Relive the romance as the Academy Award-winning film turned Broadway musical makes its Canadian debut at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.
Featuring the epic love story that audiences remember and a new pop-rock score, Ghost: The Musical is on stage for three weeks only from Oct. 3 to 21.
Based on the 1990 film, Ghost follows young lovers Sam and Molly, who are happy together in New York City until one night changes everything.
Walking back to their apartment after dinner, Sam is shot by a mugger and dies in Molly’s arms. Trapped between this world and the next, Sam’s ghost remains by Molly’s side when he realizes she is still in danger.
With the help of storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving her life and avenging his death.
Ghost features the unforgettable song Unchained Melody made famous by the Righteous Brothers and new music by GrammyAward-winning legends Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard.
“From the moment we announced Ghost: The Musical, the audience response has been fantastic,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“Even though the movie debuted almost 30 years ago, its timeless story about the transcendent power of love has continued to resonate with fans old and new. Theatregoers are in for a real treat, but they are advised to act fast … the show is already over 75% sold out.”
Tracey Flye takes the helm of this exciting production. Flye has been a staple in the Canadian theatre industry for decades – first as a performer, and now as a choreographer and director.
Her résumé includes the Toronto productions of Once The Musical and War Horse with Mirvish Productions, as well as the international tour of We Will Rock You and Drayton Entertainment’s production of Oliver!, among other notable credits.
Flye is joined by music director Nico Rhodes, set designer Samantha Burson, costume designer Adrienne Pink and lighting designer Kaileigh Krysztofiak.
Graham Scott Fleming is Sam Wheat, the role made famous by Patrick Swayze. When he is suddenly killed by a seemingly random attacker, Sam remains stuck between earth and the afterlife as a ghost who is desperate to save his true love.
Fleming recently appeared on Broadway in the revival of Miss Saigon, and as Charlie Price in the Toronto production of Kinky Boots. He previously appeared in Smokey Joe’s Café for Drayton Entertainment.
Jocelyn Gauthier makes her Drayton Entertainment debut as Molly Jensen, the role played by Demi Moore. Gauthier’s theatre credits include Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at Theatre Under The Stars Vancouver and Rock Legends at Chemainus Theatre Festival, among others.
She was also a Top 10 Finalist on the CBC reality show Triple Sensation.
Shahi Teruko will play the eccentric psychic Oda Mae Brown, the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg. Oda Mae secretly believes herself to be a fraud until she encounters Sam’s ghost and must help him communicate with Molly in order to protect her from further danger.
Teruko has appeared in the international tour of Hair and the Drayton Entertainment productions of Smokey Joe’s Café and Little Shop of Horrors.
In addition to her stage work, Teruko is a Soul R&B recording artist who has gained recognition as part of the band The Soul Motivators.
Jeremy Walmsley will also make his Drayton Entertainment debut as Carl Bruner, a trusted friend to Sam and Molly who has some secrets of his own.
Among his variety of stage roles, Walmsley recently appeared as Guy in Once The Musical for Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and The Grand Theatre.
He has also appeared on screen in Frankie Drake Mysteries, Private Eyes, Murdoch Mysteries, Reign, and other films and TV series.
Darren Burkett, Louise Camilleri, Jeremy Carver-James, Camille Eanga-Selenge, Tim Funnell and Keisha T. Fraser round out the cast. Written by Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Jerry Zucker, the film version of Ghost was an immediate fan favourite, and an unexpected box-office blockbuster becoming the highest-grossing film of 1990.
The romantic fantasy thriller turned Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg into three of Hollywood’s biggest stars. It won two Oscars including Best Original Screenplay and Best Support Actress for Whoopi Goldberg.
The musical version first debuted in London’s West End in July of 2011 and opened on Broadway in April of 2012 receiving three Tony Award nominations. Hamilton, Ontario native Caissie Levy, who is currently appearing as Elsa in Frozen on Broadway, starred as Molly Jensen.
Regular performance tickets are $46 for adults, $27 for youth under 20 years of age, and $37 for groups of 20 or more and select discount dates. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Ghost: The Musical is on stage from Oct. 3 to 21.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse Box Office, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).
