hamilton family theatre cambridge october 18 to november 5, 2023
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 Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge is situated on territory that is within the Haldimand Tract; we recognize its longstanding stewards and earliest storytellers: The Anishinabek The Attiwonderonk (Neutral) The Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations of the Grand River
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
The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime 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
Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Dray Entertainment’s 2023 Season. DOUG FORD
Premier One of the many things that makes Ontario great is our vibran Ontario scene. We’re home to outstanding artists, and we are a destin Warm greetings and welcome to everyone taking part in Drayton those who appreciate world-class theatre, opera, musical perf Entertainment’s 2023 Season. 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, Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the musical performances and the allied arts. country’s most successful theatre companies. I want to comm Over the years, Drayton Entertainment has become one of the professionals have lent their skillstoand talent the amazing country’s most successful who theatre companies. I want commend all the amazing professionals have lent theirhelped skills productions over the years. Knowwho that you have build and talents to the productions over the years. Know that you communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene. have helped build great communities and energized Ontario’s cultural scene. Best wishesforfor another successful Best wishes another successful season.season.
Doug Ford Doug Ford Premier Premier of Ontario
BRYAN MAY MP
Cambridge
Live theatre is a hallmark of vibrant communities, and I trust that you will enjoy today’s performance. I know the hard work required to produce these productions and the effort and talent that goes into entertaining the audience. I congratulate Drayton Entertainment on another successful season and their ongoing contributions to Cambridge’s exciting arts community. Whether you’re a regular theatregoer or this is your first time, I encourage you to bring your friends and family, and plan an evening of theatre, food, fun, and sightseeing in Cambridge. Enjoy the show!
Bryan May, MP Cambridge
JAN LIGGETT Mayor
Cambridge
Hello, and welcome to another fabulous show at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge! City Council and the community of Cambridge are thrilled to be back and excited for you to enjoy this upcoming season. Live theatre is a medium unlike any other, providing human connection in an increasingly virtual world, lifting our spirits with each unique performance. Drayton Entertainment is a shining example of how fostering volunteerism and community involvement serves to unify and captivate audiences of all varieties. Cambridge is proud to be home to such a world-class, talented organization. As Cambridge celebrates its 50th Anniversary, please get out and enjoy everything our dynamic city has to offer and check our community calendar for special Cambridge 50th events. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
Jan Liggett, Mayor City of Cambridge
welcome from the board chair On behalf of our volunteer Board of Directors, as incoming Chair 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, our devoted audience. We simply could not offer this array of professional productions and educational programs if it were not for your ongoing support. Whether you are joining us from close by or far away, for the first time, or for the umpteenth year, thank you for supporting our not-for-profit charitable arts organization, and welcome. We look forward to entertaining you.
Willy Heffner Chair Board of Directors
Drayton Entertainment Board of Directors Chair Willy Heffner Vice-Chair Past Chair Member-At-Large Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair Tony Mohr Patricia Ziegler-Ignor Ab Hesselink Everton Wilmot Neil Aitchison Greg Durocher Brent Ravelle
Directors Bryan Beattie John C. Green Bruce Schieck Secretary/Treasurer Bob Bignell
Brad Carr Cheryl James
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
thank you to our sponsors! Season Media Sponsor
Season Sponsor
Production Sponsor
Design Sponsors Media Sponsors
musical numbers Act One A Cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952..................................................................................Crowd Requiem for Evita................................................................................................................... Chorus Oh What a Circus....................................................................................................... Che and Crowd On This Night of a Thousand Stars.......................................................................................Magaldi Eva and Magaldi/Eva, Beware of the City......................................Eva, Magaldi, Che, Evita’s Family Buenos Aires............................................................................................................ Eva, Che, Crowd Goodnight and Thank You........................................................................ Che, Eva, Magaldi, Lovers The Lady’s Got Potential.............................................................................................................. Che The Art of the Possible..................................................................................... Peron, Generals, Eva Charity Concert......................................................................................... Peron, Che, Magaldi, Eva I’d Be Surprisingly Good for You....................................................................................... Eva, Peron Hello and Goodbye...................................................................................................................... Eva Another Suicase in Another Hall......................................................Peron’s Mistress, Men’s Chorus Peron’s Latest Flame........................................................................... Che, Aristocrats, Soldiers, Eva A New Argentina.......................................................................................... Eva, Che, Peron, Crowd
