Come on, come on’ to the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge for a spectacular tribute to the music that rocked the world in Twist and Shout: The British Invasion. This energetic production celebrates the artists and songs that sparked a musical revolution, on stage 4 weeks only from March 5th to March 30th.
Conceived, written and directed by Drayton Entertainment’s Artistic Director, Alex Mustakas, Twist and Shout: The British Invasion is one of the most popular productions in the organization’s history. First staged in 2005 at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene followed by a record breaking run at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, the show was an instant hit. This revival, which also marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles coming to America, is poised to take Cambridge audiences by storm.
In the early 1960s, groundbreaking British music began to drift across the ocean and invade North America, and the bands themselves soon followed. The Dave Clark Five was the first band to tour America and soon after four mop tops called The Beatles crossed the pond, forever changing the landscape of modern music.
The revolution that followed is expressed with glorious emotion in this fun-filled revue that features classic songs by The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Hollies, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, The Searchers, Dave Clark Five, Herman’s Hermits, and many, many more.
“The ‘60s was an exciting time of revolutionary music that had an enormous impact on me personally,” says creator Alex Mustakas. “I am really looking forward to sharing this vibrant revival with our patrons in Cambridge.”
Light-hearted comedy, groovy fashions, swinging dance numbers and the music that shaped a generation is brought together in this imaginative, infectious, and immensely irresistible piece of ‘60s nostalgia.
Over 60 show-stopping hits are performed by a first-rate ensemble of performers, including Jayme Armstrong, Alex Black, Lindsay Croxall, Gerrad Everard, Christine Glen, Jennifer Kee, Duff MacDonald, Sarah Matton, Robert Markus, Nicholas Nesbitt, Yvan Pednault and Nick Settimi.
Ted Simonett is the charismatic TV host and star of The Roy Solomon Show, around which the production is centered. Simonett takes theatre audiences back to a simpler time, reminiscent of the days when families gathered together around the television set to watch the hottest acts of the day perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.
“The set is fantastic,” says Mustakas. “We’ve acquired some authentic retro-style equipment in order to make the auditorium feel like a TV studio sound stage. It sets the right mood for audiences to relax, let loose, and have FUN!”
Working alongside Mustakas to mount this incredible show are Choreographer Gino Berti, Music Director Robert Foster, Lighting Designer Jeff Johnston Collins and Costume Designer Jessica Bray. The Original Set Designers for Twist and Shout: The British Invasion are Craig Guthrie and Richard Lawlor.
Twist and Shout: The British Invasion is proudly sponsored by Graham Mathew. The Band Sponsor is RTI Cryogenics. Media Sponsors are Jewel 92, AM 740 and FYI – Forever Young Information. Design Sponsors are Tiny Cakes and UBU Hair + Body. Visual Technologies are powered by Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. The 2014 Media Season Sponsor is CTV.
Twist and Shout: The British Invasion will have theatregoers rockin’ in their seats eight shows a week, March 5th through March 30th. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge Box Office, or by calling (519) 621-8000 or toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).
