Victoria Playhouse Petrolia to Present THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER

2015 at the Victoria Playhouse has been all about heart. From the beloved sequel in the Church Basement Ladies musical series, to having the legendary Ben Vereen headlining What a Wonderful World, to their tribute to the greatest women of country, the VPP has tugged at its audiences' heartstrings all summer. As the season comes to a close, the creative team has geared up for its sixth and final show of the summer, THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER, running SEPTEMBER 9-27. It promises to not only have heart, but laughs, more music and fun, and stars two of Canada's most talented performers.

If you've visited the Victoria Playhouse in the past, then the names JESSE GRANDMONT and MICHAEL VANHEVEL are probably familiar to you. Their resumes are full of VPP credits from over the years, but both of these performers are standouts in their own right, having graced stages across Canada, the USA and beyond. For Co-Artistic Director, David Hogan, the unlikely pairing of a fiddler player and a crooning singer came from one of the VPP's cabaret night performances in 2014. "Watching these two together and sharing their talents with such expertise made us realize that there was show with two of them." Jesse Grandmont explains, "Michael and I were both part of Canada Sings last year - we had a number in the show that used a lot of improv and we had great chemistry. After that, we did a version of The Devil Went Down To Georgia, my signature song, but changed it to The Crooner Went Down to Petrolia."

For the past three years, Grandmont has headlined a show each season - 2013's Fiddler on the Loose, 2014's Fiddler on the Loose 2 and now 2015's The Fiddler & The Crooner. Hogan explains that the success of these shows lie in Grandmont's exceptional showmanship. "He is such an entertainer. People can have talent and technique but Jesse has all that and more." The fiddler's co-star agrees saying "Jesse is a phenomenal talent. He is one of the best I've ever seen at capturing an audience." To be joined by Vanhevel, who Grandmont describes as "the epitome of class, matched with talent and charm on stage", results in a show full of musical variety, with a level of charisma and magnetism on stage that will shock audiences. From country tunes, to swing and classic crooning, many genres will be covered, but both Vanhevel and Grandmont promise some surprises unlike anything that VPP audiences have ever seen.

Joining Grandmont and Vanhevel on stage is seasoned cabaret performer, JENNIFER WALLS, who last appeared alongside Ben Vereen in WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD at the VPP. Without giving away any surprises, Walls promises to use her improvisational chops along with her talent for many celebrity impersonations in THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER. Returning to the VPP is an easy decision for her, as she explains that "you feel like you belong from the moment you meet the Davids and step into the rehearsal hall. The level of love and respect that circulates throughout the company is extraordinary and unlike any company I have worked for. The incredible team of people at the theatre and the community they are surrounded by are why I will always want to come back to the VPP." Grandmont echoes that saying, "Everyone contributes and everyone cares so much. Along with that - the talent is incredible. From the actors, to the musicians, to the production team, to the crew, everyone is brilliant." Walls is eager to share the stage with the fiddler and the crooner, admiring each of them for their individually. "Jesse's bow is like an extension of his body-he puts his heart into every note he plays, and Michael's voice is like liquid gold."

Both Grandmont and Vanhevel recently recorded CDs which will be available for sale at each performance of THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER. Jesse Grandmont on the Loose features a live, in concert performance of his favourite songs. On the Rocks, Vanhevel's second full-length album, features a seven-piece band. Faster, edgier than his first CD, this one offers everything from swing style rock music to the classic crooner tunes that have made Vanhevel a household name - and yes, both of their CDs also happen to feature each other.

Running September 9-27, THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER also features Resident Musical Director MARK PAYNE and the world-class STARBRIGHT BAND. Tickets are available online at www.thevpp.ca or by calling the VPP Box Office at 1-800-717-7694. Following THE FIDDLER & THE CROONER, the VPP gears up for its treasured STARBRIGHT CHRISTMAS, running November 24-December 3 and the foot stompin' festive VPP CHRISTMAS JAMBOREE, running December 11-13.

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