I’ve only seen this tiny world I’m in Where I can only be what I’ve been
See a world beautiful and strange
Spinnin’ off somewhere
Sayin’ “Meet me there”
Look, look how fast it runs away
Singin’ “Follow close and reach for me. See that you’ve got so much more to be” Before it’s over Before it’s over
After producing the Manitoba Premiere of Sondheim’s hit show Merrily We Roll Along last year, we began to think of how quickly our lives can be changed because of world events. How rights can be stripped away and how cruelty can reign as the attitude du jour. We wondered how our world could be made different if we all lead with empathy and understanding. How we could affect change by listening and opening our hearts. It seemed the perfect time for us to produce the incredibly layered and challenging show - Dogfight. When we were then gifted the exclusive rights to produce this musical, those thoughts came more into focus!
Dogfight affords us the opportunity to tell the stories of Rose and Eddie –two lost and damaged souls who come together in ugliness and through an amazing act of grace, find understanding and a deep connection. Rose is an extraordinary young woman who, in a time where woman were fighting for their right to be seen and heard, knows who she is. She finds her strength and through that, unflinchingly demands that Eddie take the opportunity to start over and live his real truth. Dogfight is a wonderful piece of theatre which challenges us to make choices that serve our better angles and avoid causing those we love any pain. This achingly bittersweet show makes
WELCOME FROM DRY COLD PRODUCTIONS
us laugh and breaks our hearts all the while providing us with a mirror to examine our own lives. Dogfight is a gift, allowing us the opportunity to observe Rose and Eddie as they redefine their paths in life – discovering a world that is beautiful and strange - a universe of possibility.
We are so happy to be presenting the Manitoba Professional Premiere of Dogfight – a tale full of hope, redemption and heart – showcasing an incredibly gifted cast, creative team, crew, and band of homegrown Winnipeg artists. We are thrilled to share their talents with you and thank you for supporting independent theatre.
Enjoy the show!
Reid + Donna
Land Acknowledgment
Dry Cold Productions and the members of our production of Dogfight recognize the importance of acknowledging that we are working & creating art on Indigenous land. Land that is home to the Anishinabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples - Treaty One Territory and the Heartland of the Métis Nation. We value this land, appreciate those who came before us, and acknowledge the wrongs done to our First Nations People. We invite you to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website to learn more about reconciliation and the part you can play in continuing the work.
Dry Cold Productions
Where music meets theatre.
This hauntingly beautiful musical, Dogfight, by Peter Duchan and the dynamic duo of Pasek and Paul is based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film of the same name. It’s November 21, 1963 – the day before the world changed forever with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Vietnam, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and a desire to make a little trouble. The “dogfight,” in question is a competition between the marines to bring the ugliest date to a party and win a cash prize. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward waitress and aspiring musician unaware of the true nature of this viciously cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she steps into her own power and rewrites the rules of the game - teaching Eddie the power of love and compassion. Their evening together poignantly changes both of their perspectives on life and challenges them to explore the nature of cruelty, human connection, and empathy.
Dogfight deals frankly with serious and important subjects still frighteningly relevant in our fractious times of political instability, bullying and intolerance of “others”. The Period-typical misogyny, racism, ableism, sexual assault, crude language, wartime violence and death force us to look at ourselves and wonder if we are moving forward or returning to times where a “dogfight” can still be possible.
CONTENT & SHOW WARNING
Dogfight does contain depictions of violence, frank and graphic sexual references, acts of war, bullying, and body shaming. The show uses water based haze. Prop guns used in Dogfight are not practical weapons and are used only under strict supervision. Actors have been safety trained by a weapons expert. A note that the discrimination & othering depicted in Dogfight is not fictional. Women have faced and continue to face discrimination based on race, ability, body size, age, as well as sexual identity or orientation.
