Governor Mary Simon poses with the cast of Famous People Players. (Steve Peikin)
Diane Dupuis knew she was different when she was growing up in Hamilton 70 years ago. People didn't know what to call her then, and often used words that would be completely unacceptable today.
In fact, she suffered from what we would today call Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, an acronym that Dupuy jokingly refers to as “Great Dramatic Dreams,” and anyone who knows Dupuy will know how true that is in her case.
Earlier this week, Governor General Mary Simon attended a rehearsal of the Famous People Players, a group of 15 young people with disabilities, at the organization's headquarters in Etobicoke, where they put on a fantastic and unique show. Dupuy founded the Famous People Players 50 years ago, and as a result, they earned the Governor General's love at rehearsals this week. But when the Governor General comes to town, it's all intricately planned down to the last detail, and as you can imagine, it caused Dupuy immense stress and panic.
But of course the show went off without a hitch, and the Governor watched proceedings and then stayed for another hour to meet the cast, cut the cake and shake hands with attendees.
Diane Dupuy, founder of Famous People Players (Steve Peikin)
Dupuy knows from his own experience that people with disabilities are fully capable of great things. FPP's current cast includes performers with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. They pick up props and perform dance routines, and they nail it. Not only that, but they also work in the kitchen and serve show-going guests at pre- and post-show dinners. Tens of thousands of public school children come to see the shows every year. Audiences have shown their appreciation, awarding the company a Diamond Award for Live Entertainment in the Toronto Star Readers' Choice Awards.
There have no doubt been difficult moments over the years, but none of that was evident at rehearsals this week. Company members posed for photos with the Governor, and those who were able to speak did so with warmth and ease.
Left to right: Diane Dupuis being interviewed at rehearsals this week, and Governor General Mary Simon speaking with the cast. (Steve Peikin)
This isn't the company's first celebrity involvement, and Dupuis has been surprised by the support he's received from some of the big names.
“I love Tom Cruise,” she says. “He's a big fan of our work. He's been so kind to us.” Others have been supportive: Actor Paul Newman donated funds from sales of Newman's Own salad dressing to build a kitchen facility, and rock star Phil Collins donated money so the company could have a solid sound system.
Elvis Presley appears at a rehearsal. (Steve Peikin)
In numerous conversations over the years, Dupuis has always said he's always on the lookout for corporate sponsors, but that it's a tough job: The group's Etobicoke home base, the Dine & Dream Theatre, is passable, but no one would mistake it for one of impresario David Mirvish's theaters.
“We have to raise money for international programs,” Dupuy says. “When kids get to fly on an airplane and meet new people, it opens up their brains. It's very exciting.”
Governor General Mary Simon poses with the cast and the 50th anniversary cake. (Steve Peikin)
FPP's first show was held on June 1, 1974, and it was a family affair. Dupuy's mother, Mary, designed and built the set. Dupuy has now passed the baton to his daughter, Joan, who is responsible for the artistic training and liaison with her acting parents. Tomorrow night's gala marks 50 years since that first performance. It's going to be amazing.
“After the Governor left, the kids went right back to rehearsal and rehearsed until 9 p.m.,” Dupuy says, marveling at their hard work. “They weren't satisfied with the rehearsal. They wanted to make the show better!”
