Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon is kicking off its 22nd season this spring with the Canadian premiere of a musical comedy show originally written and performed by a popular British comedy duo, which features a community choir of local residents joining the cast of three professional actors to perform the songs of Doris Day.
Desperate to be Doris, which runs from May 29 to June 7, is a celebration of the iconic American actress and singer that was written and performed over a decade ago by Sue Ryding and Maggie Fox of LipService Theatre. It premiered at the York Theatre Royal in the U.K. in 2010.
Over nearly 40 years, Ryding and Fox wrote and performed more than 22 original comedy shows from a distinctly female perspective, touring them throughout Britain as well as in Europe and the U.S. Also known for her roles in Coronation Street, Shameless, and The Forsyte Saga, Fox died at the age of 65 in 2022 after a tragic car accident.
Desperate to be Doris follows Dean, who works in the office of a nightwear retailer called The Pyjama Game and harbours a secret love for singing the songs of Doris Day. A new manager arrives on the scene, not only with her own ideas for remaking the business, but also for directing a local amateur theatre society’s production of the musical western Calamity Jane, based on the 1953 musical Western film of the same name that starred Doris Day. Will Dean dare to share his Calamity Jane with an unsuspecting world?
Taking on the role of Dean in the Globus Theatre production is Ephraim Ellis, best known for playing Rick Murray on Degrassi: The Next Generation and Danny Ellis on Falcon Beach. Joining him on stage to perform a variety of hilarious characters are Elana Post (who performed in the 2024 Globus production of Norm Foster’s The Ladies Foursome and in the 2023 Globus production of Kristen Da Silva’s Hurry Hard) and Globus Theatre’s own artistic director Sarah Quick.
“This play is exactly the style of theatre that Globus Theatre is known for — a fast-paced comedic story brought to life through various zany characters played by talented actors,” says Globus Theatre’s artistic producer James Barrett, who is directing the play.
Featuring some of Doris Day’s greatest hits including “Secret Love,” “Que Sera, Sera,” “Steam Heat,” “The Deadwood Stage,” and “Enjoy Yourself,” Ryding and Fox’s original tours of the show integrated local choirs from the communities where it was staged — something that Globus Theatre is replicating for the Canadian premiere.
“Desperate to be Doris was touring the UK at the same time as I was many years ago,” Quick recalls. “It delighted audiences at every theatre it played at, and I loved the concept of using a community choir in each location. I thought doing this sort of collaboration in Bobcaygeon was a perfect way to kick off our season. I am thrilled to bring this show to Canadian audiences for the first time.”
After an initial call in March for performers for the community choir, Globus Theatre has established two choirs of local singers who have been rehearsing the Doris Day songs in the show under the direction of Kelly Burrows.
“It has been such a joy and privilege working on these Doris Day songs with our amazing community choir,” Burrows says. “The fact that all of these singers wanted to come together and participate in what’s sure to be an incredible season opener shows just how much talent there is on our community, and how much we all love Globus Theatre’s productions. We are very excited to showcase our hard work and cannot wait for everyone to come out and see Desperate to be Doris.”
Desperate to be Doris will be performed at 2300 Pigeon Lake Road in Bobcaygeon with evening performances at 8 p.m. from May 29 to 31 and June 5 to 7 and a 2 p.m. matinee performance on May 31. An optional dinner is available before the evening performances.
Tickets are $50 for the show only, or $100 for dinner and the show (plus tax and fee). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.globustheatre.com or call the Globus Theatre box office at 705-738-2037.