Act Two
On the Balcony of the Casa Rosada......................................................................Peron, Che, Crowd Don’t Cry for Me Argentina......................................................................................................... Eva High Flying, Adored..............................................................................................................Che, Eva Rainbow High............................................................................................................... Eva, Dressers Rainbow Tour....................................................................................................Peron, Advisers, Che The Actress Hasn’t Learned the Lines (You’d Like to Hear)............................... Eva, Aristocrats, Che And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)....................................................................... Che, Crowd Santa Evita............................................................................................................... Children, Chorus A Waltz for Eva and Che.......................................................................................................Eva, Che You Must Love Me....................................................................................................................... Eva She Is a Diamond...................................................................................................................... Peron Dice Are Rolling/Eva’s Sonnet........................................................................................... Peron, Eva Eva’s Final Broadcast............................................................................................................Eva, Che Montage....................................................................................... Eva, Che, Peron, Magaldi, Chorus Lament.............................................................................................................Eva, Embalmers, Che
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Originally directed by Harold Prince Director & Choreographer Michael Lichtefeld Music Director Bob Foster Set Designer Sean Mulcahy
Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser
Costumes Designed By: Robert Fletcher & Vincent Scassellati
Costumes Provided By: The Kansas City Costume Company
Stage Manager Paul Pembleton
Assistant Stage Manager Stephanie Bignell
Assistant Stage Manager Paula Stewart
The Company (in alphabetical order)
Robert Ball Evan Taylor Benyacar Darren Burkett Mariah Campos Vanessa Cobham Jarret Cody Eric Craig Alyssa Curto
Ryan Desaulnier Robyn Esson Jordan Goodridge Alexandra Grant Rose-Mary Harbans Jasmine Huang Dani Jazzar Chad McFadden
Emily Robertson Berkley Silverman Nico Solarte Curtis Sullivan Aaron Walpole Blythe Wilson
EVITA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: HTTPS://CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM/RESOURCES/PROTECTING-ARTISTS
the company (in alphabetical order)
Robert Ball (Magaldi/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other Theatre: Treemonisha (Luminato Festival/TO Live, St Lawrence Centre); Chicago (Stratford Festival); The Soul of Motown (Stage West); A Little Black Lie (Tarragon Theatre); Songs for a New World (Chestnut Street Playhouse); various revue shows (Royal Caribbean Productions); Voodoo (Harlem Opera Theatre); Funkentine Rapture (vocal director, CUNY College). Film/TV: Christmas on 5th Ave (Principal); Cuckoo (Lead, short); A Little White Lie (Lead, short); Fatal Attraction (Principal, TVOne). Concerts: Freedom Cabaret, Up Close and Musical (Stratford Festival); ‘FNL’ (The ROM); Beaches Jazz Festival; Capital Pride DC; Brooklyn Pride; Toronto Pride; Jamaica Pride. @RobertBallMusic
Evan Taylor Benyacar (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Rolf in The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other Theatre (selected): Drew understudy in Rock of Ages (More Entertainment/Elgin Theatre); Pepper in Mamma Mia! (Mayfield); Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (Stage West); three seasons at the Charlottetown Festival; Singer/Dancer (Celebrity Cruises); Tunny in American Idiot (LOT); Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal (Theatre Aurora). Film/TV: The Boys (Idaho Productions); Stunts in One In the Chamber (Ilan Rosenberg/Chimera X); Hotel Paranormal (Saloon Media); Fear Thy Neighbor (Bad Move 7 Productions). Big thanks to my family, to 10 Talent, and big love to Ashley. Insta/TikTok: @evantaylorbenyacar, Twitter: @ImEvanTaylor
Darren Burkett (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Willie in Ghost: The Musical, Chino in West Side Story, Monsieur D’Arque in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Other Theatre: Matilda (national tour/Mirvish); Kinky Boots, Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, White Christmas, Gypsy (Arts Club); The Buddy Holly Story (Globe/CTF); Mary Poppins (WCT/Arts Club); The Pirates of Penzance (TIP); Angelina Ballerina (international tour); Rock Legends, Delicious Lies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma! (CTF); The Wizard of Oz, A Year With Frog and Toad (Jessie Award winner), Seussical (Carousel). Many thanks to the gang at TH, and as always, Hunter and his friends and family!
