WATERLOO – Artistic director David Connolly has announced Drayton Entertainment’s upcoming season.
“Our 2026 season spans genres, emotions and generations but at its core, it’s about what unites us: the need to laugh, to feel, to dream and to share the experience together,” says Connolly.
Pre-sale tickets open for members on Dec. 8 and for subscribers on Dec. 12.
Tickets sales will open for everyone else on Dec. 12.
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None
This play will take place at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from May 20 to June 7.
When a group of disparate guests arrive at an isolated island mansion, their past misdeeds are exposed and one by one, they start dying off.
Trapped without hope of imminent rescue, the guests must determine the culprit before it’s too late.
“One of Christie’s most foreboding tales and a masterpiece of dramatic construction, this classic play’s growing sense of dread and unfaltering tension will keep audiences guessing to the very end,” officials state.
Dear Evan Hansen
This play has music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book by Steven Levenson.
It will be at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from March 18 to April 12.
This musical follows a high school senior with social anxiety who invents an important role for himself in a tragedy that he did not earn.
“A winner of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award for Best Musical, this production strikes a remarkable chord with audiences of all ages and critics everywhere,” officials state.
Finding Neverland
This play has music by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and book by James Graham.
It is based on the Miramax Motion Picture written by David Magee and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee.
It will be performed at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge from April 15 to May 3.
“This fascinating musical follows the story of author J.M. Barrie’s evolving relationship with a beautiful widow and her four mischievous boys, and how they inspired the world of Peter Pan,” officials state.
Sorry … I’m Not Sorry!
Conceived by Alex Mustakas and starring Neil Aitchison, this play will be at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs from June 2 to Aug. 22.
“Back by popular demand, humorist Neil Aitchison takes the stage as his beloved alter ego RCMP Constable Archibald F. Inkster in this unapologetic comedy,” officials state.
Nashville Music City
This play, created by Tracey Power and Van Wilmott, will be at the Drayton Festival Theatre from June 10 to 27, the King’s Wharf Theatre from July 2 to 18, the Huron Country Playhouse (South Huron Stage) from July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from Aug. 13 to 30.
This feel-good musical revue chronicles how Nashville became the heart and soul of country music. A neon light shines on defining music through the decades, covering hit after hit popularized by legends like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to modern-day superstars like Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Taylor Swift.
Sister Act
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane, this play is based on the Touchstone Pictures motion picture Sister Act by Joseph Howard.
It will be performed at the King’s Wharf Theatre from June 10 to 27 and the Drayton Festival Theatre from July 2 to 26.
Based on the hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, a disco diva is forced to hide out in a convent after witnessing a violent crime.
Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle but with her sensational talent, she helps her fellow sisters find their inner voices while unexpectedly finding her own.
42nd Street
This play has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble.
It’s based on the novel by Bradford Ropes and the motion picture 42nd Street owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed by Warner Bros.
The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Chappell Music, the owner of the music publishers’ rights.
It will be performed at the Huron Country Playhouse (main stage) from June 10 to 27 and at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from July 2 to 19.
“This timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale combines breathtaking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance, and delightful comedy to dazzling effect,” officials state.
Snow White and the Seven Tenors: A Panto
This play by Caroline Smith will be at the Huron Country Playhouse (South Huron Stage)from June 10 to 27, the King’s Wharf Theatre from Oct. 21 to Nov. 14 and the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Nov. 19 to Dec. 27.
“This production hits a high note with the whole family,” officials state.
“Banished by her jealous stepmother and tricked into biting a poisoned apple, Snow White stumbles across a group of powerhouse singers who help the princess find her voice, topple the wicked queen, and hit all the right notes on her journey back to the palace.
“A beloved tradition imported from the UK, pantomimes mix fairy tales with fabulous fun: chart-topping hits, dazzling dance, outrageous costumes, pop-culture gags, and cheeky humour for kids and grown-ups alike,” officials state.
Misery
This play by William Goldman is based on the novel by Stephen King.
It will be performed at the Huron Country Playhouse (South Huron Stage) from July 2 to 18.
