Elf: The Musical Program

THE MUSICAL

Great theatre lives here.

We are proud to support the Grand Theatre and the artists who have been captivating audiences with exciting, innovative, and entertaining productions.

BMO is proud to sponsor the Grand Theatre’s 2022/23 season.

Artwork: Leah Dorion

BY DAHLIA KATZ

WELCOME

The theatre is a magical place, where we ask our audiences to believe and dream large and wondrous things together. That’s why I adore the musical version of Elf so much. It takes the qualities that we all know and love about the classic movie, but incorporates glorious, new songs – giving us the opportunity to experience Elf in a fresh and exciting way.

Our central character, Buddy the Elf teaches us all that by having a positive outlook, great things can come to life. While the people Buddy meets initially mock him for being too kind and too good, the musical (and Buddy) cleverly weaves its way into our hearts and opens us up to generosity and gratitude.

I’ve always known that Santa is a kind force, and that the North Pole is a place where elves work around-the-clock to create gifts for those penned on Santa’s nice list. Some years, I admit, I might have forgotten to be a good boy at all times. Yet, like Buddy, Santa always sees the best in people - myself included. It's a

practice I too try to follow at Christmas, and throughout the year.

This year, I have been lucky enough to work on Elf – The Musical so my faith in Santa, in Buddy, and kindness to others is very high.

I hope this musical reminds you too of the kindness within yourself and those in your life.

Happy holidays to all! Welcome. dennis

garnhum artistic director

PHOTO

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We are thrilled to welcome you back to the Grand Theatre, where we operate on the traditional lands of the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral) peoples and territories associated with various treaties of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak. The Attawandaron peoples once settled this region alongside the Algonquin and Haudenosaunee peoples and used this land as their traditional beaver hunting grounds.

In London, our treaties include the 1796 London 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.

We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (also known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we operate.

the installation of feathers in our lobby represents the lives lost in canada’s residential school system. photo by dahlia katz.

Spriet Stage, november 22 to december 31, 2022 Opening Night november 25

THE MUSICAL

Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin

Music by Matthew Sklar Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum

Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures In association with Unique Features Directed by Dennis Garnhum

ELF - THE MUSICAL

Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

THE SPRIET STAGE IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY HELEN & ANDY SPRIET.

PARTNERING With Purpose

partnerships with of our farmers.

to improve the resilience of approximately 7,000 black pepper farmers. Initiatives include the development of black pepper nurseries to increase production, and providing smallholder farmers with better access to international markets.

CAST & CREDITS

Jovie MICHELLE BARDACH Shawanda KIH BECKE

Souvlaki Vendor/Emily Understudy MEG BUCHANAN-LUNN Walter SHANE CARTY Santa Claus/Mr.Greenway AADIN CHURCH Charlie/Jovie Understudy ALICIA D'ARIANO Sam/Buddy Understudy MARCO DELUCA Michelle RILEY DELUCA Emily MA-ANNE DIONISIO Buddy IZAD ETEMADI Macy's Santa/Walter Understudy SWEENEY MACARTHUR Deb CHARLOTTE MOORE Matthews JAMIE MURRAY* Chadwick SHAKEIL ROLLOCK Store Manager TAURIAN TEELUCKSINGH Charlotte Dennon/Deb Understudy MARGARET THOMPSON

*Dance Captain

Cast children's chorus

JIYA AGRAWAL MIRAYA AGRAWAL RAYA CAMPBELL MARINA DAMINELLI KRIECK ANTHONY FRESCURA-DENOMME LEAH GLIDDON NICO HILTZ ISABELLE HILTZ LACHLAN MACLEAN PAXTON NAIR

The Grand Theatre is an active member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. The Grand Theatre acknowledges with thanks the co-operation of Locals 105 and 828 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada, and The London Musicians’ Association Local 279.

creative team

Director DENNIS GARNHUM

Music Director ALEXANDRA KANE Choreographer LISA STEVENS

Set Designer SCOTT PENNER*

Costume Designer DANA OSBORNE* Lighting Designer KIMBERLY PURTELL* Sound Designer BRIAN KENNY* Stage Manager KELLY LUFT

Assistant Stage Manager JORDAN GUETTER

Assistant Stage Manager ANDREA SCHURMAN

Apprentice Stage Manager CONNER BUSTAMANTE Child Supervisor CINDI ARMER-ALMEIDA

Child Supervisor CHRISTINE GRUENBAUER Child Supervisor LINDA MARTIN Child Supervisor LAUREN REBELO

Conductor & Keyboard 3 ALEXANDRA KANE Keyboard 1 ÉRIC CHARBONNEAU

Bb Clarinet, Alto & Tenor Saxophone, Flute TONY DE LUCA Trombone DENIS JIRON Drums ROB LAROSE Bass WILLIAM LI Trumpet PAUL STEVENSON

*Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659.

orchestra IA

*Representative lease example based on a 2023 Lexus NX 250 AWD sfx ‘A’ on a 40 month term at an annual rate of 7.5% and Complet e Lexus Price of $50,825. Bi-weekly payment is $278 with $6,412 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total of 86 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $30,505. 48,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres.

*Representative lease example based on a 2023 Lexus UX 250h AWD sfx ‘P’ on a 40 month term at an annual rate of 6.9% and Comple te Lexus Price of $44,321. Bi-weekly payment is $248 with $5,092 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total of 86 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $26,586. 48,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres.

Complete Lexus Price includes Freight/PDI ($2,145), Tire Tax ($20), Filters ($0.7), AC Tax ($100), Dealer Fees ($599), and OMVIC Fee ($10). License, insurance, registration (if applicable), and taxes are extra. Lexus Dealers are free to set their own prices. Limited time offers only app ly to retail customers at participating Lexus Dealers. Dealer order/trade may be required (but may not be available in certain circumstances). Offers are subject to change o r cancellation without notice. Offers are effective beginning November 1, 2022, and expire on November 30, 2022, unless extended or revised. See Lexus of London for complete details.

MUSICAL NUMBERS

act one

Happy All The Time Santa Claus, Buddy, Elves World’s Greatest Dad Buddy

In the Way Deb, Walter, Michelle, Emily, Chorus

Sparklejollytwinklejingley Buddy, Jovie, Store Manager, Chorus

I'll Believe in You Michelle, Emily

In the Way (reprise) Emily, Walter

Just Like Him Buddy, Walter, Deb, Chorus

A Christmas Song Buddy, Jovie, Chorus

World's Greatest Dad (reprise) Buddy, Chorus

act two

Nobody Cares About Santa Buddy, Store Manager, Fake Santas

Never Fall in Love (With An Elf) Jovie

There is a Santa Claus Michelle, Emily

The Story of Buddy Buddy, Michelle, Walter, Greenway, Chorus

Nobody Cares (reprise) Santa Claus

A Christmas Song (reprise) Emily, Walter Finale Company

GUEST ARTISTS

Michelle Bardach Jovie she/her f or t he Grand t heatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): Tell Tale Harbour, Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! (Arts Club); Mamma Mia! (Theatre Aquarius/WCT); Children of God (Segal Centre/The Citadel); Pure 90s (Stage West).

film and tv c redits (selected): Dancing Through Christmas (Lifetime); Motherland: Fort Salem (Freeform); Spirit Rangers (Netflix). other: Michelle is an Indigenous performer from the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw. She holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Capilano University. She is a vocalist in two Indigenous music groups, M’Girl and Tillicum Shantie, and does voiceover in animation and commercials. Instagram: @michyb123

Kih Becke Shawanda she/they f or t he Grand t heatre: Debut. theatre credits (selected): Anything Goes, Twelfth Night (St Clair College). other: Graduate of St Clair College Music Theatre Performance. Graduate of Atlantic Technological University Bachelor of Performance Acting. other: Instagram @keeksbeek

Meg Buchanan-Lunn she/her Souvlaki Vendor/Emily Understudy

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut. theatre c redits (selected): Jekyll & Hyde (Curtain Call Productions); Sweeney Todd (Allswell Productions/Musical Theatre Productions); Disney: Heroes and Villains, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (AK Arts Academy); Joseph & the Amazing…, Hello, Dolly (Musical Theatre Productions); Anne of Green Gables (London Community Players). other : Meg has a degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Guelph. She would like to thank her wonderful husband for his enthusiastic support.

