By Casey Lessard
Drayton Entertainment is sticking to a formula that works for its 2008 season at Huron Country Playhouse, presenting Broadway hits and home-grown originals on its two stages.
The season includes: My Fair Lady, Sorry… I’m Canadian, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum on the main stage, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Playhouse II.
“After receiving so many accolades this year, people keep asking us how we can possibly top ourselves,” says artistic director Alex Mustakas. “It’s a very difficult challenge, but one that allows us to reach new heights of creativity. The result is a very diverse mix of productions, but each one will carry our signature stamp of top-quality professional entertainment at an amazingly affordable price. Now, more than ever, people can experience epic Broadway productions and esteemed talent right in their own backyard.”
Between its six venues in Grand Bend, Drayton, Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs, Drayton sold 225,000 tickets in 2007. Already, the box office has sold 50,000 for 2008.
Here’s a summary of the season from Drayton Entertainment:
The 2008 Season kicks off with the lover-ly musical masterpiece, My Fair Lady. Egotistical professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins, makes a wager that he can transform unrefined Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle into a lady – and fool everyone into thinking she really is one, too! But when Higgins’ scheme is too successful, he faces the prospect of losing Eliza forever. Will he admit he’s grown accustomed to her face before it’s too late? My Fair Lady runs June 3rd to June 21st.
Sorry … I’m Canadian is a pageant of political patriotism, starring gifted comedian Neil Aitchison. Join us for an entertaining trek across our vast country, and relive the magic of the Great Canadian Song Book: gems like “O’Siem”, “Alberta Bound”, “Fox On The Run,” “Black Fly,” “Song of the Mira,” “I’se the B’ye,” “Sonny’s Dream,” “Farewell to Nova Scotia” and many, many more. Sorry…I’m Canadian celebrates our distinct heritage and offers a fresh take on what it means to be a proud Canadian through a charming blend of music, humour, and political satire. The production runs June 24th to July 12th.
Drayton Entertainment has scored a major coup with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, as the Broadway sensation will be making its Canadian premiere this summer, July 16th through August 9th. Based on the popular film, the production follows the dastardly deeds of two con men engaged in a mirthful battle of wits. Prepare to have your heart stolen in this hilariously clever take on the ultimate con!
The season ends with A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, August 13th through August 30th. This fun-filled vaudevillian romp traces a day in the life of Pseudolus, the craftiest slave in Rome, as he tries to win the heart of a dim-witted courtesan for his master’s son in exchange for his freedom. Armed with the witty lyrics and toe-tapping tunes of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, this irreverent production is one of the funniest musicals ever written.
The 2008 Season is proudly sponsored by Lavis Contracting and A Channel.
Playhouse II, Grand Bend
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a frothy, fun look at the absurdity of love. Explore the entire spectrum of romance and its many forms – from dating to marriage, the agonies and triumphs of dealing with in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. The production runs July 16th to August 30th.
Ticket Information
Drayton Entertainment offers flexible subscription packages that enable theatregoers to book tickets to any performance, at any theatre, for any date. When theatregoers buy tickets to four, five, six, or even seven different productions, they could save more than 33% off the regular ticket price. Individual theatre tickets are $37.00 for adults; $20.00 for youth 18 and under, and $30.00 for preview performances.
To receive a complimentary 2008 Theatre Guide, call the Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or 1-888-449-4463 or visit www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.