Dogfight runs approximately 2 hours & 15 minutes (with intermission)
NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
November 21, 1963—one night before the country is jolted awake by the news of JFK’s assassination—a squad of fresh-faced Marines swagger into San Francisco for their final night on U.S. soil, pockets full of post-war bravado and barely five months of training behind them. America still imagines itself untouchable, and these young men carry that arrogance like a second uniform. Far from myth, the brutal “dogfight” was a fixture of Marine culture. Variations of this dehumanizing, misogynistic game lingered for decades—long after the world around it claimed to have grown wiser—showing how harmful rituals can outlast the very people who invented them. Yet that same night, Rose Fenny—a budding folk singer and waitress at her mother’s diner who leads with quiet resolve—meets their swagger with something far more subversive: simple, unwavering empathy.
Why stage Dogfight now? Because compassion still feels like a radical act. We, too, are emerging from our own era-defining rupture—pandemic, polarization, wars we watch from a distance. Like Eddie Birdlace, we can cling to easy cynicism or risk opening our hearts to people we once wrote off as the “other.” I’m betting on the latter.
To our company and the fearless Dry Cold family: thank you for leaping with me into 1963’s twilight and 2025’s reckoning. And to you, the audience, welcome aboard the Trailways bus. May Pasek & Paul’s gorgeous score linger in your ears and Rose’s quiet conviction linger in your heart. Choose empathy. Enjoy the show.
Justin
Many years ago, when I first heard a musical theatre ballad called “Pretty Funny” I knew I needed to see Dogfight. Pretty Funny is beautifully crafted— even without context of the musical itself, Rose’s vulnerability and emotion resonates in raw honesty. The lyrics and music paint her story in a way that is understated and instantly connects with listeners. We have all been there – on a date with someone that ends up breaking our heart. Pasek and Paul (known for shows like Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman) have the skill set to let their music do just that—to crack our hearts wide open.
The entirety of the Dogfight musical score is stunning. Songs are composed in a variety of styles and genres that place us into November 1963 at the height of American pride. In “Some Kinda Time”, we feel the energy of the marines as they get ready to ship out to Vietnam with a whopping 13 weeks of training to guide them. We hear their smug confidence when they try to pick up women in “Hey Good Lookin”, as they each try to secure a date to the Dogfight. The song is composed with complex harmonies, using many different lines of text overlapping in an impressive musical counterpoint. The lounge singer at the Dogfight sings in styles reminiscent of 1960s Elvis. There is truly something for everyone in this show.
What stands out to me the most musically is that Dogfight is essentially composed for two “bands”: A rock band with Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Bass and Drums for the Marines, and a band with piano, acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, percussion and cello for the story of Rose and Eddie. Dry Cold has given me this wonderful opportunity to lead an onstage band for the first time, and I am overjoyed to be playing piano and leading such a wonderful group of musicians in a wide variety of musical styles within one show. There is nothing like hearing this music live in full orchestration. It makes us think about what we are hearing. It makes us uncomfortable. It makes us feel. I hope Dogfight reaches out to you the way I experienced Pretty Funny for the first time.
Prelude: Take Me Back
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act I
Rose, Birdlace & Company
Some Kinda Time Birdlace & Marines
We Three Bees Birdlace, Boland & Bernstein
Hey Good Lookin’ Marines & Girls
Come to a Party
Birdlace & Rose
Nothing Short of Wonderful Rose
Come to a Party (Reprise) Rose, Marcy & Marines
That Face Lounge Singer with Bernstein, Boland, & Stevens
Some Kinda Time (Reprise) / War Sequence Birdlace & Marines
Take Me Back (Hippie Reprise)
Hippies
Come Back Birdlace
Finale: Take Me Back Company
Dry Cold Productions
Where music meets theatre.
