Skip to Content

News Room

Welcome to our News Room!

Click through the different sections below to get all the latest news and info from the Drayton Festival Theatre, Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, Huron Country Playhouse, King's Wharf Theatre, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre and the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy.


Artistic Director Alex Mustakas Presents Cheque to October 50/50 Winner Dennis Breen

November 13, 2024

Every Ticket Makes a Difference!
Congratulations to our October 50/50 Winner!

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.

November 11, 2024

Drayton Entertainment Announces Artistic Leadership Shift

Transition 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.

King's Wharf Theatre 2025 Season

November 1, 2024

King's Wharf Theatre Announces 2025 Season

Drayton 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.”

Drayton Festival Theatre 2025 Season

November 1, 2024

Drayton Festival Theatre Announces 2025 Season

Drayton 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!”

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge 2025 Season Announced

November 1, 2024

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge Announces 2025 Season

Drayton 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 Season

Drayton 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 Season

Drayton 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!”

Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs 2025 Season

November 1, 2024

Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs Announces 2025 Season

Drayton 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!”

Artistic Director Alex Mustakas Presents Cheque to September 50/50 Winner Carol Boyd

October 8, 2024

It Pays to Play!

Congratulations to our September 50/50 Winner!

After playing regularly since the raffle began in 2021, Carol Boyd's ticket number was finally called! 

September 30, 2024

Drayton Entertainment announces free tuition to all Youth Academy training programs for Indigenous youth, under 18

Community integrity has always been a pillar of Drayton Entertainment’s mission statement, and as the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy operates in support of this commitment, we would like to make the following announcement:

September 11, 2024

Drayton Entertainment’s 9th Annual Golf Classic Drives Success

Drayton Entertainment's 9th Annual Golf Classic was held on Friday, September 6 at the Elmira Golf Club. The rain held off for most of the day as 120 golfers enjoyed a fun-filled day on the greens!

Artistic Director Alex Mustakas Presents Cheque to August 50/50 Winner Brian Howitt

September 10, 2024

Our August 50/50 Winner Is ... Brian Howitt!
Congratulations to Brian Howitt, our August 50/50 Winner! He takes home a jackpot of $5,655.
Artistic Director Alex Mustakas Presents Cheque to July 50/50 Winner Cheryl Worth

August 30, 2024

Our Lucky July 50/50 Winner Is ... Cheryl Worth!
Congratulations to Cheryl Worth, who won $5,915 in our online July 50/50!

July 17, 2024

The Fabulous Outfits of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

We recently had the pleasure of talking with costume designer, Dariusz Korbiel, to learn more about his background and the incredible costumes we'll be seeing on stage. Read the full interview to learn about the designs in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical.

Nike Combitsis (Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys) with Christine Wall (June 50/50 Winner)

July 15, 2024

It's a Moment to Remember for June 50/50 Winner Christine Wall

After attending the Sunday matinee of Jersey Boys, our jackpot winner was presented with her winnings by none other than Niko Combitsis, fresh from the stage after appearing as Frankie Valli. Talk about the photo op of a lifetime!

June 29, 2024

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical Spotify Playlist

Listen to the songs from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert the Musical

Check out the extraordinary songs from the ultimate feel-good musical!

June 13, 2024

Sunny surprise for St. Catharines 50/50 winner Frank Parkhouse

It's a perfect start to the summer for June's 50/50 jackpot winner.

May 22, 2024

Delicate as magnolias, but as tough as steel: Six strong women use humour to get through their heartache

The heartwarming comedy-drama set in a beauty salon uses wit, charm and laughter to show that strength grows out of friendships.

Christina Vegas

May 20, 2024

Waterloo Region Record: Trans performer makes history

Offstage, Christina Vegas -belived to be the first trans person to star in a professional North American production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musicallives with the awareness that she’s different in a way some might find off-putting, unusual, even threatening.

Louise Grisdale and Alex Mustakas with a big cheque at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Black and white photo of Aretha Franklin in 1968

May 8, 2024

“All of a sudden, women had role models in their radios.” Powerful voices drive change in BEEHIVE - The ’60s Musical

Director and choreographer David Connolly celebrates the iconic female singers of the '60s.

Screen shot from Poison's video for Nothin' But a Good Time

May 1, 2024

More Than Words: Rock of Ages gets nostalgic for the era-defining image of 80s music

A raucous celebration of iconic bands hits the stage in this '80s-set rock n’ roll musical this summer.

