GROW Digital Program

april 19 to 30

GROW a new musical comedy

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Each year, through various donations and sponsorships, we are committed to helping our local communities.

We’re proud to be the 2021-2022 season sponsor of the Grand Theatre.

WELCOME “Never take the easy way out.”

That’s one of the lessons shared by the character, Samuel, in this new musical you are about to experience.

It’s an apt explanation of why we have taken on developing, enhancing, and building a brand new musical here at the Grand Theatre.

I passionately believe in the power of new work. Theatre companies have a responsibility to premiere new stories alongside producing classic titles.

When I first heard about GROW in its original form as a fringe show, I was intrigued.

I wondered if that seed of an idea could be expanded on and grow (yes, I am using plant metaphors) to fill our stage.

Three years and countless workshops and revisions of the script and score later, we have finally arrived.

Along with our team here at the Grand, and artists who have joined us from across

Canada, I have enjoyed the magic of discovery, and the complications of the unknown while nurturing this premiere production to life. We’ve been blessed all along the way. It’s a musical comedy, so laughter and music have inspired us throughout.

Every song, sentence, costume, projection, prop, staging or dance number is completely original – never seen or heard anywhere in the world in this form until now.

The heart of GROW is about a community coming together and supporting each other.

I am grateful to the community of the Grand team, and our incredibly supportive audience, for taking the leap with this new work. dennis garnhum artistic director

the installation of 215 feathers in our lobby represents the lives lost in canada’s residential school system. photo by dahlia katz.

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

government funders

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title sponsors Home for the Holidays

hospitality sponsors Room

Grow michael & stephanie

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grand re:opening festival Video Production Sponsor

With the support of

Grow

Picture Technicians, Artists, and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada, and the London Musicians’ Association Local 209.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

T H E SPR IET STAGE IS GEN EROUSLY SPONSOR ED BY H ELEN & A N DY SPR IET.

high school project Make a Difference Youth Programming Sponsor

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Spriet Stage, april 19 to 30 Opening Night april 22

GROW A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY Book by Matt Murray Music by Colleen Dauncey Lyrics by Akiva Romer-Segal GROW was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff, Producing Artistic Director, Sheridan College (Oakville, Canada), where it received workshops in 2016 and 2019. It also received developmental support from Theatre St. John's, and a workshop production, produced by the Authors, at the Next Stage Theatre Festival (Toronto) in 2018. In 2020, GROW was further workshopped at the prestigious Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut.

GROW is produced by permission of the Authors and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.mqlit.ca. The Grand Theatre acknowledges the funding support of "The Ignitors", whose collective financial contribution greatly assisted in the development of this production.

The photographing and video/audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. title sponsors

michael & stephanie

mcdonald

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Hello Relief.

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CAST & CREDITS Emma/Brenda Hannah & Ruth Understudy Samuel/Owen Sarah/Gloria Hannah Moses/Kevin Father/Larry Ephraim/Alan Martha/Janis Mary/Alexis Jacob/Skor Miriam/Susan Ruth

CAST

ANN PAULA BAUTISTA MEGAN DALLAN IZAD ETEMADI CHRISTINA GORDON ARINEA HERMANS TARAN KIM SWEENEY MACARTHUR ANDREW MCALLISTER CLEA MCCAFFREY MASINI MCDERMOTT ADAM SANDERS JAN ALEXANDRA SMITH JENNY WEISZ

PRODUCTION TEAM

Book Writer Composer & Vocal Arrangements Lyricist Producer Director Music Supervisor, Music Arrangements & Orchestrations Choreographer Music Director Associate Director Set & Costume Designer Lighting Designer Projection Designer Sound Designer Assistant Projection Designer Copyist/Music Assistant Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Apprentice Stage Manager Amish Culture Consultant Cannabis Consultant

MATT MURRAY COLLEEN DAUNCEY AKIVA ROMER-SEGAL MICHAEL RUBINOFF DENNIS GARNHUM

WAYNE GWILLIM LINDA GARNEAU ANDREW PETRASIUNAS SACCHA DENNIS BRETTA GERECKE KEVIN FRASER JAMIE NESBITT BRIAN KENNY CAMERON FRASER STEPHAN ERMEL KELLY LUFT MELISSA CAMERON LOGAN MCNUTT LARRY CORNIES ASHLEY ATHILL

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.

PROUD to play a role IN EVERY Grand Theatre Production

sportswood.on.ca

orchestra Keyboard/Conductor Violin Cello Guitars Bass Percussion Keyboard Programmer

ANDREW PETRASIUNAS CÉLINE MURRAY MARIANNA GRIGG EARL FILSINGER KAYLA PURVES ROB LAROSE STEPHAN ERMEL

MUSICAL NUMBERS act | Hand in Hand Till the End of Days Old Dirt Road Troubles Grow The Letters Bliss New Sensation

Full Company Full Company Hannah, Ruth Full Company Ruth, Skor Hannah, Samuel Alexis & Company Full Company

act || My Best Life The One I Choose Bliss – Reprise Easy Way Out Wherever You Go, I Will Go Make it Home

Hannah & Company Skor, Ruth Alexis Samuel, Ruth Hannah, Ruth & Company Full Company

Jenny Weisz and Arinea Hermans Photo by Mai Tilson, Costume Design by Bretta Gerecke

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PRODUCER’S NOTES Grow explores the importance of community.

Over the last two years, we have all required multiple communities to help us navigate such challenging times. Engaging with those communities has mostly been at a distance via platforms previously unknown to us. Finally, as we cautiously emerge from isolation, we begin to reconnect. I think there is no better place to come back together than the theatre.

It is here where we can laugh, learn, and grow as a community.