PRESENTS
Music and Lyrics by BENJ
PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL
Book
by
PETER DUCHAN
Based on the Warner Bros Film and Screenplay by BOB COMFORT
Produced by SECOND STAGE THEATRE, NEW YORK, 2012
Artistic Director CAROLE ROTHMAN
Orchestrations by MICHAEL STAROBIN
Apr 30 - May 4, 2025 Winnipeg, Manitoba
Prairie Theatre Exchange
Dogfight is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Our Cast
Brady Barrientos Bernstein
Justin Bulaong
Paul Forget
Fector
The Lounge Singer, Pete, Sergeant, Praying Drag Queen, Waiter & Big Tony
Katie German Rose
Carlyn Graff-Czehryn
Ruth, Hippie, Chippy, Librarian & Ensemble
Devin Lowry Gibbs, Birdlace Cover
Janice Marple Mama, Hippie, Suzette & Ensemble
Reid McTavish Eddie Birdlace
Wes Rambo Boland
Shauldon Santos Stevens
Tiera Lee Watts
Our Creative Team
Marcy & Ensemble
Justin Stadnyk Director & Sound Design
Kelly Robinson Music Director
Kari Hagness Set Designer
Larry Isacoff Lighting Designer
Sam Hutchings Choreographer & Intimacy
Esther Koepnick Costume Coordinator
Zahra Larche Stage Manager
Sadie Reid Apprentice Stage Manager
Nyle Hawrylyshen
Meagan Chrest
& Audio Technician
Props Coordinator/Runner
Dave Brown Gun Safety Consultant
Katelyn Mestito-Dao Apprentice to the Choreographer
Our Band
Kelly Robinson Conductor/Keyboard
Jonathan Alexiuk Bass
Sophie Caron Cello
Tony Cyre Drums/Percussion
Grant Miller
Brooklyne Alexander
Liam Naughten
DOGFIGHT: THE MUSICAL
Our Dry Cold Production Team
Production Manager
Production Manager
Master Carpenter Keith Damboise
Head Scenic Artist Linda Beech
Crew
Painter
Light Walkers
David Agba, Jomar Bayuga, Bee Dasuki, Ed Durocher, Max Mummery, Phenix Rock & Luke Thille
Sylvia Flam, Anne Love, Keith Love, Armin Martin, Lynne Martin, Yale Rayburn-Vanden Hout, Shawn Saifer,
Joannie Sheps, Henry Sigurdson & Patrcia Vineberg
PTE Production Staff
Production Manager Wayne Buss!
Venue Technician
Front of House
Cari Simpson
Jane Testar & Laura Cyre
DOGFIGHT: THE MUSICAL - CAST
Brady Barrientos Bernstein
Brady Barrientos is a Treaty One based Filipino artist thrilled to make his Dry Cold debut with Dogfight! A graduate from the vocal performance programme at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music, he lives and breathes songs. He also spends time writing his own music. Credits include Rocking Horse Winner (Manitoba Underground Opera), The Little Mermaid (Rainbow Stage), Charlie Brown (MTYP), The Velveteen Rabbit (MTYP), Alice In Wonderland (Bad Hats/MTYP), as well as being a long-time workshop artist for MABUHAY! You can also catch them in the musical duo violent affection.
Justin Bulaong Fector
Justin Bulaong (he/him) is a Canadian Filipino artist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He’s been a part of competitive hip hop dance groups in the city and currently
choreographs hip hop numbers for Sisler High School’s dance team, Sisler’s Most Wanted. Justin is excited to work with Dry Cold Productions again as this was where he made his professional theatre debut with The Prom back in 2023. Since then, he was involved in the new musical Ma-Buhay created by Joseph Sevillo beginning with the choreography workshop, then the Fringe show and its final product at Rainbow Stage. A special thank you goes to Justin’s friends, family and co-workers for all their support. @justinbulaong.
Paul Forget
The Lounge Singer, Pete, Sergeant, Praying Drag Queen, Waiter & Big Tony
Paul Forget is a versatile and multidisciplinary artist, tackling everything from opera and musical theatre performance, stage and screen acting, writing, and composition. A recent graduate of both the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Music program and the Village Conservatory for Musical Theatre, Paul has appeared in productions with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, Manitoba Underground Opera and the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Recent credits include
Basset in Rocking Horse Winner and Luther, Crespel, and Spalanzani in Tales of Hoffmann. This is Paul’s first time working with Dry Cold Productions.
