The Drayton Festival Theatre celebrated the 20th Annual Alan Lund Memorial Scholarship Variety Show on Oct. 14.
Many of Drayton Entertainment’s favourite alumni dazzled the audience with a spirited afternoon of singing, dancing, and laughter in support of the Alan Lund Scholarship Program.
Master of ceremonies Neil Aitchison was joined by some of Drayton Entertainment’s top performers, all of whom donated their time and talents to create a memorable and entertaining afternoon, directed by artistic director Alex Mustakas.
Artists included Tess Benger, David Cotton, Joel Cumber, Gabi Epstein, Kevin Etherington, Howard Gaul, Christina Gordon, Joanna Guistini, Darren Keay, Michael Killinger, Amanda Kind, Dominique Leblanc, Matthew Lima, Hadley Mustakas, Paul Pacanowski, Nick Settimi, Jonathan Whittaker, Sef Wood and Tilly, Winny and Neddy Shevchenko.
Drayton Entertainment holds this annual event in tribute to the impressive and inspiring career of Canadian theatre great Alan Lund, who passed away Canada Day, 1992. Lund is renowned for his innovative work, artistic excellence and dedication to the performing arts as one of Canada’s most talented and influential choreographers and stage directors.
“Alan Lund’s brilliance, talent, and dedication were essential to the founding of the Drayton Festival Theatre,” states Drayton Entertainment in a press release. Lund conceived, choreographed, and directed the first show for the Drayton Festival Theatre’s inaugural 1991 season, the hit musical Vaudeville!
The Alan Lund scholarships were awarded to qualifying individuals involved with Drayton who intend to further their careers in the arts. Scholarships were awarded to six deserving individuals: David Cotton, Joel Cumber, Gabi Epstein, Dominique Le Blanc, Kevin Morris, and Terry Shevchenko.
The Jean Campbell Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to the Huron Country Playhouse Guild, represented by President Ann Robertson. The guild is a group of 100 women who raised $250,000 to support capital renovations at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend.
“Drayton Entertainment was founded on volunteerism, and that spirit of generosity is still apparent today,” says Mustakas.
“Each year our volunteers clock in more than 35,000 hours, and these women lead the effort with their outstanding work.”
The Artistic Director’s Award for outstanding contribution to Drayton Entertainment was presented to General Manager Peter Black.
In a fond tribute to the late entertainer Terry Doyle, who was a mainstay performer at the Drayton Festival Theatre for 15 seasons, an award in his name was presented to Victor A. Young. Young delighted audiences this season in unforgettable roles in Harvey, Sleuth, and Annie. He also had a close connection with Doyle, having performed together in the Mirvish Production of Crazy for You.
“We like to call this our MVP award,” says Mustakas. “It’s presented to a performer from the season who embodies Terry’s ideals of leadership, showmanship, honour, integrity, and above all, a genuine passion for the craft.
“Victor is one of our most popular entertainers demonstrating professionalism that is second-to-none, and it is fitting that he be the recipient of this prestigious award.”