Shane Carty Walter

f or the Grand t heatre: It's A Wonderful Life, Einstein's Gift, The Great Gatsby, The Wizard of Oz. t heatre c redits (selected): 11 Seasons at Stratford, including Much Ado About Nothing, The Duchess of Malfi, Crazy For You, The Sound of Music. Damn Yankees (Shaw Festival); Sweeney Todd, This Is How It Goes, A Year With Frog And Toad (Neptune); Onegin (Musical Stage/NAC); Assassins (TIFT/MTC); Sunday In The Park With George (Talk is Free Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Citadel/Theatre Calgary); Hay Fever, The Red Priest, Les Miserables, Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad (Thousand Islands); Othello (St. Lawrence Shakespeare); Four seasons at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont. film and tv credits: Murdoch Mysteries, Anne With An E, Suits, Reign, Flashpoint.

michelle bardach

kih becke

me G buchanan-lunn shane carty

GUEST ARTISTS

Aadin Church he/him Santa Claus/Mr. Greenway

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): Disney's The Lion King, Sister Act, Ragtime, Guys & Dolls, Dreamgirls. film and tv credits: Take Note, I-Zombie. o ther: Instagram @aadin7

Alicia D'Ariano she/her Charlie/Jovie Understudy

f or the Grand theatre: Les Miserables t heatre c redits (selected): Scooby-Doo! And the Lost City of Gold (Warner Bros./MONLOVE Productions National Tour); Beauty and the Beast (London Community Players); Chicago (Theatre Western); Saucy Jack & the Space Vixens (LINK Theatre); Heathers: The Musical (Musical Theatre Productions); Rocky Horror Show (Pacheco Theatre). other: Instagram @aliciadoriano

Marco DeLuca he/him Sam/Buddy Understudy

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): Happy End, Concord Floral (Theatre Sheridan); Parkdale (Musical Stage/Sheridan College); Legally Blonde the Musical, A Christmas Story the Musical, The Little Mermaid, Shrek the Musical, BIG the Musical, Hairspray, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Nutcracker Sings (St. Albert Children’s Theatre).

o ther: Graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. @marcodeluca

Riley DeLuca Michelle

f or the Grand t heatre: The Great Grand Road Trip (High School Project), A Christmas Carol. t heatre c redits (selected): Annie, Cinderella the Panto, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat (Drayton Entertainment); Anne of Green Gables (London Community Players); Defying Gravity (Musical Theatre Productions); Willy Wonka, Annie, Disney Heroes and Villains (AK Arts Academy); Jack and the Beanstalk (Elgin Theatre Guild).

aadin church

m arco deluca riley deluca a licia d'ariano

GUEST ARTISTS

Ma-Anne

Dionisio Emily

f or the Grand t heatre: Colours in the Storm. t heatre c redits (selected): Miss Saigon (Canadian Premiere. Australian Premiere, London, UK); Les Miserables (International and US National Touring companies); Martin Guerre (London, UK); West Side Story (Stratford Festival); Cats (Toronto); Sunday in the Park With George (Toronto); Flower Drum Song (Broadway); Next to Normal (Toronto). film and tv credits (selected) : The Waiting Room (A71 Entertainment); Five Days At Memorial (AppleTV); Astrid and Lilly (SyFy/Crave); Schitt’s Creek (CBC); Coroner (CBC). o ther: AFGOG.

Izad Etemadi Buddy he/him

f or the Grand t heatre: Grow. t heatre c redits (selected): Sweeney Todd, Music Man, Pal Joey, The Gamblers, Amadeus (Talk Is Free Theatre); Box 4901, Colin & Lennox & Coffee & Kleenex (Timeshare). f ilm and tv c redits (selected) : Ghosts (CBS); Handmaid's Tale (MGM/Hulu); Revenge of the Black Best Friend, Overlord and the Underwoods, TallBoyz (CBC); Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (CBC/Paramount+); Odd Squad (PBS Kids); Bajillionaires (Family Channel). other : CBC Actors Conservatory Resident at the Canadian Film Centre (2021/2022), Artist in Residence at Green Light Arts Theatre, Playwright in Residence at The Story Theatre Company. @izadetemadi

Sweeney MacArthur Macy's Santa/Walter Understudy

f or t he Grand t heatre: Grow. t heatre c redits (selected): Bloodless (Theatre 20); Calendar Girls (Mirvish); Sad Presentments (National Theatre, England); Mamma Mia! (Mirvish); 7 Stories (Rose Theatre); Macbeth (UK Tour); Dear Johnny Deere (Charlottetown Festival); This Is How We Got Here (Magnus Theatre); Phedre (National Arts Centre); The Full Monty (Stage West); Hard Times (Teatro Proscenium); Rocky Horror Show (German Tour).

o ther: Sweeney started his own production company in 2017: 3P Productions.

Charlotte Moore Deb

f or the Grand theatre: Gypsy, Robin Phillips’ Grand Theatre Company (including Godspell and Timon of Athens), You Can’t Take It With You, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Side By Side By Sondheim, Anne of Green Gables, and most recently the triple held-over production of Cabaret in 2019.

t heatre c redits (selected): 40 years coast to coast including the Shaw Festival, the Charlottetown Festival, 3 Mirvish productions, one Dora Award and another nomination exactly 30 years later.

o the r : 3 self-produced solo albums and several Original Cast albums (including Stan Rogers - A Matter of Heart and the brand new Tell-Tale Harbour) all available on iTunes. charlottemoore.ca

ma-anne dionisio

sweeney macarthur izad etemadi charlotte moore

GUEST ARTISTS

Jamie Murray Matthews she/her

f or t he Grand t heatre: Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins.

t heatre c redits (selected): Tell Tale Harbour, Jesus Christ Superstar, Kronborg - The Hamlet Rock Musical, Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, We Are Canadian (Charlottetown Festival); Spring Awakening (Argyle Theatre); The Music Man, Oliver! (Stratford Festival). other: Graduate of the Pace University Musical Theatre program. Huge thanks to my family for their constant love and support. @jamiemurr

Shakeil Rollock Chadwick he/him

f or the Grand theatre: Mary Poppins. t heatre c redits (selected): Anne of Green Gables the Musical, Tell Tale Harbour (Confederation Centre); Shades (Factory Theatre).

film and tv credits (selected): Sneakerella, Spin (Disney plus); Grand Army, Locke and Key (Netflix); American Gods (Amazon Prime); Step Up 3D Live (MuchMusic). other: Instagram @shakroll

Taurian Teelucksingh he/him Store Manager

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): Damn Yankees, Chitra, Too True To Be Good (Shaw Festival); Bright Lights (Shaw Festival Director’s Project); Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha (Workshop) (Volcano Productions); DION: A Rock Opera (Workshop) (Coal Mine Theatre); Spring Awakening*, Cabaret, The Last Broadcast, Living The Dream (CMTP), Lost in the 80’s (Theatre Sheridan); 40th Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Onstage Chorus).

other: Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College (Class of 2021) *Theatre Sheridan WIN for Outstanding Performance. @taurian_t

Margaret Thompson she/her Charlotte Dennon/Deb Understudy

f or the Grand theatre: Cabaret. t heatre c redits (selected): Ride the Cyclone (Tweed & Co); Something Bubbled Something Blue (TIFT/Outside the March); Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Drowsy Chaperone, Honk, Elf, Holiday Inn, Singing in the Rain, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (Drayton); Shrek, The Addams Family (Neptune Theatre); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Perfect Wedding, Back In ‘59, Spamalot! (SFT); Crazy for You (TBTB); A Chorus Line (The Rose Theatre). other: Graduate of the Sheridan College’s Music Theatre program.

jamie murray shakeil rollock taurian teelucksinG h m arG aret thompson

GUEST ARTISTS

Jiya Agrawal Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits: Perfect World (Palace Theatre Arts Commons).

other : Jiya is a Grade 6 student at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts and a member of the Pearson Symphony Orchestra and Vivace Strings Group. She is also a member of the Junior Amabile Singers of London. She frequently participates in the Kiwanis Festival at the local and provincial level for piano and voice.

