Canada is celebrated with love and laughter in Canada 151: Better Late than Sorry.
Neil Aitchison donned the distinguished red uniform once again as RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster. He dutifully scanned the audience before joining the musical gala on stage to honour Canada’s 151st birthday.
Created as a showcase for the multifaceted Aitchison, he returns to the hilarious and vulnerable Inkster role after the success of previous productions such as Canadian Loonies and Sorry, I’m Canadian.
A talented, natural comedian and storyteller, even the silliest of jokes cannot fail with his expressive delivery.
Well known as the convivial host on opening night of Drayton Entertainment productions, he now takes centre stage, and gales of helpless laughter continue.
Political satire and Canadian nuance is served up fast, with an infectious grin, sometimes seemingly ad-libbed. The audience learns that Inkster is retiring at 70, (or 21 Celsius) and apparently his new chauffeur is Kathleen Wynne.
This flawless new production comes with a supporting cast of talented, engaging musical performers that bring new life to many beloved Canadian classics in song and dance. They reinforce the fact that music is the tie that binds us all together.
The show was written by artistic director Alex Mustakas and Neil Aitchison, and conceived by 13-year-old Lukas Mustakas who had wondered aloud to his dad why every year wasn’t a good year to celebrate our beloved country.
Forgotten treasures such as Four Strong Winds and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald were performed with an earnestness that illuminated.
Among the many moving moments in the show was a beautiful violin rendition of Leonard Cohens’ Hallelujah by Jesse Grandmont. There were no words but they could be heard through the strings. Grandmont wielded the bow as a magic wand and played it as such. Also the music director of the show, Grandmont began playing violin at the age of three.
A delightful portrayal of Celine Dion by Jennifer Walls recurred; her joie de vivre, accent and look were appreciably and comically emulated as she sang The Power of Love among others.
Kale Penny and Gerrad Everard brought great voice and appeal to their numbers as did Laura Mae Nason and Melanie Paiement in her Drayton Entertainment debut.
Sisters Devan and Paige Ballagh of the famed fiddling family had performed in the first show Canadian Loonie as kids and returned as adults to delight with their joyful fiddling and tap dancing.
Nephew Clifford F. Inkster is played with a funny nerdity by Frank Parks.
Four talented musicians remained on stage throughout; on drums, piano and guitars.
The show is directed by David Rogers who has amassed the wealth of acting, directing and writing experience it takes to lead the way with depth. He is also responsible for the set and design concept that was striking.
Costume designer Jessica Pembleton created a spectacular array of costumes befitting the era of the songs. The horsey musical ride outfits were ingenious and hilarious. The finale left everyone feeling proudly patriotic; mopping their eyes for various reasons and jumping up to honour their favourite Mountie and company.
Canada 151: Better Late Than Sorry runs June 20 to July 8 at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre, by calling the box office at 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.
