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.

Free Family Event in the Toronto Area Highlights Performers with Disabilities - Intangible Adorations Caravan

With the popularity of Open Air Events growing this year, I am happy to inform you about Intangible Adorations Caravan Pop-Up events happening in the Toronto area.  These evening events bring the performing arts to life in a carnival-like setting featuring performers with Hidden and Visible Disabilities. Join the journey as the cast voyages time and space to find a mysterious disappearance.

The show features a cast of artists who have either hidden or visible disabilities, and features double below-knee amputee and aerialist, Erin Ball. The creator, Lisa Anita Wegner (IMBD), is a Toronto-born meta-gender filmmaker, producer and storyteller with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Upcoming dates include 

June 22: https://www.facebook.com/events/723479875442573?ref=newsfeed

September 7: https://www.facebook.com/events/1498141260618169?ref=newsfeed

To learn about other upcoming shows, please follow https://www.facebook.com/mightybraveproductions

Find more information about Intangible Adorations Caravan at https://mightybraveproductions.ca/intangible-adorations-caravan

Let us know if you plan to attend the show! Leave a comment below.

Set the Spark of Interest in the Performing Arts with Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy Summer Camps

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, I did receive tickets for an upcoming Drayton Performance, but this just means I'm able to tell you about this amazing early bird offer!

Now that spring is in the air, you need to start thinking about your summer plans.  Many families sign up their children for Day Camps across the region and we are thrilled to share a Summer Camp your kids are sure to enjoy. Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is hosting Summer Camps. Each age group has its own show theme and every week is different. If more than one week is of interest there is a multi-week offer and for families with more than one child wanting to attend, there is a discount for that too! They even have an Early Bird Offer for those that register before April 15th. You can find that info at the end of this blog post.

It sounds like a summer filled with friendship and fun for all.  We expect these spots to fill fast, so register now to avoid disappointment.

It is a great way to spark your child's interest in the performing arts and perhaps one day you will see them in a video like this

 

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is offering week-long Summer Camps. They give kids, youth, and teens a chance to have fun, meet new friends, and build skills while learning about blockbuster musical theatre shows!

By studying a different, age-appropriate musical each week, participants will gain fundamental training in

singing, movement, scene work, and more. Plus, they are offering an exciting “Introduction to Production” week for teens who want to learn more about making the magic behind the scenes.

Family, Frequency and Early Bird pricing available!

June 27 – July 1 Anne of Green Gables (Kids), Matilda (Youth), Bring It On (Teens)

July 4 – 8 The Wizard of Oz (Kids), School of Rock (Youth), Mean Girls (Teens)

July 11 – 15 Beauty and the Beast (Kids), Mary Poppins (Youth), The Prom (Teens)

July 11 – 15 Introduction to Production (Teens)

July 18 – 22 Shrek (Kids), 13: The Musical (Youth), Wicked (Teens)

July 25– 29 The Little Mermaid (Kids), Seussical (Youth), Legally Blonde (Teens)

Aug 1 – 5 Willy Wonka (Kids), Camp Rock (Youth), Mamma Mia! (Teens)

Aug 8 – 12 Annie (Kids), Newsies (Youth), Be More Chill (Teens)

EARLY BIRD OFFER
Register before April 15 to be invited to attend the final dress rehearsal of Drayton Entertainment's production of Mama Mia!

For info, pricing and registration visit https://www.draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com/classes-by-type/summer-camps/