When Diane Dupuy was growing up in Hamilton seven decades ago, she knew she was different. At the time, people didn’t quite know what to call her, so they often used words that today would be totally unacceptable.
In fact, she has struggled with what today we call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Dupuy jokingly refers to the acronym as “awesome dreams with high drama,” 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 troupe of 15 young people with disabilities who put on a fantastic and unique show at the group’s headquarters in Etobicoke. Dupuy created the FPP 50 years ago, and, as a result, she got some vice-regal love at this week’s rehearsal. But when the GG comes to town, everything is complicated and planned in minute detail, which, as you might imagine, caused Dupuy no end of nervousness and panic.
But, of course, the show went off with nary a hitch. The governor general watched the proceedings, then stayed for another hour to meet the cast, cut some cake, and glad-hand with attendees.
Famous People Players founder Diane Dupuy. (Steve Paikin)
Dupuy knows from her own experience that disabled people are entirely capable of doing remarkable things. The current cast of the FPP includes performers with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. They grab props, perform dance routines, and hit their marks. Not only that, but they work the kitchen and serve the guests attending their show in a pre- or post-show dinner. Public-school kids come to see the shows by the tens of thousands every year. Audiences have shown their appreciation, awarding the company diamond for live entertainment in the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards.
While there surely must have been difficult moments over the years, there was none at this week’s rehearsal. The troupe posed for pictures with the governor general and those who could speak did so warmly and easily.
From left to right: Diane Dupuy is interviewed at this week's rehearsal; Governor General Mary Simon speaks with the cast. (Steve Paikin)
It’s far from being the company’s first brush with luminaries. Dupuy marvels at how supportive some celebrities have been.
“I love Tom Cruise,” she tells me. “He is such a fan of our work. He’s so good to us.” Others have been helpful, too. Actor Paul Newman contributed funds from the sales of his Newman’s Own salad dressing to help build kitchen facilities. And rock star Phil Collins donated so the company could have a solid sound system.
Elvis Presley makes an appearance at the rehearsal. (Steve Paikin)
Dupuy has never failed to mention during our numerous conversations over the years that she’s constantly on the lookout for corporate underwriting, but it’s a struggle. The group’s Etobicoke home base, Dine and Dream Theatre, is sort of fine, but no one will ever mistake it for one of impresario David Mirvish’s theatres.
“We have to raise money for our international program,” Dupuy says. “When these kids get on a plane or meet new people, it opens up their brains. It’s just so exciting.”
Governor General Mary Simon poses with the cast and a 50th-anniversary cake. (Steve Paikin)
FPP’s first-ever show took place June 1, 1974, and it was a family affair. Dupuy’s mother, Mary, designed and built the sets. Dupuy has now passed the baton to her daughter Joanne, who’s in charge of the artistic training and dealing with the players’ parents. Tomorrow night’s gala will take place 50 years to the day of that original performance. And it will be great.
“After the governor general left, the kids went right back into rehearsal and rehearsed until 9 p.m.,” Dupuy says, marvelling at their diligence. “They weren’t happy with the rehearsal and wanted the show to be better!”
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