Mariah Campos (Eva Perón) Drayton Entertainment: Buddy, Jack and The Beanstalk: The Panto! Other Theatre: Peter’s Final Flight (Ross Petty Productions); Lil Red Robin Hood (Ross Petty Productions); Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius); The Music Man (Stratford Festival); A Christmas Carol (Ross Petty Productions); Rock Of Ages (Stage West Calgary). Film/TV: Take Note (Family Channel); Ginny & Georgia (Netflix); Backup Singer for Alessia Cara, MMVA’s (MTV). All the love to my beautiful family, Denise & Anthony Oucharek, Bob Foster, Michael Lichtefeld, my husband, Stefan and most importantly my sweet boy, Kato! This one is for you. Insta: @ry_campos
Vanessa Cobham (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tanya in Mamma Mia!, Tiara in Elf: The Musical, Linda McKenna in Rocky the Musical, Dynamite in Hairspray, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Michelle in Sister Act, South Pacific. Other Theatre: Apollo singer in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre Aquarius); Dreamgirls (MTC Theatre); June in Chicago (Neptune Theatre); Disney’s The Lion King (Mirvish). Film/TV: Sandra/B-line dancer in The Porter (BET/ CBC); The Boys (Amazon Prime); Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC); Grand Army (Netflix); Madame C.J. Walker (Netflix); Man Seeking Woman (FXX); Gretl in The Pacifier (Disney Pictures); Heroes Reborn (NBC). I would like to thank my family and Drayton Entertainment. Instagram: @vanessacobham
Jarret Cody (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: The Prom. Other Theatre: Shrek (TUTS); Crazy For You (The Gateway); Twist & Shout and Footloose (Chemainus Theatre); Disney’s Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia! (Arts Clubs); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre); Disney’s Mary Poppins (YPT); The Tempest (Citadel); Chicago (Globe); Mamma Mia! (StageWest). Jarret is also an accomplished dance instructor and choreographer and loves nothing more than to share his passion for movement and storytelling. He sends love and gratitude to everyone at da Costa Talent; his friends and family; his sister, mother, and father; and Joey. @jarretcody
Eric Craig (Juan Perón) Drayton Entertainment: The Prom. Other Theatre: Paradise Square (Original Broadway Cast); Matilda (1st National Tour/Toronto Company); Sunday in the Park with George (Eclipse Theatre); Boeing Boeing (Magnus); Intimate Apparel (WJT); The Secret Garden (Theatre Calgary); Fun Home, Pride and Prejudice, Les Miserables (Arts Club); Hamlet (SLSF); Fiddler on the Roof, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Stage West); The Hobbit (Grand Theatre); The Last Five Years (Angelwalk); Edges, Retold (Musical Stage). TV/Film: The Handmaid’s Tale, Workin’ Moms, Good Witch, Reign, 12 Monkeys, Murdoch Mysteries, and voice work on Cyberchase, Peg+Cat and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Most importantly he’s a proud husband and a new dad.
Alyssa Curto (Ensemble/Understudy Eva Perón) Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, The Prom, Featured Soloist in Back Home for the Holidays. Other Theatre (selected): Featured Soloist in One Hit Wonders (Stage West); Mina in Dracula (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia); Magenta in Rocky Horror Dinner Show, Dusty Springfield in Forever Dusty, Tina in Motherhood: the Musical (The Medley); Erzulie in Once on this Island, Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Lower Ossington Theatre); Rizzo in Grease (Theatre Aquarius). Operatic Credits (selected): Carmen in Carmen (Ottawa Opera); Iphigenia in Intuition of Iphigenia (LA Opera). Alyssa is ecstatic to be back at Drayton Entertainment for Evita! @alyssa_cee
Ryan Desaulnier (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Equus, The Boyfriend, The Winter’s Tale, Camelot, Coriolanus, Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Gondoliers, Man of La Mancha (Stratford Festival); Australian credits: Man of La Mancha (Gordon/Frost Productions), The Importance of Being Ernest, Evie and the Birdman. Film/TV: Counterstrike, The Instructional Guide to Dating, How to Die Alone, The Juno Awards, Due South, Foolish Heart. Ryan also worked with The Wiggles for six years, appearing in numerous TV series, CD recordings and live shows all around the world. Ryan is thrilled to be returning to Canadian theatre after 22 years living in Australia! ryandesaulniermusic.godaddysites.com
Robyn Esson (Tango Dancer/Ensemble)* Drayton Entertainment: The Prom, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other Theatre: The Last Five Years (1890 Junction); Disney’s Beauty and The Beast, Mary Poppins (Capitol Theatre); Elf The Musical, Grease (Hazy Grape); Chicago, Spring Awakening (Ghostlight). Production Shows: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Tokyo Disneyland. Robyn is thrill to be back with Drayton Entertainment for her third show this season! Love always to Mom, Dad and Matt. “Don’t quit your daydream!” You can follow along with Robyn’s journey on IG @RobynEsson. *Dance Captain
Jordan Goodridge (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Music Man. Other Theatre: Chicago (Stratford Festival); Jersey Boys (Citadel Theatre); In Studio with Britta Johnson (Theatre Sheridan); Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Oliver (Theatre Norfolk). Training: Sheridan College Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre (ongoing). Awards: Stratford Festival – Tyrone Guthrie Award, Sheridan College – Dance Award, Vocal Music Award. BIG thank you to the awesome team at TH, my family, and friends for their constant support. Love to Jada, Dad, Diggs, and Timothy.