Over the last decade, we have seen a renaissance in Canadian musical theatre. I have had the great privilege to champion many Canadian writers and composers and their new work. I have seen how the world has embraced our stories and our unique way of storytelling. The best part of my job is being the first to read a new draft of a script or to be the first audience to hear a new song. I get to witness from the front row the vast creativity of our Canadian musical theatre community. It has been joyous developing Grow with Matt Murray, Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal. When they first presented the concept of the show to me, I admit I was scared. I wasn’t sure what to make of this unconventional story. However, I believed in the three of them, wanted to work with them, and remain propelled by original ideas that can challenge an audience. They have boldly brought to the stage a wholly original idea that is a rare musical comedy. They have created a show that continues to stir my emotions and make me laugh with each draft. It is full of heart and reminds us of the importance of community and family. Ultimately, it is a show that brings us together and helps us focus what we desire most out of life. What is the life we choose?

It has taken an ever-growing community to arrive at this moment. I am grateful to everyone that has contributed to Grow. I have tremendous gratitude for Dennis Garnhum, Deb Harvey and the entire Grand Theatre family for believing in us and continuing to champion the show when they could have taken “the easy way out”. They never wavered, and despite having many tried and true shows to select from, they remained committed to ensuring an original Canadian musical could soar. Throughout the momentous challenges of the last two years, Dennis and Deb have displayed steady leadership and comforting friendship. As a result, we finally get to celebrate this world premiere.

With challenges still before us, thank you for venturing out and seeing a new Canadian musical. Thank you for welcoming us into your community and allowing us the greatest privilege of sharing something we are so passionate about. With your support, we can continue to tell stories and bring people together. michael rubinoff

Fabulous food.

Outstanding service. info@northmoore.ca | 519.850.5111

Harmen Spoelstra and Jessica Jazey-Spoelstra, Owners

Fabulous food.

Outstanding service.

Matt Murray, Colleen Dauncey, Akiva Romer-Segal Photo by Gaetz Photography

WRITERS’ NOTES Brand new musicals take a long time to grow. From the seeds of an idea in 2014 to the fully blossomed production you are about to watch almost 8 years later, Grow has been a labour of love every step of the way.

From the beginning it was clear that our twin protagonists Hannah & Ruth and their refreshing perspectives on modern urban life were capturing the hearts of audiences, but as the world around us evolved, our show needed to mature as well.

While the show is an unabashed musical comedy overflowing with humour and song, it also explores topics that have never been more relevant as we navigate these tricky times: How do we balance personal choice and communal responsibility? Can independent entrepreneurs survive in the face of corporatization? How do we find a sense of purpose, family and home in an increasingly isolating world? What would Amish people name their dank new strain of cannabis?

Luckily we weren’t alone in answering these tough questions, as we have been surrounded by an incredible creative team, a stellar cast, and several expert consultants from the Amish and cannabis communities to help ensure our characters were imbued with authenticity and integrity. We’re so grateful for everyone who made their mark on this show along the way and helped it bloom into its World Premiere at the Grand Theatre!

Yours eternally, matt murr ay colleen dauncey akiva romer-segal

RENO 2020 In November 2021, the Grand Theatre unveiled its newly renovated spaces. We are grateful for our supporters and private/ corporate donors: Department of Canadian Heritage Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

ELIZABETH & ALLAN DREWLO

LYNNE CRAM, MICHAEL & DIANE SMITH - THE FAMILY OF JOAN & DON SMITH

KAREN & ERIC AUZINS DEVELOPERS REHEARSAL HALL

WITH ADDED THANKS TO: Good Foundation Inc. • Walter J. Blackburn Foundation • Estate of Richard M. Ivey

GUEST ARTISTS

Ann Paula Bautista

megan dallan

Ann Paula Bautista Emma/Brenda

For The Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Tita Jokes (Tita Collective); Peter Pan (Bad Hats Theatre); Disenchanted- North American Tour (Starvox); We Will Rock You (Stephenville Theatre Festival).

Film and TV Credits: Wexford Plaza (Vulture Culture Films). other: A founding member of the multiaward-winning all Filipina ensemble, the Tita Collective. She is a graduate of Randolph College and is currently completing her Masters in Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier. www.annpaulabautista.com

Megan Dallan Hannah/Ruth Understudy

For The Grand Theatre: Debut. theatre credits (Selected): Hogan’s Hoedown (Victoria Playhouse); My Bonnie Lass House of Martin Guerre, Phantom of the Opera (Theatre Sheridan).

Other: Graduate of Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance at Sheridan College, Co-Founder of Beyond Melodies Co.

Izad Etemadi

Christina Gordon

Izad Etemadi Samuel/Owen

For the Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Sweeney Todd, Music Man, Pal Joey, The Gamblers, Amadeus (TIFT); Box 4901, Colin & Lennox & Coffee & Kleenex (Timeshare).

Film and TV Credits: Overlord and the Underwoods, TallBoyz, Revenge of the Black Best Friend (CBC); Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (CBC/ Paramount+); Odd Squad (PBS Kids); Avocado Toast (OUTtv). 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

Christina Gordon Sarah/Gloria

For the Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Thoroughly Modern Millie, Music Man, Cats (Drayton Entertainment); The Tempest (Driftwood Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof; (Stratford Festival); Light in the Piazza (The Musical Stage Company).

Film and TV Credits: Superstar (Paramount). other: 7 non-consecutive Seasons at the Stratford Festival and The Purple Album: Songs My Mother Used to Try & Whistle.

GUEST ARTISTS

Arinea Hermans

Taran Kim

Arinea Hermans Hannah

For the Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): The Adventures of Pinocchio, Seussical (Young People’s Theatre); Obeah Opera (Luminato Festival); Merrily We Roll Along (YES Theatre); Rumspringa Break!

(Next Stage); A Little Night Music (Gateway); UnCovered (Musical Stage Co.).

Film and TV Credits: Before They Were Them (Brown Stub Productions). other: Graduate of Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College.

Taran Kim Moses/Kevin

For the Grand theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Newsies (Drayton Entertainment); Sunday in the Park with George, Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Eclipse); Stars of Mars (Theatre Sheridan).

UPCOMING: Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival).

Other: Director for One Song Glory 2020 and 2021 (Musical Stage Co.); Choreographer for The Drowsy Chaperone Jr. (Bravo Academy); Graduate of Sheridan College with a Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance.

Sweeney MacArthur

Andrew McAllister

Sweeney MacArthur Father/Larry

For the Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (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).

Other: Sweeney started his own production company in 2017, 3P Productions.

