St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre Presents THE LOVE LIST, 9/12-12/23

Have you ever asked yourself, what are the top ten qualities in your perfect mate? This universal question is at the heart of Norm Foster's irresistible comedy The Love List, on stage at the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre throughout the fall season. This witty romp promises to keep audiences laughing eight shows a week from September 12th through December 23rd.

Written in 2003 by Canada's leading comic playwright, The Love List is a delightful tale of perfection and the pursuit of happiness. Foster's perceptive look at contemporary dating is also a testament to men who don't get what they wish for – but get what they deserve.

"The Love List is one of Foster's funniest comedies," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "The intimacy of the Schoolhouse Theatre is the perfect showcase for such a witty and insightful production. Audiences are in for a real treat."

As a gift for his best friend's 50th birthday, Leon has decided to help Bill - a mild-mannered civil servant who has been divorced for seven years and dateless for almost as long - find his soul mate. Together the two men enlist the help of a "dating service" and dream up a Top Ten list of must-have attributes of the ideal woman. To their surprise and delight, this fantasy woman arrives in the flesh when the luscious Justine appears, but the men quickly learn that their flawless list could stand a few revisions.

Foster's clever dialogue has the audience continually guessing as Leon and Bill change each item on The Love List, which results in dramatic personality changes in Justine.

A top notch cast has been assembled for this winning comedy including Ian Deakin as Bill, the divorced and dateless statistician in search of excitement in his love life. An outstanding comedic actor, Deakin has delivered highly memorable performances for Drayton Entertainment as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and Rodger Hodge in the hilarious farce, Who's Under Where?

Terry Barna delivers plenty of laughs as Leon, the long married best friend of Bill. Many are sure to remember Barna as the outrageous rock star, Tommy Quick in Bedtime Stories, a performance that raised the roof at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse earlier this summer.

Jayme Armstrong takes on the role of Justine, the most imperfect, perfect woman. Armstrong has quickly become an audience favourite and this year she dazzled local theatregoers in such diverse performances as Maria in The Sound of Music and Judy Bernly in 9 To 5: The Musical.

The Love List is directed by Chris McHarge. A well-known figure in Canadian theatre, McHarge has directed over 100 productions including 11 world premieres of Norm Foster's plays and musicals. McHarge also directed Foster's Bedtime Stories and The Melville Boys for Drayton Entertainment this season, both of which received tremendous audience response.

Joining McHarge on the Creative Team are Set Designer Stephen Degenstein, Lighting Designer Lyle Franklin and Costume Designer Jessica Bray.

The Love List is proudly sponsored by Home Hardware and 96.7 CHYM FM. The Media Sponsors are 570 News, KIX 106.7 FM and The Waterloo Region Record.

Tickets are selling quickly and theatregoers are encouraged to book seats as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (519) 638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866). For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.draytonentertainment.com

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