Alexandra Grant (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): Lead Vocalist with Oceania Cruises, Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line; Killing Time Workshop (Mixtape Projects, Dora Award Nomination for Outstanding New Musical); Moll: A New Canadian Musical (Randolph College); Teen Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Wednesday in The Addams Family (The Grand Theatre). Alexandra is a graduate and Triple Threat Award winner of Randolph College for the Performing Arts. She also lends her voice to the world of voiceover. Big love and thank yous to all her friends and fam, especially Mama, Ella, Billy and Cathy at Catalyst. This one’s for you Daddio. @alyxgrant
Rose-Mary Harbans (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Treemonisha (Volcano Theatre); Dixon Road (Musical Stage Company); After Midnight (Norwegian Cruise Line); Brown Eyes (Talk is Free Theatre); Waves|Vagues, Kira, The Path|La Voie (Lua Shayenne Dance Company); Zayo (Esie Mensah). Film/ TV: New Monuments (CBC). To my loving and supportive parents, family and friends, I love you so much!
Jasmine Huang (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages. Other Theatre: The Music Man (Thousand Islands Playhouse); re:motions (Gotham Dance Theater); Matilda (Lower Ossington Theatre); Butterfly (Alumnae Theatre). Film/ TV: Kendrick Lamar Tour Promo Video (UBS Arena); Venus and Adonis (Toronto Fringe); Mrs. America (FX). To all the kids who look like me, dream big. You can do it. To my family, friends, and mentors, thank you infinitely for your love and support. @jasminehuang__
Dani Jazzar (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Pirates of Penzance, Man of La Mancha, Rocky: The Musical, 9 to 5 The Musical. Other Theatre includes: Bernardo in West Side Story (Citadel, Calgary theatre, Van Opera, Drayton); Spamalot, Legally Blonde (Drayton/Aquarius); Bend it Like Beckham (Starvox); Rock Of Ages (Mayfield/Drayton); Monsoon Wedding (Berkley); Cabaret (Aquarius); several seasons with Ross Petty Prod. Film/TV includes: Queen Tut, The Boys, Private Eyes, Star Trek, Handmaid’s Tale, Taken, The Strain, Nikita, American Gods, What We Do in the Shadows, Designated Survivor, Traitor, and more. Dani is also a trained intimacy professional. Love to Chris, Eddie & Leo.
Chad McFadden (Tango Dancer/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (North American tour); The Little Mermaid, White Christmas, Valentine in Mary Poppins, Big Band Legends, Annie, Bob Enright in 9 to 5, Dance Legends, Harry Beaton in Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, Peter Pan, Robin Hood, Me and My Girl. Other Theatre: 11 seasons at the Stratford Festival – most recently: Fred Casely in Chicago, Siegfried (COC); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity (Stage West); Beauty and the Beast, Legends (Grand); Guys and Dolls (Citadel, Theatre Calgary, MTC); Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown); Broadway Encore! (Tokyo Disneyland). Current Endeavours: Just Short of Reality (Co-Creator); view on STRATFEST@ HOME. @chad910
Emily Robertson (Mistress/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 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 The Musical, 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. Emily is thrilled to be back at the HFT, and she sends all her love to her forever supportive friends, her family, her agent, and to Kent & Judy!