Andrew McAllister Ephraim/Alan

For the Grand Theatre: Hair.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Hairpsray (Theatre Aquarius); Atlantic Blue, Anne of Green Gables, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc - 8 Seasons (Charlottetown Festival); Beauty and The Beast (Capitol Theatre, NB & Moncton); My Fair Lady, Robin Hood Panto, King Arthur Panto (Port Hope Festival); The Little Prince (Theatre Calgary). other: Graduate with Honours from Sheridan College. Thanks to the TH Gang, Matt Murray and the rest of the creative team! Thank you for supporting live theatre.

GUEST ARTISTS

clea mccaffrey

Masini McDermott

Clea McCaffrey Martha/Janis

For The Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Rumspringa Break! (Next Stage Festival); Sister Act (Drayton); Grease (Drayton); Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius).

Film and TV Credits: Y: The Last Man (FX).

Masini McDermott Mary/Alexis

For The Grand Theatre: Home for the Holidays.

Theatre Credits: Edge of The Sky Theatre Company’s Summerland, True North Mix Tape (Toronto Fringe Festival); Believe and Wishes, Aladdin (Disney Cruise Line); The Color Purple (Neptune Theatre/Citadel Theatre/Royal Manitoba Theatre).

Film and TV Credits: Life In A Year, 1UP, In The Dark, Dear David. other: Graduate of Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts, George Brown College (Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure) www.grandwaveentertainment.com/filmtv

Adam Sanders

Jan Alexandra Smith

Adam Sanders Jacob/Skor

For the Grand theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Jukebox Hero (Annerin Productions); Sense and Sensibility (Citadel Theatre); A Servant of Two Masters (Odyssey Theatre); As You Like It (The Shakespeare Company); Naughty But Nice (Forte Theatre) Aladdin (Alberta Opera).

Film and TV Credits: Voice acting credits include Clifford the Big Red Dog (PBS), Powerbirds (NBC) Kingdom Builders (Web Series). other: Born and raised outside of Edmonton, Alberta. Graduated from Grant MacEwan University in 2013. You can find Adam’s music at soundcloud.com/skiesminus

Jan Alexandra Smith Miriam/Susan

For The Grand Theatre: Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Vigilante, A Christmas Carol (2018), Timothy Findley’s The Wars, High School Project Evita (Director/Choreographer), A Christmas Carol (1992), The Dining Room.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Much Ado About Nothing (Director, Shakespeare Co.); Vigilante (Catalyst Theatre); The Hollow (Director, Vertigo Theatre); Mamma Mia!, Alice Through The Looking Glass (Charlottetown Festival); Seussical (Director/Choreographer, St. Lawerence College); As You Like It, Titus Andronicus (Shakespeare in High Park/CanStage); The Mountaintop, God of Carnage (Director, Theatre Calgary); Lost (Theatre Calgary); Forests (Tarragon); Shakespeare’s Will (Citadel Theatre); Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Shaw Festival); Les Misérables (Royal Alexandra).

GUEST ARTISTS

Jenny Weisz

Matt Murray

Jenny Weisz Ruth

For the Grand theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Freaky Friday (Theatre Aquarius); Mamma Mia! (Stage West); There Goes the Bride (Stage West); Into the Woods (Neptune Theatre); Shrek (Globe Theatre); Annie (YPT); Anne and Gilbert (The Guild); I Love You, You’re Perfect (Gravenhurst Opera House); The Book of Everything (Magnus Theatre); (Assistant Director for) Rose (Soulpepper); (Assistant Director for) Marvellous Wonderettes (Gravenhurst Opera House).

Film and TV Credits: The Boys (Prime); Mrs. America (FX); Mouthpiece (CBC); Murdoch Mysteries (CBC); Heroes Reborn (NBC). other: www.jennyweisz.com

Matt Murray Book Writer

For the Grand theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Matt is a Toronto-based musical theatre book writer, playwright and lyricist. Musicals: GROW (Grand Premiere), Maggie (collaboration with award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid), Going Under (collaboration with Colleen Dauncey and Akiva Romer-Segal), Five Ross Petty Pantos: Lil’ Red Robin Hood, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays, Alice in Winterland. Plays: Myth Of The Ostrich, Remember, Maggy? (collaboration with Carol Anne Murray), Chronicles Of Sarnia. other: For Dad.

Colleen Dauncey

Akiva Romer-Segal

Colleen Dauncey Composer & Vocal Arrangements Akiva Romer-Segal Lyricist

For the Grand Theatre: Prom Queen (now titled The Louder We Get).

Theatre Credits (Selected): Colleen & Akiva are the contemporary musical theatre songwriting duo that penned the scores to Going Under, Bremen Rock City, The Louder We Get and GROW. The latter received workshop presentations at Sheridan College’s Canadian Music Theatre Project, the Next Stage Theatre Festival (Toronto, ON), and the Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals (East Haddam, CT). The Louder We Get was most recently directed by Lonny Price at Theatre Calgary, after receiving the New Musical Award from the Playwrights Guild of Canada and workshop presentations at the NAMT Festival of New Musicals (NYC) and The Other Palace (London, UK).

Colleen and Akiva are grateful alumni of the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project in Chicago, Cutting-Edge Composers in NYC, and Musical Stage Company’s Launch Pad, Noteworthy, Make Me a Song and One Song Glory programs. Colleen is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and live-looping artist who performs live on the popular streaming platform Twitch several times a week. Visit www. colleendauncey.com for more information. Akiva is adapting the musical April Fools for its North American premiere this spring at Montreal’s Segal Centre. For Colleen and Akiva’s work visit www.colleenandakiva.com

GUEST ARTISTS

michael rubinoff

dennis garnhum

Michael Rubinoff Producer

An Olivier Award winning and Tony nominated producer who conceived the musical Come From Away. In 2011 he established the Canadian Music Theatre Project an international incubator for the development of new musicals, where he produced and developed the first workshops of Come From Away and Grow. In 2019 he was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada for his role in the success of Come From Away. Michael spent six incredible years living in London as a student at Western University. He completed two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (political science) and a Bachelor of Laws.

