hamilton family theatre cambridge november 29 to December 24, 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!
Alex Mustakas
Artistic Director
Artistic Director Sponsor
thank you to our sponsors! Season Media Sponsor
Season Sponsor
Production Sponsors
Design Sponsors
Media Sponsors
musical numbers Act One Prologue: Tradition............................................................................................... Tevye and Company Matchmaker, Matchmaker............................................................................ Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava If I Were a Rich Man.................................................................................................................... Tevye Sabbath Prayer................................................................................................ Tevye, Golde, Company To Life............................................................................... Tevye, Lazar Wolf, Russian soloist and Men Tevye’s Monologue...................................................................................................................... Tevye Miracle of Miracles......................................................................................................................Motel Tevye’s Dream............................. Tevye, Golde, Grandma Tzeitel, Rabbi, Fruma-Sarah and Company Sunrise, Sunset................................................................. Tevye, Golde, Perchik, Hodel and Company The Bottle Dance..............................................................................................................Instrumental
Act Two
Entr’acte............................................................................................................................... Orchestra Now I Have Everything............................................................................................ Perchik and Hodel Tevye’s Rebuttal........................................................................................................................... Tevye Do You Love Me?........................................................................................................ Tevye and Golde The Rumor/I Just Heard..........................................................................................Yente and Villagers Far From the Home I Love........................................................................................................... Hodel Chavaleh (Little Bird)................................................................................................................... Tevye Anatevka......................................................................................................................... The Company
Bottle Dance Choreography based on Jerome Robbins’ Original Choreography reproduced in part by Lisa Stevens
Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Book by Joseph Stein
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince
Original New York Stage Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerome Robbins Director & Choreographer Lisa Stevens Music Director Konrad Pluta Set Designer Douglas Paraschuk
Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser
Sound Designer Allan McMillan
Costume Coordinator Jenine Kroeplin Stage Manager Paul Pembleton
Assistant Stage Manager Stephanie Bignell
Assistant Stage Manager Frances Johnson
Associate Director/Choreographer Matthew Rossoff
The Company (in alphabetical order)
Neil Barclay Evan Taylor Benyacar Aurora Campbell Colleen Furlan Jordan Scott Goodridge Jesse Grandmont Timothy Harder Dani Jazzar Gabrielle Jones Quinley Kurczak
Tevya Kurczak Duff MacDonald Lyrie Murad Alex Mustakas Hadley Mustakas Kristen Peace Annie Ramos Nicholas Rice Shakeil Rollock Brad Rudy
Deana Scaesteanu Berkley Silverman Nico Solarte Éamon Stocks Theresa Tova Aaron Walpole Sandy Winsby Léah Zack Seth Zosky
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
a note from the director It was with a resounding “yes” that I accepted the role of Director and Choreographer for Fiddler on the Roof. The themes have been woven through my life since I was a child, having watched the movie several times as a youngster, performing the role of Chava in high school, and then choreographing it twice for different theatre companies. Each experience brought me closer to these characters, and this story, and as a result, I’m more aware of the lens through which I observe my surroundings and the people evolving through it. Art imitates life. The significance of Fiddler On The Roof is two-fold. The first relating to our leading man. Tevye is the father of five daughters, three of whom are at a marriageable age. He is a man of strong beliefs and tradition, and it is very hard for him to accept his children moving away from his values. He eventually bends, and does accept their “new ways” but at a cost. Many parents can relate to Tevye’s struggle, as anyone with children hopes that they will grow up observing their values. To love is to let go, with the conundrum being, to let go is to risk. The wider scope of this story relates to the Jewish community living in the village of Anatevka - the aspect of a minority culture trying to cope within a majority culture in which it lives. (The village is a fictitious one but in today’s world would fall just outside of Kyiv, Ukraine.) The Jewish people of Anatevka, like other suppressed minorities, were subject to abuse, subject to persecution, and subject to exile. This is something that is happening today to other minorities around the world where persecution endures. If this story were a fabric, I would hope that you, our audience, could find one common thread that, when woven together, would create a tapestry of compassion, empathy and kindness. Enjoy the show! Lisa Stevens
Director & Choreographer
the company (in alphabetical order)
Neil Barclay (Lazar Wolf) Drayton Entertainment: Twelve Angry Men. Other Theatre: Shaw Festival Ensemble since 1990, more than 70 productions including The Apple Cart, The Shadow of a Doubt, The Importance of Being Earnest, Too True To Be Good, Trouble in Mind, Charley’s Aunt, The Orchard (After Chekhov), Stage Kiss, Androcles and the Lion, Me and My Girl, Uncle Vanya, My Fair Lady, Maria Severa, After the Dance, Detective Story, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Peter Pan, Village Wooing, You Can’t Take It With You, Lulu, Ubu Rex, Misalliance; Fonda DeBehrs in The Gig (Theatre Aquarius) and productions with Persephone, Capitol, Grand, TNW, Geva Theatre Centre, ATP, Tarragon, Canadian Stage, NAC, TPM and TFT among others.
