The Drayton Festival Theatre presents its 18th annual Alan Lund memorial scholarship variety show on Oct. 22 at 7pm.
The event pays tribute to the talent of Canada’s revered director and choreographer, Alan Lund, with performances by some of Drayton Entertainment’s finest actors, singers, dancers and musicians. Participating artists donate their time and talent to create a presentation that includes Broadway numbers, ballads, comedy routines, tap dancing, and much more.
Local personality, and everyone’s favourite master of ceremonies, Neil Aitchison, brings his brand of humour to the stage as he pilots the evening of jovial entertainment.
Lund was a celebrated Canadian dancer, choreographer and director who worked in television, movies and theatre. He trained as a dancer in his home town of Toronto and first established a performance reputation as 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 Spring Thaw, 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 the successful musical Anne of Green Gables, as well as several other productions.
For many years he was the resident director for K-W Musical Productions in Kitchener, where he launched the careers of many young Canadian performers including Drayton Entertainment’s artistic director Alex Mustakas. Lund became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1982.
He passed away on July 1, 1992, but his memory lives on, not only through his myriad contributions to the performing arts, but also through an ongoing scholarship program.
“This annual event puts high-spirits and hilarity front and centre. It’s a real treat for all of us,” said Mustakas. “Alan Lund was an important figure in my life and I know his inspiration is felt in theatres across Canada.”
Lund influenced Canadians near and far with his commitment to artistic excellence, innovative works and dedication to the performing arts. The Drayton Festival Theatre was yet another conception that Lund played a central role in, as Mustakas hired him to conceive, choreograph and direct the first production for the inaugural 1991 season – the hit musical revue Vaudeville.
“We look forward to seeing everyone on Oct. 22nd for this wonderful event – and throughout the fall season,” Mustakas said.
Tickets are $23, with all proceeds going toward scholarships to further careers in the arts. The show plays one performance only on Oct. 22. Order by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463. To find out more about the 2010 season, visit draytonfestivaltheatre.com.
