Theatre trips are a family affair for August’s 50/50 winner, Ayr’s Melba White
September 19, 2023
Ayr's Melba White collected her August 50/50 draw winnings from Drayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas.
One word sums up Melba White’s reaction when she found out she’d won August’s 50/50 jackpot: Speechless.
“I don’t think I’ve ever won anything major like that ever in my life, so it was sort of a shock,” says the Ayr resident. She visited Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge on September 19 to collect her winnings from Drayton Entertainment’s Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas.
White almost didn’t answer the phone when Jonathan Randall, Director of Marketing & Development, rang to break the good news.
“I normally don’t answer it when I don’t recognize the number, but it said Drayton, so I did. I guess I just totally forgot about buying the tickets!”
Her lucky number was #99002805088, with a grand prize of $8,270.
White's winnings came at just the right time. “We’re planning a cruise in November,” she says.
She began entering the 50/50 lottery during the pandemic as a way of supporting Drayton Entertainment.
The live theatre fan enjoys musicals, and one of her favourites is 2018’s production of Ghost: The Musical at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. “This year, I’ve seen Kinky Boots, Rock of Ages and The Prom,” she says. “I’ve always loved Mamma Mia!, which I’ve seen it a couple times here, too, so that’s one of my favourites as well.”
Theatre visits are always a family affair for White, often with her adult children. Her daughter caught the drama bug at high school, she says. However, one family member took some convincing.
“My husband bailed last time on Mamma Mia!, so we dragged him along, and he totally loved it,” says White. “Now, he’s pretty much at every show that we’ve gone to.”
White is looking forward to seeing Peter Pan: The Panto, which opens at King’s Wharf Theatre on November 8, before flying onto the stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse on November 29.
When her son was a child, she would attend pantos with him.
“His class always did a Christmas panto field trip, and I went as a parent volunteer. I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a great time.”
Now, an annual pantomime has become a family tradition, White says.
“That’s one thing we always do, regardless of what other shows we pick up.”
Tickets for the next draw are already on sale. The October raffle will run through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 with a Grand Prize draw at noon on Sunday, October 1. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://drayton5050.com, with three tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, or 100 tickets for $40.
The jackpot is updated online in real-time and grows as more people participate – the published amount is the winner’s take-home prize.
Tickets may be purchased by individuals 18 years or older and located in the Province of Ontario at the time of purchase. All ticket sales are final and ticket buyers will receive a receipt via email after purchasing that will list all numbers associated with the purchased tickets.
Tickets are sold using an electronic raffle system approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and supplied by Bump Worldwide Inc. Raffle License AGCO #RAF1232607. Please play responsibly. Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505 or visit www.connexontario.ca. For complete details, including rules of participation and frequently asked questions, please visit: https://drayton5050.com.
About Drayton Entertainment
Drayton Entertainment is an award-winning, not-for-profit charitable arts organization (12591 1313 RR0001) operating six professional live theatre venues in five Ontario communities – the original Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse (Mainstage and South Huron Stage) in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, and the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge.
Drayton Entertainment is one of the largest employers of professional artists in the country across all artistic disciplines with over 400 artist contracts issued annually. The organization’s sustainable theatre model has emerged as a powerful force for culture and tourism in the province and has been recognized by the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as well as the Ontario Innovation Excellence Awards.
Learn more about Peter Pan: The Panto
In the News
December 9, 2024
A Little Holiday Magic!
November 13, 2024
Every Ticket Makes a Difference!On November 2, long-time Drayton Entertainment supporter Dennis Breen was thrilled to receive the exciting news from Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas, that he had won the online 50/50 Jackpot – a total of $6,110.
.png)
November 11, 2024
Drayton Entertainment Announces Artistic Leadership ShiftTransition to Support Theatre’s Multi-Year Succession Plan
Alex Mustakas, founding Artistic Director & CEO of Drayton Entertainment, as supported by the award-winning charitable arts organization’s volunteer Board of Directors, has announced a leadership transition as part of the theatre’s multi-year succession plan.
November 1, 2024
King's Wharf Theatre Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the King's Wharf Theatre.
“This is an exciting season filled with entertaining shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From hit Broadway musicals, musical reviews, and the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family.”
November 1, 2024
Drayton Festival Theatre Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Drayton Festival Theatre.
"This season is packed with shows that music lovers of all ages will adore,” says Mustakas. “From a Broadway juggernaut to shows with chart-topping hits, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy!”
November 1, 2024
Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
“The 2025 Season is all about captivating stories and unforgettable music,” says Alex Mustakas. “With a mix of timeless classics, heartfelt dramas, and thrilling moments, there is something to engage and delight every theatregoer. Whether you come for the music, the drama, or the laughter, there’s a show waiting to resonate with you.”
November 1, 2024
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
“We’re excited to be offering a wide variety of shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From side-splitting comedies, to the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family.”
November 1, 2024
Huron Country Playhouse Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Huron Country Playhouse.
“This is an exciting season filled with entertaining shows for theatregoers at every stage of life,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “From hit Broadway musicals, side-splitting comedies, and the beloved annual panto, there really is something for the whole family!”
November 1, 2024
Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs Announces 2025 SeasonDrayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today announced the 2025 Season for the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs.
“This season is brimming with shows that will have you humming along and tugging at your heartstrings,” says Mustakas. “With beloved musicals, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable moments, it’s a lineup that celebrates connection, nostalgia, and pure joy on stage!”