HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT PRODUCTION OF
TITLE SPONSOR
SEASON SPONSOR DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY PARTNER
Keirah Buckley, Trent Robichaud, Paxton Nair.
Costume Design by Lisa Wright. Photo by Mai Tilson.
The Grand Theatre acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territories of the Original storytellers and caretakers of this land, and of the Nations, both settler and Indigenous, who continue to uphold the various treaties of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapéewak.
In London, our treaties include the 1796 Township Treaty and the 1822 Longwoods Treaty. The London Township Treaty was a regional treaty signed by diplomats representing all parties living on the land, which today we know as Southwestern Ontario. The Longwoods Treaty was signed by representatives of the Crown and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and covers approximately 580,000 acres in the area.
Locally, there are three first Nations Communities. They are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. We would also like to recognize the growing Indigenous urban population, comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and affirm our commitment to welcoming these communities to the Grand Theatre, while working to remove barriers to access and participation.
We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (colonially known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work, and tell stories together.
Designed by Katie Wilhelm
WELCOME
My parents were both educators and I was lucky to grow up in an environment where my opinions were valued, and given space and consideration. The young people portrayed in Newsies did not share this good fortune. The odds were most definitely stacked against them, and it is only in joining together that they carved out a space for their point of view to be heard and respected.
It means so much to me, especially today, that Newsies is based on a true story. In the current environment, it is hard to see what we as individuals can do, to trust in our personal power. These young people had no business taking on the mega giant that is publishing. They had nothing to fall back on and were risking everything. They also had everything to gain. And so, they risked it all to fight for what they knew was right, to fight for all of their futures.
The inspiration of this story sits well against the foundation that the Grand Theatre High
School Project is built upon. This program shows us, year-after-year, just how much young people can do when given the space to grow into their potential. Whether onstage or behind-the-scenes, this huge group of young people have been challenged to the extreme on this show. It calls on them to execute all elements of musical theatre to the highest level. This exceptional creative team has set the bar high, and day after day, those of us working with these students are deeply impacted by how they continually exceed our expectations.
“COURAGE CANNOT ERASE OUR FEAR COURAGE IS WHEN WE FACE OUR FEAR”
These are words for all of us to live by, and a beautiful sentiment for young people as they begin their journey in the world. Thank you for journeying with us.
Rachel Peake Artistic Director
PHOTO BY MAI TILSON
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
THE SPRIET STAGE IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY HELEN AND ANDY SPRIET
TITLE sponsorS THE PL[Y TH[T GOES WRONG
PROGRAM SPONSORS
FROZEN COME FROM [W[Y
P[Y WH[T YOU C[N presenting sponsor tea talk presenting sponsor
student club presenting sponsor grand gala presenting sponsor td emerging talent sponsor
High School Project program sponsors JE[NS n Cl[SSICS
pRESENTING sPONSOR hotel vip catering
PRODUCTION SPONSORS come from awa}
ADVERTISING PARTNER VOIP SPONSOR
THE PL[Y TH[T GOES WRONG
disne}!s froen
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY PARTNER
HSP DISNEY!S NEWSIES
2025 GRAND GALA Presenting SPonsor
SILVER SPONSORS Bronze Sponsors
sPRIET tHEATRE sPONSORS
HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT IN HONOUR OF THE ALUMNI OF THE
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
PUBLIC FUNDERS
GOLD SPONSORS
Sponsors
Channers Daisy Flowers
Toboggan Brewing Co.
Sportswood Printing
Nash Jewellers Tre Amici Wines
LONDON MADE SPONSORS
SPRIET STAGE, SEPTEMBER 17 to 27, 2025
OPENING NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
High School Project production of Disney’s
NEWSIES THE MUSICAL
Music by Lyrics by Book by
Alan Menken Jack Feldman Harvey Fierstein
Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions
Orchestrations by Danny Troob Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin Dance Arrangements by Mark Hummel
DISNEY’S NEWSIES
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
CREATIVE TEAM ORCHESTRA
Ray Hogg* Director
Matthew Atkins Musical Director
Krista Leis* Choreographer
Joshua Quinlan Set Design Consultant
Lisa Wright Costume Designer
Echo Zhou
Lighting Designer
Emily Porter Sound Designer
Mike Dufays Fight Director
Kristi Hansen Disability Consultant
Melissa Cameron* Stage Manager
Kaitlyn Kaemingh Apprentice Stage Manager
Alexa Brown Trumpet
Tony De Luca Reeds
Marianna Grigg Cello
Jeff Lupker Guitar
Celine Murray Violin
Mark Swan Drums
Aidan Wasse Bass Guitar
* The participation of the Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance - Opera - Theatre Policy.
† Indicated designers are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659.