Katie German Rose
Katie is a Métis performer, director, playwright, educator and mother. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and with ancestral roots in both St. Rose Du Lac, MB and Aberdeen, Scotland, Katie is currently the owner and director of Junior Musical Theatre Company (JMTC) and is proud to be called Mom by a creative 10-year-old and a joy-filled 4-year-old who keeps her laughing and running. Katie is passionate about learning, dismantling and decolonizing the theatre process as well as creating spaces that are human focused, nourishing and driven by curiosity. Recent performance credits include: The Sound of Music (The Citadel Theatre), Rez Sisters, Into The Woods, The Sound of Music (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Hockey Sweater, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do (Rainbow Stage), A Year With Frog And Toad, Seussical The Musical (Manitoba
Theatre for Young People), Merrily We Roll Along, Sweeney Todd (Dry Cold Productions) and the TVO cartoon, Wolf Joe (Media Rendezvous & TVO).
Carlyn is so excited to be making her Dry Cold debut! She is a born and raised Winnipeg singer/ songwriter/performer, and amputee. Carlyn’s recent credits include Hansel & Gretel: A Merry Cripmas Panto (Sick & Twisted), The Hockey Sweater (Rainbow Stage), and A Threepenny Opera (Sick & Twisted/ AA Battery Theatre). Away from the stage, you will find Carlyn working as a Kinesiologist and Personal Trainer, or spending time with her rescue dog, husband and daughter.
Devin is a multi-disciplinary artist based out of Treaty 1, Winnipeg, MB and is thrilled to be part of this wonderful production of
Dogfight. Devin is a graduate of The University of Winnipeg Theatre and Film Honours Program (2019) and alumnus of The Village Conservatory (2021). Recent credits include: (Upcoming) ‘Rock of Ages’ (Rainbow Stage); ‘End of the Line’ (TPM); ‘The Prom’ (Dry Cold Productions); ‘FAME’ (WST); ‘The Hockey Sweater’ (Rainbow Stage). Devin would like to recognize that he would not be here following his passion and dreams without the love and support of his family and friends. Enjoy the show! You’re “gonna be havin’ some kinda time”!
Janice Marple Mama, Hippie, Suzette & Ensemble
Soprano Janice Marple is thrilled to be making her debut with Dry Cold Productions! Currently based in Winnipeg, Janice completed her Master of Music in Voice Performance at the University of Alberta. She has also attended the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, the Opera on the Avalon Summer Music Festival, and the Opera NUOVA Vocal Arts Festival. Past stage roles include Giulietta in Tales of Hoffman, Ava in Rocking Horse Winner, Gulnara in Il Corsaro, Danica
in Svadba, Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, Atalanta in Serse, and Venus in Orphée aux enfers. Reid McTavish Birdlace
Reid is a Canadian actor and musical theatre performer known for their dynamic stage presence and versatility. A graduate of Sheridan College’s Music Theatre program, Reid has performed with esteemed companies such as the Stratford Festival, Rainbow Stage and Dry Cold Productions. His credits span classical and contemporary works, showcasing his vocal ability, compelling character work, and physical storytelling. Beyond the stage, Reid has trained in hair, lived a year in Brazil learning Portuguese, and is an uncle to three nieces and a parent to one dog. Reid is SO excited to be returning to Dry Cold for this incredible show. Big thanks to family for their incredible support.
Wes Rambo
Boland
Wes Rambo (he/him) is a Winnipegbased multi-genre singer and actor. He has appeared as a lead vocalist for the Big City All Star Band, Ron Paley Big Band, Those Guys, as well on stage at Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg Studio Theatre, Dry Cold, Manitoba Underground Opera, and the Village Conservatory. He is also a busy voice actor and member of the talent roster for daCapo Productions and made his film debut with two roles in “Small Town Ghost Stories,” a series of short films by Prairie Sky SciFi Club. He is honoured to be returning to the Dry Cold stage for Dogfight, a show that has held a special place in his heart for years.