Miraya Agrawal Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits: Perfect World (Palace Theatre Arts Commons). other: Miraya is a Grade 8 student at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts and a member of the Pearson Symphony Orchestra, Vivace Strings Group, and “Twelve” singing group. She is also a member of the Amabile Youth Singers of London. She frequently participates in the Kiwanis Festival at the local and provincial level for piano and voice.

Raya Campbell Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. dance c redits (selected): Let’s Dance, Winterlude, Celebrate, Beyond the Stars (North London Dance Centre).

other: Raya trains in dance at the North London Dance Centre and studies voice/piano at The Voice Studio London. She is a recipient of the Ontario National Gold Medal (Royal Conservatory Level 1 Classical Voice) and the Ontario Medal of Excellence (Conservatory Canada Level 2 Contemporary Voice). She enjoys participating in music festivals and has received recognition for her piano compositions Joyful Jubilee (2022), The Elephant Dance (2020), and A Day at the Fair (2019).

Marina Daminelli Krieck she/her Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): Joseph and the Amazing Tecnicolor Dreamcoat (Musical Theatre Productions); Perfect World the Musical - staged readings (Palace Theatre Arts Commons); Show Off – 30 Years of Musical Theatre (Musical Theatre Productions); Disney Heroes & Villains (AK Arts Academy).

film and tv credits: Blue’s Clues & You (Orange).

miraya aG rawal

raya campbell marina daminelli krieck jiya aG rawal

GUEST ARTISTS

Anthony Frescura-Denomme Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits: Legally Blonde Jr (The London Performing Arts Academy); Frozen Jr (St Nicolas School - cancelled due to COVID-19). other : Anthony is currently enrolled in the sixth grade at St.Nicholas Elementary School. Instagram @anthonyfdenomme

Leah Gliddon Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: A Christmas Carol, Chariots of Fire, Titanic, Great Grand Roadtrip. t heatre c redits (selected): The Little Mermaid, Anne of Green Gables, Joseph Technicolor and the Dreamcoat, Peter Pan - A Panto (Drayton Entertainment); Theory of Relativity (Beal Musical Theatre); Fun Home (Calithumpian); Catch Me If You Can (Stagedoor). film and tv credits: The Delivery (ACP). other : Attending Beal Musical Theatre at H.B. Beal.

Nico Hiltz Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits: HONK! (Little Theatre

Company).

Isabelle Hiltz she/her Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits: HONK! (Little Theatre Company); Annie (Drayton Entertainment); The Miracle Worker (Drayton Entertainment); The Wizard of Oz (Little Theatre Company); Cinderella The Panto (Drayton Entertainment); The Nutcracker Ballet (Ballet Jorgen).

l eah G liddon

nico hiltz isabelle hiltz anthony frescura-denomme

GUEST ARTISTS

Lachlan MacLean Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. theatre c redits: Hello, Shakespeare! (Romeo; Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts); A Christmas Carol (Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts). other: Lachlan is trained in highland dance and ballet, piano and trombone, and is currently enrolled in the eighth grade at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts in London.

Paxton Nair Children's Chorus

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. tv c redits: Principal Ukulele U (CBC Gem). other: Competitive Dance Team: O'Neill Academy of Dance. Voice: Amabile Boys' Choir. Instagram @Paxton.Dance

Dennis Garnhum Director he/him f or the Grand theatre: Grow, Home for the Holidays, Cabaret, Timothy Findley’s The Wars, Prom Queen: The Musical (High School Project), Chariots of Fire, Beethoven Lives Upstairs, A Christmas Carol. t heatre c redits (selected): World premiere of musical The Little Prince (Theatre Calgary); Barber of Seville (Florida Grand Opera, Opera Lyra, Vancouver Opera); Timothy Findley's The Wars (Theatre Calgary, Vancouver Playhouse); Director / Adapter of Lost: A Memoir (Theatre Calgary, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Neptune Theatre); Director of King Lear (Theatre Calgary, Bard on the Beach); Carmen, La Traviata (Pacific Opera); West Side Story (Bangkok University); Rat in the Skull (Berkshire Theatre Festival); Stratford Festival (four seasons); Shaw Festival (six seasons).

other: Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre since 2016. Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary

from 2005-2016. Recipient of a Calgary Award for Community Achievement in Arts and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Dennis published his first novel Toward Beauty: Reigniting a Creative Life on the Camino de Santiago in October.

Alexandra Kane Music Director she/her

f or the Grand theatre: Finding Black Joy, Grand Re:Opening Festival. Comfort and Joy, Home for the Holidays. t heatre c redits (selected): Ride the Cyclone, The Wizard of Oz (Sudbury Theatre Centre); Dixon Road (Musical Stage Company); The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney Hero’s and Villains (AK Arts Academy); The Little Mermaid (Musical Theatre Productions).

film and tv credits: Black is Beautiful, Fracture, Nova:Prime, Shelter other: Graduate of the B.MusA program at Western University, Graduate Certificates in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Fanshawe College, and Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

paxton nair

dennis G arnhum alexandra kane lachlan maclean

GUEST ARTISTS

Lisa Stevens Choreographer

f or the Grand theatre: Home for the Holidays, Prom Queen (High School Project), Mamma Mia!

t heatre c redits (selected): Dolly Parton’s 9 To 5 The Musical (West End, London; UK Tour: US Tour; Australian and South Africa Companies); Anyone Can Whistle (Off-West End, London); Bingo, The Musical!, Executive Decision (Off-Broadway); Bombay Dreams (US Tour); Disney’s High School Musical (worldwide); West Side Story, Grease, Spamalot (Drayton); Coriolanus (Bard on the Beach); In The Heights, Xanadu (Arts Club); The Little Prince, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Cats, Mary Poppins (Theatre Calgary); Guys & Dolls (Axelrod). film and tv credits (selected): Dreaming Of A Jewish Christmas (Intl Emmy nomination); Swinging Nutcracker; Diary of A Wimpy Kid 2. upcominG: Escape to Margaritaville (Walnut St. Theatre) other: @lisa_l_stevens

Scott Penner Set Designer he/him

f or the Grand theatre: Hair, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. t heatre c redits (selected): Loves Labours Lost, Raisin in the Sun (American Players Theatre); Intimate Apparel, Fireflies (Northlight Theatre); Happy Days (Flint Rep); Cymbeline (Stratford Festival); Romeo & Juliet, Billy Bishop Goes to War (Globe Theatre); Small Mouth Sounds (Theatreworks Colorado); Body Politic (Buddies in Bad Times); Therefore Choose Life (HGJT); Extinction Therapist (Upcoming, Theatre Aquarius).film and tv credits: Assistant Costume Designer, Station Eleven (HBO MAX); Assistant Costume Designer, Five Days at Memorial (Apple TV). other: www.scottpennerdesign.ca @scottpennerdesign

Dana Osborne Costume Designer

f or the Grand theatre: Mary Poppins, The Penelopiad, Joni Mitchell: River, The Passion of Narcisse Mondoux, Ed’s Garage, Shirley Valentine, Hana’s Suitcase, Helen’s Necklace. t heatre c redits (selected): Costume Design: Skyward (National Ballet); Bernhardt/ Hamlet (Goodwin Chicago); Chicago, Billy Elliot the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, The Front Page, The Music Man, The Rocky Horror Show (Stratford); Art (Soulpepper). Set and Costume Design: 9 to 5 the Musical, Miss Bennet: Christmas At Pemberley (Citadel); The Hound of The Baskervilles, Androcles And The Lion (Shaw); Bed and Breakfast (Blyth/Arts Club)

other: www.danaosborne.ca, @danaodesigns. Dana is a member of I.A.T.S.E. 659 the Associated Designers of Canada.

