); Under One Sky, The Tenors Fan Favourites Concert. Thanks to my devoted family Alma, Charlotte, Austin, Harper and Sally. Music is a vehicle for change. Play the record! Instagram @ddesouza, darryndesouza.com
Mark Laidman (Bass)
Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, Pirates of Penzance, Godspell, Legends of Rock & Roll, Hollywood Sings, Canadian Legends. Mark is a Junonominated bassist who has performed throughout North America, in 40 states and 10 provinces. In addition to five of the Drayton Entertainment theatres, he has performed at the Stratford Festival Theatre, Shaw Festival Theatre, Grand Theatre, Victoria Playhouse, and Imperial Theatre. On Season 1 of Canada’s Got Talent, he received the golden buzzer and was a finalist with his wife, Stacey Kay. Mark is currently the Director of Music at the University of Toronto Schools.
Richard Moore (Drums/Perscussion)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Kinky Boots, Holiday Inn, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia!. Other Theatre (selected): Wicked, Aladdin, Mean Girls, Ain’t Too Proud (Mirvish Productions, 2023/24). Richard’s musical background includes years of experience performing in musicals, symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and pop/rock bands. He serves on faculty at both York University and the Oscar Peterson School of Music at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. Richard is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 226.
David Myers (Keys II)
Drayton Entertainment (selected): Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Footloose, Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, White Christmas, Mamma Mia!, and numerous pantos. One of Toronto’s main audition pianists, David also taught at both Sheridan College and The Randolph Centre for over 20 years. 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.
Fred Smith (Guitar)
Drayton Entertainment: Ghost: The Musical, Footloose, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, Sorry...I’m Canadian. Film/TV: Dialogue Replacement (ADR) for House of Cards, Orphan Black, Umbrella Academy, Good Sam, Titans, Pretty Hard Cases, The Next Step, Son of a Critch, Ruby and the Wall, Essex County, Murdoch Mysteries, Catering Christmas, Four Days Before Christmas, Operation Nutcracker. Fred has been a versatile musician and singer for over 35 years, performing with artists including Del Shannon, Frankie Ford, Leslie Gore, The Drifters, Ben E. King, and The Supremes. Fred produces his own music, corporate voiceovers, commercial music, radio commercials, bands and singer-songwriters at Fred Smith Studio in Kitchener www.fredsmithstudio.com.
THE Authors
Stephen Elliott (Book)
Stephan Elliott is an Australian film director and screenwriter. His bestknown film internationally is The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). He began his career as an assistant director working in the boom of the Australian film industry of the 1980s. His first two feature films, Frauds and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert were produced by Rebel Penfold-Russell’s Australian production company Latent Image Productions. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was officially selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Prix du public as well as an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, among numerous other accolades. His film Easy Virtue, was written with co-writer Sheridan Jobbins, and is based on the Noël Coward play of the same name. It stars Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jessica Biel, and Ben Barnes. It was produced by Barnaby Thompson for Ealing Studios in the UK, and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 8, 2008. It has also screened in the Rio Film Festival, Rome Film Festival, and London Film Festival to great acclaim. His next film, A Few Best Men, starring Xavier Samuel and Olivia Newton-John, was released in 2012.
Allan Scott (Book)
Allan Scott is a Scottish screenwriter and producer nominated for BAFTA’s Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film and a Genie Award for his 1997 film Regeneration. He has won the Edgar Award (1976) and Writers’ Guild Award (1978). He was born in Elgin, Moray, and educated at Gordonstoun School and McGill University, Montreal, where he obtained a BA in English Literature. He was appointed a Governor of The British Film Institute in 1992 and served that Board for some six years. He is also a former Chairman of The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, thus perhaps the only person ever to chair a trades union and a Stock Exchange company at the same time. He was Executive Producer of the thriller Shallow Grave (1992). He also wrote and produced the BAFTA-nominated film, Regeneration (1997) as well as The Fourth Angel (2001). He has written or co-written more than a dozen films, including The Awakening (with Chris Bryant, 1980) and five films directed by Nicolas Roeg. Scott was co-writer and script consultant on the Norwegian film Kon-Tiki (2012) which was nominated for an Oscar in 2013 in the foreign language category.
SONG CREDITS
“It’s Raining Men” by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer/EMI and Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission.
“What’s Love Got To Do With It?” by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle/ Warner Chappell Music and Homall Bros Music Ltd/ Used with Permission.
“I Say A Little Prayer” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David/Universal Music and Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission.
“Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, Cary Grant Gilbert/ Warner Chappell Music/ Used with Permission.
“Venus” by Robert HJ Van Leeuwen/International Music Network o/b/o Big Mystique Music/Used with Permission.
“Go West” by Henri Belolo, Jacques Morali, Victor Willis/ Can’t Stop The Music/ Scorpio Music/ Used with Permission.
“The Locomotion’ by Gerry Goffin, Carole King/ EMI/ Used with Permission.
“Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Cathy Dennis, Rob Davis/Universal Music and EMI/ Used with Permission.
“I Love The Nightlife” by Alicia Bridges and Susan Hutcheson/ Sony/ Used with Permission.
“True Colors” by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly/ Sony/ Used with Permission.
“Color My World” by Tony Hatch/Sony/ Used with Permission.
‘’I Will Survive” by Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris/Universal Music /Used with Permission.
“Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Sommers/Cherry Lane Music/ Used with Permission.
“A Fine Romance” by Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kem/ Happy Aspen Music LLC o/b/o Aldi Music/ Used with Permission.
“Shake Your Groove Thing” by Freddie Perren, Dino Fekaris/ Universal Music /Used with Permission.
“Pop Muzik’” by Robin Scott/ Universal Music /Used with Permission.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Robert Hazard/Sony/Used with Permission.
“Hot Stuff” by Pete Bellotte, Keith Forsey, Harold Faltermeier/ Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission.
“MacArthur Park” by Jimmy Webb/Universal Music /Used with Permission.
“Boogie Wonderland” by Willis, Lind/Universal Music, EMI and International Music Network o/b/o Big Mystique Music/Used with Permission.
“The Morning After’” by Joel Hirschhorn, Al Kasha/ Warner Chappell Music/Used with Permission.
“Always On My Mind’” by Johnny Christopher, Mark James and Wayne Carson Thompson/EMI Used with Permission.
“Confide In Me” by Steve Anderson, Dave Seaman, Owain Barton/Universal Music/ Used with Permission.
“Come Into My World’’ by Cathy Dennis, Rob Davis Universal Music/ Used with Permission.
“Spinning Around” by lra Schickman, Osbourne Bingham, Kara Dioguardi/ EMI/ Used with Permission.
“We Belong’” by David Lowen, Daniel Navarro/ EMI/ Used with Permission.
“Finally Medley” by Cecilia Peniston, Elbert Lee Linnear, Rodney K. Jackson, Felipe Delgado/ Universal Music/ Used with Permission.
