Get Ready to Rock 'n' Roll as Grease Slides in to Drayton!

 

Calling all theatre lovers, musical fans, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of dancing in a poodle skirt under the high school lights! Grease has hit the stage in Drayton, and trust us, it’s electrifyin’!

🎤 The Broadway hit that inspired one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time is bringing its retro charm and rockin’ energy to life with leather jackets, bobby socks, and all! Join the slick-talking Burger Palace Boys and the sassy Pink Ladies as they navigate friendship, high school drama, and the ups and downs of young love at Rydell High circa 1959.

🔥 From a steamy summer fling to the pressures of cliques and cool cred, will Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski's romance slide from summer into the school year successfully?

This production features a favourite of ours AJ Bridel as Sandy and a man known for his role as Danny for many years, Kory Fulton. Under the direction of Jackie Mustakas, Grease is transforming the Drayton Festival Theatre into a high energy high school full of hijinks!

🎶 Featuring unforgettable hits like:

• “You’re The One That I Want”
• “Summer Nights”
• “Greased Lightnin’
• “Beauty School Dropout”
• “Hopelessly Devoted To You”
• “We Go Together”

If you’re already humming along, you’re definitely not alone. This musical is packed with sing-along anthems, dazzling dance numbers, and a whole lot of heart. Perfect for a night out with tweens, teens, or even just a grown-up retro-loving crew. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

🎟️ So grab your gang, throw on some retro threads, and get ready to hand jive the night away. Grease is more than a show, it's got groove it's got meaning

For more info & tickets visit https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/drayton-festival-theatre/grease-dft?

Everything's Alright, Jesus Christ Superstar is Now Playing in Cambridge at the Hamilton Family Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar: A Rock Opera Experience You Won’t Want to Miss

Looking for something extraordinary to do with your crew? Then mark your calendars, because a legendary musical is now playing in Cambridge at Drayton Entertainment's Hamilton Family Theater.

For over 50 years, Jesus Christ Superstar has electrified stages around the globe, and now it’s bringing its powerful rock opera magic right here to Waterloo Region! The last iteration I am most familiar with is the TELEVISON BROADCAST.

Now that it is being performed by Drayton Entertainment, I was excited to experience the stage production. It was an amazing show that you must see!

What to Expect at Jesus Christ Superstar

🎶 Prepare to be blown away by show-stopping numbers like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” "Everything's Alright,” and the unforgettable anthem “Superstar.”  The emotional storytelling and explosive score performed live on stage will have you on the edge of your seat.

More than just music, Jesus Christ Superstar dives deep into themes of fame, radical ideas, betrayal, and human connection—making it just as relevant today as it was when it first hit Broadway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether you’re a lifelong musical fan or just looking for a night out with family, friends, or even solo, this production is a perfect excuse to support local theatre;

Note; This production is suggested for those ages 13+

📍 So grab your tickets, warm up those vocal cords (we know you’ll be humming “Superstar” for days), and get ready for a night that rocks in every sense of the word.

For more information and tickets visit

https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/hamilton-family-theatre-cambridge/jesus-christ-superstar-hft? or call 1-855-DRAYTON (1-855-372-9866)

Leaping Lizards! Annie is on stage at the Stratford Festival

 

🎶 "The sun’ll come out… tomorrow!" 🎶

That catchy tune is your first clue that Annie is back on stage, and it’s bringing all the heart, hope, and hilarity you'd expect from this timeless classic!

The always hopeful Annie has one goal—finding the family she’s always dreamed of. But with Miss Hannigan running the orphanage like it’s a never-ending chore chart, Annie knows she’s got to make her own luck. Her journey takes her from scrubbing floors to the streets of New York, and just when it seems like things couldn’t get tougher—Leaping Lizards! Fate steps in, and Annie finds herself living the high life at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a musical without a few twists and turns (and a little villainy from Miss Hannigan along the way), but one thing’s for sure: this spunky redhead is about to sing and dance her way into your heart.

