Lakeshore Advance, 2012-05-02, Page 4rIUL,�V'IM ithc'W • `i ,i ;';p"
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 34
Student Matinee Program: Huron Country
Playhouse promotes arts accessibility through
exclusive student performances of Hairspray
Grand Bend, ON - Drayton Entertainment, operators of the
Huron Country Playhouse, is strengthening arts education
and access to the performing arts for a broad spectrum of
Southern Ontario schools through their unique Student
Matinee Program,
The Student Matinee Program was developed with the goal
of removing economic barriers to experiencing live theatre
for thousands of school students annually. Each year the
award-winning theatre company schedules a limited number
of weekday morning performances for shows being presented
in the regular season - the same productions that delight
afternoon and evening audiences and earn rave reviews from
theatregoers and reviewers alike.
Ai
Student matinees are a wonderful way
for young people to feel the joy of live
theatre, often for the very first time"
— Artistic Director Alex Mustakas
"We're extremely proud of our Student Matinee Program,"
says Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. "Our exclusive student
performances educate and entertain youth while encourag-
ing a life-long interest in theatre and contributing to the
cultural fabric of the community."
The Huron Country Playhouse has increased its student
matinee offerings in 2011 to accommodate demand for its
highly anticipated production of Hairspray, which is set to
launch the historic venue's 40th Anniversary Season. Six
student -only performances are available this June in the
newly renovated 660 -seat main stage.
A big production, with big hair and an even bigger heart,
Hairspray explores themes of social justice, respect for others,
self -perception, body image, standing up for what you believe
in . , . and daring to dream.
Winner of more than 30 major awards worldwide and
acclaimed as 'the musical with everything' (Observer, UK),
Hairspray is one of the most beloved musicals of 21st
century.
Tickets for the Student Matinee Program are discounted by
more than 60% off the regular ticket price to make the experi-
ence accessible for everyone. Student tickets for these per-
formances are only $14.38 + HST
• ¢he Student Matinee Program is available to any elemen-
t'ebr secondary school including public, separate, private,
and home schools. This is a unique opportunity for students
and educators to experience accomplished artists telling
compelling stories in a top-notch professional theatre.
Each year more than 8,000 youth take part in this unique
program that runs across Drayton Entertainment's six venues
- the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country
Playhouse and Playhouse II in Grand Bend, King's Wharf
Theatre in Penetanguishene, and St. Jacobs Country Play-
house and the Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs.
Exposure to the arts is a vital and enriching encounter for
youth. 'Ihe arts expand creativity, teach
diversity, build community and
socialization skills as well as preserve
cultural traditions. The arts can enhance
learners' abilities and deepen their
understanding of the world at large.
In addition to the performance,
teachers also receive a professionally
prepared study guide to connect the
production to the curriculum,
"Student matinees are a wonderful
way for young people to feel the joy of
live theatre, often for the very first time,"
says Mustakas.
Teachers who are interested in
bringing a student group to the theatre
should contact Groups Coordinator
Amanda Kind at 1-855-drayton (372-
9866) or email groups@draytonenter-
taitunent.com
For more information on the Student
Matinee Program or the 2011 Season,
please visit our website at www,drayto-
nentertatnment.con/groups_schools/
studentmatineeexperience/
3011 Student Matinee
Performances atHairspray
1, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at
10:30 a.m,
2. Thursday, June 9, 2011 at
10:30 a.m,
3, Friday, June 10, 2011 at
10:30 a.m.
4. Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at
10:30 a.m.
5. Wednesday, June /5, 2011 at
10:30 a.m.
8. Thursday, June 18, 2011 at
10:30 a,m.
JOAN CORRIVEAU
Joan is a past resident of Zurich
and one of 21 children
About the 2011 Student Matinee
Production of Hairspray
Hairspray is based upon the New
Line Cinema film written and directed
by John Waters, with a book by Mark
O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music
by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc
Shaiman and Scott Wittman, The origi-
nal Broadway production was directed
by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by
Jerry Mitchell,
In I tairspray, it is 1962, the '50s are
out and change is in the air, Baltimore's
Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair
and an even bigger heart, has only one
passion - to dance. She wins a spot on
the local TV dance programme, 'The
Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is
transformed from outsider to irrepress-
ible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter
in dance and fashion vanquish the
programme's reigning princess, win the
heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and
integrate a television show without
denting her 'do?
The musical features an original score
by Marc Shaiman (who co -wrote the
music and lyrics for the acclaimed
animated musical, 'South Park: Bigger,
Longer & Uncut') and Scott Wittman.
SW=
RANGO PLUS THOR
Gates Open 8PM / Show 9PM
www,atariitedriveintheetre.com • 519-238-8344
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519-238-8048
t-N644734%i
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& area businesses,
www.welccmewagon.ca
Their songs take Tracy from the sound -
stage of a'60s-style dance show to the
streets of Baltimore to a downtown
rhythm and blues record shop.
Kineto Theatre si
Forest
`DIARY OF A WIMPY KID"
Rating: General
Maye,7,8i10th
Starring: Zachary Gordon,
Devon Bostick, Robert Capron
Lilt ION -r:
BRANCH 498, GRAND BEND
BINGO hesday - 7pm
MEAT DRAWS
Friday - 5pm-7pm
ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, May 71'3-6 pm
"MIDLIFE CRISIS"
Saturday, May 14, 2011
SMOKED PORK CHOP DINNER
5:00-7:00P,M
United Tickets:'12.00
available at the bar.
Meal + Entertainment bits
Entertainment by •
"The Particulars"
Legion Golf Fun Day
Fundraiser and Dinner
Saturday, June 18t,
Bayview
A� Golf Course
t
Shotgun Star!
Contact Legion for more
Information 238-2120
"You're only a stranger here once."
EVERYONE WELCOME
Age of majority card required,
HALL RENTALS
Call: Sharon 519-238-8885