Hudson theatre blowing its own whistle

The Hudson Village Theatre will kick off its 16th summer season later this month by offering for the first time a one day destination train package with stops in Montreal and the West Island.

The M&M Express Destination Hudson will originate in Montreal on Sat., June 21, where it will depart the Lucien L’Allier station at 12:45 p.m. The train will make its first stop in Beaconsfield where additional ticket holders can board at 1:05 p.m. It is scheduled to arrive in Hudson at 1:45.

In addition to a round-trip ticket ($50) aboard a dedicated AMT train, theatre goers will get to see either the matinee show (2 p.m.) or the evening performance (6 p.m.) of All Grown Up, a 60’s inspired musical written by Leslie Mildiner, Ellen Kennedy, Bonnie Panych and Lori Valleau.

The show will run from June 19–July 6.

Carolyn Flower, Hudson Village Theatre director of communications said the theatre has rented the AMT train for the day so only those participating will board.

Of the 250 seats available, 100 have been sold.

“It’s going to be a very festive atmosphere,” she said. “We’ll have nibbles from Les Aliments M&M and a live Dixieland band that will play during the ride and at the station once we arrive.”

Appropriately, the Hudson Village Theatre is situated in a converted 148-seat former train station.

Passengers can shop or dine in Hudson while waiting to take in their preferred show. Many local merchants will offer discounts.

“With the cost of gas, this is a great deal,” said Flower. “You get to leave the driving to us and you get to see a wonderful show and visit a charming town in the country.”

The M&M Express Destination Hudson will depart Hudson at 8:30 p.m., with a 9:10 p.m. stop in Beaconsfield, and a 9:30 arrival at Lucien L’Allier.

In addition to All Grown Up, the summer theatre line up consists of: Campbell’s Sutra, written by Rick Blue, running from July 10-July 27; The Dik & Mitzi Anniversary Show, playing from July 31-Aug.3, and Norm Foster’s romantic comedy Storm Warning running from Aug. 14-31.

A two-night fundraiser, A Little Music in the Night, will be held on Aug. 8 and 9, while The Dixie Flyers will command the stage on June 22 and Hard Ryde will play on Aug. 17.

Reservations for the train excursion must be made in advance by calling the AMT Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 514 287-7866, or by logging onto escapadesentrain@amt.qc.ca

For information on the summer line-up, or to buy tickets call 450 458-5361, or go to www.villagetheatre.ca