Berkley Silverman (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: The Prom (Shelby). Other Theatre: Drama 101 (TO Fringe Festival); Innocence Lost: The Story of Steven Truscott (Soulpepper); The Hockey Sweater: The Musical (World Premiere – Segal Centre). Film/TV (selected): Murdoch Mysteries (CBC/UKTV); Abducted on Prom Night (Lifetime); Workin Moms’ (CBC); Everest in Paw Patrol (Nickelodeon). Thanks to Rosalind Mills, CharActors Theatre Troupe, Bravo Academy, my NY team (Jared, Whitney, Kurt, Donna, and Angela), Steven Yaffee, The Dance Zone, my agents at AMI Artist Management Inc, Stagecoach Ent., and my family and friends. Special thanks to Alex, David, and the entire team for welcoming me into the Drayton Family. Instagram: @berkleysilverman
Nico Solarte (Che) Drayton Entertainment: Ja’Keith in Rock of Ages, Ritchie Valens in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Other Theatre: Willie Lopez in Ghost The Musical (Starvox); Bobby Dupree in the Australian premiere of Memphis The Musical (StageArt); Centéno in Cacao: A Venezuelan Lament (Victoria Mata Productions/Aluna Theatre); Angel understudy in Rent (Chapel off Chapel); Parade (Lincoln Centre/MCP). Nico is a Colombian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and the founder of Existt SoulCare, a QBIPOC artist-driven creative wellness collective. Esta actuación va dedicada como un homenaje al amor duradero y al valorado legado de Libardo Solarte. IG: @nico.sol.arte
Curtis Sullivan (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Carousel, The Secret Garden, Man of La Mancha, How to Succeed …, Oliver, Anything Goes. Other Theatre: Passion (CanStage); The Gondoliers, Sound of Music, Carousel (Stratford Festival); Beauty & the Beast, Sound of Music (Capitol Theatre, NB); The Music Man, Guys & Dolls (Capitol Theatre, Port Hope); Persee, Armide (Royal Opera Versailles); Pirates of Penzance, Student Prince, My Fair Lady, Countess Maritza, Lady in the Dark, Knickerbocker Holiday (Toronto Operetta Theatre); Don Giovanni, La Boheme (Calgary Opera); Carmen, Peter Grimes, Pirates of Penzance (Vancouver Opera); Dido & Aeneas (Singapore Arts Festival); Armide (Glimmerglass Festival); The Merry Widow (San Francisco Opera).
Aaron Walpole (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Lonny in Rock of Ages, Rocky: The Musical, Man Of La Mancha, The Drowsy Chaperone, West Side Story, You’ll Get Used To It: The War Show. Other Theatre (selected): Les Miserables (Broadway/Toronto/Tour); Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway/ Japan/Stratford Festival): Kinky Boots (Tour/Japan); Camelot, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes (Stratford Festival). Aaron has also appeared in many film and TV productions over the years and has a self-titled album through Sony/BMG Canada. Enjoy the show!
Blythe Wilson (Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, The Prom, The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia!, All Shook Up. Other Theatre: Mary Poppins (Broadway/US Tour); Sound of Music, Mamma Mia!, Man of La Mancha (Mirvish); Billy Elliot, Guys and Dolls, Music Man, Oliver, Oklahoma (Stratford Festival); Home for the Holidays, A Christmas Carol (Grand Theatre); The Three Musketeers (Chicago Shakespeare); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Connecticut Rep); Mystery of Edwin Drood, She Loves Me, Happy End (Shaw Festival); The Last Five Years (Canadian Stage); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond (Chicago Theatre); Evita, Mary Poppins (Theatre Calgary/Citadel). Film/TV: The Handmaid’s Tale (MGM).
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the children’s chorus red team
Left to Right: Lily Knell, Eamon Knell, Aelish Lewis, Sophie Binns, Chloe Armellini, Gabrielle Meadows-Helmer
blue team
Left to Right: Jack Griffioen, Kira Panda, Ariadne Deziel, Finn Cofell, Olivia Bell, Evonny Harker
the creative team Michael Lichtefeld (Director & Choreographer) Drayton Entertainment: directed/choreographed 11 musicals, including, ELF: The Musical, White Christmas, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Michael choreographed six Broadway Musicals including The Secret Garden, Sweeney Todd, Little Women and The Sound Of Music (revival), nine Off-Broadway Musicals, and nine seasons at the Stratford Festival. His shows have played all over the world from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe as well as the US and Canada. He has been nominated for The Drama Desk Award, three Outer Critic’s Circle Awards, and won the Independent Reviewers of New England Award.
Bob Foster (Music Director) Drayton Entertainment: Les Miserables, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, Dance Legends, Legends. Other Theatre: Come From Away (Mirvish) Wizard Of Oz (Mirvish), Billy Elliott (Mirvish), Rock Of Ages (Mirvish), Hairspray (Mirvish), Dirty Dancing, The Boys In The Photograph (Mirvish), Tell Tale Harbour, Maggie (CoComposer, Music Supervisor, Orchestrator). Bob is Music Director for the Charlottetown Festival. Bob spent years working with Jann Arden, co-writing songs such as “Good Mother”, “It Looks Like Rain” and “Give Me Back My Heart”, and opening up for Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Bob has been Music Director for Bjorn Again North America.
