Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical was Bussin!

The best way to describe Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical is if Mama Mia and Kinky Boots had a baby.  It is musical about love, understanding and finding your family. It pushes the boundaries of what being big, bold and beautiful can be while showing how vulnerability and fear can keep you from a fulfilling life. Imagined through a musical road trip of the Australian outback, this Drayton Entertainment show definitely puts the bus in bussin'.

Based on the Academy Award®-winning film, this sparkling stage adaptation follows three dazzling drag queens – Mitzi, Felicia, and Bernadette – as they set out on a hilarious adventure across the Australian outback in a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) to put on a show in a remote resort town. Along the way, a heartwarming story of acceptance and self-discovery unfolds.

See Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical now in Cambridge Ontario or take it Beach!

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical is currently playing at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario until August 10th, then they will pack up the bus and head to Grand Bend Ontario where it will run from August 15th to September 1st 2024

Please note that this production contains mature themes and strong language.

Tickets available at https://www.draytonentertainment.com

Drayton Entertainment Came to Slay the Kinky Boots the House Down

 

From Broadway to Cambridge Ontario, Kinky Boots continues to tell the true story of how Big City Life can be embraced by a place known mostly for its industry. The story of the Price and Son shoe factory that needs to be saved to keep the townspeople employed could easily take place in Cambridge Ontario, home of Babcock and Wilcox and the Toyota Manufacturing plant. Last night's opening of the Tony Award-Winning Musical landed with a heart-stopping thud and thunderous applause at Drayton Entertainment's Hamilton Family Theatre. The atmosphere was electric with performances by Sayer Roberts as the easily frustrated Charlie Price, Jos N. Banks as Lola the drag queen that came to slay and KW's own AJ Bridel who brought the house down with her rendition of Lauren's The History of Wrong Guys.  Hear their thoughts on Kinky Boots in the video below.

 

Combining the creative genius of legendary musician Cyndi Lauper and the compelling storytelling of Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots delivers an uplifting tale of friendship, courage, and finding one's true self in unexpected places.

Based on a true story, this uplifting mega-musical chronicles the story of Charlie Price, who is struggling to save the men’s shoe factory inherited from his father in Northampton, England.  When all seems lost, a chance encounter with the dazzling drag queen Lola spurs an outrageous idea for creating “women’s boots for women who are men.”  With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair eventually embrace their differences and outfit themselves for success by creating a sparkling line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen. 

Don’t miss this fresh, fabulous, feel-good musical that will lift you up!

With fun Drayton Entertainment touches like photo opps and signature cocktails, Kinky Boots shows the world that you can't judge a book by its cover but you can definitely define a boot by its heel and sex appeal.

Grab your tickets for a Parents' Night out at Kinky Boots

Please note that this show contains adult themes.

Kinky Boots runs until August 20, 2023.  Many of the showtimes have limited availability left, so grab those stilettos and tickets before they are gone. Tickets available at https://www.draytonentertainment.com

The Courtroom Drama A Few Good Men Comes to the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge with a lot of Conviction

Many are familiar with the star-studded 90s classic film, A Few Good Men, based on the play of the same name, and this Drayton Entertainment play will instantly take you back there.

via GIPHY

A Few Good Men opened last night at Drayton Entertainment's Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario to a full house who were full of enthusiasm.  The moment the production started the audience was enthralled in the nostalgia that was on stage. Several gasps were heard as the drama began.  The scenes would take spectators from the courtroom to the front lines and then back again leaving them on the edge of their seats.  Whether it was Colonel Jessep's unabashedly offensive outbursts, Lieutenant Kaffie's quick witty quips, or Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway's unwavering conviction to the law, the dialogue was a reflection of the times and the circumstances they were placed in. 

Sorkin’s riveting courtroom saga tells the story of two marines who stand accused of killing one of their own at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay. When hotshot young lawyer Daniel Kaffee is tasked with their defense, it looks like a simple case of soldiers behaving badly… until evidence suggests that high-ranking officials may have ordered an illicit disciplinary measure known only as a "Code Red." When fellow lawyer and naval investigator Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway suspects a cover up, the legal team must face the highest authorities, putting the entire marine code of honour on trial. Inspired by actual events, this gripping story of conspiracy and corruption in the name of patriotism is a fascinating look at morality in our modern age.

Ticket Info for A Few Good Men - Parents' Night Out

A Few Good Men is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from July 5 to July 23.

Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

I Have Confidence that you will enjoy Drayton Entertainment's The Sound of Music

Many Christmas traditions include gathering the family together to watch The Sound of Music on TV.  This year Drayton Entertainment wants to bring the tradition to you live on stage in Cambridge.  Bring your whole family to see The Sound of Music performed live before their very eyes this Holiday Season. Together you will enjoy the Rogers and Hammerstein favourites such as Do-Re-Mi, My Favorite Things and Maria's very own affirmation song I Have Confidence.