While a student he served on Western’s Board of Governors and ran for member of parliament in London North Centre. Social @mrubinoff

Dennis Garnhum Director

For the Grand Theatre: 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 Theatre Credits (Selected): World premiere of 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 / Adapter 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

wayne gwillim

linda garneau

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.

Wayne Gwillim Music Supervisor, Music Arrangements & Orchestrations

For the Grand theatre: Grand Re:Opening Festival (Seeds of Self), Cabaret.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Blackout, Elegies, john & jen, A New Brain, tick, tick... BOOM! (Musical Stage Company); Strictly Ballroom, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music (Mirvish Productions); Tangled, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast (Disney Cruise Lines); several seasons with Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, and Charlottetown Festival.

Other: Originally from Saskatchewan, Wayne is a graduate of the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. IG: @wayneofgwillimbury

Linda Garneau Chroreographer

For the Grand theatre: Room.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Brigadoon, The Light in the Piazza, Trouble in Tahiti (Shaw Festival); Jesus Christ Superstar (Charlottetown Festival); Life After (Canadian Stage); The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-time (Citadel Theatre).

Other: Artistic director of Helix Dance Project with works including The Waiting Room, Rain, Unearth, and Integration. PhD candidate in Dance Studies at York University. lindagarneau.com

GUEST ARTISTS

andrew petrasiunas

saccha dennis

Andrew Petrasiunas Conductor, Music Director & Keyboard

For the Grand theatre: High School Projects: Prom Queen, Evita, Les Misérables School Edition, West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, Fiddler On The Roof, The Music Man, Oliver, Hello, Dolly!, Guys and Dolls. Other: Home for the Holidays, Mamma Mia!, Anne of Green Gables, The Spitfire Grill, Beauty and the Beast, Annie, It’s A Wonderful Life, Schippel The Plumber, The Wizard of Oz, The Grand Theatre 100th Anniversary, Miracle on 34th Street.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Alberta Fusion (The Charlottetown Festival); Jacob Two-Two Meets The Hooded Fang (Young People’s Theatre; Dora Nomination for Best Musical Direction); Alice Through The Looking Glass (Theatre Aquarius).

Saccha Dennis Associate Director

For The Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (selected): Directing: Pippin (Sheridan College); Legally Blonde (Hart House Theatre); Dreamgirls, 9-5: The Musical (The Lot). Acting: “Hannah” in Come From Away (Mirvish Productions); Ragtime, My Fair Lady, Sunday in the Park with George (Shaw Festival); We Will Rock You (U.S National Tour); James And The Giant Peach, Jacob Two Two (YPT-Dora nominations). film and tv credits (selected): Directing: Gethsemane: Black Jesus (Musicals Reimagined); Cell Block Tango Reimagined (EveryBODY onstage). Acting: Ghostwriter (Apple TV); Kim’s Convenience (CBC); Odd Squad (PBS Kids).other: Artistic Producer @ musicalsreimagined, musicalsreimagined.com and sacchadennis.com.

bretta gerecke

kevin fraser

Bretta Gerecke Set & Costume Designer

For The Grand Theatre: Chariots of Fire.

Theatre Credits (selected): Bretta is a set, lighting and costume designer for theatre, circus, and opera. She is the resident designer at Catalyst Theatre (Canada) where she creates and tours new work across North America, the UK and Australia. Bretta also designs for Cirque du Soleil, The National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Birningham Rep, Edmonton Opera, Calgary Opera, and The Citadel Theatre. Other: Bretta is the recipient of over 25 awards in addition to Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40, Global Television’s Woman of Vision, IPL Best Emerging Artist, the Lucille Lortel Award (Best Costume Design, Off Broadway). She recently represented Canada in Prague at the Scenography Quadrennial and her costume designs were exhibited in Moscow, Beijing, and Taipei.

Kevin Fraser Lighting Designer

For The Grand Theatre: Evita, Turn Of The Screw, Stone Angel, Wind In The Willows.

Theatre Credits (selected): Grand Hotel (Shaw Festival); Beauty and The Beast, RockyThe Musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Huron Country Playhouse); Treasure Island, Carousel, Shakespeare in Love, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Stratford Festival); Tundra (Canada’s Wonderland). Film and TV Credits (Selected): Farther West (Grand Theatre/Primedia); Pericles, King John (Stratfest@Home); Dracula (TVO/Stratford Festival). Other: Member of Associated Designers of Canada.

GUEST ARTISTS

jamie nesbitt

brian kenny

Jamie Nesbitt Projection Designer

For The Grand Theatre: Mary Poppins, The Penelopiad, A Christmas Carol.

Theatre Credits (selected): Many designs for theatres across North America and Europe including: Stratford, Shaw, Canadian Stage, NAC, Soulpepper, MTC, Vancouver Playhouse, Citadel, Theatre Calgary, Palazzo Circus (Berlin), Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show, Bard on the Beach, Arts Club, Charlottetown Festival, Electric Company, Kidd Pivot (Germany/Canada), Pacific Opera, Opera de Quebec, Company 14 (New York), Vancouver Opera, Why Not, Neptune, The Belfry, Old Trout, ARC, Cahoots, PTE, Touchstone, Vertigo, Pi Theatre, Theatre Network, Gateway, Greenthumb, Yukon Arts Centre, and more.

Other: Graduate of Studio 58, recipient of numerous awards and nominations across the country. jamienesbitt.com, jumpcurrent.com

Brian Kenny Sound Designer

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

Theatre Credits (Selected): Billy Elliott, Little Shop of Horrors, The Rocky Horror Show, Music Man (Stratford Festival); No Change In The Weather (Terra Bruce); Between Breaths (Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland); A Woman Is a Secret (RipJaw); Ballad of the Young Offender (SideMart).

Other: Brian is a graduate of Sheridan College as well as The National Theatre School of Canada and the Banff Centre. Brian is a member of Associated Designers of Canada.

cameron fraser

stephan ermel

Cameron Fraser Assistant Projection Designer

For the Grand theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (Selected): What She Burned (Video Designer, Talk is Free Theatre); Stop the World I Want to Get Off (Projection Designer, Talk is Free Theatre); Constellations (Lighting Designer, TheatreGarden); Ominous Sounds at the River Crossing (Assistant Projection Designer, Touchstone Theatre).