Photography and video/audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
CAST PRODUCTION STUDENTS
Marissa Allen Hannah/Ensemble
Abena Baah-Frimpong Seitz/Ensemble
Hayden Baertsoen Romeo/Ensemble
Sophia Belleth Medda Larkin/Ensemble
Keirah Buckley Katherine Plumber/Ensemble
Joshua Cassar Morris Delancey/Ensemble
Leland Chafee Crutchie/Ensemble
Marina Daminelli Krieck Mother Abbess/Ensemble
Isaac De Melo Henry/Ensemble
Evan Doerr Elmer/Ensemble/Fight Captain
Shakotshanunyatha Doxtator Oscar Delancey/Ensemble
Josephine Gajasan Ms. Jacobi/Ensemble
Sam Harson Darcy/Ensemble
Isabelle Hiltz Jo Jo/Ensemble
Aya Holzberg Albert/Ensemble
Alexis Khanna Mush/Ensemble
Solange Kirkwood Spot Conlon/Ensemble
Eva Klimchuk Mike/Ensemble
Rendall Lackenbauer Bill/Ensemble
Jack Lindsay Splasher/Ensemble/Co-Dance Captain
Lara Manocchi Nun/Ensemble
Morgan McLenaghan Roosevelt/Ensemble
Erica Mota Extra Extra!/Ensemble
Paxton Nair Davey/Ensemble
Tessa Pritchett-White Les/Ensemble
Taylor Reaume-Cunning Finch/Ensemble
Hannah Reid Ike/Ensemble
Trent Robichaud Jack Kelly/Ensemble
Sal Rogers Sherlock/Ensemble
Santiago Rojas Bunsen/Ensemble
Solarah Rose Specs/Ensemble
Olivia Schiedel Buttons/Ensemble/Co-Dance Captain
Alexandra Stockford Joseph Pulitzer/Ensemble
Navya Vaillancourt Snyder/Ensemble
Desi vanBeek-Paterson Race/Ensemble
Chloe Webb Wiesel/Ensemble
David Weber Tommy Boy/Ensemble
Lyla Worrall Watson/Ensemble
Adelaide Alcantara Lighting
Reagan Berdan Wardrobe
Zane Donohue Wardrobe
Olivia Lee Wardrobe
Meyer Liston Wardrobe
Eris Marles Wardrobe
Virginia McCallum Wardrobe
Madelaine Prémont Wardrobe
Jordan Porter Photography & Marketing
Abby Cullaton Scenic Art
Koda Greene Cavanagh Scenic Art
Maks Garside Props
Chloe Laporte Props
Hazel Nicholson Props
Caelin Smeenk Props
Elliot Hull Sound
Alyssa McCulloch Sound
Mollie Jennings Stage Management
Quentin Vieira Stage Management
Joni Lau Stage Crew
Ava Lewis Carpentry
ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
Cloe Royer Clarinet Daniel Tennant Keys 2, Music Assistant
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
I was immediately intrigued when Rachel Peake first approached me with the idea of directing Disney’s Newsies for the Grand Theatre High School Project. The show is a rare opportunity for young artists to portray characters who are, by and large, the same age as they are; experiencing the same agonies and victories, insecurities and triumphs, fears and foibles. While in 2025 we are fortunate to live in a time where child labour is outlawed, the themes of stepping into leadership, welcoming outsiders into your group, and discovering the power of community are universal and timeless, resonating no matter the century. Growing up is hard and that’s that.
At first glance, Newsies is about a group of kids who go on strike after repeatedly being taken advantage of by rich and powerful people, but it’s really about young people discovering what it means to be the future. Discovering what it means to be stronger than the elite BECAUSE of a commitment to community care, and unity. It’s about finding the bravery to speak truth to power, seek justice, and demand equality. It is about embracing fear and vulnerability, and celebrating imagination and vision.
[1] WHILE CHILD LABOUR IS ILLEGAL IN NORTH AMERICA, NEARLY 138 MILLION CHILDREN WERE ENGAGED IN CHILD LABOUR IN 2024, INCLUDING AROUND 54 MILLION IN HAZARDOUS WORK LIKELY TO JEOPARDIZE THEIR HEALTH, SAFETY, OR DEVELOPMENT, ACCORDING TO ESTIMATES RELEASED BY THE ILO AND UNICEF (JUNE 2025).
As a parent, artist, and educator I have found so much fulfillment in working with the young artists you will see onstage tonight, as well as the offstage artists and artisans whose work you are experiencing (stage crew, wardrobe, stage management, props, scenic art, carpentry, lighting, sound, orchestra, music department, marketing, and more). Each one of them has scaled their own personal Mount Everest through this process and come out on the other side with a greater sense of confidence and individuality, the power of their point of view, and tangible skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. I am so proud of them, and I hope you are too!
Ray Hogg Director
PHOTO BY JORDAN PORTER
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I ACT II
SANTA FE (PROLOGUE)
CARRYING THE BANNER
THE BOTTOM LINE
CARRYING THE BANNER (REPRISE)
THAT'S RICH
I NEVER PLANNED ON YOU/ DON'T COME A-KNOCKING
THE WORLD WILL KNOW
THE WORLD WILL KNOW (REPRISE)
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS
SEIZE THE DAY
SANTA FE
KING OF NEW YORK
LETTER FROM THE REFUGE
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS (REPRISE)
THE BOTTOM LINE
BROOKLYN'S HERE
SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN SEIZE THE DAY (REPRISE I)
ONCE AND FOR ALL
SEIZE THE DAY (REPRISE II)
FINALE
PICTURED: STUDENT COMPANY MEMBERS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT PROPS DEPARTMENT. PHOTO BY NATALIE KEARNS.
Thank you to Kat Theriault & Drayton Entertainment Props Department, and to Alison and Benjamin Merrick for providing assistance with the Printing Press.
