DRAYTON – Officials say audiences will be doubled over in laughter from June 1 to 18 as Sorry, I’m Canadian 2 launches the much-anticipated 2022 season at the Drayton Festival Theatre after a two-year hiatus.
Designed as a showcase for the homespun charm of the irrepressible Neil Aitchison as his lovable Mountie alter-ego, the production features a winning combination of side-splitting humour, razor-sharp political satire, and memorable musical selections that celebrate all things Canadian, theatre officials say.
Sorry, I’m Canadian 2 is a new show similar to other productions in the popular “Canadian” series – including favourites such as Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry, Canadian Legends, the original Sorry … I’m Canadian production, and more.
“We are delighted to finally be opening the Drayton Festival Theatre with a show that will have people tapping their toes and laughing out loud,” said Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas, who also directs the production.
“We’re having a blast in rehearsal and we already know this show is going to be incredibly funny with amazing music – audiences are in for a real treat.”
The Mountie in question, of course, refers to Aitchison, who takes to the stage as RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster. Through Inkster’s musings, no political party, pop star, or public figure is left unscathed.
“We basically spend two hours poking fun at everything uniquely Canadian, and audiences can’t get enough,” said Mustakas.
“But they ultimately leave the theatre completely uplifted, taking great pride in the tremendous accomplishments we have achieved as a nation.”
Part of that pride is derived from Canada’s rich musical heritage, which is displayed in full force.
A talented five-piece band including Al Braatz, Earl Filsinger, Duff MacDonald, Alex Panneton and Leo Stock will wow theatregoers with their versatility as they present lively and heartfelt renditions of memorable music from the Great Canadian Songbook, officials say.
In addition to singing and playing fiddle, 17-year-old Stock, who is from Stratford, is also featured as a step dancer in the production.
In 2021, he was the Open Stepdance Winner and The Gilles Roy Trophy recipient at the Ontario Open Fiddle and Step Dance Contest.
Mustakas is joined by music director Nicole Guse, costume designer Nicole Del Cul and lighting designer Jeff JohnstonCollins. Amber Archbell is the stage manager with Kirstyn Keeble as the assistant stage manager.
In order to accommodate patrons of all comfort levels, performances are offered at various capacity limits and with differing vaccination requirements; 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. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866, or at draytonentertainment.com.
