There’s a 100 per cent chance of showers of laughter with a romantic comedy that makes a convincing case for miracles. The classic play The Rainmaker tackles timeless themes of love, passion, faith and magic as it comes to St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from June 20 to July 7.
In the midst of a harsh western summer in Depression-era America, plain and hardworking Lizzie Curry tries to help her family survive a severe drought. As the family farm languishes under the devastating lack of rain, Lizzie’s family worries about their dying cattle and financial future.
But truth be told, the Curry patriarch, H.C., and his sons, Noah and Jimmy, are just as worried about Lizzie’s lack of romantic prospects. Just as the Curry family is beginning to despair, Starbuck, a self-proclaimed “rainmaker” arrives in town. He is full of dreams, passion, and self-confidence – qualities Lizzie especially lacks.
For a price, he promises to bring rain. The offer sounds too refreshing to pass up and might be everyone’s last chance – a rancher’s last hope of survival, a con man’s last shot at redemption and a woman’s last glimmer of romance.
“The Rainmaker is a classic play that continues to resonate with modern audiences,” said Artistic Director Alex Mustakas.
Veteran director Marti Maraden takes the lead on this classic that proves dreams still grow in parched earth. Maraden’s career includes 18 seasons at the Stratford Festival, eight years as the artistic director of English Theatre for the National Arts Centre, and numerous Drayton Entertainment productions.
Joining Maraden is set designer Allan Wilbee, costume designer Julia Holbert and lighting designer Louise Guinand.
Jackie Mustakas takes on the role of Lizzie, the strong, sensible daughter and middle child of the Curry family, who despite her wit and intelligence, lacks true confidence. Over the course of her career Mustakas has played everything from Polly Baker in Crazy For You to Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins.
Paul McQuillan radiates charisma as Bill Starbuck, the smooth talking “rainmaker” who arrives in town with big promises. McQuillan has appeared in many Drayton Entertainment productions including Guys and Dolls and Blood Brothers.
Mustakas and McQuillan have natural chemistry having appeared together previously in several productions – most recently in The Affections of May.
The Rainmaker by N. Richard Nash opened on Broadway in October 1954. Since its debut, the play has been translated into more than 40 languages and continues to be produced by theatres around the globe.
The play was revived on Broadway in 1999 starring Woody Harrelson as Starbuck; the story was also made into a Broadway musical called 110 in the Shade.
The 1956 film version starring Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn is considered a Hollywood classic.
Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults and $27 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for select discount dates and groups of 20 or more are $37. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
The Rainmaker runs June 20 to July 7.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling the box office at -519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
