For 35 years, dancers and musicians have taken to the stage at Deerhurst Resort for high-energy, performances in one of Canada\u2019s longest running musical variety shows. Tonight (March 19), that era comes to a close with the final performance of the HIT L!ST, the show\u2019s latest incarnation.<\/p>\n
It all began back in the early 80s when Deerhurst owner Bill Waterhouse stayed at Innisbrook Resort in Florida. They had a large-scale, Vegas-style production and Waterhouse wanted one just like it for Deerhurst.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Bill, entertainment was a big part of Deerhurst,\u201d said Suzanne Baxter, who was one of the show\u2019s original dancers from 1982 to 1985 and returned from 1993 to 1999. \u201cHe wanted a show just like that so he approached the producer, Bud Matton, but Bud had no desire to come north. Bud\u2019s assistant, Brian Ayres, said \u2018I\u2019ll put on a show for you\u2019 though, and he managed to bring some incredible musicians and dancers and singers with him. He had a well-rounded group of serious talent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ayres built on the show that Waterhouse wanted, says Baxter, and brought along an emcee who embodied the spirit of it. \u201cBrian had a knack for showbiz and for putting together songs and medleys. Along with him came Frankie Vogl \u2013 he was Canadian but he was the emcee of the show in Florida \u2013 they called him Mr. Showmanship. He could read and work an audience like no one could and he was a pivotal part of the show.\u201d<\/p>\n
The show was initially just a part-time offering. But in September of 1982, it became a full-time affair with performances six nights a week. \u201cIt was a great time as far as entertainment goes,\u201d says Baxter. \u201cLive entertainment of that type was appreciated back then. In the early 80s there were lots of people who came to Deerhurst and everyone came to see the show. Over time it was promoted and talked about \u2013 everyone knew that the show was there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t