Drayton Festival Theatre Launches 2013 Season with THE SONGS OF SINATRA Tonight

Drayton Festival Theatre opens its doors and raises the curtain on the 2013 Season with The Songs of Sinatra, an unforgettable tribute to The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra. Playing eight shows a week, tonight, May 8th through June 1st this energetic production is a real treat for fans of the incomparable musical legend.

The Songs of Sinatra features the incredible talents of The Sinatra Seven, a handsome group of tuxedo clad young crooners, who captivate audiences with their renditions Ol' Blue Eye's greatest hits. Think Jersey Boys meets Il Divo as these fantastic singers salute the artist who set the standard for all others to follow.

"The Sinatra Seven take the music of an icon and make it accessible so that it has cross-generational appeal," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "Older Sinatra fans will love the music and enjoy a trip down memory lane. And there's no denying that the younger set will love the boy band appeal of our seven dapper crooners."

Director and Set Designer David Rogers is one of Canada's leading theatre talents. His body of work speaks for itself, starring in major productions from Broadway revues to mega-musicals and from operetta to rock opera. Rogers is currently Co-artistic Director of the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia.

Kevin Forestell, George Krissa, Graham Parkhurst, Adam Francis Proulx, Chris Sams, Michael Vanhevel and Chris Zonneville possess the necessary charisma to pay homage to the great Sinatra.

Each is given a moment to shine individually, but when their talents collide together as a group they are unstoppable. Theatregoers young and old will delight in soul-stirring renditions of classic Sinatra hits like "New York, New York," "Strangers in the Night," "That's Life," "The Lady is a Tramp," "Chicago," "My Way," and many, many more.

Along with David Rogers, an impressive Creative Team includes Orchestrations and Musical Arrangements by Mark Payne, Choreography by Adele MacKenzie, and Lighting Design by David Hogan.

The talented band includes John Yu on piano, Kevin Dempsey on drums and Tony De Luca on woodwinds.

The Songs of Sinatra was introduced to theatregoers last season at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia. An instant hit with audiences, tickets were snapped up quickly with many sold-out dates. Early Box Office sales for Drayton Festival Theatre's 2013 opening production are impressive and full houses are expected. Theatergoers are urged to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Tickets may by purchased online at www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre Box Office, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by calling (519) 638-5555 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

Surrounded by rural countryside, a visit to the Drayton Festival Theatre offers a pleasant drive along quiet roads where common sights include farm-gate signs and roadside stands that tempt you with fresh produce, flowers and maple syrup.

The Drayton Festival Theatre is located in an historic 1902 Opera House that contains 375 seats and boasts marvelous acoustics with a main floor and balcony. This celebrated building once served as the Town Hall and housed the Fire Department, Library, Jail, and Council Chambers. With such a varied past, this modernized facility is a must-see.