The tranquil village of St. Jacobs will become Hollywood North when an iconic actress arrives later this summer.
Actress Cindy Williams, best known for starring in the television situation-comedy series Laverne & Shirley (1976 to 1982), in the role of the eponymous Shirley Feeney, will play the lead role of Charlotte Hay in Drayton Entertainment’s backstage comedy Moon Over Buffalo.
The production runs at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Aug. 5 to 22.
In making the announcement, Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment noted, “Cindy Williams’ universal appeal and impressive acting credentials will certainly engage loyal theatregoers as well as cultivate new audiences at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.”
Laverne and Shirley helped define the 1970s. The series explored the antics of best friends and roommates coping with dates, neighbours and each other.
With appearances in 19 big budget movies, Williams’ distinguished film career includes George Cukor’s Travels with My Aunt alongside Maggie Smith (1972), Ron Howard’s high school sweetheart in George Lucas’ American Graffiti (1973), and Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation (1974), starring Gene Hackman.
Her television appearances include Room 222, Nanny and the Professor, Happy Days, and Love American Style, and dozens of others.
Williams’ talents also translated behind the camera, as co-producer of Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride II, both starring Steve Martin.
Williams made her Broadway debut as daffy “Mrs. Tottendale” in the award-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone at the Marquis Theatre in December 2007.
She has also performed in the national tours of Grease, Deathtrap, and Moon Over Buffalo.
“I have known Cindy for the past decade, ever since I directed her in Moon Over Buffalo at Stage West in Mississauga,” said Mustakas. “She is a dynamic presence on stage, and I am excited for audiences to witness her brilliant comedic timing in our intimate venue.”
Tickets are on sale now at Drayton Entertainment’s box office at 1-888-449-4463.
For details on the complete 2009 Playbill, visit draytonentertainment.com.