Sean Mulcahy (Set Designer) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, A Few Good Men, Blue Champagne. Other Theatre (selected): Costumes for Bend It Like Beckham: The Musical (Starvox); set for Gloria: A Life (HGJT/Obsidian). Awards: Guthrie and The Tom Patterson Award (Stratford Festival), 3 Merritt awards for Outstanding Design (Theatre Nova Scotia), Best Group Costume Design (PRIDE Toronto), Pauline McGibbon Award, shortlist (2011), Laureate of the prestigious Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award for Costume Design (OAC/OAF, 2020). Sean is a graduate and MFA candidate of York University, a member of the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE 659, and a design instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University. Special thanks to the team at The Talent House for their support. www.seanmulcahydesign.com
Kevin Fraser (Lighting Designer) Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Few Good Men, The Sound of Music, On Golden Pond, ELF: The Musical, The Miracle Worker, ‘ART’, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rocky: The Musical, 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); Treasure Island, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, Shakespeare In Love, A Little Night Music, Carousel (Stratford Festival). Kevin is a member of Associated Designers of Canada, and a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. Web: kevinfraserlighting.com
Paul Pembleton (Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Stage Manager for Rock of Ages, Beautiful: The Carole King Story, American Son, It Runs in the Family, A Few Good Men, ‘ART’, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Miracle Worker, 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), Harvey, On Golden Pond, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (U.S. National Tour). Other Theatre: Stage Manager for Alcestis (Theatre Erindale, UTM); They’re Found in Trees (Theatre Orangeville); 1812 (The Foster Festival); Suds: The Musical (Carousel Playhouse).
october 26 to november 12 at the st. jacobs country playhouse
Stephanie Bignell (Assistant Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment: Rock of Ages, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Fiddler on the Loose, Annie, Rocky: The Musical, Holiday Inn, Sexy Laundry. Other Theatre: Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius). Stephanie is thrilled to be returning for another season with Drayton Entertainment! She is grateful to be able to continue to pursue her passion for theatre and to share joy and laughter. She would like to thank her loving family and friends for all of their support. A special thank you to Ryan for his unconditional love, and to his shoulder, for always being there to lean on. Enjoy the show!
Paula Stewart (Assistant Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment: Stage Manager for Perfect Wedding, Shear Madness, Jonas and Barry in the Home, Assistant Stage Manager for One for the Pot, Anything Goes, The Sound of Music, Bedtime Stories. Other Theatre: Stage Manager for Rules of Playing Risk, Too Close to Home, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Boys Girls and Other Mythological Creatures (Theatre Orangeville); Henry and Alice into the Wild, Heat Wave, Murder at the Inn at the Harbour, Skin Flick (Bluewater Playhouse). Paula is a graduate of the Ryerson University theatre program. M’eudail, tapadh leat. Enjoy the show!
Alex Mustakas (Artistic Director) Drayton Entertainment: Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada, including Rock of Ages, The Crooner, We’ll Meet Again, It Runs in the Family, Sorry, I’m Canadian 2, You’ll Get Used To It! ... The War Show, Rocky: The Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, 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 and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the Maggie Bassett Award from Theatre Ontario, and the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal.
the authors Tim Rice (Lyrics) Tim Rice has worked in music, theatre, and films since 1965 when he met Andrew Lloyd Webber, a fellow struggling songwriter. Rather than pursue Tim’s ambitions to write rock or pop songs they turned their attention to Andrew’s obsession – musical theatre. Their first collaboration was based on the life of Dr. Thomas Barnardo, the Victorian philanthropist, The Likes of Us. Their next three works together were much more successful – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. Tim has since worked with other distinguished popular composers such as Elton John (The Lion King, Aida), Alan Menken (Aladdin, King David, Beauty and the Beast), Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Chess), and Stuart Brayson (From Here to Eternity). He has also written with Freddie Mercury, Burt Bacharach and Rick Wakeman among others. Tim founded his own cricket team in 1973, which has now played over 750 matches, and was president of MCC, founded in 1789, in 2002. He crops up here and there in all branches of the media, drawing on his extensive knowledge of the history of popular music. As an EGOT, he is one of only 17 people in the world to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award, was knighted by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1994, and is the proud owner of a boxer dog and two dozen chickens.