MARISSA ALLEN she/her
Mother Teresa Catholic S.S. HANNAH / ENSEMBLE
KEIRAH BUCKLEY they/she
H. B. Beal S.S. KATHERINE PLUMBER / ENSEMBLE
ISAAC DE MELO he/him
H. B. Beal S.S. HENRY/ENSEMBLE
SAM HARSON he/him H. B. Beal S.S. DARCY/ENSEMBLE
ABENA BAAH-FRIMPONG she/her
London Central S.S. SEITZ/ ENSEMBLE
JOSHUA CASSAR he/him
Saunders S.S. MORRIS DELANCEY/ENSEMBLE
EVAN DOERR he/him H. B. Beal S.S. ELMER/ENSEMBLE
*Fight Captain
ISABELLE HILTZ she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. JO JO/ENSEMBLE
HAYDEN BAERTSOEN he/him
Sir Frederick Banting S.S. ROMEO/ENSEMBLE
LELAND CHAFEE he/him H. B. Beal S.S. CRUTCHIE/ENSEMBLE
SHAKOTSHANUNYATHA DOXTATOR he/him London Central S.S. OSCAR DELANCEY/ENSEMBLE
AYA HOLZBERG she/her H. B. BEAL S.S. ALBERT/ENSEMBLE
SOPHIA BELLETH she/her Virtual High School Online MEDDA LARKIN/ENSEMBLE
MARINA DAMINELLI KRIECK she/her H. B. Beal S.S. MOTHER ABBESS/ENSEMBLE
JOSEPHINE GAJASAN she/her H. B. Beal S.S. MS. JACOBI/ENSEMBLE
ALEXIS KHANNA she/her AB Lucas S.S. MUSH/ENSEMBLE
SOLANGE KIRKWOOD she/her
École Secondaire Catholique
Monseigneur Bruyère SPOT CONLON/ENSEMBLE
LARA MANOCCHI she/her
London Central S.S. NUN/ENSEMBLE
TESSA PRITCHETT-WHITE she/her
Mother Theresa S.S. LES/ENSEMBLE
SAL ROGERS they/them
Saunders S.S. SHERLOCK/ENSEMBLE
EVA KLIMCHUK she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. MIKE/ENSEMBLE
RENDALL LACKENBAUER he/him
Woodstock Collegiate Institute BILL/ENSEMBLE
MORGAN MCLENAGHAN he/him
H. B. Beal S.S. ROOSEVELT/ENSEMBLE
TAYLOR REAUME-CUNNING she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. FINCH/ENSEMBLE
SANTIAGO ROJAS he/him
London Christian High BUNSEN/ENSEMBLE
ERICA MOTA she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. EXTRA EXTRA!/ENSEMBLE
HANNAH REID she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. IKE/ENSEMBLE
SOLARAH ROSE she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. SPECS/ENSEMBLE
JACK LINDSAY he/him
Stratford District S.S. SPLASHER/ENSEMBLE
*Co-Dance Captain
PAXTON NAIR he/him
H. B. Beal S.S. DAVEY/ENSEMBLE
TRENT ROBICHAUD he/him
H. B. Beal S.S.
JACK KELLY/ENSEMBLE
OLIVIA SCHIEDEL she/her
Catholic Central H.S. BUTTONS/ENSEMBLE
*Co-Dance Captain
ALEXANDRA STOCKFORD she/they
Saunders S.S.
JOSEPH PULITZER/ENSEMBLE
DAVID WEBER he/him
H. B. Beal S.S.
TOMMY BOY/ENSEMBLE
VAILLANCOURT she/they
London Central S.S. SNYDER/ENSEMBLE
LYLA WORRALL she/her
Catholic Central H.S. WATSON/ENSEMBLE
he/him
H. B. Beal S.S. RACE/ENSEMBLE
she/her
Saunders S.S. WIESEL/ENSEMBLE
NAVYA
DESI VANBEEK-PATERSON
CHLOE WEBB
PRODUCTION STUDENTS
ADELAIDE ALCANTARA she/her
Saunders S.S. LIGHTING
MEYER LISTON she/they
H. B. Beal S.S. WARDROBE
JORDAN PORTER she/her
Medway H.S. PHOTOGRAPHY & MARKETING
CHLOE LAPORTE she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. PROPS
BERDAN she/her
Saunders S.S. WARDROBE
ERIS MARLES they/them
H. B. Beal S.S. WARDROBE
ABBY CULLATON she/her
H. B. Beal S.S. SCENIC ART
NICHOLSON she/her
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute PROPS
ZANE DONOHUE any
H. B. Beal S.S. WARDROBE
MCCALLUM she/her
Sir Frederick Banting S.S. WARDROBE
KODA GREENE CAVANAGH she/they
Clarke Road S.S. SCENIC ART
CAELIN SMEENK she/her
Sir Frederick Banting S.S. PROPS
LEE she/her
Sir Frederick Banting S.S. WARDROBE
MADELAINE PRÉMONT she/her
École Secondaire Catholique Monseigneur Bruyère WARDROBE
MAKS GARSIDE he/him
Sir Frederick Banting S.S. PROPS
ELLIOT HULL he/him
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute SOUND
REAGAN
OLIVIA
VIRGINIA
HAZEL
PRODUCTION STUDENTS
ALYSSA MCCULLOCH
she/her
Strathroy DCI SOUND
AVA LEWIS she/her
Sir Wilfrid Laurier S.S. CARPENTRY
MOLLIE JENNINGS she/her
Sir Wilfrid Laurier S.S. STAGE MANAGEMENT
QUENTIN VIEIRA he/him
H. B. Beal S.S. STAGE MANAGEMENT
LAU she/her
St. Andre Bessette C.S.S. STAGE CREW
ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
CLOE ROYER she/her
Central Elgin Collegiate Institute CLARINET
TENNANT
H. B. Beal S.S.
KEYS 2/MUSIC ASSISTANT
JONI
DANIEL
BEHIND THE SCENES: NEWSIES TAKES OVER
THE GRAND THEATRE!