Other: escapistentertain.wixsite.com/escapistent

Stephan Ermel Copyist/Music Assistant

For The Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (selected): Mamma Mia!, Merrily We Roll Along, Billy Elliot, Sound of Music, James & the Giant Peach, Violet (YES Theatre); Mahagonny Songspiel (Talk is Free); Legally Blonde (Hart House); First Drafts (Sheridan); Engaged, Witch of Edmonton (George Brown).

Other: Graduate of George Brown Theatre School; Associate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

GUEST ARTISTS

kelly luft

Melissa Cameron

Kelly Luft Stage Manager

For the Grand Theatre (selected): Home For the Holidays, Grand Re:Opening Festival, Mary Poppins, Prom Queen, Chariots of Fire, A Christmas Carol (2017, 2018), Art, and The Wizard of Oz (’16, ’09, ‘02).

Theatre Credits (selected): The Front Page and 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); and years in London England’s West End. Her work on opera includes 12 seasons with Opera Lyra Ottawa, 10 seasons with Hawaii Opera Theatre, 7 seasons with Orchestra London and Opera Pacific Victoria, 16 seasons with Opera Ontario, Wagner’s Ring Cycle - Götterdämmerung for the Canadian Opera Company, and Idomeneo for Opera Atelier. upcoming: Hamlet 911 (Stratford Festival).

Melissa Cameron Assistant Stage Manager

For the Grand theatre: Grand Re:Opening Festival, Honour Beat, Once, To Master the Art, The Hobbit, Shirley Valentine, High School Projects Shakespeare: The Mixtape, Much Ado About Nothing, The Important of Being Earnest, Anything Goes.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Sweeney Todd, The Gamblers, The Prince of Homburg, I Claudia, The Last of Romeo & Juliet, Offline (Talk is Free Theatre); Miracle on 34th Street (Chemainus Theatre Festival); The Last 5 Years, She Loves Me, A Christmas Carol, Cabaret, The 39 Steps (Rose Theatre, Brampton); Legally Blonde (Theatre Sheridan); Hedda Gabler (Theatre Erindale); The Gin Game, Cottagers & Indians, Crimes of the

Logan McNutt

earl filsinger

Heart, Boeing Boeing, Dial M for Murder, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Barefoot in the Park, Blithe Spirit, The Glass Menagerie (Watermark Theatre).

Logan McNutt Apprentice Stage Manager

For The Grand Theatre: Debut.

Theatre Credits (selected): Alice in Wonderland (Guild Festival Theatre); When Wendy Grew Up (Litmus Theatre); Mary Stuart, Concord Floral (FSPA); Dido and Aeneas / Aeneas and Dido, L’Etoile (Dalhousie Opera).

Other: Honours in Stage Design and Technical Theatre at Dalhousie University. loganmcnutt.com

Earl Filsinger Guitar

For the Grand theatre: Mamma Mia!, Grow Theatre Credits (Selected): Hairspray, Kings & Queens of Country, Marathon of Hope:the Musical, Man of La Mancha, Evita, Rocky the Musical,Big River, Give My Regards to Broadway, Closer Walk with Patsy Cline (Drayton Entertainment); Music Man, Camelot (Stratford Festival); Hank Williams Show (Petrolia); Jesus Christ Superstar, High School Musical (misc).

Other: Earl has played lead guitar on the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary cruise ships touring Europe. He also toured Canada and the U.S. in various bands.and has produced and played on numerous recordings.

Earl was the Music Director for a Willie Nelson Tribute show.

GUEST ARTISTS

marianna grigg

rob larose

Marianna Grigg Cello

For the Grand theatre: Home for the Holidays.

Theatre Credits (Selected): Mary Poppins, Pippin (Beal Musical Theatre); The Hunchback of Notre Dame (WDCI); Turn of the Screw (UWOpera).

Other: 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.

Rob Larose Percussion

For The Grand Theatre: Home for the Holidays, Mamma Mia!, Titanic, Mary Poppins.

Theatre Credits (selected): In The Heights, Annie, Songs for a New World, Secret Garden.

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

céline murray

kayla purves

Céline Murray Violin

For the Grand theatre: The Addams Family, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady.

Theatre Credits: 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: Honours 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.

Kayla Purves Bass

For the Grand theatre: Comfort and Joy, Grand Re:Opening Festival, Home for the Holidays.

Other: Kayla discovered a passion for bass guitar in highschool jazz band. Currently on stage and in the studio with Heart Attack Kids and Bad Teeth.

STAFF & BOARD Dennis Garnhum

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Caitlin Core

Deb Harvey

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT

PRODUCER

Suzanne Lanthier

EXECUTIVE ASSOCIATE

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION

Megan Watson

Lyndee Hansen

DIRECTOR

COSTUMERS

Georgina Schinkel Karen Merriam Megan Choma Scenic carpentry HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER

Craig Pearson FIRST CARPENTER

Breanne Ritchie

Alicia Samuel

Doug Johnstone

COMPANY MANAGER

FUNDRAISING MANAGER

SECOND CARPENTER

Christine Gruenbauer ADMINISTRATION

Grace Day-Hodson

COMMUNITY LIASON

Jerry Kirshner

IT DIRECTOR

Christina Lord

SCENIC ART

TESSITURA ADMINISTRATOR

box office & audience services

Richard Lawler

Barb Whang

Britt Duncan

RENTALS COORDINATOR

Karen Killeen

operations BUILDING MANAGER

Mike MacDonald HOUSEKEEPing

Patricia Sexsmith Aaron Simmons Matthew Moncrieffe SECURITY

Shannon Goneau Marty Petersons Aaron Simmons Sushmitha Sunkara John Whitty

BOX OFFICE MANAGER

HEAD SCENIC ARTIST

SENIOR SCENIC ARTIST

Cheryl Willison

Craig Guthrie

AUDIENCE SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES

SPRIET STAGE HEAD STAGE CARPENTER

Denise Hay Karen McDonald Jacob Wiley

Steve West

PRODUCTION

HEAD OF LIGHTING

DIRECTOR

Paul Fujimoto-Pihl TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Daniel Bennett

ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Brayden Crawford

HEAD OF AUDIO

Aaron Ouellette

FINANCE ASSOCIATE

Natalie Kearns

Mary West Sherry Williams

PROPS BUILDER/BUYER

COSTUME MAINTENANCE

WARDROBE HEAD OF WARDROBE

DIRECTOR

Lisa Wright

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIST

ASSISTANT HEAD OF WARDROBE/ ACCESSORIES BUILDER

Lia Karidas Rana Bajandooh

MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER

Allison Birs

Elaine Ball CUTTER

Kathryn Sherwin

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

STAGEHANDS

DRESSERS

marketing & digital strategy

SECRETARY

Anne Toal

Jamie Crich

Raz Zemitis

HEAD OF PROPS

Natalie Tsang

TREASURER

David Brebner

Ron Koudys

PROPERTIES

Judy Risser

PAST PRESIDENT

Chris Jackman

WIG & WARDROBE MISTRESS

HEAD OF FLYS

DIRECTOR

Ansel Tempral

VICE-PRESIDENT

George Kerhoulas

Jared Whitty

Jim Doucette

FINANCE

PRESIDENT

Anita Shah

THE GRAND THEATRE FOUNDATION BOARD

Wright Staines

Hans Stierwalt Rory Leydier Mark Jovanovich Chris Barker

PRODUCTION DRIVER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Liam Arbogast

BUSINESS AGENT FOR IATSE LOCAL 105

Sean Barker

AUBURN STAGE HEAD TECHNICIAN

Steve Allen

PRESIDENT

VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER

David Brebner SECRETARY

George Kerhoulas Tom Burnett Dianne Cunningham Elizabeth Drewlo Chris Jackman Peter Markvoort Bob Schram Tom Tillmann Judy White

MTPLONDON.CA

22/23 season

JUST ANNOUNCED! APRIL 19, 2022

19/20 subscribers get first access until May 19

MAY 19, 2022

Available, un-booked seats open to new subscribers

JUNE 30, 2022

Single tickets go on sale

visit GRANDTHEATRE.COM to view playbill SEASON SPONSOR

The Roots That Bind Us Beards, buggies, bonnets and quilts — those are some of the images that come to mind for many Canadians when they think of the Amish.

And while their antiquated ways may seem thoroughly 19th century, their history runs much deeper.

The Anabaptists (“re-baptizers”), who began their religious movement in Zurich in 1525, were among the most radical dissidents of the Reformation. Their main point of disagreement with the Roman Catholic Church was over the sacrament of baptism. The Anabaptist upstarts disagreed with the practice of infant baptism; rather, they believed that followers of Jesus should be baptized whenever, as adults, they chose to commit themselves to the community of faith.

As the decades passed, the Anabaptists defined (and quarrelled over) other key tenets of their emerging movement too.

Among those were conscientious objection to war and non-resistance, even to the point of martyrdom (Catholic authorities tortured and burned thousands of them);

the priesthood of all believers (rather than reliance on a priest or papal structure as intermediary in one’s relationship with God); and the importance of humility, simplicity and community.

Menno Simons, a former Dutch priest, was one of the movement’s key leadership figures in the mid-16th century; his followers became the Mennonites. However, in 1693, Jakob Ammann, a Mennonite elder in Switzerland, broke with the movement over how to deal with delinquent members. Ammann believed they should be shunned — excommunicated — until they mended their ways. He and his followers, the Amish, also stressed simplicity and uniformity in dress and grooming — visual cues to his followers and society at large that, although the Amish were in the world, they ought not to be part of it.

Today, no Amish communities remain in Europe. Their search for fertile farmland

MENNONITES NEAR BORNHOLM, ONTARIO. PHOTO BY SCOTT WISHART FOR THE STRATFORD BEACON HERALD.

and religious tolerance by the state has taken them to Canada, United States, Argentina and Bolivia. In 2019, there were approximately 5,660 Amish in Canada (the vast majority in Ontario), 336,200 in the U.S., 50 in Argentina and 150 in Bolivia.

Ontario’s Old Order Amish (of which there are six types) are largely concentrated in the Milverton, Aylmer and Waterloo areas.

In Grow, the Amish practice of Rumspringa is the impetus for Hannah and Ruth’s sojourn to the big city. Rumspringa (from the Pennsylvania Dutch for “hopping around”) is not so much a rite of passage as it is a reluctantly permitted activity in some Amish communities — more so in the U.S. than in Canada. It is tied to the belief that, for some young people, testing the limits of their morality and faith in the outside world may be necessary before they can commit — wholeheartedly and permanently — to the Amish community through baptism and church membership.

Rumspringa may last from a few months to a couple of years. During it, young people are permitted to live away from home, socialize with “English” folk and experiment with mainstream norms. It is the hope of every

Amish parent to see a son or daughter return safely to the fold, for life, and be baptized into the church. And the retention rate among Amish communities is fairly high — roughly four out five youth return.

Amish communities are highly autonomous.

There is no formal church hierarchy beyond that of the local district, which most often has a bishop, a few ministers and several deacons — all men. As a result, each community will have its own rules — not only about Rumspringa, but also about business practices, the use of technology, proper dress and, when necessary, church discipline. In some communities, for example, cellphones and battery powered equipment may be used for business purposes.

The same applies to some shop tools and pieces of farm equipment. TV and computers are generally not permitted.

The smartphone “selfie,” so ubiquitous in today’s society, would exemplify to the Amish what is askew with the world: a preoccupation with individuality rather than community, with pride rather than humility, and with the promotion of self rather than submission to God. larry cornies cultur al adviser

AfterWORDS On Wednesday evenings immediately after the performance, come up to the Drewlo Lounge for a brief guided discussion with Grand staff members, guest artists, and creative team members!