Each character portrayed is highlighted by their individuality and spunk.  Whether it is teenager Lisel sneaking in through the window, pre-teen Louisa playing pranks, young Kurt learning to dance, or new Governess Maria returning Captain von Trapp's whistle, these quirky moments add to the musical's charm and connect you with the family dynamics of the von Trapp family.  With memorable songs and a multi-layered storyline, I have confidence that you and your family will be delighted by Drayton Entertainment's The Sound of Music.

About The Show

Join us for a timeless classic as our stage becomes alive with the "sound of music. “In this epic love story, aspiring nun Maria leaves the convent to govern the seven mischievous children of Captain von Trapp. Through her youthful vitality and purity of heart, she brings a fleeting moment of happiness to their lives as the shadows of tyranny spread over Europe

Get Your Tickets Now

The Sound of Music is now playing at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario.  Various dates and times are available for tickets with the final performance at 2pm on December 24 (Christmas Eve) 2022. 

Regular performance tickets are $53 for adults, $32 for youth under 20 years of age, and $43 for groups of 20 or more

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855 DRAYTON (372-9866), or online at  draytonentertainment.com

Drayton Entertainment's It Runs in the Family is Exactly What the Doctor Ordered to Tickle Your Funny Bone

Last week I attended the Opening Night of It Runs in the Family at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario.  Once inside the theatre you noticed that The Mattamy Auditorium had some strange scenery.  There were snowflakes projected on the curtains and there were Christmas Carols playing over the audio system.  This was to transport the audience to St. Andrew's Hospital in the midst of the busy Christmas Season.  As the show begins we learn that Dr. Mortimore is about to give an important speech while the other Hospital staff are consumed by their regular duties as well as learning their parts for the Christmas Panto. This already confusing time is about to get a whole lot more chaotic as a nurse from Dr. Mortimore's past shows up unexpectedly.  She refuses to leave until she explains to him why his past transgressions are about to impact him, and if he doesn't do something soon the whole Hospital will be turned upside down.

Neurologists from around the world are gathering at St. Andrews Hospital to hear Dr. Mortimore deliver the prestigious Ponsonby Lecture, but his shady past is catching up with him at the most inopportune time.   It seems that Dr. Mortimore had a brief liaison with nurse Jane Tate many years ago – resulting in an enraged, illegitimate son who appears on the scene looking for the father he never knew.

Desperate to protect his reputation and keep his lusty libido hidden from his wife, Dr. Mortimore enlists the help of his colleague, the unassuming Dr. Hubert Bonney.  Unfortunately, the dynamic duo only succeeds in spinning a web of mayhem and madness that gets worse by the minute.

Little white lies soon grow into gigantic whoppers, and more and more characters get helplessly tangled in the series of ludicrously improbable events.  The story is structured like a house of cards, as it builds up with one frantic situation after another, but ultimately, it’s the audience that collapses – with laughter.

This British Farce is sure to tickle your funny bone! Director Alex Mustakas made sure of that.  In his opening remarks, he mentioned how we all deserved to laugh together again

This incredible cast and creative team (including so many familiar faces!) will take you on a frantic, funny and completely outrageous journey. pic.twitter.com/d2d8KIgTK8

— DraytonEntertainment (@drayton_theatre) July 13, 2022

Get Your Tickets Now

It Runs in the Family runs until August 28th so now is the time to grab your tickets

It Runs in the Family is on stage from August 11 to August 28 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge. 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 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

Simpler Times with Complicated Relationships are Presented by Drayton Entertainment's On Golden Pond

Being a kid in the 80s means I was very familiar with the movie On Golden Pond.  It was a box office hit and won Academy Awards for acting, but it wasn't until recently that I learned that the film was adapted from a play.  Last night I had the opportunity to attend the opening of On Golden Pond at Drayton Entertainment's Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario and watch it portrayed on stage.

It was great to return to the Hamilton Family Theatre and to learn more about the Canadian Service Medal won by Drayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas and his continuing work in the performing arts.

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Settling in On Golden Pond

The set was full of rustic charm with collections of books, generational furniture, and a spot just for fishing gear. This transported you to a time before cell phones and the internet was invented.  There was even a rotary telephone used by the main characters of the play.  This summer home for retired couple Norman and Ethel Thaler was a simple backdrop for some complicated relationships.

It is a play about generations and their perspectives. It finds its way from the beginning of summer full of frustration to what could become the end of an era if things don't change. By summer's end, feelings change from harsh to healing, and new friendships are formed but the route taken is unexpected by all.