Evan Taylor Benyacar (Fyedka)* Drayton Entertainment: Rolf in The Sound of Music, Dan/Cabaret Dancer in Joseph, Evita. 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, three contracts as a Singer/Dancer (Celebrity Cruises). Film/TV: The Boys (Idaho Prod.); Stunts in One in the Chamber (ChimeraX Action); Hotel Paranormal (Saloon Media); Fear Thy Neighbor (Bad Move 7 Prod.). Evan is excited to soon be testing out his talent in London, UK. Love to my fam, 10 Talent, and Ashley. In memory of Michael Benyacar - This one is for you dad. @evantaylorbenyacar *Dance Captain
Aurora Campbell (Shprintze) Drayton Entertainment: Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other: Aurora has completed her Level 5A Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam and will be starting on pointe this year. Thank you to my friends and family for their love and encouragement. A special thanks to the Lofft family for their inspiration and support!
Colleen Furlan (Tzeitel) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: RENT, The Wizard of Oz, The Hockey Sweater, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Little Shop of Horrors, Shrek, Sister Act, Les Misérables, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins (Rainbow Stage); Alice In Wonderland (Bad Hats/Soulpepper/MTYP); Shopkins Live - North American Tour (KOBA); American Idiot (WST); Jazz Soloist (WJO/WSO); Fiddler on the Roof (RMTC). Film/TV: Wintertide, Polarized, Harland Manor, Seance, Top 4 on Over the Rainbow (CBC). Colleen holds a Dean’s Honour Roll Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Desautels Faculty of Music (U of M). Performances dedicated to Nick Cordero. Thank you Sarah! @colleenosaurus
Jordan Scott Goodridge (Nahum/Vladmir/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Evita, 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. 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, Diggs, and Timothy.
Jesse Grandmont (The Fiddler) Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler On The Loose, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Broadway Heroes. Jesse started playing the violin at the age of three and has been fiddling around ever since. His love of performing has taken him across the world as a fiddler, singer, musical director and arranger and Jesse is so excited to finish the 2023 season up on the Roof. Jesse thanks Lisa, Konrad, Alex and the entire Drayton team for this opportunity as well as his parents, Leah, and Maddy for their love and support. Keep fiddlin’ and enjoy the show! @jaizeviolinist
Timothy Harder (Reuben/Sasha/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Let’s Dance! (Terra Bruce Productions), The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), Ghost: The Musical (Starvox), Enchanting! (Theatre Sheridan). Timothy is an artist originally from Armstrong, British Columbia, and is currently in his final year in the Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program at Sheridan College. Timothy couldn’t be more thrilled to be making his Drayton debut performing in this beautiful piece alongside his partner and so many lovely folks. Many thanks to the entire Drayton and Fiddler teams, and all the love to his family, friends, and Jordan.
Dani Jazzar (Ezra/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Evita, Pirates of Penzance, Man of La Mancha, Rocky: The Musical, 9 to 5 The Musical. Other Theatre (selected): Bernardo in West Side Story (Edm Citadel, Theatre Calgary, 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 a trained intimacy professional. Love to Chris, Eddie & Leo. @danijazzar
Gabrielle Jones (Golde) Drayton Entertainment: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Elf: The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Miracle Worker, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Birds & the Bees, The Drowsy Chaperone, Harvest, The Ladies Foursome, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Sexy Laundry, The Crazy Time. Other Theatre: The Shaw Festival (14 seasons), The Stratford Festival (7 seasons), The Foster Festival, Theatre Calgary, Theatre Aquarius, Stage West, Capitol Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse. For Mirvish Productions: The Audience, Les Miserables (Toronto & 2nd National Tour), Mamma Mia! (Toronto & 1st. National U.S. Tour).