WORLD CURIOUS. LONDON MADE.
From the cast and crew meet and greet until the team moves to its final rehearsals on the Spriet Stage, the magic of theatre comes alive in the Grand Theatre’s rehearsal halls, props, wardrobe, and scene shops, located right here, in London, Ontario.
PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: LYLA WORRALL, SOLARAH ROSE, HAYDEN BAERTSOEN (CAST). KODA GREENE CAVANAGH (SCENIC ART). JONATHAN TSCHIRCHART - SECOND SCENIC CARPENTER, AND AVA LEWIS (CARPENTRY). HAZEL NICHOLSON (PROPS). VIRGINIA MCCALLUM (WARDROBE). PHOTOS BY JORDAN PORTER.
ARTISTS
RAY HOGG Director
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Controlled Damage.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Mirvish/Crow’s/Musical Stage Co); A Strange Loop (Soulpepper, Crow’s, TO Live, Musical Stage Co); Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Theatre Calgary); Soft Magical Tofu Boy(s), Dixon Road, Starwalker (The Musical Stage Company); Da Kink In My Hair (Arts Club Theatre Co); Cats, The Producers, Sister Act, Shrek, Little Shop of Horrors (Rainbow Stage); Five Guys Named Moe, Dreamgirls, Billy Elliot (Neptune Theatre); Indecent (Segal Centre); Mary Poppins, Love and Information, An Enemy of the People, Damn Yankees and Chicago (Sheridan College).
OTHER: He has held two tenures as an Artistic Director that ushered in record-breaking artistic success at Rainbow Stage (2012 - 2017) and The Musical Stage Company (2021-2025). He is the founding Artistic Director of Prime Mover Theatre Company and an Associate Artist at Neptune Theatre.
MATTHEW
ATKINS
Musical Director
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Phantom of the Opera, Finding Black Joy, The Great Grand Road Trip, Comfort & Joy. THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Legally Blonde, Urinetown, The SpongeBob Musical, Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, Big Fish (Original Kids Theatre); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Musical Theatre Productions)
OTHER: BMus, BEd, MMus from Western University. Matthew is a secondary school teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. He is also the Artistic Director of the London Gospel Collective. @matkinsmusic.
KRISTA LEIS
Choreographer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Pride and Prejudice.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Choreographer: In Studio: The Words and Music of Britta Johnson (Theatre Sheridan); Snow White: The Panto (The Capitol Theatre). Associate/Assistant Choreographer: La Cage Aux Folles, Man of La Mancha, West Side Story (Stratford Festival). In The Heights (Associate Director and Choreographer, Theatre Sheridan); Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway); 10 seasons as a performer with the Stratford Festival.
FILM AND TV CREDITS: Roxana (Bravo); The Music Man (Disney); Romeo and Juliet (Stratfest at Home).
OTHER: Krista is also the proud owner of The Movement Centre Pilates and Rehabilitation Studio in Stratford, ON.
JOSHUA QUINLAN Set Design Consultant
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Million Dollar Quartet.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Casey And Diana, Every Little Nookie (Stratford Festival); Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Uncle Vanya (Crow’s/Mirvish); The Master Plan (Crow’s/Soulpepper/Aquarius); Rosmersholm, Wights (Crow’s); Hamlet (Canadian Stage); Casey And Diana (Aquarius/RMTC); Hedda Gabler, Yerma (Coal Mine); The Sound of Music, The Music Man (TIP); Waitress, Little Shop of Horrors (Port Hope); The Drawer Boy, My Hero (PSFT); An Enemy of the People, Don Giovanni, Stupid F*cking Bird (OSU).
OTHER: MFA Theatre – Design, The Ohio State University; BA Honours Drama, University of Windsor. Siminovitch Protégé Designer, Dora Award Winner.
RAY HOGG
MATTHEW ATKINS KRISTA LEIS
JOSHUA QUINLAN
It’s Opening Night... and it's not going well.
Hang onto your seat, and experience Broadway's funniest play, about the worst murder mystery ever! Opening
BY HENRY LEWIS,
& JONATHAN SAYER
OCT 14
Directed
Pictured: Kelly Holiff as Elsa. Costume Design by Cory Sincennes. Photo by Mai Tilson.
ARTISTS
LISA WRIGHT
Costume Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Head of Wardrobe 2008 – present.
Homes: A Refugee Story, High School Projects: The Phantom of the Opera, Into the Woods, Titanic, Prom Queen, Evita, Les Misérables School Edition, Hello, Dolly!, The Addams Family: A New Musical, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, Footloose, Anything Goes, Grease Other: Art, The Mountaintop, Fly Me to the Moon, Hair. Assistant Head of Wardrobe for 7 seasons; came to the Grand Theatre as a tailor in 1989.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Stratford Festival, Livent, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Banff Theatre Centre.
ECHO ZHOU
Lighting Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Benevolence, A Poem for Rabia (Tarragon Theatre); Comfort Food (Crow's Theatre); Blind Dates, The Year of the Cello (Theatre Passe Muraille); Cymbeline (Stratford Festival); Rocking Horse Winner (Tapestry Opera); The Chinese Lady (Studio 180); Between a Wok and a Hotpot (Cahoots Theatre); HMS Pinafore (Vancouver Opera); Every Brilliant Thing (Thousand Island Playhouse); White Girls in Moccasins (Manidoons Collective); Mr.Shi and His Lover (Music Picnic).
