Sounds of the 60s

The music that helped both shape and define a generation will be showcased in a spirited production that gets under way in Hudson June 19.

The sounds of the 1960s come alive in All Grown Up, an award-winning Canadian musical that kicks off Hudson Village Theatre’s 16th season.

All Grown Up traces the lives of three women over three decades, against a lyrical backdrop of some of that era’s most memorable hits, according to Irene Arsenault, who is making her directorial debut with the company.

“Audiences will recognize songs like, ‘It’s in His Kiss,’ ‘Going to the Chapel,’ and ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?’ They’re mostly solos, with some harmonies; but there’s also a lot of dialogue and monologue,” said Arsenault, who has directed for Lyric Theatre and Hudson Music Club.

“The piece was written by four Vancouver women in the late 1990s, and after opening there the production went across the country,” she said.

“We have an outstanding cast – they make a fantastic trio on stage, both visually and vocally.

“Anthousa Harris most recently appeared at Centaur in Forever Yours Mary Lou. Holly Gauthier-Frankel was last seen in Houdini at the Saidye Bronfman Centre.”

Emily Lamarche of Hudson is marking her first foray into musical theatre.

All Grown Up, under the musical direction of Rob Burns, will be presented until July 6 at 28 Wharf Rd. Matinees are Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m.; evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8.

There’s also a novel addition to the start of the current season. On June 21, theatregoers can board the M & M Express, for a train ride to and from the theatre (which is housed in the town’s historic train station).

The train departs from Lucien L’Allier in Montreal and stops in Beaconsfield before continuing on to Hudson (return trip is later that evening). The $50 tickets cover fare, tickets to the show, on-board entertainment and nibbles. For reservations, call 514-287-7866.

For more information and tickets for All Grown Up, call 450-458-5361 or visit www.villagetheatre.ca.