Quinley Kurczak (Bielke) Drayton Entertainment: Marta in The Sound of Music, Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other: Dancer (Dance Adventure). Thank you Drayton Entertainment for believing in me and for giving me this chance to be on stage again. I can’t wait to perform with this amazing cast and alongside my sister. Thank you, Tevya, Dad, and my whole family for your support and love. This show is for my mom, who made me feel special every day and always encouraged me to follow my dreams, like she did. I love you. I miss you.
Tevya Kurczak (Shprintze) Drayton Entertainment: Brigitta in The Sound of Music, Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ensemble in Annie. Other: Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web (Agnew/KWMP); Dancer (Dance Adventure). Thank you to the entire Drayton Entertainment community for this opportunity; I’m thrilled to share the stage with my sister and this amazing cast and crew. Thank you, Dad, Quinley, and my entire family for the love, support, and encouragement to follow my dreams. Mom, I love you and miss you. You showed me what it means to truly sparkle on stage. This show is dedicated to you.
Duff MacDonald (Mordcha/Grandma Tzeitel) Drayton Entertainment: Sorry I’m Canadian 2, Legends, My Fair Lady, Twist and Shout, Canadian Legends, Sorry I’m Canadian, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (North American Tour), Aladdin, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof. Other Theatre: Billy Elliot (Neptune/Halifax), Urinetown, Kamp (Neptune/Halifax), Once (RMTC/The Grand Theatre), A Christmas Story - The Musical (Arts Club), Drowsy Chaperone (Globe), Little Shop of Horrors (STC), The Foursome, Forever Plaid, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Godspell, Les Miserables (Original Canadian Cast/1st National Tour/Mirvish). Film/TV: The Duff Show (YouTube), Locke and Key (Netflix), Carter (CTV), Good Witch (Hallmark), Titans (Netflix), The Music Man (Disney), PBSKid’s Xavier Riddle and look for Duff in the lead role of Paul in the upcoming feature film Old Guys in Bed. Visit www.duffmacdonald.com
Lyrie Murad (Rifka/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Enchanting! (Theatre Sheridan), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (TUTS Vancouver), A Christmas Carol, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Diocesan Arts Movement), Tosca, Hansel & Gretel (Vancouver Opera). Stage Management: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Drayton Entertainment). Lyrie is in her final year in Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program, and is so excited to be getting a chance to work with the incredibly talented cast and crew of Fiddler on the Roof. A big thank you to her family and friends for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show! Instagram: @lyriemurad
Alex Mustakas (Tevye) Drayton Entertainment: Performer (selected): Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha, The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 To 5: The Musical, Captain Hook in Peter Pan: The Panto, Nick in Over The River and Through The Woods, and many more. Alex has directed over 100 productions for Drayton Entertainment and other theatre companies across Canada, including Rock of Ages, Rocky: The Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, Spamalot, Les Misérables, and more. 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 (Media & Entertainment), the Queen’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, and the Maggie Bassett Award from Theatre Ontario.
Hadley Mustakas (Hodel) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Kaylee in The Prom, Ali in Mamma Mia!, Jane in Mary Poppins, and Wendy in Peter Pan. Other Theatre (selected): The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Mamma Mia! (Tweed & Company); The Roaring Twenties (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia). Thank you to my family for their love and support, to my mom who helped me see my strength and taught me the value of kindness, and to my friends Lyrie and Tim who encourage me to be the best version of myself and make it easy to live every day with a smile.
Kristen Peace (Fruma-Sarah/Shaindel) Drayton Entertainment: Monty Python’s Spamalot, Rock of Ages, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde – the Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Other Theatre (selected): The Boys in the Photograph, Les Miserables, Kinky Boots, Come From Away (Mirvish), The Full Monty, Ring of Fire, Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), The Wedding Singer (Mayfield), Smokey Joe’s Café, British Invasion (Stage West), Legally Blonde, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Broadway Beauties, Beauty and the Beast, Kristen Peace Everything (Theatre Aquarius). Film/TV: Emma’s Wings, Satisfaction, Top Wing, Far Cry 5. Thank you to my friends and family for their ongoing love and support. @kripeace
Annie Ramos (Mirala/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment; second season. Sister Berthe in The Sound of Music. Other Theatre (selected): Mabel in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, Maria in West Side Story, Princess Tuptim in The King and I (Stratford Festival); Goddess Diana in Shakespeare’s Pericles; awardwinning Sanctuary Song (National Arts Centre); Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (Vancouver Arts Club), DORA Winner, R.U.R. A Torrent of Light (Tapestry Opera); Cosette in Les Misérables, Sister Berthe/Elsa Schraeder in Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Rosencrantz and Player Queen in Hamlet (The Shakespeare Company).
