Drayton Festival Theatre Welcomes Stars to ALAN LUND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP VARIETY SHOW, 10/14

The Drayton Festival Theatre will present a lively afternoon of non-stop entertainment with its 20th Annual Alan Lund Memorial Scholarship Variety Show today, October 14th at 3:00 p.m. This event showcases some of Drayton Entertainment's finest performers – with a unique twist. All proceeds from the sale of tickets go to scholarships that are handed out during the event to deserving individuals who are striving to further their careers in the performing arts.

Theatregoers will not be disappointed by the roster of talent scheduled for this fundraising show. Stars of this season's smash-hit productions will take the stage in solo and ensemble performances, showcasing their individual passion for the theatre. The afternoon will be highlighted with performances by Dominique Le Blanc (Little Orphan Annie in Annie), David Cotton (nerdy accountant Joe in 9 To 5: The Musical), Gabi Epstein (the hysterical chambermaid in Perfect Wedding), Joanna Guistini (vivacious Doralee in 9 To 5: The Musical) Darren Keay (Bill the Groom in Perfect Wedding), Michael Killinger (Big Band Legends crooner), N. Settimi (the hilarious assistant Roz in 9 To 5: The Musical), and Tess Benger, who has been thrilling theatregoers and critics alike in the title role of Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival. Benger has performed in a number of past Drayton Entertainment productions including Peter Pan, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling and Camelot.

Alan Lund was a celebrated dancer, choreographer and director who worked in television, movies and theatre. Lund trained as a dancer in his home town of Toronto and became known for a dance team with his wife Blanche, appearing during World War II in the revue Meet the Navy. The couple became two of the first contract players for CBC television.

Establishing himself as a noted choreographer in the 1950s, Lund contributed to various productions, including the Canadian National Exhibition grandstand show. From 1966 to 1986 he was Artistic Director of the Charlottetown Festival, where he was the first to direct Anne of Green Gables, as well as several other productions. For many years Lund was the Resident Director for Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions, where he launched the careers of many young Canadian performers, including Alex Mustakas.

Alan Lund passed away on Canada Day, 1992, but his memory lives on. Lund's talent and dedication were essential to the founding of Drayton Entertainment, as he conceived, directed and choreographed both Vaudeville! and Hurray for Hollywood! for the theatre company's inaugural season.

The Alan Lund Memorial Scholarship Variety Show always delights with a diverse selection of singing, dancing and comedy from some of Canada's most gifted performers. Local personality and everyone's favourite Master of Ceremonies, Neil Aitchison, brings his trademark brand of humour to the stage as host for this afternoon of light-hearted entertainment.

Tickets are only $23.00 including HST. Order yours today by calling the Box Office at (519) 638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866. To find out more about the Alan Lund Memorial Scholarship Variety Show please visit www.draytonentertainment.com.

More Articles by This Author...