OTHER: Echo is an award-winning, proud Chinese immigrant and Toronto-based scenographer. Her designs have been presented in Japan and China. Echo is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada. For Grandpa, . www.echozhoudesign.com.
EMILY PORTER Sound Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Sound of Music, Home for the Holidays, Into the Woods, Prom Queen, Titanic.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Rez Gas, Waitress, The Full Monty, A Year With Frog & Toad, The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom (The Capitol Theatre); Midsummer Night’s Deam: 1970’s Musical, The Sound Of Music (The Citadel); Jersey Boys (Charlottetown Festival); Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt. 2B, This is Tom Jones! (The Human Race Theatre); Little Women, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (Stratford Festival); Beauty & The Beast (The Globe Theatre); Mamma Mia! (Rainbow Stage, Neptune Theatre).
OTHER: Member of ADC659 and teaches Theatrical Sound Design and Technology at the university level.
KRISTI HANSEN Disability Consultant
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Much Ado About Nothing, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Bard on the Beach); Dance Nation (SkirtsAfire); Beautiful Scars (Theatre Aquarius); The Sound of Music (RMTC/Citadel Theatre); The Silver Arrow, Alice Through the Looking Glass (Citadel Theatre); The Bear (Caravan Farm Theatre); A Doll’s House: Part 2 (Wild Side Productions); Sweeney Todd (Plain Jane Theatre); Dear Rita (Confed Centre); Candide (Edmonton Opera); Love’s Labour’s Lost, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Comedy of Errors, King Lear, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Freewill Players).
OTHER: www.kristihansen.ca.
LISA WRIGHT
ECHO ZHOU
EMILY PORTER KRISTI HANSEN
ARTISTS
MIKE DUFAYS
Fight Director
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Actor: Arigato, Tokyo (Buddies in Bad Times). Asst. Fight Director: Dangerous Liasons, King of Theives, Julius Ceaser, MacBeth, Bartholomew Fair (Stratford).
FILM & TV CREDITS (Selected): Actor: Titans (HBOMax), Bad Blood (New Metric Media). Fight Director: Macbeth (Rick Chrisholm Prod), Romeo & Juliet (Rick Chisholm Prod).
OTHER: Founding member of RiotACT. Taught at the 20th anniversary Fight Director's Canada National workshop.
Nominations: Actor: CCC nomination for Voice of the turtle (Classic Theatre Festival); Stunt Performer: Breakout Male
Action Star at AOFF for Heroic Bloodshed (EOS). Awards: CAC grant recipient for stage combat apprenticeship.
MELISSA CAMERON Stage Manager
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Waitress, The Sound of Music, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Controlled Damage, Grow, Re:Opening Festival (Seeds of Self & One Year), Chariots of Fire, Once, Anything Goes, MixTape, The Importance of Being Earnest, Much Ado About Nothing
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Jersey Boys, Maggie, Anne of Green Gables, Munschables (Charlottetown Festival); Waitress, Maggie (Theatre Aquarius); Sweeney Todd, The Gamblers, I Claudia, Offline (Talk is Free Theatre); Hurry Hard, Miracle on 34th Street (Chemainus Theatre Festival); The Last Five Years, She Loves Me, The 39 Steps (Rose Theatre); Legally Blonde (Theatre Sheridan); Gin Game, Cottagers & Indians, Crimes of the Heart, Boeing Boeing, Dial M for Murder, Barefoot in the Park (Watermark Theatre).
KAITLYN KAEMINGH
Apprentice Stage Manager
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut. THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Life After (Mirvish Productions); The Shaw Variety Show, Roll of Shaw (Shaw Festival); The Inheritance (Canadian Stage); Beauty and the Beast (Calgary Opera); The Birds, Così fan tutte (Pacific Opera Victoria).
OTHER: Graduate of the BFA Theatre & Creative Writing Program at the University of Victoria.
MELISSA CAMERON KAITLYN KAEMINGH
MIKE DUFAYS
ARTISTS
Trumpet
MARIANNA GRIGG Cello
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Legally Blonde, Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Garden City Productions).
OTHER: Graduate of the BMus Honours in Orchestral Trumpet Program at the University of Western Ontario.
TONY DE LUCA Reeds
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Sound of Music, Matilda, The Phantom of The Opera, Elf (2022), Home for the Holidays, Mary Poppins, Joni Mitchell: River, Elf (2013).
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Annie, Chicago, Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors, Guys and Dolls (Stratford Festival); Anything Goes (Shaw Festival); The Crooner, Broadway Heroes, Sounds of Sinatra (Drayton Entertainment); Sweet Soul Music, Camelot, Yesterday Once More, The Fiddler and The Crooner, Wonderful World Starring Ben Vereen, Broadway Heroes, Everything Elvis, Sounds of Sinatra, Starbright, X-mas Jamboree (VPP).
FILM AND TV CREDITS: Canada’s Got Talent S2:E5, E8, E9 with The Stacey Kay Band - Golden Buzzer Winners and Finalists. America’s Got Talent S10:E10.
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Waitress, The Sound of Music, Matilda, The Phantom of the Opera, Into The Woods, Grow, Home for the Holidays.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Featured Musician at the “Bridgerton Live Experience” (Netflix/Fever Productions) and London Candlelight Concerts. Graduate of the MMus Program at McGill University, Graduate of the BMus Program at Western University. National Youth Orchestra 2017-2018, International Symphony Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, London Symphonia.
JEFF LUPKER Guitar
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Grease.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Life After (Musical Stage Company); American Idiot, Edges, Avenue Q, Les Miserables (Original Kids).