Nicholas Rice (Rabbi) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Little Shop of Horrors, It Runs In the Family, Twelve Angry Men, See How They Run, One For the Pot. Other Theatre: Caroline, Or Change (Musical Stage); The Tempest, Two Gentlemen of Verona (St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival); Indecent (Studio 180 / Mirvish); The Riot at Christie Pits (Hogtown); Angels In America, Bar Mitzvah Boy (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre); It’s a Wonderful Life (Theatre Aquarius and Sudbury Theatre Centre). Most Recent: Nicholas’s own highly successful one-man show, A Side of Rice, at Fringes in Ottawa, Saskatoon, and Halifax. Love always to Beth Anne and Neta. Dedicated to the memory of David Brummel and Doreen Brownstone.
Shakeil Rollock (Chaim/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Gypsy, A Grand Night for Singing, The Amen Corner (Shaw); Anne of Green Gables: The Musical, Tell Tale Harbour (Confederation Centre for the Arts); Mary Poppins, Elf The Musical (The Grand), Shades (Factory Theatre). Film/TV: Spin, Sneakerella (Disney+); Locke and Key, Grand Army (Netflix); American Gods (Amazon Prime). Training: The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, York University. This is truly a gift to be apart of a Drayton show this year! Instagram: @shakroll
Brad Rudy (Constable/Yussel)* Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music, Walter Hobbs in ELF, Juror #10 in Twelve Angry Men, Bob in Priscilla, 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.” *Fight Captain
Deana Scaesteanu (Bielke) Drayton Entertainment: Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other: Term 23 KW Glee, term 24 KW Glee, Kindermusik (7 years of piano and vocal lessons). I would always watch performers on stage and it has been my dream to be one of them. Thanks to Drayton, now I am. A big thank you to my family and friends for all their support and always believing in me. Drayton offered me this amazing opportunity, I will never forget it.
Berkley Silverman (Chava) Drayton Entertainment: Evita, Shelby in The Prom. Other Theatre: Drama 101 (TO Fringe); 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, Steven Yaffee, my NY team, 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. All my love to my incredible mom, who makes all of this possible. Instagram: @berkleysilverman
Nico Solarte (Motel) Drayton Entertainment: Ché in Evita, 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. IG: @nico.sol.arte
Éamon Stocks (Moishe/Boris/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Prom, Disney’s Newsies. Other Theatre: Billy Elliot The Musical (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), The Nutcracker (National Ballet of Canada). Film/TV: Gen V (Amazon), The Umbrella Academy (Netflix), The Next Step (Family). Éamon is currently in his final year of Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre. Thank you to my partner and family, as well as the good folx at The Talent House, for their support!
Theresa Tova (Yente) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Emma Goldman in Ragtime (Broadway Tour); Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, Lady Jane in Patience (Stratford Festival). Recognized by NOW Magazine as one the Top Ten Toronto theatre artists of 2017 for “two unforgettable mothers” in Tough Jews (Storefront) and The Jazz Singer (Harold Green). Mrs Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank (YPT) and Big Bryna in Still the Night (tour); Bella: The Colour of Love in Philadelphia, Warsaw, Belgium, Halifax, Toronto and New York. A Gemini and 2022 CSA nominated actor for her film and TV roles. A long serving ACTRA leader, Tova is a child advocate and effective spokesperson helping to build AACE, an association of respect based Acting coaches and Educators.
Aaron Walpole (Mendel/Russian Singer) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Evita, 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!
Sandy Winsby (Avram/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment: Kinky Boots, Disney’s Newsies, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Annie Get Your Gun, Pirates of Penzance, The Music Man. Other Theatre (selected): 45 years in “Show Biz,” performing across Canada, the US and in Germany; Jesus Christ Superstar, Ragtime (Broadway); Kinky Boots, Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, CATS (original Canadian productions), seasons at the Stratford, Shaw, and Charlottetown Festivals. Proud father and grandfather. Very happy to be “back on the boards.” Thank you Alex and Lisa, and thank you audience for supporting live theatre!