Shauldon Santos Stevens
Shauldon is thrilled to be making his Dry Cold debut in this Manitoba Premier of Dogfight. Shauldon is a Filipino-Canadian, multidisciplinary
artist from Winnipeg, MB. His most recent projects include Ma-Buhay: A New Musical (Rainbow Stage) and Deja-Vu (Meraki). You can find him sharing his passion for theatre at Meraki or coaching/playing volleyball. Shauldon would like to thank his beautiful partner Kyra, his dog, Stella, his friends and family for their continuous support.
@ShauldonSantos
Tiera Lee Watts Marcy & Ensemble
Tiera is so excited to be making her Dry Cold debut this spring in Dogfight. Previous credits include: The Seabourn Six (Seabourn Cruises), Shout! the Mod Musical (Magnus), Priscilla: Queen of the Dessert (Norwegian Cruise Line), Hollywood Hits/Legends of Rock (Stage West), Dee Sniders Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Revonoy Productions), Spring Awakening (Winnipeg Studio Theatre). Tiera is a proud graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. @tieraleewatts
DOGFIGHT:
Justin
Stadnyk Director
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Justin spent 15 years based out of Toronto, before moving back to Winnipeg in 2017. He has traveled across Canada and the United States, captivating audiences from Vancouver Island to Prince Edward Island. As a seasoned performer, Justin shone in the Original Canadian Company of Kinky Boots and portrayed Gilbert in Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival. His career includes three world premieres with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and over 50 other professional productions across Canada. Justin’s assistant director credits include working under Kelly Thornton on Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, has shadowed Broadway’s Lonny Price during Beaches the Musical and has been mentored by renowned director Stafford Arima. Justin is poised to make his directorial debut with Dry Cold Productions in the poignant musical Dogfight. Returning to Dry Cold where he previously starred in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and The Prom, Justin is
eager to bring his unique vision to Winnipeg’s vibrant theatre scene.
Kelly Robinson Music Director
Kelly Robinson is a singer, actor, voice teacher and vocal coach, pianist, composer, and adjudicator. Trained at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Music (voice performance/composition) with further studies through Berklee College of Music (contemporary and pop/rock vocal styles), she is the recipient of the Speake Travel and Study Scholarship for excellence in voice teaching. Kelly has performed in Opera, Musical Theatre and Operetta, in film, television and radio. This season she is Music Director for A Year With Frog and Toad (MTYP) and Assistant Music Director for Waitress (RMTC). She looks forward to working with Dry Cold Productions again after last appearing in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
Kari Hagness Set Designer
Kari Hagness is a graduate of the National Theatre School Design Program, has been active behind the Winnipeg theatrical scenes since moving here in 1986. This is her third Dry Cold Set Design credit, following the 2013 production of Closer Than Ever (Kimberley Rampersad, Director) and last year’s Merrily We Roll Along (Donna Fletcher, Director). Other set design credits include several for RMTC in association with the Manitoba Bar Association for what is colloquially called “The Lawyer Show.”
Larry Isacoff Lighting Designer
Larry is pleased to be returning to design the lighting for Dry Cold Productions. Previous credits include The Comeback, The Sound of Music (with Citadel), Burning Mom, The (Post) Mistress, Di and Viv and Rose, 23.5 Hours, Armstrong’s War, The Secret Annex, Harvey,
Other People’s Money, August: Osage County, The Fighting Days, The Shunning, The Seafarer, Looking Back – West, Bleeding Hearts, Rope’s End, The Retreat from Moscow, Fully Committed, Mating Dance of the Werewolf, The Miracle Worker, Cloud Nine, Bedroom Farce, How I Got That Story, The Affections of May, Mrs. Klein, The Gin Game, Paper Wheat – all for RMTC. OTHER THEATRE credits include Cercle Molière, Globe Theatre, 25th Street Theatre, Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, PTE, MTYP, and Persephone Theatre. Larry was awarded the Evie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design in 2020. He divides his time between creating engaging theatre projects and teaching yoga.