Kale Penny, Mariah Campos and Aaron Walpole in front of the Rock of Ages background

April 30, 2024

Rock of Ages turns it up to 11 in a hymn to the era of excess

Are you ready to rock? Hardcore audiences squeeze into their acid-washed jeans to worship the loud and proud ’80s.

Matthew Rae MPP, Artistic Director Alex Mustakas, Drayton Entertainment volunteer Ron Ellis, and John Nater MP

April 18, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Ron Ellis

It’s impossible to talk about volunteerism at Drayton Entertainment without mentioning former municipal councillor Ron Ellis. He was Volunteer #1 at the place where it all started in 1991, Drayton Festival Theatre.

Drayton Entertainment volunteer Catherine Pettem at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.

April 17, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Catherine Pettem

Catherine Pettem has lived in Cambridge off and on for over 30 years, and she’s been a part of Drayton Entertainment for more than a decade. During that time, she has amassed an astonishing number of volunteer hours and helped enhance the experience at shows for thousands of audience members.

Drayton Entertainment volunteer Marilyn Pollard - with (from L to R) Mariah Campos, Justin Bott, Tim Porter, and Kristen Pottle from the 2019 production of Jack and the Beanstalk: The Panto

April 16, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Marilyn Pollard and Tom Pollard

Marilyn Pollard and her oldest son, Tom Pollard, make a formidable team. Marilyn lives in Wallaceburg, and Tom calls London his home. Together, they volunteer at both Huron Country Playhouse’s theatres, racking up hundreds of hours each year.

Sylvia Malgadey with a rescued wolf cub at Wildlife Haven Waterloo.

April 15, 2024

Volunteer Spotlight: Sylvia Malgadey

Sylvia Malgadey competed for Team Canada in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The Conestoga resident is still quick on her feet as a Drayton Entertainment volunteer, which sometimes includes dancing with members of the audience.

Marilyn Ivanovick and Gary Good hold a mock-up cheque in the foyer of Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge

April 9, 2024

It's no joke! Drayton Entertainment volunteer Marilyn Ivanovick wins big on April 1

The Cambridge resident has been part of the Drayton Entertainment community for more than eight years.

50/50 winner Jamie Hinton holding a big winner's cheque outside King's Wharf Theatre

February 28, 2024

Just too good to be true: Jersey Boys tells the story behind the Four Seasons’ classic, wholesome sound

The Broadway blockbuster doesn’t pull any punches as it authentically recreates the world of one of pop’s most harmonious groups.

David Connolly and Daryl Morris sitting in front of a CTV News Kitchener backdrop. David wears a dark blue shirt and jeans, while Daryl on the right is dressed in a black blazer and white pants. Both are seated on grey upholstered chairs. The backdro

February 21, 2024

CTV: Footloose coming to St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

David Connolly of Drayton Entertainment joins CTV’s Daryl Morris with a preview of the production put on by local high school students.

Mike Farwell of CityNews 570, with David Connolly

February 15, 2024

CityNews 570's Mike Farwell interviews David Connolly, director and choreographer of Footloose

"The story is about youth coming to the aid of a community in need." David Connolly sat down with Mike Farwell from CityNews 570 recently to discuss the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy's production of Footloose.

Photo: Joe McGinty/CambridgeToday
High school students from all over the region rehearse Footloose on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

February 8, 2024

CambridgeToday: Cambridge students set to cut 'Footloose' on Drayton stage

Local high school students get put through the ringer learning what it's like to be a professional theatre actor.

Sharon Nwoko, Kira Panda, Evie O'Toole, Mackenna Van Massenhoven and Ronan Hayes with a Footloose logo and a Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy High School Musical Production logo

January 15, 2024

Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s Footloose production lets high school students cut loose, both on- and offstage

Footloose at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse gives high school students a unique taste of professional theatre as they work alongside Drayton Entertainment mentors.

David and Wendy Imrie, along with Alex Mustakas, hold a big 50/50 cheque

January 8, 2024

Good news to start the new year for Kitchener’s David and Wendy Imrie

Former CKCO reporter David Imrie, along with his wife Wendy, became the story themselves on New Year’s Day after they scooped 2023’s biggest monthly jackpot.

