There’s a Fiddler on the Loose at the King’s Wharf Theatre
June 26, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – There’s a fiddler on the loose in Penetanguishene … and he’s on a mission to entertain with a high-energy musical extravaganza! Fiddler on the Loose will have toes tapping at the King’s Wharf Theatre from July 12 to August 5.
Anchored by the extraordinary talents of fiddler and showman Jesse Grandmont, Fiddler on the Loose is a gregarious musical variety show that is sure to raise the roof! With its stirring blend of music, dancing, comedy and, of course, fantastic fiddling, this lively revue features over 60 songs running the gamut of genres from country and bluegrass to Celtic, classical, pop, and more. The result is an electrifying fusion of entertainment that will leave audiences clapping along and singing their way out of the theatre.
Riffing on the well-known musical Fiddler on the Roof by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, the production’s tongue-in-cheek humour is a highlight of the show, making this a unique musical presentation that celebrates the evocative sound of the violin.
“Fiddler on the Loose is a heartfelt tribute to the power of music and its ability to unite us,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “After a sold-out run in Drayton back in 2019, and two successful runs at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge and Huron Country Playhouse in 2022, we are excited to finally bring this high-energy production to Penetanguishene.”
Conceived and Created by David Rogers, one of Canada’s most accomplished artists, with musical arrangements by Mark Payne, Fiddler on the Loose features more than just fantastic fiddling – there’s singing, dancing, and plenty of comedy in the mix.
This toe-tapping production is directed and choreographed by David Hogan, who helmed Drayton Entertainment’s critically acclaimed production of Man of La Mancha in 2018. In addition to directing several other productions for Drayton, Hogan is the Co-Artistic Director of the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
Serving double duty as the Music Director and lead performer, Jesse Grandmont anchors the production with his natural charisma, breezy banter, and seemingly effortless musical flourishes. He is a natural-born entertainer, evidenced by the fact that he has been playing the violin since the age of three, and has toured internationally with the Ontario Festival Symphony Orchestra and the popular fiddle group, Barrage. Last year, he represented Canada for 7 months at Expo Dubai. A fixture at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, he has appeared in numerous shows including Country Sunshine, Country Christmas Jamboree, Jesse’s Country Jubilee, and more. More recently, Jesse arranged, music directed and performed in the new Canadian musical, Strike! The Musical for Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg.
In this show, he fiddles and sings up a storm, while generously showcasing the considerable talents of fellow artists Devan Ballagh, Matt Ballagh, Paige Ballagh, Brian Barber, Leah Grandmont, Elena Howard-Scott, Erik Larson, and David Robilliard.
Together, they present a musical extravaganza that covers the spectrum of the human condition, including country standards (“Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” “Jolene,” “The Gambler”), unbridled feel-good rock ‘n’ roll (“Rock This Town,” “Rock Around The Clock”), Broadway (complete with a Fiddler on the Roof montage), emotional ballads (“Hallelujah”), and more.
Set and Costume Design is by D2 Entertainment, and the Lighting Designer is Lyle Franklin. Ashley Rees is the Stage Manager, and Arlen Otten is the Assistant Stage Manager.
Fiddler on the Loose is proudly sponsored by John and Terry Hamilton. The Design Sponsor is Pure Country 106. Media Sponsors are The Connection and Big 101.1. The 2023 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.
Regular performance tickets are $55 for adults, $34 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select Discount Dates and groups of 20 or more are $45, and small groups of 10-19 are $50. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 705-549-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.kingswharftheatre.com.
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For more information please contact:
Samareh Jones, Marketing & Development Associate
samareh@draytonentertainment.com
Phone: (519) 621-5511 ext. 256