Hutchings Choreographer
Sam is a versatile creative and performer born and raised in Winnipeg, last seen on Dry Cold’s stage in the Canadian Premiere of The Prom. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Winnipeg, completed The Village Conservatory Music Theatre Program, and has since trained through various mentorship
Sam
DOGFIGHT: THE MUSICAL - CREATIVE TEAM
programs and workshops across the continent. Along with many independent choreography and teaching credits, Sam is also a musical theatre instructor at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Select creative credits include Waitress (RMTC/Intimacy Director), The Sound of Music (RMTC/ Apprentice Director/Choreographer & Intimacy Director), Bloodsuckers (ADM/Rainbow/Choreographer), Snow White (RWB/Intimacy Director), Elf: The Musical (Virden Theatre/Assistant Choreographer). Additional performance credits: Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz (Rainbow), Twelfth Night (ViC), Reefer Madness (WST).
Liam Naughten Production Manager
Liam is honoured to be working with Dry Cold Productions for their 2025 season. He has worked in the arts community both in theatre and other live events for almost a decade, doing a little bit of everything. From off-stage to onstage, Liam has been a part of many of the local theatre companies here in the city. Currently he is working as the Events manager at
Eventlight.ca, a local lighting and AV company. He is very thankful to be working with Dry Cold again as the company who started his acting career back in 2019.
Brooklyne is a Calgary-born project manager and arts administrator that shares her time between Winnipeg and Calgary, Alberta. A graduate of the National Theatre School’s Production Program (now Production Art and Technical Design) and with a strong background in live entertainment, Brooklyne has supported a wide range of organizations including the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Rainbow Stage, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, True North Sports and Entertainment, Sick + Twisted Theatre, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Brooklyne currently holds the position of Special Projects Manager with Cowboys Music Festival and Cowboys Park in Calgary, Alberta. Special thanks and love to Robbie, Zahra, and Liam.
Brooklyne Alexander Production Manager
Esther Koepnick Costume Coordinator
Esther (she/her) is a theatre maker living on Treaty One territory. She is delighted to be returning for a second year as costume coordinator. In addition to costuming, Esther practices many different art forms, including acting, singing, songwriting, and playwriting. Past costuming credits include And Then There Were None (Hood and Dagger), Treasure Island (Looking Glass), Merrily We Roll Along (Dry Cold), Wind in the Willows (Hillcrest Christian School).
Zahra Larche Stage Manager
Originally from Gatineau, Quebec, Zahra is a 2017 graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada’s Production Program. Recent Credits include, as Stage Manager: Indecent, The Recipe, Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (MTC), Mary Poppins, The Hockey Sweater (Rainbow), The Outside Inn (PTE),
The Drawer Boy (HVT), Resident SM for the 2017/2018 Seasons of the Gros Morne Theatre Festival. As ASM: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Segal/MTC), The Sound of Music (Citadel/MTC), Volare (PTE), Into the Woods (MTC), Network (Citadel/MTC), Calpurnia (NAC/ MTC), Bang Bang (Belfry/MTC). Endless gratitude and love to my parents, my family from Gatineau to Tasmania, Matt, Jenna, Ilana, Brooklyne, Liam and the entire Dogfight team!
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from the University of Moncton, Keith Damboise has built a multifaceted career in the performing arts. As an actor, director, stage manager, and head carpenter, he has contributed to numerous productions with Le Cercle Molière, Red Rover Entertainment, Dry Cold Productions, and many other Winnipeg theatre companies. His work extends beyond the stage into film and corporate training videos, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Beyond performance, DOGFIGHT:
Keith Damboise Builder
DOGFIGHT:
Keith has worked in television production coordination, applying his organizational skills and attention to detail to the fast-paced world of media. His craftsmanship, precision, and adaptability make him an asset in any creative environment. Whether performing, constructing sets, or managing productions, Keith approaches his work with dedication and a collaborative spirit.
Sadie Reid Apprentice Stage Manager
Sadie is excited to work on her first professional show as a Stage Manager Apprentice for Dogfight. Previous credits include high school productions such as Chicago (Assistant Stage Manager), Anon(ymous) (Stage Manager), and 9 to 5 (Costume Designer), as well as Stage Managing for OEG during the 2024 playoffs season. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with Dry Cold Productions and this talented team.