Ethel and Norman Thayer are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Their delightful summer routine is thrown for a loop when their daughter Chelsea visits for her father's 80^th birthday, bringing her boyfriend Bill and his teenage son in tow. After an unexpected relationship blooms, fraught family dynamics come to the forefront as they are forced to navigate the generation gap through zippy, tart-tongued observations on fishing, literature, slang, marriage ... and their own mortality.

Summer Theatre Season On Golden Pond

This summer you too can spend some time ON GOLDEN POND with a visit to the Hamilton Family Theatre.

On Golden Pond is on stage from July 20 to August 6 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge. 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 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com

Learn more about upcoming Drayton Entertainment Performances in the video below.

Oh Boy Your Family Will Enjoy Drayton Entertainment’s Annie

Last night we had the opportunity to attend Annie at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge Ontario (formerly the Dunfield Theatre), and in the words of Annie “Oh Boy” did we enjoy it!  The story begins within the walls of an orphanage during the Great Depression. There, Annie is comforting the youngest orphan with the story of how her parents left her there as a baby with a promise that they will come for her one day.  This story helps to lift the spirits of the young girl and foreshadows how Annie will to continue to inspire those she comes across throughout the show.

Each character in this musical is brought to life using song and dance. There are many show-stopping scenes and heartfelt musical numbers. The characters use them to display their hardships and aspirations in this show, and everyone learns a lot about what their life is lacking from one another. Many of them take these lessons learned and look forward to what tomorrow can bring.  

While Annie is the star of the production, it is Riley DeLuca’s enthusiastic delivery of well-known lines like “Oh Boy” and “Leaping Lizards” that captures the hearts of the audience.  Another stand out is Glynis Ranney’s portrayal of Miss Hannigan that echoed the memorable performance of Carol Burnett as the character in the 1980s movie version. Once Cynthia Smithers arrives as Grace Farrell and Thom Marriot is introduced as Oliver Warbucks the story of Annie becomes a tale about having the utmost optimistic outlook no matter the circumstances. 

Your Family Will Be All Smiles When Attending Annie 

While “TOMORROW” is the song most associated with Annie, one of the most memorable moments in the musical was the performance of “YOU’RE NEVER FULLY DRESSED WITHOUT A SMILE” during the Bert Healy Radio Show scene. That will be exactly how your family will leave the performance of Annie.  They will be fully dressed in smiles!  

Ticket Information 

Annie is only here until the end of October so we suggest getting your ticket this Thanksgiving weekend and your family will be so thankful you did! 

Regular performance tickets are $48 for adults; $29 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $39. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. 

Annie is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from October 2 through October 27. Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, or by calling toll free 1-855-372-9866. 

There’s a Million Dollar Prize Fight in Cambridge with Drayton Entertainment’s Rocky: The Musical – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive complimentary tickets, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to attend the advance screening too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

Canadian Premier of Rocky: The Musical

For those that don’t know, I am a huge fan of the ROCKY movies.  I watched them all including the modern-day films CREED and CREED II which feature the character of Rocky Balboa.  There is something about this character that captures the audience each time he is on the big screen.  The role of the underdog, that life hits below the belt and manages to rise above it all, keeps bringing audiences back to learn more about his ever-evolving story.  Now the character of Rocky has leapt off the screen and on to the stage in the adaptation of the first Rocky film and has been transformed into Rocky: The Musical.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Opening Night performance of Rocky: The Musical which made its Canadian debut at the Hamilton Family Theatre (formerly Dunfield Theatre) in Cambridge Ontario.  Not only was it   the Canadian premiere performance, but it was also the launch of Drayton Entertainment’s 2019 Season.  Artistic Director and CEO of Drayton Entertainment, Alex Mustakas introduced the show and informed those in attendance that this was a million-dollar production.  While, Rocky only earned $150,000 for his first fight against the Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed, my bet is Drayton Entertainment’s Rocky: The Musical will be taking home the winner’s purse. This musical was a great representation of the original Rocky story.  Each actor was true to the character, in fact if you closed your eyes you would believe Sylvester Stallone was in the room as Alex Kelly spoke in true Rocky Balboa form.  The addition of song to story gave you an understanding of what was really going on in Rocky’s head and heart during each scene. 

Featuring the famous Rocky theme song and Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” this adrenaline-fueled knockout musical about unwavering determination in the face of adversity will have you rooting for romance and cheering for the underdog.

To add to the pound-for-pound intensity of the show, I was given a special VIP pass for portion of the second act.  No spoilers about what the VIP pass entails, but if you are presented with the opportunity while you are in the audience, my suggestion is to take it.  Remember you won’t know unless you go!