Marc Chagall's 1913 painting

December 12, 2023

Legendary Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof balances tradition with the push for change

Nearly 60 years after it first opened on stage, the iconic musical's themes of tradition and belonging continue to resonate with audiences.

Henry and Grace Hildebrand superimposed in front of the Schoolhouse Theatre

November 23, 2023

Hildebrand Family Donates Major Gift

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre will be renamed in honour of community philanthropists Henry and Grace Hildebrand.

Meryl Penman standing on a sandy beach and smiling

November 20, 2023

Winning June 2021’s 50/50 draw helped Meryl Penman to check an item off of her bucket list

We caught up with one of our previous 50/50 winners to find out how the big jackpot enabled her to treat her family and realize her dreams.

November 15, 2023

Extra dates added for a second time to meet the demand for Peter Pan: The Panto

Audiences can't get enough of the popular panto, which has been extended once again so that even more people can get hooked on the magic.

Mark Harapiak, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Keely Hutton, and Lauren Bowler in Bittergirl - The Musical, Drayton Entertainment, 2023 Season. Directed by Mary Francis Moore; Choreography/Associate Direction by Robin Calvert; Music Direction by Melissa Morris; S
Mark Harapiak, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Keely Hutton, and Lauren Bowler performing in Bittergirl - The Musical

November 14, 2023

Bittergirl – the Musical finds the humour in heartache

Three suddenly single women become friends after they find solace in their shared heartache. The hilarious hit musical Bittergirl - the Musical mirrors the sisterhood and resilience of the trio of writers who created it.

November 14, 2023

Kitchener’s Yvonne McGrath wins November’s 50/50 draw and plans on sharing her good fortune

Latest winner tells her sons, “Guess what? Your old lady won!”

Red Team Photo

November 3, 2023

Red Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Peter Pan: The Panto at the King's Wharf Theatre

Introducing the Red Team Youth Ensemble for Peter Pan: The Panto at the King's Wharf Theatre!

Red Team Photo

November 3, 2023

Blue Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Peter Pan: The Panto at the King's Wharf Theatre

Introducing the Blue Team Youth Ensemble for Peter Pan: The Panto at the King's Wharf Theatre!

Red Team group photo

November 3, 2023

Red Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Peter Pan: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

Introducing the Red Team Youth Ensemble for Peter Pan: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse!

Blue Team group photo

November 3, 2023

Blue Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Peter Pan: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

Introducing the Blue Team Youth Ensemble for Peter Pan: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse!

Lia Luz and Emma Rudy in the rehearsal hall for Peter Pan: The Panto

October 30, 2023

Prepare to be hooked by Peter Pan: The Panto

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell (yay!), along with Captain Hook (boo!) and a host of other colourful characters, are providing plenty of holiday cheer as this hit Brit panto lands on stage. The Company of Peter Pan: The Panto took a break from rehearsals to tell us what makes the show soar.

October 23, 2023

Broadway epic Evita shows the glamorous allure of political power

The biographical musical about one of the most influential women in history opens at the Hamilton family Theatre Cambridge this fall.

October 17, 2023

Peter Pan: The Panto extended at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse due to popular demand

Extra ticket availability means even more audiences can get hooked by this magical family favourite.

From left: Dante Jemmott (Charlie), director Skye Brandon, and Ellen Denny (Mary) during rehearsals for the romantic drama, Mary's Wedding.

October 12, 2023

Love and hope are uplifting themes in the romantic wartime drama, Mary’s Wedding | Oct 26 - Nov 12

Stephen Massicotte’s modern Canadian classic weaves together time, dreams and memory in a compelling two-actor play.

October 11, 2023

Former Drayton Entertainment volunteer Joan Bell wins September’s 50/50 grand prize

Our latest winner was so happy to chat on the phone with Alex Mustakas that she forgot to ask about her prize.

Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge 2024 Season Announced
Drayton Festival Theatre 2024 Season
King's Wharf Theatre 2024 Season
Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre St. Jacobs 2024 Season
Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment

September 27, 2023

Alex Mustakas returns to the stage as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof

After a five-year break from the stage, Alex Mustakas is making a triumphant return in one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles.

Montage showing Dante Jemmott and Ellen Denny from Mary’s Wedding.

September 26, 2023

Dreaming of love during the nightmare of war

In the romantic wartime drama Mary’s Wedding, a Canadian soldier and a British woman form a deep connection during a time of historic turmoil.

