Dunfield Theatre Cambridge to Present CANADIAN LEGENDS

The Dunfield Theatre Cambridge is celebrating the Great Canadian Song Book with Canadian Legends, an incredible musical odyssey featuring over 80 anthems that inspires so much pride and awe audiences can't help but exclaim, "I didn't know THAT was Canadian!" throughout.

Over the last decade, Drayton Entertainment's Artistic Director Alex Mustakas has created a hit franchise with a series of Legends tribute shows that have become hallmarks of the award-winning theatre organization.

This latest incarnation does not disappoint, as Canadian Legends is guaranteed to have theatregoers dancing in their seats and singing their way out of the theatre. Covering a vast spectrum of musical genres, the production honours some of our country's most iconic singers and musical pioneers - Paul Anka, Anne Murray, The Guess Who, Leonard Cohen, Gordon Lightfoot, Shania Twain, Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, and many more.

Mustakas has an uncanny ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, blending nostalgic musical numbers with contemporary video projections. And in between, he peppers the audience with moments of side-splitting humour courtesy of the irrepressible Neil Aitchison.

A gifted comedian, Aitchison takes to the stage as his popular alter ego, Constable Archibald F. Inkster, the RCMP officer who last graced the Cambridge stage in the 2013 production, Sorry ... I'm Canadian.

This time around, Aitchison has a new horse (Mulcair) and plenty of new razor-sharp satire as he pokes fun at every political party, and some choice individuals - even Queen Elizabeth is not immune from some good-natured ribbing. Aitchison's homespun charm and relaxed, jovial delivery create an effortless rapport with the audience. He has a spring in his step and added zing to his one-liners as regales the appreciative audience with his personal tales of domestic bliss and unfortunate "furniture disease."

But the real star of this production is the music, and oh what a feeling it evokes.

Yvan Pedneault's flawless vocals on Paul Anka's "Diana" and "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" start the production off on a strong note. He effortlessly switches gears with a haunting rendition of Leonard Cohen's plaintive "Hallelujah", and then embraces his inner rock star on Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" and Bryan Adams' "Summer of '69." Pedneault's last note on Rush's "Closer to the Heart" is pure euphoria.

Not to be outdone, Jennifer Kee represents the ladies with a spine-tingling rendition of Celine Dion's classic "The Power of Love." She does justice to folk goddess Joni Mitchell on "Big Yellow Taxi" and shows further versatility on The Original Caste's somber "One Tin Soldier" and The Rankin Family's "Rise Again."

Lee Siegel brings powerhouse vocals to Blue Rodeo's "Try" - a true showstopper, and offers a beautiful interpretation of Gordon Lightfoot's "If You Could Read My Mind" before rocking out to Ronnie Hawkins' "Bo Diddley", "Who Do You Love" and "Oh What A Feeling."

Valerie Stanois' interpretation of Anne Murray's iconic "You Needed Me" is honest and heartfelt, as is her tribute to Rita MacNeil, Cape Breton's First Lady of Song, on the powerful "Working Man." Her sultry and sassy renditions of Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet" and Alanis Morissette's "Hand In My Pocket" are also memorable.

Gerrad Everard has great fun with Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" and Great Big Sea's "Mari-Mac." He is equally at ease paying tribute to the '60s with Andy Kim's "Sugar, Sugar."

Michael Clarke delivers on numbers from the early days, including The Crew Cuts' "Sh-Boom" and continues the momentum on modern day sensation Michael Bublé's "Everything."

Laura Mae Nason's beautiful vocals are showcased on the classic "Sonny's Dream." She further shines in an upbeat tribute to Canada's Queen of Country, the one and only Shania Twain, with a replica of the superstar's wardrobe from her video, "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!"

Equally pivotal to the success of the show is the live five-piece band, under the guidance of Music Director Michael Lerner, who expertly leads his troupe of first-class musicians through the demanding material at a lightning pace.

Special mention must also be made of Robert Foster, who provided vocal arrangements and orchestrations. This Canadian music legend's notable accomplishments include collaborations with such icons as Jann Arden, Paul Brandt, and Bo Diddley.

Choreographer Gino Berti has done a fantastic job with the intricate choreography, designing an alluring display of dance sequences that highlight the styles of the last 60 years. The movement is full of hope and optimism, and brought to life by the graceful execution of Shelley Kenney, Chad McNamara, Brett Taylor, and Breanna Willis.

The overall mood of the production is enhanced by the evocative Set and Lighting Design of Jeff JohnstonCollins, which features a motif of clever maple leafs, video screens, and essential items for enjoying Canada's great outdoors.

Costume Designer Jessica Bray has created a vibrant palette of eye-catching wardrobes that span the decades perfectly.

The visual elements by Peter Conrad and Steve Kelly provide a stunning backdrop for Aitchison's stories, which crisscross the country, and a thoughtful element of nostalgia as photos of Canada's musical pioneers are displayed during their respective tributes.

The end result is a fun and comprehensive account of the music that has largely unified and defined us as a nation.

Canadian Legends is proudly sponsored by Bennett GM and JG Group of Companies. Media Sponsors are AM 740, Jewel 92, and the Cambridge Times. The Design Sponsor is Bugs Or Us and Holiday Inn Cambridge. Visual Technologies are powered by Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. The 2015 Season Media is sponsor is CTV.

Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. Canadian Legends plays eight shows a week through July 18th. Tickets can be purchased in person at Dunfield Theatre Cambridge, online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com or by calling the Box Office at (519) 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).

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