Bolton's Anne Ruso in the spotlight

The "superbly entertaining" RBC Seniors' Jubilee returns to Roy Thomson Hall from Aug. 13-17 for its 19th season and is sure to delight and entertain fans of all ages as more than 1,300 talented performers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond take centre stage.

From Italian arias to reggae rhythms, Middle Eastern belly dance to traditional Scottish Highland dancing, the Jubilee is widely known for first-class entertainment delivered wit all the glitz and glamour of a Broadway extravaganza.

The five daily jubilees begin at 11 a.m. every morning with the infectious lobby entertainment - a two-hour musical midway where the audience can dance to live bands, sing along with choirs and enjoy the antics of wandering minstrels. At 1 p.m. the spectacular musical variety show, that has it all…from ballroom to vaudeville, comedy to cabaret, tango to tap, gets under way on the theatre stage.

This year's cast of extraordinary entertainers hail from 70-plus communities across Ontario. Some are returning Jubilee favourites and many more are newcomers, making their Jubilee debuts. Many have been performing all their lives; some are late bloomers; others are returning to the stage after a lengthy absence.

Singer Anne Ruso, who began her career at Scotland's Barrowland Ballroom, makes her home in Bolton. She joined the performance group Westminster Chimes and entertained with them for many years as both a solo act and as part of the ensemble. A talented singer, Ruso still makes time to perform in a variety of community events.

And Ruso will be joining an illustrious lineup of entertainers that includes Jubilee MC Dick Joiner with his infectious laugh, zany antics and exhilarating magic and Canadian funny-man, Don Harron who has made thousands laugh with his alter ego characters, especially Charlie Farquharson. Also in this year's cast are award winning jazz and gospel singer Billy Newton-Davis, vaudevillian Johnny Toronto, Australian-born singer/musician Peter Shaw, the dynamic Gael Force Dancers who combine clogging with Irish hard shoe dancing, and the ever-popular ballroom dance champions Gord & Sandy Brittain, Kim & Edith Lam, Edward & Co-Cy Lee.

Ticket includes admission to the lobby entertainment and Theatre Stage Show. For single tickets $39.50 to $18.50, call 416-872-4255. Special group rates for 20 or more call 416-593-4822 ext. 225. Or visit the Roy Thomson Hall box office at 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto or online at www.roythomson. com.