Meagan Chrest Props Coordinator/ Runner
Meg (she/her) is honoured to be a part of Dry Cold’s production of Dogfight this year. She worked with them last year as their lead carpenter and she really enjoyed the experience she had so she wanted to come back. Meg is graduating this spring at U of W with BA in Theatre Production and Stage Management. She does a variety of production work ranging from management, technical, production, and occasional design. For production she has worked as Head of Props, and Costume Coordinator on some U of W honours productions in 2023/2024. During Fringe 2024, she was the Production Manager/Lighting designer for Indifferently Reformed modernized performance of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. She also worked as Head of Sound & Projections in Oh the Humanity: And other good intentions at U of W last spring. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for being by her side and supporting her.
Katelyn Mestito-Dao Apprentice to the Choreographer
Katelyn is an emerging theatre artist currently studying Theatre and Psychology at the University of Manitoba (UofM). Katelyn is thrilled to be part of this Dry Cold Productions performance. She is heavily involved in the UofM Theatre Program as well as the Black Hole Student Group. She
has been a dance teacher and choreographer at Encore Studios since 2016. Select performance credits include Our Country’s Good, Somewhere Up There In The Sky, Rhinoceros (UofM). Select creative credits include pool (no water) (Director, UofM), Comedy of Errors (Choreographer, UofM), and Matilda (Choreographer, St. Mary’s Academy). She would like to thank Donna for this opportunity, Sam Hutchings for being an incredible mentor, and to her family, friends, and Rodrigo for their love and support!
DOGFIGHT:
Jonathan Alexiuk Bass
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Jonathan Alexiuk has been active as a multi-instrumentalist and arranger since 1998. He has performed on- and arranged for- over twenty albums by local artists, and had his arrangements performed by the Ron Paley big band, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Provincial Honour Choir, the Air Command Band, and local A Cappella group Those Guys. In addition to performing locally (as well as abroad, with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines), he currently directs The River City Syncopatorsan ensemble dedicated exclusively to the hot jazz dance band music of the 1920s.
Franco-Manitoban cellist Sophie Caron is a young musician performing both as a soloist and in ensembles. She has had many
performing opportunities, including with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Virtuosi Concerts, and the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival. At the age of four years old, Sophie started cello lessons with Désirée Abbey, MCO Principal Cellist, and is a student of Dr. Minna Rose Chung, cello professor at the University of Manitoba, where Sophie is entering her second year in the Faculty of Music. As well as studying cello, she is also studying voice under the guidance of Tracy Dahl and Valdine Anderson. Sophie is currently in the University of Manitoba’s Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Monica Chen, after having played in the Winnipeg Youth Orchestras since the age of seven. She was recently awarded the Beryl Ferguson Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding performance in a competition of Grade 10 instrumentalists, as well as the Tudor Bowl, awarded for the most outstanding performance in a competition of Grade B vocalists, both at the Winnipeg Music Festival. Her playing has been described as having a distinct ‘singing’ quality. @sophiecaronmusique
Sophie Caron Cello
Tony
Cyre
Drums/Percussion
Tony is delighted to be back ‘in the pit’ for this year’s Dry Cold Production of Dogfight. Having previously performed in DCP’s Assassins, Sweeney Todd, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder he is very grateful to be working with this year’s outstanding cast, orchestra and crew. Tony is a veteran of several musical theatre productions in local, national, and international touring productions such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables and has also performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra since the 1980’s. He would like to dedicate these performances to all those who have supported him on this amazing musical journey. Welcome to the theatre! Enjoy the Show! And tell your friends
Grant Miller Guitar
Grant is a guitarist from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He started playing guitar about twenty years ago and has been making as much noise as possible since then. After completing his studies at the University of Manitoba, Grant moved to Tucson, Arizona to pursue a Masters Degree at the world-renowned Bolton Guitar Studies program (University of Arizona), where he studied with the world’s best guitarists, worked as a graduate teaching assistant, won a few prizes at guitar competitions, and earned a Master’s Degree. Grant plays a wide range of repertoire spanning the centuries and genres on classical, acoustic, and electric guitar — both solo and ensemble (including frequent performances with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra). He maintains a busy schedule of teaching, working with students of all ages and abilities.