Although this moving tale is fictional, true stories of wartime love that crossed an ocean were fairly common, just like real-life couple Percy and Hilda Bodaly.

September 19, 2023

Setting the Stage for Mary's Wedding

Get a look behind the scenes at Set Designer Douglas Paraschuk's beautiful design for this touching story that pulls in the colours of the prairies and marries them with farm building accents.

 

September 19, 2023

Theatre trips are a family affair for August’s 50/50 winner, Ayr’s Melba White

Melba White and her family have loved musical theatre since her now-adult children were kids. August's 50/50 winner is looking forward to this fall's panto extraganza.

September 18, 2023

Theatre of war: Stephen Massicotte’s love of history sets the stage for his classic romantic drama, Mary’s Wedding

Given playwright and actor Stephen Massicotte’s formative years, it was perhaps inevitable that his interests in military history and the arts would join forces when he created Mary’s Wedding.

Mary Francis Moore at St Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre

September 15, 2023

How the original Bittergirls turned heartache into a hilarious hit musical - and 25 years of friendship

Bittergirl - The Musical director and co-creator Mary Francis Moore shares the importance of friendships, relationship advice for border guards, and why she's grateful for the man who dumped her.

September 6, 2023

From Fiddler on the Loose to Fiddler on the Roof!

In an un-traditional twist, Drayton Entertainment’s production of the beloved family musical Fiddler on the Roof will showcase the exceptional talents of award-winning fiddler Jesse Grandmont.

September 5, 2023

A Brief History of Bittergirl - The Musical

Take three women who are suffering post-break-up despair, add some girl group harmonies from the 60s and 70s, mix with a healthy dash of tears, laughter and sisterhood, and you have the comical cocktail of hilarity, Bittergirl – The Musical. To whet your appetite, here are some fun facts about the history of the hysterical comedy.

September 1, 2023

Remembering Marti Maraden

August 28, 2023

Longtime live theatre fan Ken Cook wins July's 50/50 draw

"I was kind of in awe. I never thought I would ever win this big," says August's winner, Ken Cook from Shakespeare.

Neil Aitchison in Sh-Boom! Life Could Be a Dream, Drayton Entertainment, 2023 Season. Directed by David Rogers; Choreographed by David Hogan; Music Direction by Melissa Morris; Set Design by Douglas Paraschuk; Costume Design by Rachel Berchtold; Ligh

August 23, 2023

Grand 101.1 FM: Harriston’s Own Neil Aitchison Starring in Drayton Production this August

Neil Aitchison has come back home to perform in Drayton as a part of Sh-Boom! Life Could be a Dream.

Company in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Drayton Entertainment, 2017 Season. Photo: Hilary Gauld Camilleri.
Company in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Drayton Entertainment, 2017 Season. Photo: Hilary Gauld Camilleri.

August 23, 2023

Midland Mirror: Penetanguishene’s King’s Wharf theatre holding youth auditions for ‘Peter Pan: The Panto’

Drayton Entertainment is looking to cast a children’s chorus for the November production.

August 11, 2023

Toronto’s Ben Page takes on a dream role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

From a humble genesis, the colourful rags-to-riches biblical tale became more successful than its creators ever dreamed possible.

Zaynna Khalife, Norman Yeung, Andrew Prashad, John Jarvis, and Chiamaka Glory in The New Canadian Curling Club, Drayton Entertainment, 2023 Season. Directed by Jane Spence; Set Design by Beckie Morris; Costume Design by Alex Amini; Lighting Design by
Zaynna Khalife, Norman Yeung, Andrew Prashad, John Jarvis, and Chiamaka Glory in The New Canadian Curling Club, Drayton Entertainment, 2023 Season. Directed by Jane Spence; Set Design by Beckie Morris; Costume Design by Alex Amini; Lighting Design by

July 31, 2023

Warm hearts and cold ice bring Canadians together

While it's a country that's famous for its frigid winter weather, Canada is also celebrated around the world for its warm, welcoming heart.

Blue Team Photo

July 31, 2023

Blue Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the King's Wharf Theatre

Announcing the Blue Team Youth Ensemble for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the King's Wharf Theatre!

Red Team Photo

July 31, 2023

Red Team Youth Ensemble Announced for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the King's Wharf Theatre

Announcing the Red Team Youth Ensemble for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the King's Wharf Theatre!

Load More