Kimberly Purtell Lighting Designer

f or the Grand theatre: Home for the Holidays, This London Life, Prom Queen The Musical. t heatre c redits (selected): Almost A Full Moon (Citadel Theatre); Dido and Aeneas (Opera Atelier); Indecent (Mirvish/Studio 180); Public Enemy (Canadian Stage); Uncle Vanya (Crow’s Theatre); Queen Goneril, King Lear (Soulpepper); Hamlet (Stratford Festival); Cyrano de Bergerac, Gaslight (Shaw Festival); The Barber of Seville (Vancouver Opera); Newsies (Arena Stage).

other: Recipient of three Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Pauline McGibbon Award, a Montreal English Theatre Award, and an Elizabeth Sterling Award. She is the Vice President of the I.A.T.S.E. 659 the Associated Designers of Canada.

scott penner

d ana o sborne kimberly purtell

lisa stevens

GUEST ARTISTS

Brian Kenny Sound Designer

f or the Grand theatre: Grow, Mary Poppins; Between Breaths, The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Artistic Fraud); Big Shot (SurReal So Real).

t heatre c redits (selected): Billy Elliott, Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Show, Music Man (Stratford Festival); No Change In The Weather (Terra Bruce); I Forgive You, Everybody Just C@lm the F#ck Down (Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland); Dear Rita (Charlottetown Festival).

other: Brian is a graduate of Sheridan College as well as The National Theatre School of Canada where he now coaches design students. Brian sits on the board of I.A.T.S.E 659 the Associated Designers of Canada.

Kelly Luft Stage Manager

f or the Grand theatre (selected): Grow, Home For the Holidays, Grand Re:Opening Festival, Mary Poppins, Prom Queen, Chariots of Fire, A Christmas Carol ('17,'18), Art, The Wizard of Oz (’16, ’09, ‘02).

theatre c redits (selected): Hamlet-911, A Festival Queerstory, The Front Page, The Komagata Maru Incident (Stratford Festival); The Sound of Music, Hairspray (Drayton Entertainment); Le Bal (Theatre Plus); Not Wanted on the Voyage (Canadian Stage Company); 2 years in London England’s West End.

opera credits: 2 seasons with Opera Lyra Ottawa, 10 seasons with Hawaii Opera Theatre, 7 seasons with Orchestra London and Opera Pacific Victoria, 16 seasons with Opera Hamilton / Opera Ontario, Wagner’s Ring Cycle - Götterdämmerung for the Canadian Opera Company, and Idomeneo for Opera Atelier. upcominG: Rubaboo (Grand Theatre / Arts Club Theatre).

Jordan Guetter Assistant Stage Manager

f or the Grand theatre: Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol (2017, 2018), Chariots of Fire, Home for the Holidays. t heatre c redits (selected): Il Trittico, Don Giovanni, Carmen (Pacific Opera Victoria); The Music Man, Serving Elizabeth, Kim’s Convenience, Ring of Fire (Thousand Islands Playhouse); R.U.R. A Torrent of Light, Oksana G (Tapestry Opera); Treemonisha (Volcano); Passing Strange (The Musical Stage Company/Obsidian); The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom (Sudbury Theatre Centre); The Brothers Size, The Testament of Mary, Hosanna, The Odd Couple (Soulpepper); Disney’s Newsies (Drayton); Good Morning, Viet Mom (Cahoots); Stage Fright (Lighthouse Festival Theatre).

Andrea Schurman Assistant Stage Manager

f or the Grand theatre: Stage Manager: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Other Desert Cities, Hair, The Hobbit, Legends, Assistant Stage Manager: Rock & Roll, It’s a Wonderful Life. t heatre c redits (selected): 7 seasons with the Shaw Festival. 2 Pianos 4 Hands (Theatre Marquis); NSFW (Studio 180); The Mountaintop (Obsidian); A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline (Globe/ Persephone). Various productions with Canadian Stage, Young People’s Theatre, Mirvish, soulpepper, Citadel Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, Opera Lyra Ottawa, Theatre Passe Muraille, Nightwood, Tarragon, Factory Theatre, project: Humanity, Alameda Theatre, Stratford Festival, Theatre New Brunswick, Tapestry New Opera, Opera Ontario, ShakespeareWorks, Resurgence, Toronto Operetta Theatre, Frank Collymore Hall (Barbados), AfriCanadian Playwrights Festival, b current, & Victoria Playhouse.

kelly luft

jordan Guetter andrea schurman

brian kenny

GUEST ARTISTS

Conner Bustamante he/him Apprentice Stage Manager

f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): King Henry Five (Driftwood Theatre); RUR: A Torrent of Light (Tapestry Opera); Grounds For Goodness (Jumblies Theatre+Arts)

other: Graduate of the Theatre Production Program at Humber College.

Éric Charbonneau he/him Keyboard 1

f or the Grand theatre: Les Misérables. t heatre c redits (selected): Chicago, Billy Elliot The Musical, The Music Man (Stratford Festival); Call It Love (Eclipse Theatre); Sweeney Todd (Opera on the Avalon); Susannah (Peck Productions/London Community Players); Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens, JUDY: Stonewalled! (LINK theatre); The Secret Garden (London Community Players); Company (Music Theatre on the Thames); Heathers: The Musical (Musical Theatre Productions); Street Scene (Halifax Summer Opera Festival); The Daughter of the Regiment (Fountainhead Theatre/London Community Players).

other : Conductor of the Stratford Symphony Youth Orchestra, M.Mus in collaborative piano from Western University.

Tony De Luca Bb Clarinet, Alto & Tenor Saxophone, Flute

f or the Grand theatre: Home for the Holidays, Mary Poppins, Joni Mitchell : River, Elf t heatre c redits (selected): Stratford Festival, Golden Buzzer Winner and Finalist on Canada's Got Talent, The Grand Theatre, The Victoria Petrolia Playhouse, Drayton Entertainment, The Imperial Theatre, Season 10 of America’s Got Talent, Musical Theatre Productions . other: Tony De Luca is a versatile woodwind and keyboard player who works in all musical genres and styles. He holds both a Bachelor of Music Degree with Honors in Music Education and a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Western Ontario, with additional studies from Humber College.