Léah Zack (Léah/Ensemble) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre: Richard III Script Development Workshop (Shakespeare in the Ruff). Film: Frogs (Shears Production Inc. & OPC.TV Inc.). Léah, pronounced like the princess from Star Wars, is a queer and Jewish artist from Vancouver Island. She is currently in her final year of Sheridan College’s Honours Bachelor of Musical Theatre Performance program. Léah would like to thank her family and friends, her mentors, Joanne Hounsell and Rebecca Poff, and the wonderful team at AMI for their love and support. She would also like to dedicate this show to her Zaidie, who she misses dearly. Instagram: @leah_zack.
Seth Zosky (Perchik) Drayton Entertainment debut. Other Theatre (selected): The Last Five Years (Blue Bridge Theatre), One Hit Wonders (Stage West), BLOCKED (TheatreWorksUSA), The Last Five Years, A Night On Jewish Broadway (Olive Branch), Cabaret (Theatre Sheridan), American Idiot, Let It Be (Stephenville Theatre Festival). Seth is a graduate of the Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College. He is part of CZN; a Pop/RnB trio singing group. Simon Cowell chose them as the winners of Canadian Family’s Got Talent. Seth is also signed as a songwriter/producer at 254Sound. Big thank you to his parents, family, close friends, and the TH team! @sethzosky
the creative team Lisa Stevens (Director & Choreographer) Drayton Entertainment: Rock Of Ages, West Side Story, Grease, Sister Act, Monty Python’s Spamalot. Other Theatre: Broadway/West End: Dolly Parton presents 9 TO 5 The Musical!. Off-West End: Anyone Can Whistle. Off-Broadway: Bingo! The Musical, Executive Decision. Regional: Escape To Margaritaville (Walnut St. Theatre); 9 TO 5 (US Tour, UK Tour, Australian, Korean companies); Disney’s High School Musical (US Tour, UK Tour, Australian, Japan, Spain companies); High School Musical 2 (US/UK Tours); Bombay Dreams (National Tour); Guys and Dolls, Grease (Axelrod Theatre); Broadway Bares “Parcheesi”, The Witches Of Eastwick (Ogunquit Theatre); The Little Prince, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre Calgary). Film: Dreaming Of A Jewish Christmas (Intl. Emmy Award Nom), Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 2, The Swinging Nutcracker. Follow me on Instagram! @lisa_l_stevens
Konrad Pluta (Music Director) Drayton Entertainment: Man of La Mancha, Million Dollar Quartet, Rock of Ages. Other Theatre: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Mamma Mia!, Spamalot, Avenue Q, Fiddler on the Roof, Young Frankenstein (Stage West Calgary); Napoleon, Moving Day (TIFT); A Matter of Heart (Charlottetown Festival); Death The Musical, Animal Farm (Neptune); Princess and Carnival Cruises. Recipient of the 2017 Greg Bond Memorial Award. Armed with a Masters in Classical Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory, Konrad has also arranged and produced for artists such as Tina Hartt, Ian Sherwood, Grant Tilly, J. Sean Elliott, Lee Siegel. Love to Tina, the boys and Liv.
* Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659
Douglas Paraschuk* (Set Designer) Drayton Entertainment (selected): American Son, The Music Man, South Pacific, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Dial M for Murder. Over 30 productions for the Stratford Festival. Director of Design and Associate Director for the UAE Golden Jubilee Celebration (2021) Expo, Dubai. Designer for Stephen Fry’s Mythos (Shaw Festival, Edinburgh Festival, English National Tour). Director of Design: Calgary Stampede Grandstand show (2014-23), 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics opening/medals/closing ceremonies, opening/closing ceremonies for the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. Doug has designed for television, theatre, film, and touring productions, and has created hundreds of productions in regional theatres across Canada, the United States and Europe.
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
Allan McMillan (Sound Designer) Al came to Drayton Entertainment as Head of Sound in 2013, and he has worked on audience favourites Evita, Rock of Ages, Drowsy Chaperone, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and Twist and Shout. In a previous life, he was with Stage West Mississauga, where he did both sound and lights for over 12 years. Al dedicates his work on this production to Samantha!
