Theatre community unites to Raise Funds for Tornado-stricken Goderich

The Grand Theatre will be joining forces with other leading members of the professional theatre community to present Spotlight on Goderich: A Variety Show at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m. All event proceeds will be designated to the United Way Perth-Huron for tornado relief efforts in Goderich and area.

The idea was conceived by John Wilkinson, former Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington. Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, will spearhead the fundraising event alongside artistic leaders from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, Bluewater Summer Playhouse, Blyth Festival, The Grand Theatre, Starbright Christmas, Theatre Aquarius, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, Theatre Orangeville, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, and others. All featured artists, administration staff, and behind-the-scenes production crew will donate their time to bring this worthy fundraiser to the stage.

"We are acutely aware of the devastation felt by Goderich and so, with other theatres, in this region we will contribute to the relief efforts. We encourage you to purchase a ticket and join us at the concert. The wonderful artists assembling for the concert will make this an exciting way to support our neighbors in Goderich," Susan Ferley, Artistic Director of The Grand Theatre says.

This one-of-a-kind variety show will feature singing, dancing, and comedy routines from some of Canada's finest professional theatrical talent.

Neil Aitchison, a popular Master of Ceremonies throughout Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington County, will bring his trademark brand of humour to the stage as he pilots this fabulous afternoon of first-class entertainment.

The most powerful tornado to hit the province in years swept through the town of Goderich on Sunday, August 21st, devastating the picturesque community on the shores of Lake Huron. Downtown businesses, century-old buildings, and several churches lost their roofs and upper floors as the twister ripped through the town causing millions in damage.

"The impact and devastation continues to be felt months after, and it is our job to assist in any way we can," says Ryan Erb, Executive Director for United Way Perth-Huron.

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.

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

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