March Into See Rocky: The Musical This Month of March

With Rocky: The Musical now playing this month in Cambridge Ontario at the Hamilton Family Theatre (formerly Dunfield Theatre) it’s time to get off the ropes and get tickets to this main event!

Tickets

For dates and times visit https://www.draytonentertainment.com/rocky-cambridge

Tickets are $48 for Adults and $29 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more and selected Discount Dates are $39. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the Box Office, or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866)

Enter To Win

I think this would make for a great PARENTS NIGHT OUT or fun family outing for those with older kids.  I as so excited about this that I am giving away a pair of tickets to see the show between March 13 to 17.

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us why you would like to attend in the comments at the bottom. It may just win you a pair of tickets! (NOTE when commenting below it is best to be logged into your google account. After you click publish, it may take up to one minute for your comment to show. Please wait for it to publish before clicking anything else). Only enter if YOU can attend.  The tickets will be submitted in your name to the ticket provider.a Rafflecopter giveaway

There Is A Lot of Buzz Around Drayton Entertainment’s Production of The Birds and The Bees

 

Mating Season Makes for Strange Bedfellows

Set in a rural farming community during their Turkey Days celebration The Birds and The Bees tackles everything from actual birds and bees and their habits to modern day mating amongst members of the local community. During the Media Night Opening of The Birds and The Bees at Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge (formally the Dunfield Theatre), this comedic play had the audience in stiches with a side of shock and awe. It had several plot twists as characters wove their way through new situations from the beginning to end of this production.  It dealt with Mother-Daughter relationships, infertility, divorce, casual sex and friends with benefits or as referred to in this setting “No Strings Attached” scenarios. All of these subjects are discussed under the roof of an apiarist as she takes a retrospective look at her past, due to her newly separated daughter moving in. The daughter has nowhere else to go after leaving her turkey farm because of marriage troubles and sets the house a stir when she arrives.  When a young, innocent, researcher and neighbour, with a little too much testosterone, are added to the mix things do not go as smooth as honey at this beekeeper’s household. Perhaps this is what nature intended all along.  By the end of the production you are a little more educated when it comes to all meanings of “The Bird and The Bees”

 

38-year-old Sarah has left her husband and moved back home to live with her mother Gail until she sorts out her life. Despite the fact that she’s a divorcée of twenty years herself, Gail isn’t exactly providing the compassion that Sarah needs. An avid beekeeper, Gail has other things on her mind – like wondering why her honeybees are dropping dead all of a sudden.

PLEASE NOTE: This play contains mature themes and mild nudity

 

Get Your Tickets

Learn what all the buzz is about. Grab your tickets now! We think it will make a great PARENTS' NIGHT OUT

The Birds & The Bees runs May 23 to June 10.  Tickets may be purchased in person at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge), online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the Box Office at (519) 621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

Drayton Entertainment Brings Hairspray To New Heights In Cambridge

Grab your teasing comb and rat that hair as high as you can and you still won’t be able to match the new heights that Drayton Entertainment has achieved with their production of HAIRSPRAY THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. This is one show you will not want to miss!

From The Screen to The Stage

We have watched the story of HAIRSPRAY on the screen with 3 different ensembles.  The first being the original 1988 John Waters Film starring Ricki Lake, the 2007 film remake of the Broadway version of Hairspray and last year the televised Hairspray Live! This weekend we had the opportunity to see Hairspray The Broadway Musical on stage in Cambridge Ontario at the newly named Hamilton Family Theatre (best known to Drayton fans as the Dunfield Theatre before its recent name change).  We were delighted that the stage had been transformed to the 1960’s television studio where the CORNY COLLINS SHOW gave Tracy Turnblad her big break.  For those not familiar with the story of Hairspray, it’s about a young Baltimore girl that wanted to be on a television dance show but the social norms of that day and age made it a challenge for her.  Soon she learns that there are lots of other barriers that her and her friends must overcome, and she is just the gal to lead the charge.  While this is set in the 1960’s the themes of body image, ageism and racial discrimination highlighted in this show are still issues we deal with in today’s society.  Even though these are serious topics, the positive energy, catchy songs and comedic wit throughout Hairspray The Broadway Musical keeps the audience enthralled in the show from the moment it begins to the last dance scene at the very end.  There was even a moment when everyone in theatre cracked up including the actors playing Edna and Wilbur during their song and dance number.  We think it is wonderful that this sensational show is right here in our region giving everyone a chance to taste a bit of Broadway in our own backyard.

Get Your Tickets

Now is the time to grab your tickets before they are gone! This show runs until April 8, 2018 and with many shows already listing “limited amount of tickets available” it is best to get your tickets right away.

Visit https://www.draytonentertainment.com/hairspray-cambridge for all the info.