OTHER: PhD at Western University. Co-founder of Staccato (www.staccato.ai).
ALEXA BROWN
TONY DE LUCA
MARIANNA GRIGG
JEFF LUPKER
ALEXA BROWN
ARTISTS
CELINE MURRAY Violin
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera, Into The Woods, Grow, The Addams Family, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Magic Flute (Opera McGill); West Side Story (Beal Musical Theatre); Hairspray (JPII); Seussical The Musical (CCH).
FILM AND TV CREDITS: A Celtic Family Christmas - Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy (VisionTV).
OTHER: Honors Bachelor of Music Degree specialized in Violin Performance at McGill University, Canadian Open Old Time Fiddle Champion, Stratford Summer Music Festival, Home County Music & Arts Festival, Ontario Youth Symphony, London Youth Symphony.
MARK SWAN Drums
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Grease.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): America's Got Talent (Season 10), The Grey Cup ('24), Canadian Country Music Awards ('24), NHL All Star Game ('24).
OTHER: BMus from UWO. @MarkSwanMusic
AIDAN WASSE
Bass Guitar
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Memphis to Motown (Lighthouse Festival); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hello, Dolly! (MTP); A Chorus Line, The Music Man (BMT).
OTHER: Graduate of the Music Industry Arts and Audio Post Production programs at Fanshawe College.
CELINE MURRAY
MARK SWAN AIDAN WASSE
THE POWER OF THE CRUTCH
Disability, Identity, and Justice in Disney’s Newsies
In Disney’s Newsies, audiences are swept into a world of rebellion and resilience—but within the energetic story is a quieter thread about disability, survival, and justice.
Crutchie, one of the central newsies, is disabled. His leg is impaired, he walks with a crutch, and the crutch represents a symbol of difference to the world around him that becomes part of his identity which, in the story of Newsies, is used to help him sell more papers. Disability, in this context, is used to generate public empathy. But Crutchie also knows he must not show too much vulnerability. Too often, disability is seen as weakness, or something to be pitied, hidden, or overcome.
Kristi Hansen, Disability Consultant for Disney’s Newsies (Grand Theatre High School Project), in The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Grand Theatre, 2024).
The story challenges familiar narratives around disability: that it needs to be “fixed,” or that disabled characters exist only to inspire others. Jack dreams of Santa Fe, painting it as a utopia with “fresh air” and “a palomino for Crutchie,” suggesting that after a “few months of clean air, [Crutchie] could toss that crutch for good”. Yet Newsies reminds us that disability is not a problem to solve. As Jack notes, everyone may face disability someday— it’s a shared human experience.
Disability justice intersects deeply with labour justice. Davey and Les’s father, injured and out of work, receives no support— revealing how easily disabled people are discarded in systems without protection, access, or care.
Patrick Tombs was the first disabled actor cast in the role of Crutchie in Axelrod Performing Arts Center’s production of Disney’s Newsies.
Kristi Hansen, a disabled theatre artist who works as an actor, access coordinator, director, and educator, joins the HSP Newsies team as a Disability Consultant. Grand Theatre audiences may recognize Kristi as “Dorothy” in The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare. As the role of Crutchie in our HSP production is played by an ablebodied performer, Kristi worked with the actor directly, shared information on Disability Culture with the cast, and supported the team throughout the process. Her leadership helped guide this portrayal with care, authenticity, and respect.
Let Newsies be more than a call to action —let it be a moment of transformation.
Directed by Jonathan Christenson. Original Choreography by Laura Krewski. Choreography by Courtney Arsenault. Set Costume, Lighting, Projection Design by Bretta Gerecke. Sound Design by Matthew Skopyk. Photo by Dahlia Katz.
Patrick Tombs and the company of Disney’s Newsies (2018, Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Jersey Shore). Photo by Rich Kowalski.
NEWSIES STOP THE PRESSES!
THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE NEWSBOYS’ STRIKE OF
Disney’s Newsies is based on the real story of the Newsboys’ Strike of 1899 – when New York’s papers raised the costs for their young workers, who then assembled by the thousands, declared a strike, and effectively brought news distribution to a halt. In 1898, several publishers raised the cost of 100 papers from 50 to 60 cents. On July 18, 1899, a group of newsboys in Long Island, New York, overturned a New York Journal distribution wagon in protest. Days later, a city-wide rally drew approximately 5,000 newsboys from Manhattan, 2,000 from Brooklyn, and hundreds more from across the city. One week later, the newsboys successfully negotiated new terms with the papers and returned to work with a story of their own to proudly share.
The stage adaptation of Newsies also honours the hardworking newsgirls, and early female journalists and activists, who worked alongside
1899
turn-of-the-century newsboys. In the popular 1992 motion picture, Bill Pullman played New York Sun reporter Bryan Denton. On the stage, Pullman’s Denton is replaced by determined arts reporter Katherine Plumber, making her way in the male-dominated world of journalism. Named for the real-life daughter of Joseph Pulitzer, Katherine is a fictional icon for today’s newswomen, who are still navigating gender in the industry. It is felt that Katherine is inspired by one of history’s early female journalists, Nelly Bly, whose voice rang out against pigeonholing women into domestic roles, called for divorce reform, and exposed the poor factory conditions of working women and children –before going on to become a foreign correspondent and eventually, an undercover investigative reporter for Pulitzer's newspaper, the New York World
NEWSBOYS AND NEWSGIRL. GETTING AFTERNOON PAPERS. NEW YORK CITY.U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
““
“Wrongs will be righted “Wrongs will be righted IF WE’RE UNITED. IF WE’RE UNITED.