Andrew Lloyd Webber (Music) Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to Cinderella (2021), his work has been consistently seen on world stages. Before the COVID pandemic hit, Lloyd Webber had shows continually running in the West End for 48 years and on Broadway for 41. When Sunset Boulevard joined School Of Rock, CATS and The Phantom Of the Opera, he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards. Lloyd Webber owns seven London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Over the past three years the latter has been completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings has meant that considerable work has been undertaken across his theatre portfolio during the pandemic, including the complete remodelling and reseating of the Gillian Lynne. Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre. Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997. To mark his 70th birthday, his bestselling autobiography Unmasked was published by Harper Collins in March 2018.
the band Bob Foster (Music Director/Piano) Drayton Entertainment: Les Miserables, Legally Blonde: The Musical, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, Dance Legends, Legends. Other Theatre: Come From Away (Mirvish), Wizard Of Oz (Mirvish), Billy Elliott (Mirvish), Rock Of Ages (Mirvish), Hairspray (Mirvish) Dirty Dancing, The Boys In The Photograph (Mirvish), Tell Tale Harbour, Maggie (CoComposer, Music Supervisor, Orchestrator). Bob is Music Director for the Charlottetown Festival. Bob spent years working with Jann Arden, co-writing songs such as “Good Mother”, “It Looks Like Rain” and “Give Me Back My Heart”, and opening up for Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Bob has been Music Director for Bjorn Again North America.
Peter Bleakney (Bass) Drayton Entertainment: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Kinky Boots, Disney’s Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Wizard of Oz, Footloose The Musical, 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.
Olivia Esther (French Horn) Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music. Other Theatre: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anastasia, The King and I, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Mirvish); Sousatzka (LivEnt), Les Miserables, The Secret Garden (Podium Concerts). Other: Olivia is a sought after soloist, orchestral and recording musician in Canada. She has performed with many of Canada’s finest ensembles (COC, National Ballet, Winnipeg Symphony, Symphony Nova Scotia) and internationallyesteemed artists, such as Barbra Streisand, Adele and Herbie Hancock. She has recorded for CBC, CTV, Naxos and countless independent labels. Olivia is thrilled to be a part of bringing the beautiful, timeless Evita to Drayton Entertainment audiences this fall!
Lounge pre-order Skip the line and pre-order your treats for intermission. We’ve got a variety of snacks and beverages including smooth and delicious premium ice cream!
Howard Gaul (Drums/Percussion) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Rock of Ages, Annie, Ghost The Musical, Rocky: The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, 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, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (North American Tour). Other Theatre: Ring of Fire, Mamma Mia, Dance Legends (Grand); 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!
Michael Lerner (Keys II) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Annie, Rocky: The Musical, Rock of Ages, Footloose. Other Theatre (selected): Stage West, Ross Petty Productions, and The Mirvish’s. TV/Film: Michael has scored for Vision TV, CMT and others. Education: Royal Conservatory, Humber College. Michael has been playing, writing and teaching music professionally for over 30 years. He has also been a producer for theatre and original artists. Michael is also a passionate educator; along with private coaching, he has taught in many Ontario colleges and high schools, including Sheridan, Randolph, and George Brown. Michael lives in Toronto with his greatest creation, his son Gabriel. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit: musicbymichael.ca
Paul Mitchell (Trumpet) Drayton Entertainment: Holiday Inn, Elf, Drowsy Chaperone, Little Mermaid, Anything Goes. Other Theatre: Many venues across the northern U.S. and Ontario including tribute shows, such as The Rat Pack, Elton John Meets Billy Joel, Blues Brothers, Steely Dan. He has played with pop R&B groups Kool and the Gang, The O’Jays, Frankie Valli, Glass Tiger and Dean Brody. Film/TV: Hemingway vs. Callaghan (CBC/Shaftsbury). Paul is featured regularly at The Jazz Room in Uptown Waterloo, and performs with many of the top R&B and wedding bands in the GTA. He considers himself to be fortunate to be surrounded by many of Canada’s most talented musicians.
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
King’s Wharf 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.
Huronia Historical Parks Penetanguishene Tourist Information Centre Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Tiny & Tay Townships The Town of Penetanguishene The Town of Midland
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
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
Drayton Entertainment gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Region of Waterloo
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.
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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
• Fundraisers • Day Trips • Seniors Groups • Red Hat Society • Community Clubs • and more!
