It's a sure sign of summer.
Drayton Entertainment brings four new lighthearted shows to the King’s Wharf Theatre at Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene.
Drayton artistic director Alex Mustakas says his company, which operates six theatres in the province, says that since people crave human interaction, especially following the pandemic, live theatre is enjoying a renaissance of sorts.
“Our audience has come back,” he tells Village Media. “People are coming back to that live communal experience that only live theatre can provide them.”
While there were some labour issues created by COVID with some of Drayton’s technical crew forced to forge alternative careers, Mustakas points out that “the actors got through it.”
For the coming season, Mustakas says he wanted to create a program that should appeal to a large demographic visiting “the most beautiful, remarkable setting" for a theatre.
“I designed an overall season that would appeal to ages five to 95,” he explains. “If you come to our show and you are over 95, I will name a theatre after you.”
The season kicks off today (June 6) with “the totally rad” Rock of Ages.
Mustakas says the first offering is a goofy tribute to the ‘80s hard rock scene.
“it’s packed with incredible classic rock tunes, fun characters and some hilarious, adult comedy that epitomizes the hard-living lifestyle of the time,” Mustakas says. “This is definitely an opportunity to leave the kids at home and rock out to the music of your youth.”
Featuring a large cast, the story takes place in 1987 after aspiring rocker Drew Boley meets and falls madly in love with Sherrie, a fresh-faced Midwesterner who has recently moved to Los Angeles to chase her movie star dreams.
Will their stars rise? Will their love last?
Find out in the worldwide phenomenon featuring 28 classic rock tunes such as Don’t Stop Believin, We Built This City, Here I Go Again, I Want to Know What Love Is and for fans of both rock and the classic TV show Arrested Development, The Final Countdown.
The show runs until month’s end with Robert Harling’s classic tale Steel Magnolias taking over the stage from July 11 to 28.
The play explores the dynamics of life, love, and laughter in a small-town Louisiana beauty parlour as six southern women learn to embrace the future and all of its uncertainties.
Truvy, the outspoken owner, dispenses shampoos and free advice to her clients, who gather each week to talk, gab, gossip, chit-chat, needle and harangue each other through the best times – and cry, comfort, caress, and repair each other through the worst.
From Aug. 8 to Sept. 1, Jersey Boys takes the audience on an exploration of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in New Jersey to their ascent to the top of the pops with songs like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Oh What a Night and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
Adds Mustakas says: “I’d been trying to get the rights to it for 10 years."
The season concludes with A Christmas Carol: The Panto....the family musical with a scrooge loose, which runs from Nov. 6 to 23.
"There's a lot of audience participation," Mustakas says. "They can boo the villain and cheer for the hero."
For more information or to order tickets, click here.