Denis

Jiron

Trombone f or the Grand theatre: Debut. t heatre c redits (selected): On Your Feet, My Fair Lady (Pantages); Ain't Too Proud (Wharton Center); Beauty and the Beast (La Mirada).

film and tv credits: The Voice, American Idol, The Ellen Show, The Tonight Show, American Music Awards, Pacific Rim, Little, Flintstones: Viva Rock Vegas!

other: Los Angeles Philharmonic, Detroit Philharmonic, Earth Wind and Fire, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Sting, Gladys Knight, Chris Botti, Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Snoop Dog. DMA from Michigan State University Currently Assistant Professor of Trombone at Western University. www.DenisJiron.com

tony de luca

Éric charbonneau

denis jiron

conner bustamante

GUEST ARTISTS

Rob Larose Drums

f or the Grand theatre: Into the Woods, Grow, Home for the Holidays, Mamma Mia!, Titanic, Mary Poppins

t heatre c redits: i n The Heights, Annie, Songs for a New World, Secret Garden; Chess (Musical Theatre Productions); Heathers (Sarnia Little Theatre).

other: Faculty - National Music Camp (95-99), Music Educator (1989-2018), Instructor-Don Wright Faculty of Music (current). roblarosemusic.weebly.com

William Li Bass

f or the Grand theatre: Great Grand Road Trip (High School Project), Mamma Mia!

t heatre c redits (selected): Musical Direction - Frozen Jr (Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy); Bright Star, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Mamma Mia! (Original Kids Theatre); A Killer Party (Musical Theatre Productions) Instrumentalist - The Secret Garden (Musical Moments, Musical Stage Co); Sweeney Todd (MTP/Allswell Productions); Chicago (Theatre Western); Mamma Mia! (Huron Underground Dramatic Society).

Arranging/Recording - Dance of The Fox, Milo’s World (4Score Productions); Post Production - Quarantine Story (MTP); Little Women (King’s Players).

other: Bachelor of Music, Honours Composition from Western University. www.willli.ca

Paul Stevenson Trumpet

f or the Grand theatre: Pal Joey, Girls in the Gang.

t heatre c redits (selected): West Side Story, Drowsy Chaperone, Into the Woods, South Pacific. other: Music Educator (1993 - 2023), Principal trumpet Brassroots (1987 - present), Principal trumpet Jeans and Classics Rock Symphony, performed with Diana Krall, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Aretha Franklin, Roger Hodgson, Natalie Cole.

paul stevenson

william li

rob larose

By Andrea Scott directed by ray hogg

On November 8, 1946, Black Nova Scotian, Viola Desmond walked into the whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Unaware that the theatre was segregated, Viola took a seat on the main floor, instead of in the balcony where Black patrons were expected to sit. She was eventually arrested and dragged from the theatre. In Controlled Damage, award-winning playwright Andrea Scott illuminates the story of Viola Desmond – a woman who took a stand against racial discrimination, by taking a seat at a theatre.

Andrea Scott immerses audiences into a pivotal moment in Canadian history with incredible grace and power. It will captivate you. And, it will stick with you for years to come. We are truly honoured to have this powerful play on our stage. – DENNIS

IN-PERSON VIDEO WITH ANDREA SCOTT Learn more about Controlled Damage from its London-born writer and creator, Andrea Scott

PLAYWRIGHT ANDREA SCOTT

PHOTO BY MOSES LATIGO ODIDA

PLAYWRIGHTS

Chad Beguelin

Chad Beguelin is a four-time Tony Nominee whose works include Disney's Aladdin (Tony Award Nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics and Best Book) and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award Nomination for Best Book and Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). He also wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical Elf, which broke several box office records at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. His play HARBOR premiered off-Broadway at Primary Stages. Chad also wrote the book and lyrics for Judas & Me (NYMF Award for Excellence in Lyric Writing), The Rhythm Club (Signature Theater) and Wicked City (American Stage Company). Chad reunited with Elf collaborators Matthew Sklar and Bob Martin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. He is the recipient of the Edward Kleban Award for Outstanding Lyric Writing, the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award, the Gilman & Gonzalez-Falla Musical Theater Award and the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. Chad is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Dramatic Writing Program.

Bob Martin

Bob Martin has been working as an actor and writer in Canadian theatre, film and television for over 3 decades. He has had a long association with the Toronto Second City, where he co-wrote and performed in four Second City

revues, directed three, and had a stint as Artistic Director. He is a co-creator of The Drowsy Chaperone, and has performed in many of its incarnations including Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles), Marquis Theatre (Broadway), Novello (London). Bob has won a number of awards for his work including an LA Drama Critics Circle Award, an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award. He is also co-creator of the critically acclaimed dramatic series Slings & Arrows. Recent TV projects include Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays I & II (CBC), Sensitive Skin I & II (HBO), and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas (NBC). Recent theatre projects include Elf (Broadway), Minsky's (Ahmanson LA), and in dev., Gotta Dance, The Sting, and Millions. Bob reunited with Elf collaborators Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Thomas Meehan

Thomas Meehan (Book) received the Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers in 2001 and in 2003 for co-writing the book for Hairspray. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show, and has written the books for the musicals Rocky, Elf the Musical, Cry-Baby, Young Frankenstein, Chaplin, Bombay Dreams, I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. In addition, he was a long-time contributor of humor to The New Yorker, an EmmyAward winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays,

thomas meehan

bob martin

matthew sklar

chad be Guelin

including Mel Brooks' Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be. Mr. Meehan was also a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild. He and his wife, Carolyn, divided their time between a home in Nantucket and an apartment in Greenwich Village, near which, on Hudson Street, she owned and presided over the long-running and near-legendary children's store Peanut Butter & Jane.

Matthew Sklar

Matthew Sklar is a Tony®, Emmy®, and Drama Desk Award-nominated composer. His works include the Broadway musicals Elf and The Wedding Singer (Tony Award Nomination for Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award Nomination for Outstanding Music). He also wrote the music for The Rhythm Club (Signature Theatre), Judas & Me, and Wicked City (American Stage Company). Matthew reunited with Elf collaborators Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin to create the new musical The Prom, which ran on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Matthew received a 2015 Primetime Emmy® Award Nomination for Outstanding Music Direction for the critically-acclaimed NBC stop-motion animated TV special "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas", starring Jim Parsons. He adapted and arranged the music of Marvin Hamlisch for the Emmy Award-winning documentary film Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love, seen on PBS/American Masters. Matthew has contributed original songs/music to Sesame Street, Wonder Pets!, and the NBC Broadcast of The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

As an 18-year-old freshman at New York University, Matthew began playing keyboards for the Broadway production of Les Miserables, eventually conducting the show at 21. He has also been a keyboardist, conductor, and/or arranger for many Broadway productions including Shrek, Caroline, or Change, Nine, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, Putting It Together, Annie Get Your Gun, On the Town, Titanic, Guys and Dolls, Sunset Boulevard, and Miss Saigon. Matthew also appeared onstage as Oscar

in the Broadway revival of 42nd Street.

Awards include the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award, the Gilman/Gonzalez-Falla Theatre Award, and the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Award. Matthew is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 802. His music is published by Warner/Chappell Music.

Matthew was educated at The Juilliard School of Music (Pre-College Division), the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and New York University.

GET TO KNOW Your Buddy

What’s the best part about playing the iconic Buddy the Elf?

That’s an easy one. I get to meet Santa!

What’s your favourite scene in the musical?

The one where I get to eat spaghetti on stage. Who doesn’t love binge-eating spaghetti with syrup and then singing and dancing for two more hours?

What are the similarities between you and Buddy the Elf?

We’re both extremely good looking. But beyond that, we both love Christmas. This is my favourite time of year. There’s nothing I love more than Christmas music, decorations, and lights! When I was younger, my parents would drive around our hometown looking at all the houses with extravagant lights and decorations. I sat in the back seat staring through the window in awe. Even now, a beautifully decorated storefront gives me that same warm and tingly feeling.

Audiences were captivated by your innocent, lovestruck character of Samuel in Grow, a World Premiere production in the Grand’s 2021/22 season. Do you think there are any similarities between Buddy and Samuel? I think there are a lot of similarities between Buddy and Samuel. Both are very innocent, naive, and optimistic. They’ve ever only known one world and way of life. Through their journeys, they break out of their sheltered shells, discover new parts of themselves, and grow to accept their new normals.