Enhance your theatre experience with this informal chance to dive deeper into the show’s content while mingling with fellow patrons and artists. Please visit our website or social media channels for special guest announcements and schedules.

Award-winning author Emma Donoghue and Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum

Pull up a chair and join us – the Drewlo Lounge Bar will be open!

BE A PART OF

SOMETHING GRAND Taking a dream, an idea, and a vision and seeing it through to the stage requires support at many levels. In a typical Grand Theatre season, ticket sales account for 60% of our total revenue. We rely on the collective passion of our donors whose gifts help bring theatre magic to our stages. So thank you - our donors - for the impact you have on the work we do, we strive to ensure you enjoy a deeper sense of participation and engagement at every level.

GRAND Visionaries $5,000–20,000+

Ambassadors’ Circle / Patrons’ Circle / Directors’ 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 artists working at our theatre, as well the Artistic and Executive Directors. Benefit highlights include: complimentary hosting opportunities for select performances, curated events, Opening Night subscriptions, and more.

GRAND Champions $2,500–4,999 LONDON PROUD CLUB

Grand Champions have a made a commitment to transforming the Grand, on and off the stage. As a Grand Champion, you will attend specially designed events with like-minded supporters that will unlock your onstage and backstage experience of play production. Benefits include exclusive behind the scenes events, sneak peeks into coming seasons, and front-of-line access to special events, talks, and exclusive opportunities.

GRAND Supporters $10–2,499 Partners / Members / Friends / Associates

Support at these levels enables us to expand and enhance programming. Benefit highlights include recognition in house programs, complimentary drink tickets, coat checks, and a season poster collection.

There are many flexible giving options: monthly donations, gifts of securities, donations to commemorate a celebration or to honour or remember someone important to you. Contact Grace Day-Hodson in our fundraising office at 519.672.9030 x245 or by email at gdayhodson@grandtheatre.com for more information on how your donation can have the greatest impact. A complete list of donor benefits is available on our website.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS GRAND VISIONARIES DIRECTORS’ CIRCLE $20,000+

Directors’ Circle members have chosen to make a pace-setting investment that will help propel the Grand Theatre toward its next phase of evolution into 2022 and beyond.

Tom Burnett • Lynn Davis • Noreen De Shane • Caroline & Rodney Hancock • Dr. Deborah & Ron Koudys • Cathy & Bob Lawless • Dr. Nicole le Riche & Dr. John Howard • Linda & Dr. Cecil Rorabeck • Debbie & Bob Schram • Roberta & Dr. Robert Sokol • Helen & Andy Spriet • Carol Stephenson • Susanne & Marty Thrasher • Judy White

AMBASSADORS’ CIRCLE $5,000–9,999 Sharon Bryan • Lynne Cram • Peter Markvoort • Kathleen Murphy & Harry Joosten • Anita & Amit Shah

GRAND CHAMPIONS LONDON PROUD CLUB $2,500–4,999 Susan & Allan Edwards Deb Harvey Joan & Glenn Johnson

Suzanne Lanthier Lesley MacAskill & Chris Jackman

Jackie & John Porter Susan Smith-Goddard Domenico Strano

K L Turner Mark Wilton

GRAND SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATES $1,000–2,499 Jill & Brian Allen Jane & Justin Amann Dr Paul E Cooper & Mr David J Hiebert Jim Cressman Dianne Cunningham Danna DeJong

Jennifer Duncan Rhonda Hallberg Barbara & Paul Hebert Diana Bennet & Spencer Lanthier Sharon & Brian Lessard Sandra & Don Letton

Teresa & Ron McRae Beth & Peter Whatmore Valerie & Michael Milde Dr. Betty Anne Younker Dr Janet Pope Glenda Robinson Georgina & Ralph Schinkel Maureen & Michael Tilson Rick Verrette & George Jolink

GRAND SUPPORTERS FRIENDS

$500–999 Yvonne & Dr. Ross Archibald Diane Baird & Jurgen Tietz Carolyn & Colin Botten Jennifer & Peter Day Jan & Guy De Rose Midge & Phil Dean Marilyn & Art Fidler Marg & Glen Gagan Joyce Garnett Dennis Garnhum & Bruce Sellery Margaret & John Hewitt Sandy Jamieson Ann & John Judson Kirsten Knight & Craig Emptage Mary Margaret & Gary Koreen Liz & David Macdonald Mary-Jane & Rick Mann Darlene & Larry Marsh Libby & Earl McMillan Julie Nicholson Deborah & Joe Owens Elizabeth Parameter & William Horne Jenny, Matt & Finn Parr Christina Poddubiuk & Scott McKowen Deborah & Ronald Purdy Lili Rechnitzer Linda & Scott Ritchie Carolyn & Jack Scott Kim Shuit Celia & Rod Silverson Elaine & Ian Simpson Joanne & Jack Smit Linda Staudt Janet E. Stewart Norma Stokes (2) Anonymous Donors

SUPPORTERS $100–499

Judy & Jack Abell Susan Agranove Carole Alton Mary Arrand Reg Ash Karen & Eric Auzins Ruby Bantock Luella Barath & Paul McKnight Sister Simone Batte Beverly & David Bell Brenda & Kerry Benson

Jane & Don Benson Ingrid & Monica Betz Lorena & Jack Brown Moira Burke Sharon & Bill Burns Pamela Cameron Madeline Campbell Sandi & Paul Caplan James Cassidy Cathy Chamberlain & Crysta Bell Eileen & Hugh John Cook Jane Corbett Ada & Henry Cornelissen Grace Coutinho Aindrea Cramp Noreen Davis Bonnie Dawe Alfred Day Chandlee Dickey & Larry Panych William Dietz Eileen Dobell Lee & Michael Donely Joanne Dow & Harry Homer Vicki & Gord Drimmie Joseph Driskill Mary Dryden Christen Shoesmith & Phil Dwyer Frances Dyson Jeanette & Stuart Eberhard Penny Eizenga Doris England Liz & Jim Etherington Kim Eyre Laurie Farquharson Lorna & Rudy Fast Barb & Bruce Fearnall Andrew First Valerie & Chuck Ford Virginia Ford Lorie Forwell & William Clark Suzanne Fratschko Elliott Rhonda & David Freeman Paul Fujimoto-Pihl Kim Gadsdon Patty & Brian Galea Nathan Garber Haley & Ryan Gauss David Gliddon Belinda & Basil Gracious Sheila & Al Green Bea & Gavin Hamilton Leah Hamilton Najet & Hanny Hassan Margaret & Bruce Hastings Denise Hay Maureen & Ian Herrick Patricia Hoffer Kathleen Holland Rob Howard Marian Hundt Brenda & Morrison Hurley Heather & Paul Huston Jenna Hutchison Allan Johnson Mabel & Elton Kane

