A Joyful Celebration Sets the Stage for Drayton Entertainment's Good Ol’ Country Gospel

 

Thursday night the Drayton Festival Theatre was transformed into the Little Brown Church for the opening of Good Ol’ Country Gospel.  This joyful celebration of music was opened with a tribute to the Drayton Entertainment Volunteers that give over 30,000 hours of time each season. As a theatre-goer, I appreciate how much time the volunteers contribute to the success of each production, and am thankful for their acts of volunteerism.

Once the show began, the performers transported the audience to a Southern Church filled with songs recorded by Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Elvis. The singers and musicians on stage each played an integral part in engaging the audience with their songs and stories from the Country Gospel genre of music. The show included solo performances, duets and even a harmony chorus! Good Ol’ Country Gospel will keep your hands clapping, your toes tapping and even your knees slapping with the addition of the humourous Church Bulletin updates.

“Packed with humour and heart, Good Ol’ Country Gospel is a fun-filled tribute to the beloved and enduring canon of gospel music,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Audiences will be uplifted, inspired, and amazed by the depth of talent on stage.” 

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Good Ol’ Country Gospel will take audiences on a spirited musical extravaganza that covers the gamut of gospel classics such as “Amazing Grace,” “I’ll Fly Away,” Peace in the Valley,” “When The Saints Go Marching In,” and many more – all with a country twist!

Grab Your Tickets Now 

Be sure to see the show in its limited run for the month of August in Drayton!

Good Ol’ Country Gospel is on stage from August 11 through August 28 at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Regular performance tickets are $53 for adults, $32 for youth under 20 years of age and $43 for groups of 20 or more and select Discount Dates. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, by calling the Box Office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com. 

Drayton Entertainment Presents the CANADIAN PREMIERE of Holiday Inn

Start the Summer Off Right with Holiday Inn

The first long weekend of the summer seemed fitting to premiere Holiday Inn – The Musical at the Drayton Festival Theatre.  While the Victoria Day holiday is not celebrated in this show, many memorable holidays of the year are highlighted in this delightful musical production of Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. While at the Media Night festivities we felt as though we were transported back to a simpler time where people chose to stay on the farm or long for the bright lights of the big city.  The theme of making choices runs throughout Holiday Inn from beginning to end.  It begins with Jim and his best friend Ted performing a song in which their leading lady Lila must choose between a singer or a dancer, and the person she chooses in the number almost foreshadows what is to come.  After the show Jim announces he is moving to a farm in Connecticut and that is when the story begins to unfold.  Each choice these characters make brings people into their lives while sometimes leaving others behind.  Will the choices they make bring them true happiness? That is the question on all of our minds.

 

Popular nightclub trio Jim Hardy, Ted Hanover, and Lila Dixon suddenly part ways when Jim decides he's had enough of show business.  He leaves the bright lights behind to settle down on a farm in Connecticut, but quickly discovers life isn’t quite the same without a little song and dance.  After meeting Linda Mason, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare, the pair turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday. When Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, Jim finds himself competing for her affections. Can he win her heart?

Get Your Tickets to Holiday Inn

Celebrate summer by grabbing your tickets to Drayton Entertainment’s Holiday Inn before they are gone!

Tickets are $46 for Adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age.  Tickets for groups of 20 or more and select Discount Dates are $37.  HST is applicable to all ticket prices.  Tickets can be purchased online instantly at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the Box Office or by calling 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

Drayton Entertainment Reaps Their Harvest of Talent

 

The harvest season arrives early in Drayton Ontario this year with Drayton Entertainment’s production of HARVEST.  This comedic play set in farm country is also a testament to Drayton Entertainment’s commitment to cultivating great talent, which you quickly notice as they only have two actors take the stage to play a plethora of characters during this show.  Each character is distinguished by either hats, scarves or eye wear which means the actors had to really dive into the characters by changing vocal stylings and physical stature.  Without any real costume changes this show keeps your watching to see who is portraying who on the stage.

