Danielle Wade to Lead Two Shows at Huron Country Playhouse This Summer

Up-and-coming Canadian actress Danielle Wade will star in two productions at the Huron Country Playhouse this summer. She'll start by tackling the iconic role of Anne in the theatre's grand-scale production of the beloved musical Anne of Green Gables, which will launch the 2015 Season at the Huron Country Playhouse. Later in the summer, she will take on the role of troubled teen Ariel in the much-anticipated musical adaptation of Footloose.

The LaSalle, ON native shot to fame two years ago as the winner of CBC's hit reality TV series, Over The Rainbow, which saw Canadians vote for an aspiring young performer to play Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's revival of The Wizard of Oz in Toronto. Wade played Dorothy for the entire run of the Toronto production and then starred in the North American tour, which wrapped up last June.

"Danielle is a wonderful performer with just the right qualities for these two demanding roles," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "Her youthful energy, versatility and terrific voice make her a natural choice to play Anne in Anne of Green Gables and Ariel in Footloose."

Prior to appearing on Over The Rainbow, Wade attended the B.F.A. Acting Program at the University of Windsor during which time she played several lead roles including Elle in Legally Blonde, Cinderella in Into The Woods, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, among others.

Andrew Lloyd Webber chose Wade as a Top Ten finalist for Over The Rainbow. She won praise from the judges for her captivating performances of well-loved songs like "Moon River" and "At Last," as well as musical theatre showstoppers like "Big Spender" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye." After wearing Dorothy's ruby slippers for nearly two years, Wade recently starred in the title role in Ross Petty's holiday panto production of Cinderella in Toronto.

Based on the world-famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables is the story of mischievous red-haired orphan Anne Shirley, who arrives at Green Gables in Avonlea P.E.I. full of hope for a new life. Upon arrival, she is dismayed to discover that elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert had expressly asked for a boy. Despite her fiery temper, love of melodrama, and proclivity for mischief, Anne gradually manages to charm her way into their hearts, as well as the hearts of the villagers of Avonlea. In doing so, she finds the happiness and sense of belonging that she has searched for her entire life. The Creative Team includes Director Max Reimer, Choreographer Lisa Stevens, and Music Director Steve Thomas. Anne of Green Gables will play at the Huron Country Playhouse from June 11th through June 27th.

Based on the hit movie, Footloose follows the heart-warming story of city boy Ren McCormack, who moves from Chicago to the small town of Bomont, where the memory of a tragedy has caused a ban on dancing. After the culture shock sets in, Ren quickly finds himself at odds with the repressive atmosphere of the community led by Reverend Shaw Moore. At the same time, he develops an unlikely relationship with the Reverend's rebellious daughter, Ariel. With a powerhouse score including classic 80s anthems such as "Holding Out For a Hero," "Let's Hear It For the Boy," "Almost Paradise" and the classic title track, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of youth and the power of redemption. The Creative Team includes Director and Choreographer Timothy French and Music Director Craig Fair. Footloose will play at the Huron Country Playhouse from July 23rd through Aug 8th.

"Every young actress imagines herself playing Anne. To get to play this iconic role at the Huron Country Playhouse is truly a dream come true," says Wade. "To also have the chance to play Ariel in Footloose is so exciting. Both characters are so fun and fascinating - I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to portray them this summer in Grand Bend."

As previously announced, seven productions will take centre stage at Huron Country Playhouse Grand Bend with an ambitious 2015 Season of "Music, Laughter ... and all that jazz!" The season at the 650-seat Mainstage includes: Anne of Green Gables from June 11th through June 27th, Chicago from July 2nd through July 18th, Footloose from July 23rd through Aug 8th, and Legends of Rock 'n' Roll from Aug 13th through Aug 29th. The season at the 300-seat Playhouse II includes: Sexy Laundry from June 11th through June 27th, Last Chance Romance from July 2nd through July 18th, and Snow White: The Panto from July 29th through Aug 29th.

Don't miss your chance to see Danielle as Anne in Anne of Green Gables and Ariel in Footloose. Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances and groups of 20 or more are $34. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Tickets may be purchased online at www.huroncountryplayhouse.com, in person at the Drayton Entertainment Box Offices, or by calling (519) 238-6000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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