Beyond “singing loud for all to hear,” what do you think is the best way to spread Christmas cheer?

Listening to Mariah Carey’s Christmas album and watching Jennifer Coolidge in Single All The Way on Netflix.

Elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. What are your main food groups?

Greens, greens, nothing but greens! As long as it’s dairy-free, it’s in my food group. Seriously, if you see me eating dairy, yank it out of my hands.

What are the ideal toppings for spaghetti and syrup? Ketchup.

Buddy the Elf: what’s YOUR favourite colour?

Yellow because it’s like the sun :)

Izad Etemadi

PICTURED: IZAD ETEMADI

BY MAI TILSON COSTUME DESIGN BY DANA OSBORNE

PHOTO

Behind-the-scenes in the

DEVELOPERS REHEARSAL HALL

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 rehearsal hall.

We are grateful for the financial support provided by the following companies whose contributions assisted in the refurbishment of our main rehearsal hall – now aptly named: The Developers Rehearsal Hall.

MARCO DELUCA, IZAD ETEMADI, AADIN CHURCH

SHAKEIL ROLLOCK

ALICIA D'ARIANO, KIH BECKE, IZAD ETEMADI

HERE’S YOUR CUE

McCormick and its iconic brands –Club House, Billy Bee, Frank’s RedHot, French’s, and McCormick Gourmet –have been bringing flavour to Canadian families for over 130 years. Founded in 1883, we have a long history in our community and are proud to call London home.

Seasonings Greetings!

TITLE SPONSOR

Social responsibility is the cornerstone of everything we do at McCormick. This starts with where we source our high-quality herbs and spices, by developing programs that improve livelihoods in farming communities across the globe. We are leading the charge for greater sustainability in our operations and supply chain. And tirelessly look for new opportunities to improve our processes for a reduces footprint on our planet.

McCormick has a long-standing tradition of making a difference in the communities it serves and our employees are truly the backbone of our charitable efforts. Since 1941, McCormick employees have committed to bettering their communities through an annual Charity Day – a day to come into work on a Saturday, with 100% of the day’s pay being donated to local charities and matched dollar for dollar by the company.

Additionally, McCormick proudly supports the United Way and its programs which provide meaningful impacts to London and surrounding area. This year we are reaching the major milestone of three million dollars donated to our community. We believe in organizations such as the Grand Theatre, who continue to bolster arts and culture in our community. We are delighted to support the theatre and look forward to a vibrant and inspiring season!

GRAND GALA THANK YOU!

Held on June 23, A Grand Goodbye celebrated Deb Harvey’s 22 years as Executive Director.

Thanks to the Sponsors, Partners and Donors, the 46th Grand Gala raised $250,000 to support the High School Project and the Deb Harvey Futures Fund.

An extra special thanks to the talented guest artists who joined us in the celebration:

Susan Ferley

Rick Miller

Aidan deSalaiz

Richard Gracious

David Michael Moote

Andrew Petrasiunas

Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane

Jan Alexandra Smith

. . . and the many High School

Project students and alumni

Gala Committee

Peter Markvoort Sandra Panzer Rachel Ross Anita Shah Tom Tillmann Special thanks to our Raffle Partners: Channer’s Nash Jewellers

GOLD SPONSORS

CATERING SPONSOR BEER SPONSOR WINE SPONSOR FLORAL SPONSOR

bob schram, president of sterlinG markinG products, with deb harvey

PHOTO BY DAHLIA KATZ

Meet Set and Costume Designers

Scott Penner & Dana Osborne

What is your favourite Christmas or holiday tradition?

Scott: I would have to say decorating the tree. I love going to pick out the tree in the lot and bringing it home and watch it come to life as each ornament (some old, some new) is placed on it. This is usually when I break out all my favorite Christmas albums. The evening is usually wrapped up with a little eggnog and spiced rum.

Dana: Favourite tradition is a real fir tree. I love how the house smells and it reminds me of growing up in B.C.

Have you worked on Elf: The Musical or a holiday show before? How do you think theatre helps us get into the Christmas spirit?

Dana: I’ve never done Elf but I worked on a few Christmas shows over the years. I think theatre during the holiday season really fosters communitysharing an live experience with family, friends and strangers. It’s also a great opportunity to bring generations together.

Designers

Which costume/set piece are you most excited to see realized on stage and why?

Scott: I am really excited to see the huge billboards which are based on the nostalgic Christmas illustrations I mentioned earlier. The scenic art team here at the Grand are some of the best painters I get to work with and I'm really excited to see them take these festive illustrations and make them sing for the stage!

Dana: I’m most excited about creating our Elves. I’m hoping to create a lot of personality with each actor yet keeping them still looking like a collective. Get ready for lots of colour!

This show requires a lot of Sparklejollytwinklejingley! How did these words provide inspiration for the design of this show? Where else did you draw inspiration from?

Scott: I was inspired a lot by vintage Christmas cards and artwork from the 1960's and the artwork of Mary Blair. Mary was an artist and illustrator who spent much of her career creating concept art for Walt Disney.

Dana: Sparkle was the word for me creatively and also reacting to Scott’s wonderful design! I was inspired by old vibrant holiday commercials using graphic winter prints like plaids, snowflakes and nordic pattern.

COSTUME SKETCH BY DANA OSBORNE

PROUD to play a role

IN EVERY

Grand Theatre Production

A Division of The Aylmer Express LTD.

STAFF & BOARD

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Dennis Garnhum

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Evan Klassen

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION PRODUCER

Lyndee Hansen

COMPANY MANAGER Christine Gruenbauer

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR INTERN Lennette Randall

EDUCATION MANAGER Breanne Ritchie

ADMINISTRATION

IT DIRECTOR

Barb Whang

TESSITURA ADMINISTRATOR Britt Duncan

operations

BUILDING MANAGER Mike MacDonald

ASSISTANT BUILDING MANAGER Aaron Simmons

HOUSEKEEPing

Matthew Moncrieffe

Patricia Sexsmith

SECURITY

Shannon Goneau Marty Petersons Gaurav Thukral

John Whitty

FINANCE

DIRECTOR

Ansel Tempral

FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Judy Risser

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT Kelly Fraleigh

marketing & digital strategy

DIRECTOR

Lia Karidas

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIST

Rana Bajandooh

MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER

Allison Birs

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Caitlin Core

AUDIENCE

DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND EVENTS

Sarah Hilton

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Ali Samuel

ASSISTANT FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Haley Helm

PATRON SERVICES

Mackenzie Bishop Melissa Cameron Laura Gallant

Ben Kennes Sabrina Sa Sabrina Stewart

box office & audience services

BOX OFFICE MANAGER Cheryl Willison

AUDIENCE SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES

Denise Hay Karen McDonald

Jacob Wiley

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR

Paul Fujimoto-Pihl

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Brayden Crawford

ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Sonja Niedermaier

PRODUCTION DRIVER Jim Doucette

PROPERTIES

HEAD OF PROPS

Natalie Kearns

PROPS BUILDER/BUYER

Natalie Tsang

JUNIOR PROPS BUILDER

Lisa Waldron

PROPS APPRENTI CE Kassidy Noble

WARDROBE

HEAD OF WARDROBE Lisa Wright

ASSISTANT HEAD OF WARDROBE/ ACCESSORIES BUILDER Elaine Ball

CUTTER Kathryn Sherwin Julia Nelham

WARDROBE APPRENTICE Meghan Choma*

COSTUMERS

Morgan Cameron Debra Chantler Bonnie Getty Fiona Magor Karen Merriam Georgina Schinkel

