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

Anne of Green Gables Opens at the Stratford Festival and You Will Want to See What She Does to Avonlea!

Today Anne of Green of Gables officially opened at the Stratford Festival and it was a wonderful experience for all that attended.  From the comically chaotic beginnings to the deeply emotional finale, this production of Anne of Green Gables captures the heart of Canada's favourite red-head.

Anne Shirley Enters the Chat!

Anne Shirley, quickly let everyone know that she loves to chat all day long.. As soon as Matthew meets Anne, she had the whole audience roaring with laughter. Anne, being as over-the-top as she can be, is there to steal each scene she is in and steal the hearts of the characters and theatre-goers as well.

Funny, Friendly, and Fierce—Anne is Everything!

We want to say that this family-friendly show is meant for all-ages. It includes life lessons for both young and old. Anne Shirley learns how to be a fiercely loyal friend, how to harness your imagination and how to appreciate your surroundings. She does so in such a funny way that she wins over the towns-people of Avonlea. 

Anne of Green Gables is everything—fun, heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply touching. Whether you’re introducing your little ones to Anne for the first time or reliving childhood memories, Stratford's Anne of Green Gables will make you so glad that you live in a world where there are Octobers.

When Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables she’s a bit of a surprise to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, the brother and sister who had planned to adopt a boy to help out around the farm. With her tenacious spirit and winning personality, Anne earns their love and respect. 

Gather all for a Great Deal on Anne of Green Gables Tickets!

So gather your kindred spirits and kin, and head to Stratford's own Avonlea at the Avon Theatre to see Anne of Green Gables!

Anne of Green Gables is playing from now until October 25th in Stratford Ontario at the Avon Theatre.

Kids tickets start as low as $15.50 when purchased with an Adult priced ticket. Learn more about this deal at 

https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/WaystoSave/Deals/Kids-Tickets

To purchase tickets to Anne of Green Gables, contact the Stratford Festival Box Office: Toll-Free 1.800.567.1600 or visit

stratfordfestival.ca

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

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)

Exploring illumi in Mississauga: A Mesmerizing Journey from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario

Embarking on a road trip from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, to Mississauga unveils a world of enchantment and wonder. Among the many attractions waiting to captivate your senses, illumi stands out as a dazzling spectacle that promises to transform your evening into a magical experience. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the beauty of illumi and share tips for making the most of your trip.

Many will remember our first trip to illumi last year and we were so excited to visit all the displays again!

Arriving at illumi:

Upon reaching Mississauga, your anticipation grows as you approach illumi. This immersive light experience offers convenient access for visitors. The vibrant glow of the lights will guide you, creating a sense of excitement even before you enter the enchanting world of illumi.

illumi Experience:

illumi in Mississauga is a one-of-a-kind light show that combines technology and artistry to create a mesmerizing display. As you step into the illuminated wonderland, prepare to be transported into a world of fantasy. The carefully designed light installations, synchronized to music, create a symphony of colors that dance before your eyes.

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The thematic displays at illumi evoke a sense of awe and wonder. From dazzling tunnels of light to intricately designed sculptures, each exhibit tells a unique story. Be sure to take your time exploring the various sections, allowing the magic to unfold at its own pace. Don't forget your camera – illumi provides countless opportunities for stunning photographs that will serve as lasting memories of your journey.

Tips for an Unforgettable Experience at illumi:

Timing is Key: This is an evening event so plan accordingly to appreciate the magic of illumi. The play of lights against the night sky enhances the enchantment.

Purchase Tickets in Advance: To avoid long queues, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance. This ensures a seamless entry, allowing you to dive into the magical world of illumi without delay.

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes/boots as you'll be strolling through the exhibits. Dress warmly to make the most of your outdoor experience.

Plus they have free wagon rentals on site 

illumi in Mississauga is a must-visit destination for those seeking a magical escape from the ordinary. The journey from Kitchener adds an extra layer of adventure, making your road trip an integral part of the overall experience. As you bask in the glow of the mesmerizing lights, you'll carry the enchantment of illumi with you, creating memories that will linger long after the lights fade.

illumi is running until January 7, 2024. 

To purchase tickets visit https://toronto.illumi.com

Dive Into The Water Brothers Season 5 - Unboxing and Info

 

The Water Brothers Season 5 is now playing on a screen near you and to celebrate I was able to share my Unboxing this morning of these great items

The Water Brothers Season 5 is part of the continuing voyage through the challenges our water planet faces. Past seasons have included info from rising tides to plastic perils and urban water crises. This season brothers Alex and Tyler Mifflin focus on Ontario's waters and each episode provides valuable insights and inspires action. This show carries the message of water conservation forward, championing sustainable practices and advocating for a healthier, more resilient planet. Now is the time to dive into The Water Brothers Season 5!

Canada’s favorite water ambassadors Alex and Tyler Mifflin are back and taking viewers on a journey to investigate some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing us today and highlight solutions that can help better protect our most precious resource. 

Watch The Water Brothers Season 5 as well as the previous seasons online at https://www.tvo.org/programs/the-water-brothers or Season 5 televised episodes Thursdays on TVO

For more info visit these links

Website: https://thewaterbrothers.ca

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewaterbros

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thewaterbrothersTV

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

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

 

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

Getting to know the Gaslight District and Grand Opening Weekend Info

As mentioned in an earlier post, Friday night I was at the opening of A Few Good Men at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.  I went early to get a parking spot at the theatre.  When I got out of my car I could hear music playing so I headed toward Foundry Tavern in The Gaslight District and as I got closer I knew the voice singing right away.  It was my friend Juynet singing with The Turk and the Hobbits. They were playing outdoors in the Big Screen area of The Gaslight District.  Watch the video below to see the view

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Next thing you know the Toronto Blue Jays were on the screen.

It is really a fun place to be!

The Gaslight District is a new kind of 'Infrastructure for the human spirit' that helps people freely play in public in ways that start to define an inclusive community identity. 

It was a great preview of what is to come this month for The Gaslight District's Grand Opening.

Grand Opening Weekend at The Gaslight District

I have been including Big Screen Thursdays at The Gaslight District as part of the ongoing Thursday events in my monthly list, but I felt the Grand Opening Weekend deserved a post too!

The Grand Opening Weekend is running July 28-30, 2023 with FREE CONCERTS on Friday and Saturday.

Each concert is headlined by a well-known band,  Friday night BIG WRECK is the headliner and Saturday WALK OFF THE EARTH headlines the show.

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There are other events throughout the weekend as well you can find all the info at https://www.gaslightdistrict.ca