The Fergus Grand Theatre is presenting Sugar and Gold: Stories and Songs of the Underground Railroad, on Feb. 17 at 8pm.
Beginning with the story of the sugar and gold trade in the 1600s this new musical weaves a story through the centuries.
The show is written by Diana Braithwaite, a direct descendant of the first fugitives who arrived in Canada from America.
Rare photographs and unique images provide a rich historical backdrop to the production while a colourful and enchanting musical score with original songs written by Braithwaite and her partner, award-winning composer Chris Whiteley, embellish the story with an uplifting musical landscape.
Braithwaite has deep roots in the area, a descendant of pioneers in Wellington County who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad.
In more recent years Braithwaite and her partner Chris Whiteley presented the Underground Railroad Music Festival in Drayton, and last played the Fergus Grand Theatre in a touring version of that festival in September 2014.
Sugar and Gold is the second show in the Fergus Grand Theatre’s Canada: Now and Then … presenting series.
It follows on the tremendous success of The Great Canadian Songbook this past November, theatre officials state.
The series will conclude on April 27 with Soldiers of Song, a tribute to First World War party band The Dumbbells.
Tickets are $35 each and are available by phone at 519-787-1981 or online at www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
