WHO’S WHO: THE CAST

Donna Craig (Claire Holmes) Donna has acted in sketches and small plays for years but The Secret Garden is her first large production. She is excited and grateful to be working with the dedicated cast and crew of The Secret Garden. This show marks the first time she has intentionally sang a high Bb in front of an audience. Donna collects cats, children, and paint by numbers. Her children make up her largest collection to date.

Hazel Eason (Mrs. Medlock) Hazel is a wife, mother, and owner of her own small business, Leftover Hippies Incense. Her most recent appearance with G7 was 10 years ago in Swallows & Amazons. After that, she took a long break from theatre but continued to do background work in TV and film. She just returned to the stage last year in The Female of the Species (Opening Nite Theatre). You can catch her this summer in Stanley Park as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian, in Matilda The Musical (Theatre Under the Stars).

Michael Holman (Archibald Craven) This is Michael’s fifth show with G7 and he has greatly enjoyed working with such a passionate cast and crew to share this beautiful story of redemption, love, and forgiveness. Most recently, Michael appeared in Little Dipper Theatre’s first production, Nowherseville, BC, where he played many characters. Shortly before that, he appeared in G7’s first mainstage Christmas production, This Wonderful Life, where he played many characters. This time, he is only playing one character, so don’t be confused! Enjoy the show!

Angel Duran Huran (Captain Albert Lennox)

Returning to the Abbotsford theatre scene, Angel is excited to finally play a show three years in the making! Debuting with G7 in 2018, Angel has performed in Pride & Prejudice, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Don’t Forget to Dress the Dummies. In addition to performing with other companies, Angel also has passions for writing, storytelling, and exploring creativity within the realm of Dungeons & Dragons.

Nenad Ivonvic (Major Shelley) Nenad (Ned) Ivanovic used to play in an amateur theatre as a student more than 35 years ago. G7 woke up the old passion in him and Ned decided to return to the theatre. He enjoys playing classical guitar, reading books, and working in his vegetable garden. Ned is an avid skier and a paraglider pilot. In the past, he enjoyed conducting choirs and playing Serbian folk music. He is looking forward to retiring from his engineering job and dedicating his time to his hobbies.

Arne Larsen (Dr. Neville Craven) Last seen with G7 as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, other favourite roles include: Oliver Warbucks in Annie; Dom Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Matthew in Anne of Green Gables (the musical); Herbie in GYPSY; Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd; and Tom Collins in RENT. Honours include a CTC Award (Best Supporting Actor – HMS Pinafore) and an Ovation Award (GYPSY - A New Brain & RENT). Thank you to Gaylene for her love and support and thank YOU for supporting live theatre!

Christa Lee Leffers (Mrs. Shelley) Classically trained vocally and on piano, Christa Lee is a singer-songwriter. She loves to share her creative gifts with those that live on the margins of life at a local coffee house ministry. Past performances range from high school theatre to professional choirs at Vancouver Orpheum to musicals in the Edmonton Jubilee auditorium. She plans to continue to release new music this year and is so excited and grateful to be part of this project with G7.

Kristin Loewen (Rose Lennox) Kristin is so excited to be in her first G7 production! Kristin is currently working as a voice teacher and has been involved in musical theatre for the past 7 years. Some of her favourite past roles include Katherine Plumber in Newsies and Gabrielle in R&H’s Cinderella. She wants to thank everyone who was involved in putting on this show and those who came out to support it!

Jenn Mamchur (Martha) Jennifer recently graduated with a BFA in Acting from Trinity Western University and has been diving into the world of musical theatre this last year. When Jenn isn’t acting, she gets up to many crafting adventures. Past credits include: (Stage43)

Footloose (Garvin/Cowgirl), (TIC) Catch Me if You Can (Ensemble), (TWU) Bright Star (Mama Murphy), Awake (Ensemble), Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Elsa), The Ruby Sunrise (Lois/ Ethel), Game of Love and Chance (Madam Orgonia), (G7lite) Macbeth (Malcolm/Banquo).

Anna McLaughlin (Alice) This is Anna's first performance with G7. Anna was involved in musical theatre and spring plays throughout high school. Her favourite roles she played were the lovable Smee from Peter Pan and the fun villain, Miss Hannigan, from Annie. Anna is thankful to her friends and family who encouraged her and gave her the push she needed to continue doing what she loves. Anna is excited to perform with the people around her who share her joy for putting a smile on peoples' faces and bringing a story to life.

