Grab your poodle skirt, pull on your bobby socks, and get ready for fun with a rock ‘n’ roll musical celebration featuring classic hits of the Baby Boomer era.
Cruisin’ Classics is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge) for two weeks from July 11 to July 21.
Chuck, the owner of a struggling diner, must grapple with the possibility of selling his beloved haunt. As he relives the moments and music of a simpler time, from the early rockin’ sounds of Bill Haley to the beautiful ballads of Brenda Lee, a hit parade of timeless tunes from the ‘50s and ’60s are on the menu, including Rock Around The Clock, You Send Me, Crying, It’s My Party, In The Still Of The Night, and many more.
Complete with saddle shoes and sweater sets, this nostalgic revue will make audiences want to jump up and do the Jitterbug with its toe-tapping beats and classic retro style.
“Cruisin’ Classics shines a spotlight on some of the best rock ‘n’ roll songs ever written,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment. “This production is packed with loads of energy and countless unforgettable tunes. You can’t help but get caught up in the fun.”
Conceived, created and produced by RGAMedia Inc., Cruisin’ Classics features a cast of 15 performers who bring audiences back to the days of sock hops and soda shops.
Paul Lewis is Chuck, the devoted owner of a downtrodden diner, who takes a walk down memory lane as he considers the future of his beloved eatery. Lewis has appeared in various musicals in theatres across Ontario for over 25 years; recent roles include Gomez in The Addams Family: The Musical, Sir Galahad in Spamalot, Tito Merelli in Lend Me a Tenor and Officer Lockstock in Urinetown, among others.
Kyra Mastro, Connor Meek, Brooklyn Roebuck, Meghan Shanley, Joshua Warren and O’neil Watson are featured vocalists singing everything from The Chiffons’ One Fine Day and Connie Francis’ Where The Boys Are to Yakety Yak, Runaround Sue, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Crying, Good Golly Miss Molly and many more.
Mastro and Meek are both graduates of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts Triple Threat Program. Mastro recently appeared alongside James Franco in JJ Abrams’ film 11/22/63, while Meek has appeared on stage in musicals such as The Producers and Young Frankenstein.
A budding recording artist, Roebuck is a two-time Country Music Association of Ontario Rising Star Nominee, whose single Bad Seed is currently on country radio. Shanley is a lead vocalist in the touring band Jessie’s Girls and a former Miss Virginia.
Warren is a recent graduate of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre Performance Program, and previously appeared on stage in Mamma Mia! at Theatre St. John’s, and as a member of the Charlottetown Festival Young Company.
Watson is part of the Juno award-winning group Faith Chorale, which performed for Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday gala in 2006. He has also performed with David Foster, Deborah Cox, Julie Black and Jon Bon Jovi.
The production features a six-piece band including Rob Asselstine on piano, Rob Christian on keys, Rich Levesque on bass, Eric Mahar on guitar, Robert Martin on keys and reeds and Ken Post on drums. Background vocals are provided by Madelaine Champagne and Lloyd Lawrence.
Cruisin’ Classics runs July 11 to July 21 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
The production then runs at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene from July 25 to Aug. 4, and the Drayton Festival Theatre from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1.
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.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge, online at www.draytonentertainment.com/cruisin-classics or by calling the box office at 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