ACCESSORIES

Lacie George Tami MacDonald

Scenic carpentry

HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER Craig Pearson

FIRST CARPENTER Tom Stewart

SECOND CARPENTER Rory Leydier

SCENIC CARPENTERS

Doug Johnstone Rob McIntosh John Michael Plester Alex Telfer Bryan Van Rooyen

SCENIC ART

HEAD SCENIC ARTIST Richard Lawler

SENIOR SCENIC ARTIST Craig Guthrie

SCENIC ARTISTS Danielle Poirier Blair Yeomans

SPRIET STAGE

HEAD STAGE CARPENTER Steve West

HEAD OF AUDIO Aaron Ouellette

HEAD OF LIGHTING Liam Arbogast

HEAD OF FLYS Jared Whitty

HEAD STAGE WARDROBE Raz Zemitis

STAGEHANDS

Chris Barker

John MarkCarverJovanovich

Ken Scott Bonnie Szeto Wright Staines Alex Telfer

DRESSERS

Tasse Koumoutsidis

Heather Sinclair

Mary West Sherry Williams

WARDROBE MAINTENANCE Brad Stephenson

AUBURN STAGE

HEAD TECHNICIAN Steve Allen

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Anita Shah

VICE-PRESIDENT George Kerhoulas

PAST PRESIDENT Chris Jackman

TREASURER David Brebner

SECRETARY Anne Toal

Richard Bain Blair Fantillo Alexis Gordon Jennifer Ho Ron Koudys Richard McKenzie Amira Moussa Matt Parr Jennifer Slay Dr. Robert Sokol Tom Tillmann Judy White

THE GRAND THEATRE FOUNDATION BOARD

PRESIDENT Ron Koudys

VICE-PRESIDENT Jamie Crich

TREASURER David Brebner

SECRETARY George Kerhoulas

Tom Burnett

Dianne ElizabethCunningham Drewlo Chris Jackman Peter Markvoort Bob Schram Tom Tillmann Judy White

*Supported by The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation

PHOTO BY DAHLIA KATZ

feb 21 to mar 5 on the auburn stage

a refugee story

Written by Winnie Yeung and Haysam Kadri Adapted from the book by Abu Bakr Al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung season sponsor

MORE THAN EVER BEFORE

YOUR GIFT

WILL HAVE

IMPACT

As we continue to build back audiences after two years of shutdown due to COVID-19, we need your support more than ever before!

Your donation will ensure we are able to continue to deliver on our mission of creating transformative experiences on our stages, through our stories, to connect with and inspire our communities.

Donations of any and all amounts are valued by our Grand theatre family and come with a range of benefits. Thank you for your generous support.

GRAND Visionaries $5,000–20,000+

Directors’ Circle / Ambassadors’ Circle / Patrons’ Circle Pace-setting support at this elite level will, in turn, provide you with the most exclusive and personalized benefits, designed to bring you up close and personal with the staff and artists working at our theatre, as well as the Artistic and Executive Directors. Benefit highlights include: complimentary hosting opportunities, curated events, Opening Night subscriptions and more.

GRAND Champions $2,500–4,999

LONDON

PROUD CLUB

Donors at this level will directly assist your fellow Londoners who may not be able to afford access to the Grand through programs like Student Club, Holiday Wish for Kids and the CANOO program welcoming new Canadians to London. As a Grand Champion, you will attend specially designed events with like-minded supporters that will unlock the backstage experience of productions. Added benefits include: exclusive behind the scenes events including invitation to sneak peeks of coming seasons and a full season of posters for your collection!

GRAND Supporters $10–2,499

Partners / Members / Friends / Associates

Your support will enable the Grand to expand and enhance programming. Benefits highlights include: recognition in our house programs, complimentary beverage tickets, a season poster collection and more!

A complete list of donor benefits is available at grandtheatre.com. Comments, questions or suggestions can be directed to Grace in our fundraising office at gdayhodson@grandtheatre.com or 519-672-9030 x245

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

*Donation directed to the Grand Theatre Foundation

^Donation directed to Annual Fund and the Grand Theatre Foundation

GRAND

VISIONARIES DIRECTORS’ CIRCLE $20,000+

Lynn Davis ^ • Elizabeth & Allan Drewlo* • Caroline & Rodney Hancock^

Nicole Le Riche & John Howard^ • Linda & Cecil Rorabeck* • Debbie & Bob Schram* Helen & Andy Spriet* • Carol Stephenson* • Susanne & Marty Thrasher • Judy White^

1 Anonymous Donor

patron's CIRCLE $10,000–19,999

Lynne Cram* • Noreen De Shane • Alison Hannay* • Susan & Ron Holliday*

Jacqueline Crosby & George Kerhoulas^ • Diane & Michael Smith Anne Toal & Paul Brisson^

AMBASSADOR'S CIRCLE $5,000–9,999

Heidi Bayley & Jamie Crich* • Sharon Bryan • Allan & Susan Edwards

Harry Joosten & Kathleen Murphy • Peter Markvoort* • Alison & Doug Ross* Anita & Amit Shah^ • Susan Smith-Goddard • Roberta & Dr. Robert Sokol Nicole Spriet & Sandy Mikalachki* • Marianne & Richard Zelinka*

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$1,000–2,499

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FRIENDS

$500–999

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Joanne Dow & Harry

Homer^

Vicki & Gord Drimmie

Joseph Driskill

Mary Dryden

Adam D'Silva*

Frances Dyson

Jeanette & Stuart Eberhard

Penny Eizenga

Doris England

Shirleyan English*

Betty Escaf

Muriel & Bob Estey*

Liz & Jim Etherington Kim Eyre

Laurie Farquharson

Rudy & Lorna Fast Barb & Bruce Fearnall

Andrew First Valerie & Chuck Ford Lorie Forwell & William Clark

Elizabeth Fowler

Suzanne Fratschko Elliott Rhonda & David Freeman Barbara Froats

Paul Fujimoto-Pihl Kim Gadsdon

Aaron Garber Nathan Garber

Haley & Ryan Gauss Beth & David Girvan^

David Gliddon

Belinda & Basil Gracious Sheila & Al Green

Najla Guthrie*

Rhonda Hallberg

Bea & Gavin Hamilton

Leah Hamilton Pauline & Peter Hart

Judith & Manfred Harth

Muhammad Hassan Margaret & Bruce Hastings Denise Hay Lois & Glenn Hayter Maureen & Ian Herrick

