ST. JACOBS – The acclaimed Canadian musical memoir Billy Bishop Goes To War will launch the 2022 Season at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre this month.
The true story of Canada’s famous WWI flying ace comes alive on stage for three weeks only from May 25 to June 12.
“We are thrilled to finally welcome audiences back to the Schoolhouse Theatre with such an inspiring Canadian story,” says Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“Billy Bishop Goes To War brings an important era of our history to life in a way that’s both touching and thoroughly entertaining. I know audiences are going to be moved as they follow the unique journey of one of Canada’s most beloved heroes.”
Winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama, Billy Bishop Goes To War examines the cost of war, the complexities of Britain’s colonial past, and the true events of a soldier’s survival through rousing stories, haunting memories, and vibrant songs.
Canadian actor Jacob James will star as the famous fighter pilot.
James is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, Birmingham Conservatory at the Stratford Festival, and the Second City Conservatory in Toronto.
James has appeared in a number of Drayton Entertainment productions including Twelve Angry Men, The Foursome, and Office Hours, among others.
Accomplished musician Jim Hodgkinson will serve double duty as the show’s music director and on stage in the role of the piano player and narrator.
Seasoned director Max Reimer will lead the production. He will be joined by Hodgkinson as the music director, with set designer Brian Dudkiewicz, costume coordinator Nicole Del Cul, lighting designer Lyle Franklin, stage manager Nadene Riehl, and apprentice stage manager Kayla Ado.
The production is made possible in part through funding from the Government of Ontario.
In order to accommodate patrons of all comfort levels, some performances are full capacity with no vaccination requirement, some performances are limited capacity with no vaccination requirement, and some performances are limited capacity with vaccinations required.
Patrons should choose the performance that best suits their comfort level.
Regular performance tickets are $53 for adults, $32 for youth under 20 years of age and $43 for groups of 20 or more and select Discount Dates. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online instantly at www.draytonentertainment.com.
