Drayton Entertainment Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today revealed the cast and creative team for Canada’s newest original musical, based on Terry Fox, “Marathon of Hope: The Musical.”

Some of Canada’s finest creatives are behind Drayton’s “Marathon of Hope: The Musical” which promises to be an inspiring production.

Nathan Carroll will play Terry Fox.

Nathan Carroll as Terry Fox

Carroll’s credits include the original Canadian cast of “Once” with Toronto’s Mirvish Productions (2015 Dora Award for Best Production and Best Ensemble), “The Wizard of Oz” with Young People’s Theatre (2016 Dora Award Winner for Outstanding Ensemble – Musical Theatre Division), “La Chasse Galerie” with Red One Theatre Collective (2016 Dora Award Winner for Outstanding Ensemble – Independent Theatre Division), alongside many other musicals, classics, and new works. He studied at the George Brown Theatre School.

Alex Furber will play Doug Alward, Terry’s best friend along the cross country journey.

Alex Furber

Furber gained notoriety starring as Albert in the Toronto production of “War Horse.” Earlier this season, Furber won rave reviews for his portrayal of Stanley in Drayton Entertainment’s production of “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

Dora award winner Charlotte Moore will play Terry’s mother, Betty Fox.

Charlotte Moore

A renowned Canadian actress, Moore’s extensive credits include Fantine in the Canadian National Tour of “Les Misérables” and Marilla in “Anne of Green Gables” at the Charlottetown Festival, along with Mrs. Johnstone in “Blood Brothers” with Drayton Entertainment.

Ralph Small will play Terry’s father, Rolly Fox. Small’s extensive career includes productions at theatres throughout Ontario, as well as serving as previous Artistic Director of Bluewater Playhouse in Kincardine.

Richmond, BC native Jayme Armstrong will play Toronto Star reporter Leslie Scrivener, who chronicled Terry’s journey and later authored the notable book “Terry Fox: His Story.” Armstrong’s roles with Drayton Entertainment include Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” Marian in “The Music Man,” Mary in Disney’s “Mary Poppins” and Guenevere in the North American tour of “Camelot.”

The company also includes Ontario’s Stephanie Cadman, Tim Porter, Katrina Reynolds and Julius Sermonia, along with Alberta’s Kira Guloien and New Brunswick’s Curtis Sullivan, all appearing in a variety of roles.

The production also features two children, both 12-years-old and residents of the Region of Waterloo: Brooke Bauer of Hawkesville and Ryan O’Donnell of Kitchener.

Music for Drayton’s “Marathon of Hope: The Musical” is being created by composer and lyricist John Connolly, who has dedicated the past 12 years to writing music for the production. As a singer/songwriter, Connolly is the recipient of five PEI Music Awards and two East Coast Music Award nominations.

The book is written by award-winning playwright Peter Colley, whose notable credits include the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Cagney!,” as well as “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight” (considered Canada’s most produced play) and “You’ll Get Used To It … The War Show.” His stage plays have been produced in 27 countries, 48 of the 50 states in the United States, and every province in Canada.

Don’t miss my podcast with Peter Colley discussing his journey from the U.K. to London, Ontario and the secrets behind his success as a playwright.

Music direction will be provided by Michael Mulrooney, whose impressive pedigree includes productions such as “Billy Bishop Goes to War,” “Show Boat,” and “Les Misérables.” Mulrooney teaches at Sheridan College, serves regularly as a mentor for the National Academy Orchestra.

The creative team also comprises set designer Douglas Paraschuk, whose storied career includes 22 seasons with the Stratford Festival as well as several productions with Drayton Entertainment.

Projection designer Sean Nieuwenhuis rounds out the creative team on the Terry Fox musical “Marathon of Hope,” with an extensive list of projections and video designs for such national and international acclaimed productions as Stratford Festival’s “The Who’s Tommy,” “Doctor Zhivago” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Broadway and “Faust” with the Metropolitan Opera.

Details Details
“Marathon of Hope: The Musical” is on stage at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from October 5 to October 30.
Tickets are $44 for adults; $26 for youth under 20 years of age.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.draytonentertainment.com or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866).