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Getting behind the "pure magic" of Famous People PlayersFor the past 27 years, Diane Lynn Dupuy, founder of Famous People Players, has been conducting what she calls a "labour of love." DAVE ELIA |
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 [ 2002-03-13 ] |
Famous People Players is a black light musical company that hires developmentally-challenged individuals to create and star in brilliantly colourful shows.
"They're professional animators," Dupuy says. "We put on a show that is exciting and beyond your imagination."
Dupuy founded the company in 1974 with the goal of integrating people who are disabled into society. She was attracted to the cause because of her own troubles with reading and writing as a child growing up in Hamilton, Ont.
Liberace was the first to discover the Famous People Players, making them the opening act during his Vegas years from 1975 to 1977 and again in 1981, and the company later followed him on Canadian tours until 1984.
"Liberace strongly believed that people who are mentally challenged could live a normal life," Dupuy explains.
Since then, the support that Dupuy and company has garnered over the years is next to legendary status.
Their glowing props have been seen on CBC specials, The Phil Donahue Show and the former Regis and Kathie Lee show. They were also the first western act to tour China.
The show has received critical acclaim for its performances at Radio City Music Hall, during its two stints on Broadway, and for performances as far away as Japan. In 1994, with the financial backing of actor Paul Newman and singer Phil Collins, Famous People Players opened the first theatre centre in the world dedicated to people with special needs.
Fantastic giant puppets
Manipulating black lights, the performers glide colourful scarves, props and fantastic giant puppets to create a glowing landscape unseen on any other stage. This is all set to a story promoting positive messages for children and adults alike.
"It like pure magic," Dupuy says. "It's like Fantasia performed live before your eyes."
What makes the production truly spectacular is the role of the animators. Not only do they put on the hour-long shows, they also cook a fantastic pre-show dinner.
"Everybody is born with a gift," Dupuy says. "I want to build self-esteem for a lot of young people, that's why everyone is doing everything. I also want to build their skills."
Matthew Gojdos, who has been working with the Famous People Players for a year as a sales representative, is amazed by the time and energy Dupuy devotes to the company.
"It's so great that she's helping people who wouldn't usually have the opportunity," Gojdos says. "People are surprised when they see who's behind the masks."
Dupuy has been recognized for her enduring artistic and humanitarian efforts. In 1982 she was appointed the Order of Canada and has received honorary degrees from the Universities of Windsor, Calgary and Trent.
"I want my animators to create from their soul, to paint a picture" Dupuy says. "Liberace says you're as good as your last performance, and that's the kind of philosophy I like to follow."
(Dave Elia is a Toronto-based freelance writer who can be reached at elia10@yahoo.com. )
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