Jennifer Hiltz

Mark Hodgkinson Gail & Rick Hoevenaars

Kathleen Holland

Nancy & Martin Holmes Gord Hume*

Marian Hundt

Brenda & Morrison Hurley Heather & Paul Huston

Jenna Hutchison

Patricia & Richard Hutchison*

Barbara Hutton*

Wayne Jamieson*

Allan Johnson

Terry & Evelyn Julian Mabel & Elton Kane

Michelle Kaplansky

Bev Kari*

Maureen & Shayne Kasiurak

Heather & David Keast

Tanis Kelly

Annalee & Bill Kerr*

Marianne & Paul Kippax

M. E. Kirk^

Rose & William Klein Sheila & Stan Kogon Steve Kopp

Susan & John Koval

Margaret E Laird

Patti Lake*

Robert Lamers*

Jennifer & Wayne Lawrence

Shirley & William Lawrence

Eugene & Willy Leenders^ Marie Liddell

Karen Lilley

Sheilanne Lindsay & Ian McIlraith

Bonnie & Frank Littell

Joanne Lubansky Johns & Dennis Johns*

Sharon & Dennis Lunau

Murray MacKenzie*

Suzanne Majhanovich

Heather Manness*

Kathy & John Manness*

Mary Lynn & Paul Mansell

Lynn Marshall

Cheryl Masson

Janine & Jeff Mathyssen

Sheila McBride

Gwen McBurney

Cheryl & Jamie McCallum

Joan McCarthy

Lindsay McDermott* Mary Ellen McDermott

Nancy & Ian McDowell

Ann McEwan-Castellan

Dianne & Ian McIntosh Ann & Hugh McIntosh

Jason McIntyre*

Nancy & Bill McKeough

Luella Barath & Paul McKnight

Marilynne McNeil

Keith Merker*

Rick Miller*

Louise Milligan

Beverley & Paul Mills

Shirley Mitchell

Jean Monteith*

Brett Morritt^

Michelle Mylemans

Nancy Needham

Celia Nichols & Cam

Johnston

Sandra O'Brien

Helen & Gordon Olmstead

Norine & John Opper*

Dorothy & John Palmer

Steven Parfeniuk

Elizabeth Parmeter & William Horne^

Susie & Larry Patrick Ann Pinchin

Norma & Jim Poel Blair Poetschke

Wilma & Wesley Prescod Claire Prins

Karen & Rick Pritchett

Tanya & Jason Prouty*

Maxine Pulbrook-Chiu & William Chiu*

Lisa Putman & Bruce Reed

Nancy Quinn & Jeff

DeLuzio^

Gail & Gary Rains

Eleanore Reynolds*

Sharon Rich Kathleen & Douglas Richards

Doris & Frank Robak

William Robins

Garrett Rodman* Karen & Paul Romanson

Trudy Roth Walker & Lloyd Walker

Elizabeth & Ralph Rudy

Dianne & Rick Rumney

Lynda & Howard Rundle

Inge & Paul Russell*

Courtney & McMichael Ruth*

Cindi Ryde & Chris

Arenburg*

Peggy Sattler^

Denise & Gordon Saylor

Catherine & Gordon Sellery

Ramu Seshan*

Valerie & John Sharpe

Bonny & Gary Shawyer^

Jennifer Shields

Christen Shoesmith & Phil Dwyer

Terry Sicular^

Lynne Sinclair-Ifill Judy & Kevin Smith Judith & Robert Southcott Jacqueline & Erich Specht

Nancy & Jerry Springer Helena Steinmetz & Bruce Hewitt

Susan Steven

Shonagh Stevenson-Ramsay

Janet E. Stewart^ Sarah Stewart^

Karen Stone

Janice & Paul Strickland

Bill & Sheila Strybosch

Joan & Ken Sumnall

Anne Sutton

Bob Sutton*

Janet Szilagyi

Margaret Szilassy*

Janice Thielenhaus*

Diane Thrasher

Gerard Tillmann

Jane Tillmann*

Rebecca & Trevor Timbeck*

Jody Timmerman

Joan & Ross Totten

Dr. Jane Upfold

Christine & Jake Van Dyk

Jan Vanesch

Margaret & Ernie Vanderschot*

Jennifer & Keith Vincent David Wake

ENDOWMENTS & GIFTS THROUGH the LONDON COMMUNITY Foundation

Judith Walker

Susan Wallace & James Reaney

Beth-Anne & Alex Wasko

Tracey Watters & Cam

Pettinger

Susan Waugh

Alice Wehlau

Denise & Ronald Wexler*

Judy & Gerry Wheaton

Margaret & Mark Whitley^

Faye & Rod Willis

Cheryl & Mark Willison

Joe Wilson

Pam & Paul Wilton

Ailene Wittstein

Katie Wright*

Sharon Wright-Evans Elizabeth Yurkiw

Beverley Zaifman

7 Anonymous Donors

The Barbara and John Cronyn Fund • The Larry & Susan Agranove Family Fund • The Megan Holliday Memorial Fund • The Verna D. Davis Endowment for the Arts • The William and Katharine Kostuk Family Fund

In Memoriam

Thank you to those who gave in memory of Shirley Brown and Mary Loncke, cherished friends of the Grand who are dearly missed.

PROSCENIUM SOCIETY

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.

Barbara Belbeck Lynn Davis

Cathy & James Dunlop Dr. Nicole le Riche & Dr. John Howard E.J. Lamb Mary & Roger Lilliman

Susan Nickle Diane & Gary Alan Price Glenda Robinson

Judy White Michael Wojtak Karen Killeen

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 will) • Listed Securites

• Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation • Charitable Remainder Trust and gifts of Residual Interest • Charitable Gift Annuities • Life Insurance Policies, rrsp, rrif

We remember the following members of the Grand Theatre family who have made a bequest to the theatre. Their legacy will help ensure that the Grand continues to flourish.

Hazel E. Bell • Marista Ateena Brooks (Mikolaski) • Robert Crawford • Buck A. M. Cuddy • Theresa Cutler

Helen Ann Day • Walter R. (Wally) Duffield • Innis Hammond • Barbara Horne

Beryl Ivey • Elizabeth Ann Jones • Myrtle McCallum • Douglas McCullough • Mary Eleanor Miller • Maureen Elizabeth Ryan • Joseph Samuels • Donald Smith • Doris Spence • Elizabeth Stratton

We would also like to thank the members of our community who have welcomed visiting artists into their homes as Artist Housing Partners for this season:

Ross & Cathy Burgar • Bonnie Delanghe • Jill Ellis-Worthington • Christine Hoover • Denise Jung • Janet McAllister• Jan Pringle • Wendy Sanderson-Culley • Anita & Amit Shah • Allan Stichbury • Mark Uhre • Peter & Jan Vogel • Bob Ward & Susan Yerema • Megan Watson • Doug & Connie Weir

subscribers to the full spriet stage season enjoy exclusive dining benefits. subscribe today!

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

RESTAURANT

Armouries Grille

325 Dundas Street, London 519-640-5030 www.marriott.com/yxudl

The past two years have impacted many businesses and industries in our city. Please take note of and support the Grand Theatre Dining Partners listed below. Try out a new dining experience before or after your performance!

Premium Casual

The Church Key Bistro Pub Casual Fine Dining $$$ 476 Richmond Street 519-936-0960 thechurchkey.ca

Che Resto Bar

225 Dundas Street 519-601-7999 cherestobar.ca

Casual Dining

Fellini Koolini’s

Casual Fine Dining $$$ 155 Albert Street 519-642-2300 fellinikoolinis.com

RESTAURANT

DINING STYLE PRICE RANGE

Garlic’s of London Upscale Rustic Cuisine $$$ 481 Richmond Street 519-432-4092 garlicsoflondon.com

Gnosh Dining & Cocktails Casual Fine Dining $$$$ 125 Dundas Place 519-601-8050 gnoshdining.com

Grace Restaurant Farm-to-Table $$$$ 215 Dundas Street (at Clarence) Fine Dining 226-667-4822 gracelondon.ca

Joe Kool’s Casual $$ 595 Richmond Street 519-663-5665 joekools.ca

Marienbad Restaurant

Casual Fine Dining $$$ 122 Carling Street 519-679-9940 marienbad.ca

Michael’s on the Thames

Casual Fine Dining $$$ 1 York Street 519-672-0111 michaelsonthethames.com

Moxie’s Grill & Bar Premium Casual $$$ 441 Richmond Street 519-936-0745 moxies.com

Toboggan Brewing Company Brew Pub $$$ 585 Richmond Street 519-433-2337 tobogganbrewing.com

Villa Cornelia Restaurant Continental $$ 142 Kent Street Fine Dining 226-234-6267 villacorneliarestaurant.com

Winks Eatery

Casual Dining Pub $$ 551 Richmond Street (on Albert) 519-936-5079 winkseatery.com