Spotlight on Goderich: A Variety Show To Raise Funds For Tornado Victims

A star-studded cast has been assembled for Spotlight on Goderich: A Variety Show at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m.

Leading performers in Canada's professional theatre community will be coming together in a spectacular afternoon of singing, dancing, and comedy.

Confirmed artists include: Louise Pitre (international star of Mamma Mia), David Rogers (Raoul and Phantom in Toronto's Phantom of the Opera / Starbright Christmas), and Rod Beattie (star of the popular Wingfield series / 15 seasons with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival).

Other notable artists include Jayme Armstrong (Guenevere in the international tour of Camelot / Drayton Entertainment), Theodore Baerg (acclaimed operative baritone / Starbright), Matthew Campbell (Theatre Aquarius / Charlottetown Festival), Michael Clarke (Tommy / The Lion King), Karen Coughlin (Theatre Aquarius / The Grand Theatre / Drayton Entertainment), Marion Day (Blyth Festival), Austin Di Iulio (So You Think You Can Dance Canada / Drayton Entertainment), Gabi Epstein (Drayton Entertainment), The Mantini Sisters (award-winning trio), Joe Matheson (Dancap's Jersey Boys), Jacques Monfiston (Stratford Shakespeare Festival / Drayton Entertainment), Kimberly O'Neill (So You Think You Can Dance Canada / Drayton Entertainment), Stephen Patterson (Broadway's Les Misérables / Stratford Shakespeare Festival / Drayton Entertainment), Andrew Pogson (Freddy Fusion of the Science Magic Show) and Leisa Way (Theatre Orangeville).

Bob Foster (Mirvish Productions' Dirty Dancing, Rock of Ages / Drayton Entertainment's Legends series), will act as Music Director.

Renowned humorist Neil Aitchison will act as Master of Ceremonies.

"In times of devastation the arts community is often among the very first to respond and show support, and this worthy fundraiser is no different," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "It is incredibly inspiring to see the entire artistic community come together to demonstrate the depth of support as Goderich continues to recover from the devastating impact of the summer tornado."

The ambitious fundraiser represents a united effort by the artistic leaders from Ontario's premiere performing arts organizations, including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, Drayton Entertainment, Bluewater Summer Playhouse, Blyth Festival, The Grand Theatre, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Stanley Festival Theatre, Starbright Christmas, Theatre Aquarius, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, Theatre Orangeville and others.

Admission for this star-studded benefit performance is $50.00, and includes a $25.00 tax receipt. Tickets can be purchased exclusively through the Drayton Entertainment Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866.

All event proceeds will be designated to the United Way Perth-Huron for tornado relief efforts in Goderich and area. Donations may be made direct to United Way Perth-Huron by phone: 1-877-818-8867 (toll-free) or online: www.perthhuron.unitedway.ca; or e-mail: campaign@unitedwayperthhuron.ca

Director Alex Mustakas and John Wilkinson, former Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington have prepared the following informational video to explain more about this exciting event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi3gsAM1yOQ