Brantford (ON) On December 19, 1919, an event occurred that changed Brantford forever. This was the officially opening of the Thomas Lamb designed Temple Theatre. The theatre, which sat in excess of 1600 patrons, was one of the largest vaudeville houses outside of Toronto and was visited by such vaudeville legends as George and Gracie, Jack Benny, Mary Pickford and Canada's own Guy Lombardo. The Theatre went on to become a single screen movie house from 1929 until the 1980's when it was purchased by the City of Brantford and completely restored to its original splendour. Re-named the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts in honour of the philanthropic Sanderson family of Brantford, the theatre now seats 1133 patrons and presents an annual season of outstanding professional entertainment.

September 2004 will see the commencement of the 85th season at the Sanderson Centre. There will be celebrations throughout the season beginning in September with the world premiere of a brand new production called STARDUST FOLLIES. This show is set to open on Wednesday September 22, 2004 and run indefinitely every Wednesday afternoon commencing at 2:00 p.m.

Produced by Toronto based, award winning, Diamond Entertainment Inc., STARDUST FOLLIES is an elaborate stage production that showcases music, comedy, dance and songs from the 1920's to the new Millennium. John Dimon, Executive Producer of the show, says, "I am incredibly excited about this show and bringing it to the Sanderson Centre. I am confident that audiences from both sides of the border will flock to Brantford to see this top-notch production, just like they do in Branson, Missouri". Mr. Dimon is well known throughout Ontario for his highly acclaimed productions, Kings of Swing and Fabulous Crooners.

The show, through song and dance, pays tribute to show business' brightest stars including Al Jolson, Charlie Chaplin, Maurice Chevalier, Jack Benny, Judy Garland, and Marilyn Monroe. The production will also salute contemporary musical stars like Celine Dion, Whitney Huston and Elvis Presley. Not only will the show focus on music, it will also incorporate a stunning visual component not usually found in a Follies style production. Mr. Dimon says, "STARDUST FOLLIES is guaranteed to be the hot ticket for next season". Production plans for the show are well underway with auditions scheduled in several Ontario cities. Details of the auditions will be released the first week of March.

Tickets and information about STARDUST FOLLIES can be obtained by calling the Sanderson Centre, located at 88 Dalhousie Street in downtown Brantford, at (519) 758-8090 or toll-free at 1-800-265-0710. Patrons can also visit www.sandersoncentre.ca or www.stardustfollies.com for details about the show.