There Is a Healthy Helping of Comedic Timing In Harvest

The story is based on a farming couple approaching their Autumn Years and deciding how to best move away from their rural area.  Instead of selling the house on the family farm they decide to sell the farm but keep the house as a rental property.  When a nomad airline pilot convinces them that their farm is his top choice to plant some roots, they quickly accept him as a tenant.  This is how the comedy of errors begins. 

When we attended the Media Debut of Harvest, the couple that the play was based on was also in attendance, making it an extra special show!

Get Your Tickets

Want to know how it ends? Then be sure to get your tickets to see HARVEST at the Drayton Festival Theatre this July.

Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults; $27 for youth under 20 years of age; and $36 for groups of 20 or more.  HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Harvest runs from July 12 to July 30. Tickets can be purchased in person at Drayton Festival Theatre, online at http://www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the Box Office at (519) 638‐5555 or toll free at 1‐855‐drayton (372‐9866).

Smouldering Songs Set The Scene For Drayton Entertainment’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Drayton Entertainment’s final show this season at the Drayton Festival Theatre is the iconic Smokey Joe’s Café.  This production is performed completely through song.  The singers bring the heat with songs like Ruby Baby and they set the stage on fire with their rendition of Jailhouse Rock, but it’s the smooth songs like Hound Dog that smoulder throughout the show.

 

All of the songs featured in this musical are written by the famous songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller, who had many hits throughout the 1950’s. The songs in Smokey Joe's Cafe are accompanied by choreography that brings the story of each performance to life.  The mix of solo and ensemble songs along with the live band on stage, sets the scene of local nightclub from that era.

Get Your Tickets

Smokey Joe's Café runs until September 3, 2016 in Drayton Ontario at the Drayton Festival Theatre.

Tickets are $44 for Adults and $26 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

There Is Some Necessary Roughness In Drayton Entertainment’s Unnecessary Farce

Drayton Entertainment has always been known for their musical productions, but over the past few years they have become the go to company for their farce comedies as well.  With the successful productions of It Runs In The Family and Run For Your Wife , this late summer stage show of Unnecessary Farce is sure to be a hit especially with the inclusion of a hitman.

What To Expect At Unnecessary Farce

The stage is set in an adjoining motel room set up for an undercover police operation.  The two officers involved are wanting their sting to help them move up the rankings of the police force, and they won’t let their inexperience stop them.  The other cast of characters include the local mayor, his wife, his security guard, a newly appointed accountant and a legendary hitman.  Together this ensemble learns about a crime ring which is has been embezzling funds from the local government and using city hall as the means to launder the cash.  While this sounds like the plot to a serious crime story, this show will have you laughing out loud as you watch the actors stumble and bumble their way through the “almost” professional investigation.  There are one-liners, misinterpretations and some necessary roughness throughout Unnecessary Farce.  We think it would be a good choice to take in Unnecessary Farce on your next Parents’ Night Out.

Unnecessary Farce is playing right now at The Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge Ontario.
Tickets are $44 for Adults and $26 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $36. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

Drayton Entertainment Starts Summer With Brighton Beach Memoirs

Last week we were invited to the attend the Brighton Beach Memoirs MEDIA NIGHT for  at the Drayton Festival Theatre.  What we witnessed was a story of maturity.  Both the maturity of Eugene the main character and narrator, along with the maturity of his family as they come to terms with their living situation.  It began as comedic tale of Eugene, a teenage boy beginning to understand the interest in the female form, while dreaming about becoming either a major league baseball player or his fallback career choice of being a writer.  Soon after, the tone of the play changed as Eugene was learning more and more what adult life would look like.  The storyline went from snappy banter to emotional speeches about the strenuous situation his family was living in.  While the time frame of this stage production was set in the months leading up to the second World War, this relate-able tale could very well have taken place in today's world.  Learning how a family deals with live-in relatives, being overworked and underpaid, the threat of war, and children growing up to fast are still issues families deal with in a modern day world.  To see how Eugene's family dealt with the circumstances they felt they were forced into, be sure to plan a trip to see Brighton Beach Memoirs and kick off your summer with a show!