Samuel Pue (Colin) Samuel is a grade 9 student who enjoys PE and art class. In his spare time, he also likes sports, gaming, and collecting random facts. He is an identical twin and the oldest of 6 boys. He loves to eat Mexican food and have family movie nights. When he is older, he’d like to travel the world - mostly to places warm and sunny. This is his first experience with live theatre and he has been excited to learn through the process.

Wyatt Sauve (Dickon) Wyatt is very excited to be making his debut in a G7 show as Dickon. He has over 8 years of experience in musical theatre, including vocal lessons, and plans to continue for as long as he can. Some of his favourite past shows he's done have been Annie, Peter Pan and Shrek. His hobbies include filmmaking and weightlifting. He plans to peruse a career in film, whether that would be acting, directing, producing, or writing.

Elizabeth Seaman (Lily) Elizabeth is so happy to be playing Lily! The Secret Garden has always been one of her favourite stories, and she can recall having spent much time looking for her own secret gardens. This is her sixth show with G7. She hopes everyone enjoys the show as much as she does! Elizabeth was last seen onstage as Cindy Lou in Winter Wonderettes, and one of her favourite roles she has played is Marian Paroo in The Music Man She enjoys spending her spare time dabbling in art.

Peter Shaver (Ben Weatherstaff) This is Peter's third show with Gallery 7 Theatre, and he is very happy to be back under the lights after a three year absence. The disappointment of stopping the production three years ago has been replaced with an overwhelming excitement of finally bringing it to life. Other productions with G7 include The Miracle Worker, and Disney's Beauty & the Beast.

Navi Sidhu (Fakir) Navi has had a keen interest in the arts from an early age. He taught himself to play the piano at the age of 13 and has played in several amateur bands of varying styles. He was a member of his school's drama club in high school where he was introduced to the world of theatre. Today he is trained as a community support worker and is an advocate for people who are facing a variety of challenges in our community.

Alyssa Strauss (Lt Ian Shaw) Alyssa is excited to help bring this beautiful show to life. She first appeared on stage this past November as part of the ensemble in The Magician’s Nephew. She also worked backstage in G7’s previous show, Murder on the Orient Express. Alyssa’s interest in theatre stemmed from her love of musicals and she is thrilled to be part of this production.

Julie Tam (Ayah) Julie is pleased to be joining G7 for another production. She thoroughly enjoyed her roles in The Magician's Nephew and is excited about being part of The Secret Garden. When Julie isn't performing, you can find her painting, working on cars or riding horses.

Nolan Van Dop (Major Holmes) Nolan is very excited to get back into theatre and join the cast of G7’s The Secret Garden. He previously worked with Fraser Valley Stage in HMS Pinafore as a midshipman and years ago, starred in a TV commercial advertising Juno Online. How is that for a throwback? When he isn’t on stage, Nolan is a Red-Seal carpenter at Rover Homes where he builds tiny homes. He wants to thank his three wonderful kids and beautiful wife, Pam, for putting up with his singing practices in the shower.

Linda Wack (Mrs. Winthrop) Linda is super excited to be joining G7 for her first show. She has appeared in The Man Who Saved Christmas (2019), White Christmas (2022) and as Old Mrs Winthrop in Understood Betsy (2019). When Linda is not pursuing her new hobbies, singing, and acting, she can be found in the kitchen cooking, out at the lake camping or in the neighbourhood walking her dog.

Liam Whatley (Lt Peter Wright) Liam returns to the stage for his second production with G7, the first being Murder on the Orient Express. Liam has performed Les Miserables, Anne of Green Gables, and The Tempest. Outside musical theatre, Liam has spent many evenings performing guitar, piano, and voice. Liam is passionate about moving people through song and metaphor.

Payten Witthome (Mary Lennox) Payten has enjoyed performing in musicals for the past 10 years and is excited to be a part of The Secret Garden, which has now become one of her favourite musicals. This is Payten’s first production with G7, and she is very grateful for the experience. When Payten is not busy with musical theatre, she enjoys playing the piano and is now looking for students. Payten wants to thank all the cast and crew who made this production possible.