Ever-optimistic Annie makes it her job to improve the lives of everyone around her – except maybe Miss Hannigan, who has made life a misery for all the little girls in her care at the New York Municipal Orphanage. Fed up and determined to find her parents, Annie makes a break for it one day and learns that even the outside world is tough. Dragged back home by police, she doesn’t have to wait long for her real break. Though it may not be the dream she pictured, a happy ending is in store.

🎭 This family-friendly production is now playing at the Stratford Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario, and it's the perfect way to introduce your kids to the magic of live theatre. Whether your kiddos already know the songs or it’s their first time meeting Sandy the dog, this show is full of laughs, lovable characters, and feel-good moments everyone will enjoy. It also included some familiar faces from last year's production of Something Rotten! as well as this year's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

💡 Annie has all the Broadway vibes and a powerful message about kindness, courage, and never giving up! Don’t miss your chance to see Annie—because summer is here and the sun really will come out tomorrow… and you’ll want to be there when it does!

Looking for a great way to celebrate the end of the school year? Then make your way down "EASY STREET" or as we call it, Highway 7 to see Annie at the Stratford Festival!

To purchase tickets, contact the Stratford Festival Box Office: Toll-Free 1.800.567.1600 or visit

stratfordfestival.ca

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Hits Stratford Festival and it is a Con Game You'll Love Watching Unfold

After last month's trip to Stratford Ontario, I was excited to head back to THE AVON THEATRE!

The Stratford Festival is serving up a "dirty" dose of mischief, deception, and comedy with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Avon Theatre. Whether you’re a musical fan or just looking for an night out, this show delivers laughs, toe-tapping tunes, and a story that keeps you guessing about who is the "most rotten of them all".

A con-game and tons wealthy targets at a high-end hotels may seem like the jackpot for the "scoundrel" teacher and his protege, but when egos run high, they decide they must compete to be the top-dog.

Lawrence Jameson is no stranger to the high life–he’s lived it for years by separating lonely rich ladies from their fortunes in a swanky Riviera town. When he and his chief competitor in the con business, Freddy Benson, make a bet to swindle an heiress out of $50,000, the professional scoundrels soon discover they may not always be the smartest people in the room. Inspired by the hit 1988 film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the musical comedy earned 11 Tony Award nominations for its hilarious hijinks and frivolity.

What Makes This Show A Must-See? 

🎤 The Music – Expect catchy tunes, slick lyrics, and numbers that keep the energy soaring. You’ll be humming the melodies long after you leave the theatre!

😂 The Laughs – This musical is stuffed with lots of physical comedy, quick wit, and unexpected twists that will keep you chuckling throughout.

🎭 The Performances – Stratford Festival never disappoints when it comes to the larger-than-life personalities of the con men to the powerhouse vocals of their unsuspecting “victims,” this cast brings the house down!

A Perfect Theatre Night for Parents & Teens!

If you’ve got older kids or teens who love a good laugh (or just need a break from their phones), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an awesome way to introduce them to live theatre that’s fast-paced, witty, and downright fun.

Get Your Tickets

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is now playing!.

So, grab your tickets, sharpen your wit, and get ready for a night of clever deception, big laughs, and unforgettable performances at the Avon Theatre! 🎭

To purchase tickets contact the Stratford Festival Box Office: Toll-Free 1.800.567.1600 or visit

stratfordfestival.ca

It's Going to be WICKED! WICKED Arrives in 4K UHD, Blu-ray™, and DVD on February 4th, 2025

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive a complimentary copy of the movie, but that just means are able to do a giveaway too! Enter the giveaway at the end of this post

Hey KW Families!🌟 We have some enchanting news for you! One of the most beloved and enduring musicals is making its way from the stage to your screen in high-definition glory. Yes, you guessed it—WICKED is coming to 4K UHD, Blu-ray™, and DVD on February 4th, 2025.

The Magic of WICKED ✨

WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl yet to discover her innate power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the popular and bubbly girl yet to find her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University and form an unexpected friendship that takes them on extraordinary adventures. Their journeys lead them to discover their destinies—Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Why Watch WICKED?

This cinematic masterpiece brings new life to a story we all thought we knew. With breathtaking performances, stunning visuals, and a heartwarming tale of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, WICKED is the kind of movie you’ll want to watch again and again. It’s more than just a movie; it’s an immersive, cultural celebration.

Perfect for Family Movie Night 🎥🍿

Planning a cozy family movie night? WICKED is the perfect choice! Gather around, dim the lights, and dive into the magical world of Oz with your loved ones. It’s a great way to spend quality time together while enjoying a story that transcends generations. We think you will have a WICKED-GOOD Time!

For more info about WICKED, visit these links

Instagram: @WickedMovie / @uniallaccess / @thetarogroup

Facebook: @WickedMovie / @Universal Pictures All-Access / @The TARO Group

X: @WickedMovie / @UniAllAccess / @thetarogroup

TikTok: @WickedMovie / @universalallacces

#WickedMovie

Enter to Win

Enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win (it works best if you are already logged into your google account). It is for those in the Kitchener Waterloo Area.

If you have trouble leaving a comment below, then DM me @Those2Girls on instagram to let me know.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Stratford Festival's La Cage aux Folles Chooses Pride while Thwarting Prejudice

Downtown Stratford Ontario has come alive with the arrival of La Cage aux Folles at the Avon Theatre. The Stratford Festival has included all the glitz and glam you would expect from the production, but also brings a lot of emotion to the stage. This musical set in the 1970's still challenges the idea of love and acceptance in today's society. Within the building walls on stage of this show there is a nightclub with an adjoining apartment chocked full of comedic hijinks, choregraphed cabaret numbers and songs that range from delightful to devasting.

It tackles the themes of prejudice, mental health and self-worth. With the happiness of a young couple's life in the balance, you see how much the parents will endure to see it through. The range of emotions brought by Stratford Festival's La Cage aux Folles makes it a "must-see" musical.

Georges, the manager of a drag club in St. Tropez, decides to “play it straight” when his son arrives with his fiancé and her ultra-conservative parents. Albin, the club’s star performer and romantic partner to Georges, is dubious about the plan. The ensuing clash unravels truth and consequences with heartwarming grace.

Stratford Festival Celebrates Pride

From June 10 to 16 the Stratford Festival is celebrating Pride Week at The Meighen Forum. All Pride Week Events can be found on the The Meighen Forum calendar, but the week would not be complete with out a trip to see La Cage Aux Folles!

Get Your Tickets for La Cage aux Folles

La Cage aux Folles is now playing at the Stratford Festival's Avon Theatre until October 26th.  Tickets are available at 

https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/La-Cage-aux-Folles

or by calling Toll-free: 1 800 567 1600

For more information, visit these links

Website: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/La-Cage-aux-Folles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stratfest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratfordFestival

X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/stratfest

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratford-festival

Here's the Buzz on BEEHIVE - The 60s Musical Now Playing at the Drayton Festival Theatre

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
The Drayton Festival Theatre was all a buzz last night as the 2024 season opened with the Queen Bees of BEEHIVE - The 60s Musical. The night began with an intro by the director David Connolly who made sure everyone knew we would be in for a night of musical theatre with a group that was beyond compare.  His description did not disappoint.  This nostalgic show filled with song and dance had everyone involved including the audience! The memorable songs of the 1960s musical mavens were center-stage, and sometimes off stage during the performance. The spectators were able to travel back in time to hear the girl group hits and solo songstresses sing their hearts out. BEEHIVE - The 60s Musical was flirty and fun for everyone!

Flower power meets girl power in BEEHIVE, a musical celebration of the most powerful and iconic female voices of the 1960s. 
Told from the perspective of six women who come of age in this enigmatic decade, BEEHIVE takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through timeless hits of the era such as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Natural Woman,” “It’s My Party,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “You Don’t Own Me.” From Leslie Gore to Janis Joplin, the Shirelles to the Supremes, and Aretha Franklin to Tina Turner, this toe-tapping production features 40 classic chart-toppers that will put a song in your heart and leave you dancing in the aisles.
Join us for this uplifting and upbeat salute to female empowerment.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Running Time: 1 hr and 50 minutes, including 15 min intermission

Grab Your Go-Go Boots and Get Tickets Now!

BEEHIVE - The 60s Musical is playing at the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton Ontario until June 23, 2024 with limited tickets available. We suggest getting your tickets before they are gone! 

Tickets are available at 

https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/drayton-festival-theatre/beehive

or by calling the box office 

1-855-DRAYTON

(1-855-372-9866)

A Collaboration of Choir, Chorus, Concert, Community and Colours will bring KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Life this February - Enter to Win

I have attended Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat several times over the years, including when Donny Osmond took to the stage in Toronto in the 90s.

While the show has evolved on many stages since then, the story of Joseph and his Brothers still teaches us all about honesty, humility and honouring each other's special gifts.

This February the time tested musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed live in Waterloo Region and it is sure to be joyful experience. The show will be a community collaboration between the KWMP and The Grand Philharmonic Children's Choir. Together they will form a chorus that will take you from simple melodies sung by the children, to a rock and roll style concert performed by a Pharoah!

This family-friendly musical production will dazzle you with memorable tunes, delightful energy and inspiring stories of determination.  Your whole family will amazed by the music and lyrics of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice in KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

Grab Your Tickets Before They Are Gone!

Limited tickets are available for KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I think they would be great for a family outing or a VALENTINE'S DAY Gift!

KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be performed at Knox Waterloo, 50 Erb St. W, Waterloo, ON

from February 16, 2024 - February 18, 2024. Tickets are $29 each and are available at https://kwmp.ca/joseph-in-concert

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I love Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat so much that I am happy to host a giveaway of a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Friday show!

Enter to Win

Enter for a chance to win a four pack of tickets to the Friday performance of KWMP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Waterloo!

The contest listed below (it might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form) is for tickets only.  You must provide your own transportation.  Be sure to leave a comment with why you want to win. It works best if you are logged into your Google Account

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Compelling Story of the Rise from Poverty to Power on Stage in Drayton Entertainment's EVITA

EVITA begins with the story of the celebrated icon being mourned by her devoted followers with one exception, the character Che, who wants to set the record straight on Eva Perón's life. Che is much more cynical about the way she went from an impoverished girl to the revered political leader EVITA. He decides to tell his version of what happened alongside the memories from Eva's point of view.  Sometimes their versions aligned and other times they clashed throughout this stage production.

What sets EVITA apart as a celebrated musical is not only its compelling storyline but also its rich and emotive score. Each note, each lyric, resonates with the passion and fervor of the characters, immersing the audience in a world where emotions run high and dreams clash with reality. The iconic anthem “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” is a haunting ballad that captures Eva’s vulnerability and strength among the other musical compositions that elevate the narrative of Eva Perón's journey. From the somber tone of a funeral to the rousing "Rainbow Tour", EVITA will leave a stamp on your heart and mind.

To the poor masses, she is adored as a saint; to her enemies, she is reviled as a manipulative dictator. Nevertheless, for over thirty years this legendary woman becomes the driving spirit that helps define a nation.

Featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre including “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, “Buenos Aires”, “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, and “High Flying, Adored”, Evita is a powerful and riveting theatrical experience not to be missed.

Grab Your Rainbow Tour Members and Get Tickets for EVITA

EVITA is on stage in Cambridge Ontario at the Hamilton Family Theatre until November 5, 2023.  Tickets are available at 

https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/hamilton-family-theatre-cambridge/evita

Good Gal Pals Commiserate Over Bad Breakups in Bittergirl - The Musical - Now Playing at Drayton Entertainment's St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre

Bittergirl - The Musical starts out with a romantic dinner gone wrong and then the hilarity ensues as three women navigate their bad breakups together. At first they challenge themselves with why it came to this, then choose self-improvement over self-loathing, but it all comes to a head when they get together to commiserate over drinks. This musical about heartbreak will have you laughing, cheering and singing as it goes from romantic ballads like "Be My Baby" to girl-power anthems like "I Will Survive".

If you ever had a bad breakup in any stage of life, you will relate to the tale being told on stage. Soon you to will be able to say 

“Yesterday’s heartache is tomorrow’s one liner.”