Tickets are $44 for Adults and $26 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866)

T'is A Glorious Thing That Drayton Entertainment Is Performing Pirates Of Penzance

Getting A Behind The Scenes Peak At A Pirate King

This month Drayton Entertainment presents Pirates Of Penzance at the St. Jacob's Country Playhouse. This Gilbert and Sullivan production has wonderful elements of dance, dialogue and "not-so diabolical" pirates.



As you can see from the video above, this band of pirates add a lot of comedy to the show. With memorable songs and a talented cast, we think you will really enjoy this musical.  With Alex Mustakas as The Pirate King, you may be wanting to join a pirate crew too!

In honour of opening day of The Pirates of Penzance and #TBT, we give you this awesome pic of Artistic Director Alex...

Posted by Drayton Entertainment on Thursday, October 8, 2015

Drayton Celebrates During The Show 

Drayton Entertainment is celebrating it's 25th year and for those who have attended their shows, you will notice quite a few "easter eggs" throughout the performance.  We don't want to give them away, so we suggest you hurry to see the play before you hear the spoilers!

Setting The Stage

Set in Cornwall, England, the silly story surrounds Frederic, a dutiful young man apprenticed to a group of pirates by mistake – thereby setting in motion a life-altering chain of events. On his 21^st birthday, Frederic is released from his apprenticeship and falls madly in love with Mabel, Major-General Stanley's youngest daughter. But when he discovers he was born on February 29 and only has a birthday each leap year, he realizes he is indentured to the hapless pirates for another six decades! Will he be forced to lead a life of piratical servitude, or will he find a way to free himself and live happily ever after with Mabel?


Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age; and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at

www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com or by calling the Box Office at (519) 747-7788 or toll free at

1-855-drayton (372-9866).

Marking The Drayton Festival Theatre's 25th Anniversary With The Music Man

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.

 

After the show attendees were invited to an outdoor reception where many of the familiar faces of Drayton Entertainment gathered to greet one another.

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 29^th 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).

 

 

The Difficulties With Looking For Love Are Explained In Drayton Entertainment's LOOKING

Single And Looking

Drayton's Festival Theatre is currently running LOOKING. It's story of how to find love after 40.  Before online dating sites became popular, people would take to the personal ads to find that special someone.  This hilarious look at blind dates will have you bursting at the seams.  It covers everything from sketchy bars to awkward small talk with strangers.  If you have experienced or even thought of joining the dating pool this production is will hit home. 

What To Look For At LOOKING

LOOKING is laugh out loud comedy written by Canadian playwright Norm Foster.  The production has running themes like remembering song lyrics, ageism, the longing for relationships and the radio, whether it be about brodcasting or late night washroom runs.  This wit in this show is performed by 4 actors, all with great timing and a stage presence that makes you feel like you're watching them from across the bar.

Val, Nina, Andy and Matt are brought together by a personal ad in the newspaper. To buffer the potentially disastrous meeting, Val brings along her trusted girlfriend, Nina, and Andy brings along his best buddy, Matt. What follows is a wildly romantic, warm, and sweet story as they look for love in all the wrong places … only to find it and almost let it go before it’s too late.

You Should Be Looking At Getting Tickets For LOOKING

Looking runs through June 27^th. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre, online atwww.draytonfestivaltheatre.com or by calling the Box Office at(519) 638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

4 singles hit the stage at the Drayton Festival Theatre today as they search for love the second time around in Norm...

Posted by Official Drayton Entertainment Fan Club on Wednesday, June 10, 2015

We think this comedy would make a great PARENTS' NIGHT OUT!