DRY COLD PRODUCTIONS
Co-Founders
Donna Fletcher Artistic Director
Reid Harrison General Manager
Board Members
Venetia Bourrier
Robin Dow
Dry Cold Productions Team
Pamela Roz
Hollie Hatt-Sissons
Jaz Sealey
Joseph Tritt (on leave)
Andrea Spiers Graphic Design
Robin Dow/Venetia Bourrier Volunteer Coordinators
Kayla Gordon Photographer
Marketing Committee
Pamela Roz
Donna Fletcher
Kathryn Deeley
Andrea Spiers
Jaz Sealey
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Dry Cold Productions extends our thanks to the following individuals and organizations who graciously provided their support, resources, and time:
Canadian Actors Equity Association
IATSE Local 63
Music Professionals of Manitoba
• Dave Brown
• Stephen Demedash
• EventLight
• Kate George
• Chris Hadley
• Cathryn Harrison
• James Hickerson
• Elana Honcharuk
• Industry Audio Production Services Inc.
• Jan Malabar & Harlequin The Dance Store
• Manitoba Theatre for Young People
• Debbie Patterson and Sick & Twisted Theatre
• Wayne Buss! & Prairie Theatre Exchange
• Red Rover Entertainment
• Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Props Department
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church & Doug Cameron
• Karen Schellenberg & the University of Manitoba Theatre Department
• Melinda Tallin & the University of Winnipeg Theatre & Film Department
• Rainbow Stage & Kathryn Ball
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SPONSORS
Many thanks to all of our sponsors for the 2024/25 season.
Presenting Sponsor
Apprentice Sponsor
THE ZITA AND MARK BERNSTEIN FAMILY FOUNDATION
Performance Sponsors
Northern Lights Sponsor
Arts Council & Foundation Grants
THE ABAS FAMILY
DRY COLD PRODUCTIONS - DONORS
We sincerely thank all of our donors (received as of April 23rd, 2025).
Northern Lights ($500 & Beyond)
Denis & Barb Fletcher
Anne & Keith Love
Heather Pullan
Robyn Zimberg
Snowflake ($400-499)
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INSIGHT INTO PTSD
“That gave me PTSD” is a phrase often used casually in today’s society to describe anything shocking, distressing, or even slightly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, when used this way, it can minimize the seriousness of the mental health condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a psychological reaction to a traumatic event that requires proper diagnostic assessment and treatment by a physician, psychologist, or mental health practitioner. It is defined by both the duration of symptoms and their intrusiveness.
Though not everyone exposed to a traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD, those who do often find it negatively impacts their thoughts, mood, actions, and levels of arousal and reactivity. It can also impair their relationships, occupational performance, and daily functioning. PTSD can affect people of all ages. The triggering event may be something directly experienced, witnessed, or even learned about — especially if it involves a close family member or friend. Symptoms can appear
shortly after the trauma, but they may also emerge much later.
While war, combat, and military service are among the most wellknown causes of PTSD, other potential triggers include serious accidents, actual or threatened death, natural or human-caused disasters, abuse, and physical or sexual violence. Research also indicates that people in occupations exposed to high levels of trauma — such as police officers, medical personnel, 911 operators, ambulance attendants, and firefighters — are at increased risk of developing PTSD.
Several other factors can further increase the risk of PTSD. These include the duration and severity of the traumatic event, sustaining physical harm, a personal history of trauma, limited social support, preexisting mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression), and the presence of major life stressors occurring near the time of the trauma (e.g., loss of a loved one, job loss). Social inequalities may also heighten an individual’s vulnerability to trauma.
Fortunately, with proper identification and treatment, many
INSIGHT INTO PTSD
people can recover from PTSD. The key is recognizing the signs, seeking help, and making use of the supports available — including right here in Manitoba. If you or someone you care about has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and is struggling, the following local resources may be helpful:
