Spirits will soar this summer as the rousing tribute Good Ol’ Country Gospel brings heavenly voices and moving melodies to the shores of Lake Huron. From soul-stirring ballads to high-energy songs of praise, this uplifting musical celebration will leave audiences singing their way out of the Huron Country Playhouse’s South Huron Stage, July 20 through August 6.
“Packed with humour and heart, Good Ol’ Country Gospel is a fun-filled tribute to the beloved and enduring canon of gospel music,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “Audiences will be uplifted, inspired, and amazed by the depth of talent on stage.”
Conceived, directed and choreographed by David Rogers, one of Canada’s most accomplished artists, Good Ol’ Country Gospel features singing, dancing, and a wide variety of instruments that cast members seamlessly work throughout the show.
The production is notable for featuring some of the same performers who dazzled audiences with their incredible musicianship in Fiddler on the Loose, which launched the Playhouse’s 50th Anniversary Season earlier this summer.
This includes Jesse Grandmont, who anchored the production with his natural charisma and seemingly effortless musical flourishes. A natural-born entertainer, he has been playing the violin since the age of three, playing all over the world. Prior to the theatre’s reopening, he performed for seven months at Expo Dubai.
He is once again joined by his sister, Leah Grandmont, an accomplished fiddler who has performed across Canada, Germany, and Scotland as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
Other featured performers from Fiddler in the Loose appearing in Good Ol’ Country Gospel include Matt Ballagh, who has toured North America and Ireland with his family band, The Ballaghs; Erik Larson, whose credits include The Music Man and Buddy Holly Story for Drayton Entertainment, the smash-hit musical Come From Away in Toronto, and Steven Page’s musical workshop Here’s What It Takes at the Stratford Festival; and Dave Robilliard, who has appeared in numerous productions at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia and played with symphonies throughout North America.
Also joining this stellar company is Paul Jerry Schwarz. A graduate of the esteemed Eastman School of Music in New York City, Schwarz is a popular concert performer, and last appeared in The Andrew Brothers at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. Kate Suhr is a recording artist and has appeared on stage as Tess in Bloom with 4th Line Theatre, and as the title role in Mary Poppins with the LOT in Toronto, among other shows. Alex Baerg, a singer, guitarist and pianist from London, serves as the Music Director and also performs in the production. He appeared in Drayton Entertainment’s acclaimed production of Godspell at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and numerous productions at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
Set, Lighting and Costume Design is by D2 Entertainment. The Creative Team also includes Stage Manager Charles Russell and Assistant Stage Manager Stephanie Bignell. Good Ol’ Country Gospel will take audiences on a spirited musical extravaganza that covers the gamut of gospel classics such as “Amazing Grace,” “I’ll Fly Away,” Peace in the Valley,” “When The Saints Go Marching In,” and many more – all with a country twist.
Good Ol’ Country Gospel is on stage from July 20 to August 6 at the Huron Country Playhouse’s South Huron Stage in Grand Bend. Tickets range from $32-53 and can be purchased at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office, by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.