CONFERENCE & MEETING SPACE 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 ADMINISTRATION Artistic Director & CEO.......................................................................................................................................... Alex Mustakas Executive Director.................................................................................................................................................Steven Karcher Associate Artistic Director/Youth Academy Director of Education....................................................................... David Connolly Director of Finance............................................................................................................................................. Siobhan Lovejoy Director of Human Resources & Artistic Administration......................................................................................... Natasha Hopf Director of Marketing & Development.............................................................................................................. Jonathan Randall Director of Audience Services................................................................................................................................. Ellen Berwick Director of Facilities....................................................................................................................................................... Alan Card Group, Events & Rentals Manager......................................................................................................................... Karen De iuliis Audience Services Manager.........................................................................................................................................Gary Good Marketing & Development Associates............................................................Lindsay Bellaire, Nigel Gordijk, Jenni Grandfield, Samareh Jones, Ria Moody Youth Academy Administrative Director................................................................................................................ Randi Perriam Accounting Clerk..............................................................................................................................................Joanne Labrecque Artistic Administrative Assistant......................................................................................................................... Stephanie Reeve PRODUCTION Director of Production.............................................................................................................................................. Dave Horner Production Coordinator................................................................................................................................. Jeff JohnstonCollins Technical Directors.................................................................................................................................................... Lyle Franklin Head of Construction ............................................................................................................................................. Robert Clarke Assistant Head of Construction.................................................................................................................................. Jenna Barry Lead Carpenter.................................................................................................................................................... Lindsey Woelfle Carpenters............................................................................................John Bigelow, Paul Briggs, John Graham, Austin Wilson House Technicians..................................................................................................................... Glenn Beckner, Richard McLeod Production Administrator.............................................................................................................................................Caitlyn Hill Building Services/Production Technician..................................................................................................................John Bigelow Flys........................................................................................................................................................................ Glenn Beckner Running Crew..................................................................................................Daija Clement-Day, El D’Almada, Natalie Payette Follow Spot Operators.................................................................................................. Amelia Castromayor, Abbey MacDonald Child Supervisor....................................................................................................................................................... Sevile Schyer WARDROBE Head of Wardrobe................................................................................................................................................ Jenine Kroeplin Assistant Head of Wardrobe............................................................................................................................ Jessica Pembleton Costume Assistant....................................................................................................................................................... Joanna Lee Cutter.............................................................................................................................................................. Anna Farquharson Stitchers........................................................................................ Nicole Del Cul, MollyFortier, June Gunn, Sarah Hunsberger, Amanda Kennedy, Heather McKenzie, Joanna Lee, Yoolim Ra Wardrobe Maintenance................................................................................................................................... Amanda Kennedy Dressers.............................................................................................................. Molly Fortier, Sarah Hunsberger, Janine Oblak Wig Stylists....................................................................................................................................... Heather Calvert, June Gunn AUDIO Head of Audio . .................................................................................................................................................... Allan McMillan Audio Operator . ...................................................................................................................................................... Matt Ballagh PROPS Head of Props........................................................................................................................................................... Kat Theriault Props Assistant.......................................................................................................................................................... Josiah Bosse SCENIC PAINT Senior Scenic Painters........................................................................................................Frank Crickmore, Kristen McCormick Junior Scenic Painters......................................................................................... Steven Catania, Janine Oblak, Tanner VanVliet BOX OFFICE (Acting) Box Office Manager....................................................................................................................................Laurie Castro Box Office Supervisor...........................................................................................................................................Paige Corriveau Box Office Staff.................................................. Aly Hill, Lyne Lemaire-Harnack, Amanda Howe, Zoha Kan, Kayden McKeown FACILITY (Hamilton Family Theatre) Facility Manager............................................................................................................................................Jenna DeGraaf House Manager...................................................................................................................................................Gary Good Bartender.................................................................................................................................. Brook Hill, Tristan Sabourin Custodian..................................................................................................................................................... Monique Bride
Spotlight on Sponsorship We are extremely proud of the partnerships that have been cultivated with the following significant contributors. Their support is greatly appreciated.
Season Media Sponsor
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Season Sponsor
The Carr Family Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Auditorium Naming Sponsor
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor
Huron Country Playhouse Auditorium Naming Sponsor
Visual Technology Sponsor High School Musical Program Sponsor
Young Apprenticeship Program Sponsor
Automotive Sponsor
Marketing Sponsor
Wine Sponsor
Premium Wine Sponsor
Beer Sponsor
Program Insert Sponsor
Travel Sponsor
Digital Consulting Sponsor
Set Relocation Sponsor
Rental Sponsor
Trailer Sponsor
Artistic Director Sponsor
CAMBRIDGE AUDIOLOGY
Drayton Festival Theatre
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
Huron Country Playhouse
Hearing Assist Sponsors
King’s Wharf Theatre
EXPERIENCE AMAZING VISIT HEFFNER LEXUS Proudly partnering with our community since 1960.
3131 King Street East Kitchener, ON, N2A 1B1 Phone: (519) 748-9668
www.heffner.ca
listowelchrysler.com
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
NETWORKING
WORK EXPERIENCE
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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Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS103629
119508 (01 /2019)
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Everybody Belongs Here A profoundly new and positive approach to performing and technical arts education. From musical theatre, improv, acting, and audition training, to technical theatre fun, show tune fitness, and more, there are tons of class options available. Follow us on Instagram:
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