Jenine Kroeplin (Costume Coordinator) Drayton Entertainment (selected): A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Legends ... of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Sleuth, 9 to 5: The Musical, Robin Hood, Country Legends. Jenine is delighted to be back for her 15th season with Drayton Entertainment and her 14th season as the Head of Wardrobe. Jenine is a graduate of York University’s Technical Theatre Program where she specialized in costume and set design. She would like to acknowledge her family and friends for their constant support.
Paul Pembleton (Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment (selected): Stage Manager for Evita, 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, 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).
Stephanie Bignell (Assistant Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment: Evita, 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 its 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!
Frances Johnson (Assistant Stage Manager) Drayton Entertainment: 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).
Matthew Rossoff (Associate Director/Choreographer) Drayton Entertainment: Chicago, Holiday Inn, Guys and Dolls, and South Pacific. Director/Choreographer: Mean Girls, SpongeBob The Musical (Bravo Academy); My Hero and Broadway Under The Stars (Transcendence Theatre Company, CA). Selected Choreography: Something Rotten and The Lightning Thief (Bravo); Prom Queen (Associate, The Grand); High School Musical (Associate, Paper Mill Playhouse); NYE with Phish (Associate, MSG). Performance: Broadway (JCS/Dance Captain), Off-Broadway, National Tours (Fiddler with Topol), The Stratford Festival, and Theatre Rusticle (Dora nom). Matthew holds an MFA in Performance (York University), creator of @bodypresenceworkshop, on faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University, and is a Designated Kristin Linklater Voice Teacher. matthewrossoff.com
the band Konrad Pluta (Music Director/Piano) Drayton Entertainment: Man of La Mancha, Million Dollar Quartet, Rock of Ages. Other Theatre: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Mamma Mia!, Spamalot, Avenue Q, Fiddler on the Roof, Young Frankenstein (Stage West Calgary); Napoleon, Moving Day (TIFT); A Matter of Heart (Charlottetown Festival); Death The Musical, Animal Farm (Neptune); Princess and Carnival Cruises. Recipient of the 2017 Greg Bond Memorial Award. Armed with a Masters in Classical Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory, Konrad has also arranged and produced for artists such as Tina Hartt, Ian Sherwood, Grant Tilly, J. Sean Elliott, Lee Siegel. Love to Tina, the boys and Liv.
Jesse Grandmont (The Fiddler) Drayton Entertainment: Fiddler On The Loose, Good Ol’ Country Gospel, Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Broadway Heroes. Jesse started playing the violin at the age of three and has been fiddling around ever since. His love of performing has taken him across the world as a fiddler, singer, musical director and arranger and Jesse is so excited to finish the 2023 season up on the Roof. Jesse thanks Lisa, Konrad, Alex and the entire Drayton team for this opportunity as well as his parents, Leah, and Maddy for their love and support. Keep fiddlin’ and enjoy the show! @jaizeviolinist
Bob Hewus (Bass) Drayton Entertainment: Joseph…Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music, Canada 151, Lucky Stiff, Marathon of Hope: The Musical, Singin’ in the Rain, White Christmas, 42nd Street. Other Theatre: The Sound of Music, Crazy For You, Fiddler on the Roof (Stratford Festival), Ned Durango (Theatre Orangeville), Forever Plaid (New Yorker Theatre). Bob resides in the Hockley Valley with his lovely wife, choreographer Candace Jennings, and too many dogs. He is very happy to be returning to work with the talented people at Drayton Entertainment.
Peter Hysen (Trombone) Drayton Entertainment: Holiday Inn, West Side Story, The Drowsy Chaperone, Anything Goes, The Music Man, Chicago, Big Band Legends, How to Succeed…. Peter Hysen is a freelance musician and arranger. He leads many of his own ensembles and has performed and recorded with numerous top musicians in the jazz and commercial fields. He has been commissioned to write arrangements by various artists across Canada. He recently played bass trombone and tuba on the “Cuphead” video game soundtrack and also played bass trombone on the newly released CD “Cry Me A River” with The Hilario Duran Big Band.