Michelle Kaplansky Mary Jane Kekes Tanis Kelly Marianne & Paul Kippax Rose & William Klein Steve Kopp Susan & John Koval Jennifer & Wayne Lawrence William & Shirley Lawrence Cheryl & Doug Lester Marie Liddell Karen Lilley Sheilanne Lindsay & Ian McIlraith Bonnie & Frank Littell Catharine & Trev Luke Sharon & Dennis Lunau Lynn Marshall Cheryl Masson Janine & Jeff Mathyssen Sheila McBride Gwen McBurney Joan McCarthy Nancy & Ian McDowell Ann & Hugh McIntosh Jason McIntyre Marilynne McNeil Louise Milligan Beverley & Paul Mills Kate Milner & Andrew Petrasiunas Shirley Mitchell Patricia Nasmith & David Haniford Nancy Needham Colleen O’Brien Sandra O’Brien Dorothy & John Palmer Paddy & Brian Parr Doreen & Ron Paulger Sandra & Robert Pearson John Peebles Norma & Jim Poel Blair Poetschke Claire Prins Karen & Rick Pritchett Lisa Putman & Bruce Reed Nancy Quinn & Jeff DeLuzio Eleanore Reynolds Kathleen & Douglas Richards Doris & Frank Robak Trudy Roth Walker & Lloyd Walker Elizabeth & Ralph Rudy Peggy Sattler Denise & Gordon Saylor Catherine & Gordon Sellery Julia Sert Todd Shaddick Valerie & John Sharpe Lynne Sinclair-Ifill Ethel Sivilotti

Judy & Kevin Smith Anne Souter & William Dawson Jacqueline & Erich Specht Nancy & Jerry Springer Elaine Stalker & Jack Norman Helena Steinmetz & Bruce Hewitt Shonagh Stevenson-Ramsay Sarah Stewart Karen Stone Janice & Paul Strickland Sheila & Bill Strybosch Joan & Ken Sumnall Anne Sutton Diane Thrasher Gerard Tillmann Jody Timmerman Jonathon Tingey Anne Toal & Paul Brission Joan & Ross Totten Dr. Jane Upfold Jan Vanesch Keith Vincent David Wake Judith Walker Susan Wallace & James Reaney Tracey Watters & Cam Pettinger Susan Waugh Alice Wehlau Judy & Gerry Wheaton Margaret & Mark Whitley Faye & Rod Willis Cheryl & Mark Willison Joe Wilson Pam & Paul Wilton Ailene Wittenstein Sharon Wright-Evans Jacki Yellowlees Elizabeth Yurkiw (6) Anonymous Donors

FOUnDATIONS The United Church of Canada Foundation

ENDOWMENTS & GIFTS THROUGH the LONDON COMMUNITY Foundation The Grant and Lily Hopcroft Fund • The Larry and Susan Agranove Family Fund • The Verna D. Davis Endowment for the Arts • The William & Katharine Kostuk Family Fund

corporate donors Finch Auto Group • Justin H. Amann Medicine Professional Corporation

In Memoriam Thank you to those who gave in memory of Art Ender, Carolyn Glass, and Mary Loncke, cherished friends of the Grand who are dearly missed. We mourn the loss of Martha Henry and thank those who have made gifts to the Grand in her memory. Martha helped shape the Grand as we know it today and her legacy lives on throughout Canadian theatre.

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

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: Daniel Bennett • Kevin & Daphne Bice • Bonnie Delanghe • Christine Gruenbauer • Christine Hoover • Helene Sellery • Anita & Amit Shah • Allan Stichbury • Bob Ward & Susan Yerema • Megan Watson • Doug & Connie Weir To learn more, please contact: Grace Day-Hodson Fundraising Manager 519.672.9030 x 245 gdayhodson@grandtheatre.com

support our grand theatre dining partners! the 2022-23 season will see the return of Subscriber Dining Benefits and the popular “Dinner and a Play” program.

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!

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS RESTAURANT RANGE

DINING STYLE

PRICE

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

Premium Casual

$$$

The Church Key Bistro Pub 476 Richmond Street 519-936-0960 thechurchkey.ca

Casual Fine Dining

$$$

Che Resto Bar 225 Dundas Street 519-601-7999 cherestobar.ca

Casual Dining

$$$

Fellini Koolini’s 155 Albert Street 519-642-2300 fellinikoolinis.com

Casual Fine Dining

$$$

RESTAURANT

DINING STYLE

PRICE RANGE

Garlic’s of London 481 Richmond Street 519-432-4092 garlicsoflondon.com

Upscale Rustic Cuisine

$$$

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

Casual Fine Dining

$$$$

Grace Restaurant 215 Dundas Street (at Clarence) 226-667-4822 gracelondon.ca

Farm-to-Table Fine Dining

$$$$

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

Casual

$$

Marienbad Restaurant 122 Carling Street 519-679-9940 marienbad.ca

Casual Fine Dining

$$$

Michael’s on the Thames 1 York Street 519-672-0111 michaelsonthethames.com

Casual Fine Dining

$$$

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

Premium Casual

$$$

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

Brew Pub

$$$

Villa Cornelia Restaurant 142 Kent Street 226-234-6267 villacorneliarestaurant.com

Continental Fine Dining

$$$$

Winks Eatery 551 Richmond Street (on Albert) 519-936-5079 winkseatery.com

Casual Dining Pub

$$

Best Sunday Brunch Restaurant

Delta Hotel London Armouries

WINNER