The Grand Theatre is proud of our partnerships with the following unions and professional associations:
STUDENT Perspectives
“At first glance, NEWSIES is about a group of kids who go on strike after repeatedly being taken advantage of by rich and powerful people, but it’s really about young people discovering what it means to be the future,” shares Director Ray Hogg. “It’s about finding the bravery to speak truth to power, seek justice, and demand equality. It is about embracing fear and vulnerability, and celebrating imagination and vision.”
Student company members were asked to complete this sentence:
“NEWSIES IS ABOUT _________, BUT IT’S REALLY ABOUT ___________.”
...HERE ARE SOME OF THEIR RESPONSES:
Newsies is about escaping your current life, but it’s really about staying put and fighting for a better one. SOLANGE K.
Newsies is about the 1899 newboys’ strike but it’s really about the power and impact of young voices. DANIEL T.
Newsies is about taking power, but it’s really about discovering the power within you.
AYA H.
Newsies is about community and having dreams but it’s really about young people stepping up to take their place in the world.
DAVID W.
Newsies is about getting on a train to Sante Fe but it’s really about finding Sante Fe within the community and life you lead.
RENDALL L.
Newsies is about carrying the banner but it’s really about carrying each other.
ALEXIS K. & OLIVIA S.
Newsies is about a strike for fair paper prices, but it’s really about kids finding their strength and coming together to fight for a better future.
SANTIAGO R.
Newsies is about yelling loudly about the news but it’s really about learning that the “woild is yer erster!”
MADELAINE P.
Newsies is about boys and girls fighting for fair pay, but it's really about the strength of friendship and solidarity.
EVA K.
Newsies is about “A big life in a small town” but it’s really about learning to value the little things in life.
QUENTIN V.
BY JORDAN PORTER
PHOTOGRAPHY
GRAND
You’re in COMPANY
HOUSING A GRAND ARTIST
DID YOU KNOW that Grand Theatre productions engage top-tier professional artists from across the country and around the world? For each show at our theatre, actors, designers, directors, and more travel to London, Ontario, and take up residence for weeks, if not months, at a time.
The Forest City becomes a home for these artists, in very large part thanks to the London households that open their homes and host them during their residencies at the Grand.
Grand Theatre Housing Partners can live alongside an artist throughout the creative process, celebrate on opening night, and are an important part of the theatre magic that takes place at the Grand. Accommodations can be
private, part of a home, or a temporary addition to a home.
These world-class artists bring their talents to our city. Their work supports arts, culture, tourism, and a thriving downtown core as part of our season at the Grand. The generosity and warmth of Grand Theatre Housing Partners make all the difference for artists away from home for such an extended period – and are a large part of why so many artists are thrilled to return to the Grand over and over through the seasons.
LEARN MORE
ABOUT BECOMING A GRAND THEATRE HOUSING PARTNER:
HOUSING PARTNER JULIE RYAN HOSTED ACTOR EMILIO VIEIRA DURING THE PRODUCTION PERIOD FOR HEIST (2025). PHOTO TAKEN ON OPENING NIGHT.
LIVING ROOM OF HOUSING PARTNERS LIA KARIDAS & GEORGE SKAGOS.
ways involved to get
The Grand Theatre provides enriching theatre experiences that ignite the imagination and connect learning with creativity. Whether you're a teacher or student, we have packages, programs, workshops, and tools designed with you in mind.
EDUCATORS’ NIGHT OUT
Educators of all descriptions are invited to subscribe to Wednesday previews at a discounted rate of $300 for all 6 productions. Enjoy a post-show discussion with fellow patrons and artists from the show at AfterWORDS!
join the student club
Join us for Thursday preview performances and become an important part of our Grand community with other like-minded students from across the city. Enjoy pizza and six shows on the Spriet Stage for only $120!
STUDENT RUSH
Same-day Student Rush tickets are available for all Grand Theatre shows for $29.95 each!
You Are Very Welcome.
An awesome opportunity for hands-on training and mentorship by professional artists and coaches in all departments of the Theatre. This program is open to any high school student from the London area, at zero cost to the student.
We are building a community that future generations can be proud of. A community where everyone is welcome. A community where you can be yourself.
SHOW YOUR GRAND TICKET
Your ticket to great theatre also unlocks exclusive perks at a curated selection of London’s best restaurants, shops, and local businesses. Just show your ticket on the day of your performance!
Whether you're grabbing a
curated event with artistic director
Supporter Supporter
Concierge Ticketing Service
Invitation to early rehearsal
Free Access to Reception Space
Opening Night Subscription for two + wine & sweets invitation
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An 11x17 Show Poster
Available Upon Request
Invitation to Holiday Sneak Peek
Two Complimentary Drink Tickets
Invitation to how the magic happens celebrated on digital screens
Single Tickets at 15% Discount
Unlimited Ticket Exchanges
Recognition online & House Programs
Recognition in Annual Report
AGM Invitation & Voting Rights
Tax Receipt
Your ticket only covers half the cost of your seat. Without the support of our donors and sponsors, tickets would be much more expensive!
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
Your gift makes a difference. Arts and culture invigorate and ignite a community in a way that is profound and uplifting and the Grand Theatre is proud to lead the way. By supporting the Grand you acknowledge, further, and champion arts in Southwestern Ontario.
