It promises to be the most visually dazzling show and a fabulous highlight of the summer in Barrie.
Dianne Dupuy, president and founder of the Famous People Players (FPP) spoke with The Advance from the Dine and Dream Theatre in Toronto. In 1994, it became the first dinner theatre dedicated to people with special needs where retiring performers could then learn additional life skills.
Actor Paul Newman, a fan of the FPP, underwrote the restaurant through sales of Newman’s Own products.
The regular shows are captivating and a special performance in Barrie promises an amazing time will be had by all ages. “This is a highly energized, shake-rattle-and-roll, oldies-but-goodies, let’s-rock-around-the-clock show,” she enthused, adding that the troupe no longer tours very often, but Barrie is an exception because they love the city and its people.
When Dupuy founded the performance group in 1974, it was with the goal of personal development and team achievement for everyone involved. The show, which began with theatrical black light, provided a stunning visual effect and it caught the eye of the legendary showman Liberace. The pianist hired the troupe to open for him in Las Vegas, and FPP toured with him from 1975 to 1985.
Rave reviews led to the movie, Special People, which won an Emmy Award. Of the time touring with Liberace, Dupuy noted, “He was a very grassroots, down-to-earth guy. He worked us just as hard as he worked himself. When we were on tour, we were all part of the company together.”
An author of four books, Dupuy has been applauded for her artistic and humanitarian vision.
Always one to chase her dreams, Dupuy says the greatest lesson she has learned is to forget herself and just be herself. “Our tag line is; we inspire people to achieve more.”
Currently there are 39 with the company, with 10-12 performers in each show. “We all have a disability and we all have a handicap. Every single one of us does,” Dupuy noted.
“For me, I was a slow learner in school. I hated school and I never did well. But I had a very vivid imagination. I was fortunate that my mother encouraged that. I often wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t.”
Dupuy is very busy these days and no longer trains the performers but continues to oversee the operation. “I’m into some stuff that’s really big right now. I’m really, really nervous about it,” she said.
The undertaking she refers to is the recent purchase of an 87-acre farm in Ancaster. The project is a monumental one: the building of an environmentally green theatre from the ground up. David Suzuki is honourary patron and a large harvesting project is set to take off next summer.
“That’s where we’re going – to work with kids in that area, and go into gardening and harvesting. All the food will be harvested and donated to the shelters and for the homeless. It’s a $10-million project and I’m worried about how we’re going to raise the money,” Dupuy admitted.
Not one to be held back, there is no doubt Dupuy will find a way to make the new venture a success.
Famous People Players, Shake, Rattle and Roll runs from July 15 to 19 with a Wednesday matinee.
Friday, July 18 is a special family performance evening with face painting and refreshments for all.
A pre-show dinner in the Georgian Dining room is available for this show. For information on special pricing for the family performance and to reserve tickets, call the Gryphon Theatre box office: 728-4613 or click the link provided.