Christa Mercey (Percussion) Drayton Entertainment: The Sound of Music, Back Home for the Holidays. Other Theatre: Phonk! (Scrap Arts Music), KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities (Cirque Du Soleil), Inside the Box of Kurios - A Virtual Reality Experience (Cirque Du Soleil / Felix & Paul Studios), Jesse’s Country Jubilee (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia), SIX - drum sub (Mirvish Productions).
Paul Mitchell (Trumpet) Drayton Entertainment: Evita, 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.
Paul Pacanowski (Clarinet) Drayton Entertainment: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Les Miserables, Big Band Legends, Annie, Blood Brothers, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Evita, Camelot, Oliver!. Other Theatre: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Oklahoma! (Theatre Aquarius); The Wild Party (Canadian Stage); Musical Director for Anne Of Green Gables (Brampton Music Theatre); and The Music Man (Marquee Theatrical Productions). As both classical and jazz musician, Paul has appeared with symphonies and chamber music ensembles. His jazz groups have performed his own compositions in a number of music festivals in Canada and abroad. Paul is happy to be spending another season with Drayton Entertainment. www.paulpacanowski.com
the Authors Joseph Stein Joseph Stein won the Tony Award and Drama Critics Circle Award for Fiddler on the Roof. His other musicals include Zorba (Tony nomination, Drama Critics Circle Award); Rags (Tony nomination); The Baker’s Wife (Olivier Award nomination, London); Take Me Along (Tony nomination); Juno; Irene (starring Debbie Reynolds); The King of Hearts; All About Us; and Enter Laughing: The Musical (Lucille Lortel nomination, outstanding revival). He also co-authored, with Alan Jay Lerner, Carmelina; and with Will Glickman, Mr. Wonderful (starring Sammy Davis, Jr.), The Body Beautiful, and Plain and Fancy. His plays are Enter Laughing, Before the Dawn, and Mrs. Gibbons’ Boys. Stein grew up in the Bronx and first became a social worker while pursuing writing on the side. He began his career in TV and radio, writing for “The Sid Caesar Show,” “Your Show of Shows,” “Henry Morgan Show,” and many others, and for personalities including Tallulah Bankhead, Phil Silvers, Jackie Gleason and Zero Mostel. On Broadway he made his debut contributing to the theatrical revues Lend an Ear (featuring Carol Channing) and Alive and Kicking. He wrote the screenplays of Enter Laughing and Fiddler on the Roof, for which he won the Screen Writers Guild Award. In 2008, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.
Jerry Brock Jerry Bock was born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 23rd, 1928. That was his first out-of-town tryout. Thirty years later, he and Sheldon Harnick gave birth to The Body Beautiful in Philadelphia. That was his fourth out-of-town tryout. In between was Catch a Star, a fleeting revue that, according to critic Walter Kerr, posed the question; “What do you call something between a flop and a smash?” Kerr’s answer? “A flash”. Next, Jule Styne and Tommy Valano midwifed Bock, Larry Holofcener and George Weiss into birthing Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis Jr. The title song and “Too Close For Comfort” are still active off springs. Bock and Harnick’s celebrated collaboration yielded five scores in seven years. The Body Beautiful, Fiorello! (winner of Broadway’s triple crown: The Tony Award, The New York Critics’ Circle Award and The Pulitzer Prize in drama, the fourth musical to do so). Tenderloin, She Loves Me - (winner of Variety’s poll of critics as best musical, citing Bock and Harnick as best composer and lyricist). Fiddler on the Roof - (nine Tonys, notably the citation for best musical of the year), The Apple Tree and The Rothschilds. In addition to the 1989 silver anniversary production of Fiddler (from which a major excerpt was featured in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway), a highly esteemed revival of The Rothschlds enjoyed a successful run off-Broadway the following year. Since then, Bock and Harnick were triply honored by being inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame, receiving the Johnny Mercer Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Spirit of American Creativity Award from the Foundation for a Creative America. But the “award” that Bock holds near and dear is the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University
of Wisconsin. It was there that he met his wife Patti, and it was there that he decided to be a composer. Mr. Bock is a member of a number of professional guilds and associations, among which the BMI Foundation, Inc. is a membership he relishes. As for Patti, his wife, George, their son and Portia, their daughter, Bock confesses they are his longest running hit.