This listing recognizes the much-appreciated gifts we received within the last twelve months. ($100+ donations from August 28, 2024 to August 28, 2025.) To inquire about your current giving level, please contact Farrell Tremblay, Individual Giving Coordinator, by phone at 519.672.9030 x 246 or at ftremblay@grandtheatre.com
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- $999)
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2024
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BRONZE SUPPORTERS ($100 - $499)
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IN MEMORIAM
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We are deeply grateful to the compassionate individuals who have made the important and thoughtful decision to make a planned gift to the Grand Theatre. We honour them through their membership in the Proscenium Society. Their legacy will help ensure that the Grand continues to flourish:
Barbara Belbeck
Hazel E. Bell
Marista Ateena Brooks (Mikolaski)
Carson Bruce McIntosh
Robert Crawford
Buck A. M. Cuddy
Theresa Cutler
Lynn Davis
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John Howard
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Membership to the Proscenium Society is available to those who have chosen to make a planned gift in one or more of the following ways:
Bequests (donations through your
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Robert & Roberta Sokol
Helen & Andy Spriet
Elizabeth Stratton
Judy White
Michael Wojtak
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Rachel Peake
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lyndee Hansen
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
PRODUCER
Christine Gruenbauer
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER & COMPANY MANAGER
Vanessa Spence
APPRENTICE ARTISTIC
DIRECTOR
Nicole Wilson
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
DIRECTOR
Breanne Ritchie
ADMINISTRATION
IT DIRECTOR
Barb Whang
TESSITURA ADMIN
Britt Duncan
EXECUTIVE & ADMIN ASSISTANT
Ben Leibovitz
OPERATIONS
BUILDING MANAGER
Mike MacDonald
ASST. BUILDING MANAGER
Aaron Simmons
HOUSEKEEPING
Patricia Sexsmith
Ben Storie
SECURITY
Ankit
Shannon Goneau
Marty Peterson
Luke Morrison
John Whitty
FINANCE
FINANCE ASSOCIATE
Beatriz Alvarenga
Pauline Hare
Loraine Oluwadairo
FINANCE CONSULTANT
Ansel Tempral
MARKETING & DIGITAL STRATEGY
DIRECTOR
Lia Karidas
COMMS & P.R. MANAGER
Melissa Mae Shipley
MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER
Allison Oliveira
DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Gwen Blackwell
BRAND AMBASSADORS
Jewel Boerkamp
Chiedza Gondoza
Mariana Hrnjak
Diegra Kambamba
Mya Matos
Haleigh Paschink
DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR
Heather Siskind-Levite
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Monica Coddington
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & RENTALS COORDINATOR
Jacob Wiley
INDIVIDUAL GIVING COORDINATOR
Farrell Tremblay
PATRON SERVICES
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
Ali Samuel
SHOW MANAGER
Haley Helm
BAR & BEVERAGE
Jordann Atha
Mackenzie Bishop
Jewel Boerkamp
Ahri Diaz
Eden Eidt
Mariana Hrnjak
Gabi Kowalski
Haleigh Paschink
Sabrina Sa
Emma Semple
Sabrina Stewart
Hannah van- Alphen Fyfe
Landon Wright
Lisa Wright
BOX OFFICE
SUPERVISOR
Denise Hay
REPRESENTATIVES
Trinity Harrison
Brittney-Lee Lowey
Karen McDonald
Cheryl Willison
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR
Paul Fujimoto-Pihl
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR -SCENIC
Julia Callon
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR -STAGE
Sonja Niedermaier
PRODUCTION DRIVER
Jim Doucette
PROPERTIES
HEAD OF PROPS
Natalie Kearns
PROPS BUILDER/BUYER
Natalie Tsang
WARDROBE
HEAD OF WARDROBE
Lisa Wright
Elisabeth Mastrandrea CUTTER
ASST. TO THE HEAD OF WARDROBE
Meghan Choma
SCENIC CARPENTRY
HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER
John-Michael Plester
FIRST CARPENTER
Zac Barker
SECOND SCENIC CARPENTER
Jonathan Tschirhart
SCENIC ART
HEAD SCENIC ARTIST
Richard Lawler
SENIOR SCENIC ARTIST
Craig Guthrie
SPRIET STAGE
HEAD STAGE CARPENTER
Rory Leydier
HEAD OF AUDIO
Aaron Ouellette
HEAD OF FLYS
Jared Whitty
HEAD OF LIGHTING
Liam Arbogast
HEAD STAGE WARDROBE
Sarah Tracy
INTERIM HEAD STAGE WARDROBE
Sherry Williams
A2
Victoria Morrish
DRESSER
Tasse Koumoutsidis
WARDROBE MAINTENANCE
Bonnie Szeto
STAGEHAND
Ken Scott
Mark Jovanovich
AUBURN STAGE
HEAD TECHNICIAN
Steve Allen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Matt Parr
VICE-CHAIR
Nicole Blanchette
PAST CHAIR
George Kerhoulas
TREASURER
Jamie Campbell
SECRETARY
Anne Toal
DIRECTORS
Christopher Alleyne
Sukhveer Bains
Robert Bierbaum
Carl Cadogan
Blair Fantillo
Alexis Gordon
Ron Koudys
Jennie Kraehling
Tyler Reavell
Jane Scholes
Jennifer Slay Dr. Robert Sokol
FOUNDATION BOARD
PRESIDENT
Ron Koudys
VICE-PRESIDENT
Jamie Crich
TREASURER
Bill Assini
SECRETARY
George Kerhoulas
DIRECTORS
Tom Burnett
Dianne Cunningham
Elizabeth Drewlo
Chris Jackman
Peter Markvoort
Matt Parr
Bob Schram
Anita Shah