A successful romance novelist gets rescued by his “number one fan” after a wintry car crash.
While convalescing in her secluded home, events take a nightmarish turn after she reads his latest manuscript and forces him to write a new novel as if his life depends on it … because it does.
“This relentless spine-tingling thriller will have you on the edge of your seat as the tension mounts to its indelibly memorable ending,” officials state.
The Full Monty
This play has music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Terrence McNally.
It’s based on the motion picture by Fox Searchlight Pictures and written by Simon Beaufoy, produced by Uberto Pasolini and directed by Peter Cattaneo.
It will be on the Huron Country Playhouse main stage from July 2 to 25.
When a group of unemployed steelworkers are inspired to make some quick cash, they become a team of amateur male strippers with “real man” bodies.
But can these lovable misfits really pull off the big show?
“Find out in this outrageously fun production filled with razor-sharp humour, engaging melodies, and a sweet message about overcoming your fears!”
Sexy Laundry
Written by Michele Riml, this play will be at the Drayton Festival Theatre from Aug 12. to 30.
“Check in for a weekend of laughs with this lighthearted, contemporary Canadian comedy,” officials encourage.
To rekindle the magic in a 25-year marriage, a couple goes on a naughty hotel retreat, equipped with a copy of Sex for Dummies. But they soon find that when the clothes come off, so do the gloves.
Return to Grace
Conceived and created by Robert Asselstine, this play will be at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from July 15 to Aug. 8 and King’s Wharf Theatre from Aug. 13 to 30.
“Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, this exhilarating theatrical experience celebrates the enduring spirit of one of the greatest icons of our time,” officials state.
“A jukebox of Elvis standards including Love Me Tender, Hound Dog, Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel and many more come to life in a breathtaking stage spectacle featuring 20 musicians, singers and dancers.”
Over the River and Through the Woods
This play by Joe DiPietro will be at the King’s Wharf Theatre from July 23 to Aug. 8 and the Huron Country Playhouse (South Huron Stage) from Aug. 13 to 30.
“The generation gap is affectionately portrayed through the eyes of four Italian American grandparents, who hatch a plan to stop their beloved grandson from moving away to pursue his career,” officials state.
The Odd Couple
This play by Neil Simon will be at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Aug. 12 to 30.
“Neat freak Felix finds refuge in the sloppy apartment of his longtime friend Oscar in this timeless award-winning comedy,” officials say.
“The two mismatched roommates are forced to navigate a new living arrangement while contending with rib-tickling misunderstandings and uproarious conflict, while learning about the power of enduring friendship.”
Youth Academy Production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid
With lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, music by Alan Menken and book by Doug Wright, this play will be at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge from Sept. 22 to Oct 4.
In a magical kingdom below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. When she saves a prince from drowning in a storm, she is determined to find a way to be with her true love.
Into The Woods
This play has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick.
Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine, it will be at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from Oct. 7 to 25.
“The line between reality and fantasy blurs when an epic fairy tale comes to life – with real world consequences,” officials state.
“What follows is a production full of catchy songs, witty lyrics, dark humour, and compelling themes as storybook characters learn the complications of what follows happily-ever-after.”
Jonas and Barry in the Home
This play by Norm Foster will be at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs from Oct. 6 to Nov. 8.
“Proving opposites attract, two seniors become an inseparable duo and embark on clever ways to spice up their lives – and the lives of those around them – at an assisted living facility, with hilarious results,” say officials.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
This story was adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and will be on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge from Oct. 14 to Nov. 1.
“When a wealthy passenger is murdered aboard the luxurious Orient Express during a winter storm, detective Hercule Poirot investigates a cast of intriguing passengers, uncovering secrets and motives as he seeks the truth,” officials state.
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
This play was written by Peter Rothstein, with vocal arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach.
It will be performed at the Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs from Nov. 24 to Dec. 27.
A group of weary English soldiers hunker down in the trenches of The Western Front on Christmas Eve, only to encounter an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace.
“Crowned ‘One of the top live events for Christmas in North America’ by BBC Magazine, this production will take you on a journey to parts of the heart rarely explored,” officials state.