Sheldon Harnick Sheldon Harnick’s career began in the 1950s with songs in revues (e.g., “The Boston Beguine,” “The Merry Little Minuet”). With Jerry Bock he created a number of memorable musicals, including Fiorello! (Tony Award, Pulitzer Prize), Tenderloin, She Loves Me (Grammy), Fiddler on the Roof (Tony), The Apple Tree, and The Rothschilds (subsequently revised as Rothschild & Sons). Other collaborations: Rex (Richard Rodgers), A Christmas Carol (Michel Legrand), A Wonderful Life (Joe Raposo), The Phantom Tollbooth (Arnold Black, Norton Juster), and The Audition (Marvin Hamlisch). He wrote three musicals himself: Dragons, A Doctor in Spite of Himself, and Malpractice Makes Perfect.
Jerome Robbins Jerome Robbins is world renowned for his work as a choreographer of ballets as well as his work as a director and choreographer in theater, movies and television. Although he began as a modern dancer, his start on Broadway was as a chorus dancer before joining the corps de ballet of American Ballet Theatre in 1939, where he went on to dance principal roles in the works of Fokine, Tudor, Massine, Balanchine, Lichine, and de Mille. His first ballet, Fancy Free (1944) for ABT, still in many repertoires, celebrated its fiftieth birthday on April 18, 1994. While embarking on his career in the theater, Mr. Robbins simultaneously created ballets for New York City Ballet, which he joined in 1949, and became an Associate Artistic Director with George Balanchine. Mr. Robbins has directed for television and film as well, with his co-direction and choreography of West Side Story winning him two Academy Awards. After his Broadway triumph with Fiddler On the Roof in 1964, Mr. Robbins continued creating ballets for New York City Ballet. He shared the position of Ballet-Masterin-Chief with Peter Martins until 1989. He has created more than 60 ballets, including Afternoon of a Faun (1953), The Concert (1956), Les Noces (1965), Dances At a Gathering (1969), In the Night (1970), In G Major (1975), Other Dances (1976), Glass Pieces (1983) and Ives Songs (1989) which are in the repertories of the New York City Ballet, the Ballet de l’Opera de Paris and major dance companies throughout the world. His most recent ballets include A Suite of Dances with Mikhail Baryshnikov (1994), 2 & 3 Part Inventions (1994), West Side Story Suite (1995) and Brandenburg (1996) all of which premiered at New York City Ballet. In addition to his two Academy Awards, Mr. Robbins’s awards and citations include four Tony Awards, five Donaldson Awards, two Emmy Awards, the Screen Directors’ Guild Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Mr. Robbins is a 1981 Kennedy Center Honors Recipient, was awarded the Commandeur de L’Order des Arts et des Lettres, is an honorary member of the American Academy and Institute
of Arts and Letters, and was awarded a National Medal of Arts as well as the Governor’s Arts Awards by the New York State Council on the Arts. Some of his Broadway shows include On the Town, Billion Dollar Baby, High Button Shoes, West Side Story, The King and I, Gypsy, Peter Pan, Miss Liberty, Call Me Madam and Fiddler on the Roof. In 1989, Jerome Robbins’s Broadway won six Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director. He was most recently awarded the French Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur. Jerome Robbins passed away in 1998.
Music Theatre International Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the U.S. and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle schoolaged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
2024
a christmas carol: The panto a gentleman’s guide to love and murder
the marvelous wonderettes merry & bright naked radio
an inspector calls
peter pan: the panto
beehive: the ‘60s musical
priscilla, queen of the desert the musical
dear jack, dear louise
rock of ages
Doris and ivy in the home fiddler on the roof
sh-boom! life could be a dream
halfway there
steel magnolias
jersey boys
white christmas
kiss me, kate
WINTER 6 weeks of theatre fun and friends SESSION CLASSES January 8 to February 17
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays
Only $16 a class!
LEARN FOUR PRODUCTION NUMBERS! March 11-15 l $395 + tax
Ages 8-12
Ages 13-18
2024 Season Sponsor
draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com
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.......................................... 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................................................................................................Daijah Clement-Day, El D’Almada, Natalie Payette Follow Spot Operators.................................................................................................. Amelia Castromayor, Abbey MacDonald Child Supervisor..................................................................................................................................................... Sevile Schryer WARDROBE Costume Coordinator........................................................................................................................................... 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 Assistant ...................................................................................................................................... Nicholas Wadel-Tucotte 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.
®/TM
Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS103629
119508 (01 /2019)
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