To learn more about the story of Bittergirl, visit https://www.thebittergirls.com/about

Grab Your Girl Gang and Get Your Tickets to Bittergirl - The Musical

Bittergirl - The Musical is now playing at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre in the Village of St. Jacobs from now until December 24, 2023.  With many shows having Limited Availability, now is the time grab your girlfriends, gal pals and/or girl gang and get tickets!

For information and tickets, visit https://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatres/st.-jacobs-schoolhouse-theatre/bittergirl-sst

Outdoor Theatre Arrives at The Gaslight District via CAROUSEL: A Concert

July was the Grand Opening Weekend at The Gaslight District in Cambridge Ontario. Now to finish off summer, The Gaslight District is having a Labour Day Weekend event involving song, dance and an orchestra! 

via GIPHY

CAROUSEL: A Concert will run from Friday September 1, 2023 to Sunday September 3, 2023. This production will take place on the Outdoor Stage at The Gaslight District.  

This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical will feature performers from Penny and Pound Theatre Productions and The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.

CAROUSEL: A Concert will include timeless songs such as "You'll Never Walk Alone," "If I Loved You," and "June Is Bustin' Out All Over." These songs not only serve as powerful vehicles for character development but also linger in the minds of audiences long after the show is over.

Penny & Pound Theatre Productions bring to life the classic musical "Carousel." With a passion for the arts and an unwavering commitment to excellence, this dynamic group of performers is thrilled to captivate audiences with their rendition of this timeless tale.

Following a story of doomed love, redemption, and the enduring human spirit, "Carousel" transports the audience to a world where emotions run deep and melodies linger in the heart. The cast and crew have poured their dedication into every detail, from the lavish costumes to the meticulously crafted choreography, ensuring that every aspect of the production resonates with the essence of the story. Carousel is performed in partnership with members of The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by orchestra artistic director Sabatino Vacca.

Spend these warm summer days enjoying musical theater under an open sky at The Gaslight Disctrict!

Step Right and Get Your Tickets!

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
CLICK YOUR PREFERRED DATE TO PURCHASE YOUR $20 TICKETS ONLINE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st at 6:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 1:00 PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 6:00 PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd at 3:00 PM

The production is set to run from Friday, September 1st to Sunday, September 3rd at The Gaslight District Outdoor Stage, located at 64 Grand Ave. Cambridge, ON. Tickets can be purchased through the above Ticketscene links or by contacting the box office at pennyandpoundtheatre@gmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: CAROUSEL features scenes that depict domestic violence, smoking and drinking. As well, fog effects will be used during this production. Viewer discretion is advised.

Medleys of Melodies Explode on Stage in Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream

The Drayton Festival Theatre is reading to launch you into the past with the release of Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream, This musical production shines a light on a simpler time. when  The days when Rock and Roll was all about harmonies and everyone wanted to be on the radio.  This story starts with Denny and Eugene, a duo wanting to win a singing contest they heard about on the local radio station.  In order to find a way to get on the contestants' list the duo soon becomes a trio, which then evolves into a quartet and then some. 

Keeping the singing group, and the audience, intrigued is the radio's Disc Jockey Bullseye Miller. Bullseye Miller's role is portrayed by Drayton Entertainment Alumni Neil Aitchison. Neil Aitchson brings the same type of enthusiasm to the DJ booth as he did for his role as the wise-cracking Mountie Constable Archibald F. Inkster in Sorry…I’m Canadian and Canadian Legends.

In this production, Neil channels his real-life experience as a popular radio personality in order to play DJ Bullseye Miller, and takes audiences on a joyous jive down memory lane that recreates the magic of rock ‘n roll’s heyday: “Fools Fall in Love,” “Tears on my Pillow,” “Runaround Sue,” “Earth Angel,” “Stay,” “Unchained Melody,” “Lonely Teardrops,” “The Glory of Love,” and more. Don’t miss it!

This musical keeps hands clapping and toes tapping through a medley of jukebox hits. Everything from Get a Job to Unchained Melody is covered in this songbook of golden oldies and of course Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream is a constant melody and theme throughout the show.

Twist on Over and Grab Your Tickets

Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream is on until September 3. 2023 at the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Ontario. So be sure to twist, shimmy and shake your way to grabbing your tickets at  https://www.draytonentertainment.com