King’s Wharf Theatre Launches 2013 Season

King’s Wharf Theatre Launches 2013 Season

Friday, June 7^th, 2013

PENETANGUISHENE – The King’s Wharf Theatre has kicked-off an ambitious Summer Theatre season with one of the most popular tales in musical theatre history. Oliver!, the irresistible story of hope, social injustice, humour, and inspiration, undoubtedly leaves audiences begging for more.

The story follows the adventures of Dickens’ plucky young orphan as he attempts to navigate the mean streets of 19^th-century London. While struggling to find a place, and a family to call his own, the young Oliver Twist becomes entangled in circumstances of mystery and thievery.

“Oliver! is an enduring example of musical theatre that’s full of intrigue, warmth and emotion,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Audiences can expect a truly memorable experience.”

Theatregoers young and old are captivated by the musical’s remarkable blend of humour and heartbreak that is magically conveyed through energetic dance numbers and such unforgettable songs as “Food, Glorious Food,” “I’d Do Anything” and “Where Is Love?”.

Based on Dickens' second novel, Oliver Twist has been the subject of numerous film and television adaptations. The stage production has had incredible success since it premiered in London’s West End in 1960, where it enjoyed an extensive run. A successful Broadway production in 1964 led to further tours and revivals including a new London production in 2009. The story is loved by people around the world and the book has been translated into more than 25 languages .

Director and Choreographer Tracey Flye leads a stellar cast and her take on the classic tale is fitting for a family-friendly production. Under her direction, the subtle comedy, eccentric characters and dramatic moments are seamlessly woven together to create an intimate theatre experience.

An impressive cast has been assembled for this effort including Aidan Tye as the titular hero. Oliver is a big role for a little boy, and twelve-year old Tye proves he has the perfect combination of talent and charisma to hold his own alongside many notable leading performers. His marvellous voice and feisty demeanour immediately win over the audience and keep everyone rooting for the scrappy imp. 

By Oliver’s side is the infamous character Fagin, played by Steven Gallagher. Gallagher’s take on Fagin is appropriately clever and conniving; he steals the show with a dynamic stage presence, especially in numbers such as “Pick a Pocket” and “Reviewing the Situation.”

Stephanie Roth brings warmth and charisma to her role as Nancy, with a passionate approach to “As Long as He Needs Me.” Nancy’s less than perfect partner, the gruff and imposing Bill Sykes, is portrayed with brute intensity by Curtis Sullivan.

The mischievous street urchin Dodger is played by Joshua LeClair, who is every bit as coy and charming as the character himself.

The lovable Mr. Brownlow is played by the talented Robin Ward, while Christopher Wilson tackles the dual roles of Mr. Sowerberry and Dr. Gimwig. Other memorable characters, Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney, are portrayed by Jordan Till and Marcia Tratt, respectively.

Oliver! also features AJ Bridel, whom audiences will recognize as a finalist on CBC’s reality TV show Over The Rainbow, in addition to Justine Clark, Stephen Findlay, Jason Franco, Joanna Guistini, Grant Landry, Amanda Leigh, Christine Watson and Sef Wood.

To add to the excitement of this youthful production, Drayton Entertainment cast 24 talented students to perform as Fagin’s kids alongside the professional cast. Many youngsters from across Simcoe County auditioned for this exciting opportunity.

Music Director Michael Barber brilliantly leads this dazzling company through a musical score that’s filled with show-stopping numbers. Jean-Claude Olivier has designed a remarkable set and Jessica Bray has assembled magnificent costumes for this production. Simon Day’s lighting design gives the mean streets of London an appropriately dark and sinister feel.

Such an impressive production must also be partly attributed to a band that includes the talents of John Price, Joshua Wood, Jennifer Moersch and Graham Hargrove.

“One of the reasons Oliver! is so successful is because it appeals to audiences of all ages, from the seasoned theatregoer to the youngster experiencing the magic of the stage for the first time,” says Mustakas. “It’s an evocative musical with a captivating story that makes for a theatrical experience the entire family will enjoy.”

The 2013 Season Sponsors are John and Terry Hamilton.  The Season Media Sponsor is CTV.  Media Sponsors are B101 and The Jewel 88.5.  The Design Sponsor is NEBS.

Regular performance tickets are $40.00 for adults; $20.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $32.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Oliver! plays eight shows a week through June 22^nd. Tickets may by purchased online at www.kingswharftheatre.com in person at the King’s Wharf Theatre Box Office, or by calling (705) 549-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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For more information please contact:

Valerie O’Brien
Marketing Manager
Drayton Entertainment
valerie@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 235  Fax:  (519) 620-8055

About the King’s Wharf Theatre

Nestled within Discovery Harbour on Georgian Bay, the King's Wharf Theatre is a 385-seat venue that’s flanked by the historic buildings of a 19th-century British naval and military base. The theatre is located at the end of a beautiful boardwalk that looks on to the homeport of replica ships H.M.S. Bee and H.M.S. Tecumseth.

A visit to the King's Wharf Theatre takes only 45 minutes from Barrie and Orillia, or just over an hour from Collingwood.  While in the area, visitors can explore the local communities of Penetanguishene and Midland, which offer unique shops and dining establishments as well as Ontario's first European Community at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.