Time To Strike Up The Band And Celebrate 25 Years Of Drayton Entertainment
It was a wonderful day for the Drayton Festival Theatre 25th Anniversary Celebration! From the moment you walked towards this historic building, for the invite only celebration, you knew something fantastic was going to happen.The outdoor area had memory wall was set up to view images of the productions that the Drayton Festival Theatre has hosted over the past 25 years. Many were taking in the images and reiniscing about the theatrical productions they were part of and/or attended over the years.
There were other items throughout the premises also marking this occasion as well.
When it was time to take our seats inside we were treated to stories about the historic building and how a community saved it from demolition and how Drayton Entertainment came to be.
Then audience was delighted with the musical production of THE MUSIC MAN with David Rogers in lead role and several Drayton alumni rounding out the fantastic cast.
More About The Music Man
This show is family friendly with lots of memorable songs, high kicking dance steps and one liners for comic relief!The Music Man features top-notch theatrical talent.David Rogers delivers a magnetic performance as the smooth-talking Professor Harold Hill, a role he was born to play. As one of Canada’s top leading men, Rogers has star power in spades. His charisma is effortless and he holds the audience in the palm of his hand from start to finish. His gorgeous voice shows remarkable range and versatility in songs such as “Ya Got Trouble,” “Seventy-Six Trombones,” and “Marian the Librarian.”
Fresh from her starring role as Roxie Hart inChicago, leading lady Jayme Armstrong shows her softer side as the sensible and sweet Marian Paroo, the town’s prim librarian. Her lovely soprano voice shines in memorable songs like “Goodnight, My Someone” and “My White Knight.” Rogers and Armstrong, who worked together as Jean Valjean and Fantine inLes Misérables, have palpable chemistry and their terrific voices blend beautifully in the iconic song “Till There Was You.”
Valerie Boyle is witty and warm as Marian's feisty Irish mother Mrs. Paroo. Eleven-year-old Declan Cooper steals every scene he’s in as Marian's adorable little brother,Winthrop, earning applause for his cute and comedic rendition of the song “Gary, Indiana.”
Audience favourite Wade Lynch is funny and charming as Marcellus Washburn, a plucky reformed con man who becomes Harold’s best friend and ally. Rogers and Lynch have a spirited rapport, playing off each other with ease – they seem to be having a ball together on stage and the energy is infectious.
Drayton Entertainment veteran Keith Savage is hilarious as Mayor Shinn, bringing his signature comedic charm and goofy facial expressions to the ridiculous role.Karen K. Edissi is equally hilarious as his silly and self-important wife, Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, who is determined to be in the spotlight. Danielle Benton is bubbly and bright as the Mayor’s petulant teenage daughter, Zaneeta, who is in love with the town troublemaker Tommy Djilas, played with zeal by Graeme Goodhall.
Fan favouritesThe Mantini Sisters put their stellar voices to good use as the ladies of River City, particularly in the song “Pick-a-Little, Talk-a-Little” –Barbara Mantini as Maud Dunlop, Sandra Mantini as Mrs. Squires and Ann Mantini as Alma Hix – along with Christina Gordon as the friendly and sincere piano player, Ethel Toffelmier.
Ticket Info
The Music Man is only on stage from now through August 29th and theatregoers are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $34. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the theatre Box Office, or by calling
(519) 638-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
(519) 638-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
