Rubaboo Program

grand theatre

RUBABOO

A Métis Cabaret

with Andrea Menard

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

WELCOME

One of the most cherished friendships I have made during my seven years here at the Grand has been with the beloved Andrea Menard.

Although she was known for her remarkable acting and writing when she first appeared here at the Theatre in Tara Beagan’s Honour Beat, I always knew that she was also deeply loved for her incomparable musical skills. And it is for all of these reasons that a few years ago I (humbly and hopefully) asked Andrea to create a concert for us to debut right here in London, at the Grand Theatre.

The original plan was for the show to premiere last spring in our intimate, 144-seat Auburn Stage. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, we had to

postpone it. While disappointing at first, this turned out to be a great opportunity - to envision the project larger. Now Andrea and her team have created this truly one-of-a-kind concert experience to appear on our much larger Spriet Stage. From here it will travel to Vancouver and next year to Edmonton. How this production has grown and grown even before it’s debut!

Gather round: Andrea and friends have stories to tell. They will embrace you and inspire you with their music. And I am certain you’ll see why I am so grateful to call Andrea a friend.

Welcome.

dennis garnhum artistic director

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.

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

Spriet Stage, march 7 to 25, 2023

Opening Night march 10

rubaboo World Premiere

Written by Andrea Menard

Music by Andrea Menard & Robert Walsh

Co-Produced with Arts Club Theatre Company, Vancouver

Rubaboo was originally commissioned and developed by the Grand Theatre, London, Canada, as part of the COMPASS New Play Development Program.

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

government funders

season sponsor

title sponsors

Grand Ghosts

Rubaboo

high school project

Boom X Elf: The Musical

Controlled Damage

East Coast Kitchen Party

East Coast Kitchen Party Guest Artist Sponsors

Title Sponsor Program Sponsors

Make a Difference Youth Programs Sponsor

jeans 'n classics presenting sponsor student club

grand gala presenting sponsor

compass new play development

Grand Ghosts

community partners

Hotel Apparel Vehicles Printing

Framing Catering Florist

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

Celebrating

diverse communities through the arts

Canada Life is a proud supporter of culturally diverse arts programs that make a strong social impact and foster equity and inclusion. Together, we can do more for Canadians, for each other and for the communities we love.

CAST & CREDITS

Cast

NATHEN ASWELL

ANDREA MENARD

KAREN SHEPHERD

ROBERT WALSH

creative team

Creator ANDREA MENARD

Director ALANIS KING

Music Director ROBERT WALSH

Set Designer CIMMERON MEYER*

Costume Designer SAMANTHA MCCUE*

Lighting Designer KIMBERLY PURTELL*

Sound Designer MARY JANE COOMBER*

Stage Manager KELLY LUFT

Assistant Stage Manager EVAN REN

Indigenous Cultural Consultant SUMMER BRESSETTE

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.

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

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WRITER'S NOTES

Maarsii. Meegwech. Kinanâskomitin for coming on this journey with me. Being a hybrid cabaret/concert/fireside chat, Rubaboo is not like a typical play you see at a Canadian theatre. It’s a mish-mash of song, teachings, ceremony, and storytelling. If you know me at all, you will know that I’m not really a typical Canadian theatre actor either. I have too many callings that demand my attention: the singer, the storyteller, the teacher, the advocate, the speaker, the matriarch, as well as the one who prays, follows protocol, and attends ceremonies. I’ve found that the best way to follow all the callings of my heart is to combine them in weird and wonderfully creative ways. And here we are!

Welcome to this theatrical feast that highlights my Métis heritage in a magical setting that only theatre can produce. You are invited to open your hearts and minds as we shift the narrative, decolonize your habitual thinking, and fill you with hope for a better future.

I’d like to honour Grand Theatre

Artistic Director, Dennis Garnhum, for drawing the show out of me in his sneaky way. I would also like to thank Alanis King, who not only brings her sublime talent to direct this world

premiere, but also directed me in my first one-woman show, The Velvet Devil, over 15 years ago. A special thank you as well to my long-time collaborator, Robert Walsh, who has been helping me birth projects for over 20 years. Lastly, I’m honoured to be highlighting the artwork of my Métis sister, Leah Dorion. We collaborated on a deck of wisdom cards called the Seeds from the Sacred Feminine, and now she is shining from the stage in Cimmeron Meyer’s beautiful set design.

Thank you for letting me share this wild, musical feast with you!

andrea menard

Connect with the sacred Grandmothers and create your daily practise with Andrea and Leah’s NEW Seeds from the Sacred Feminine Wisdom Cards –available for purchase now: andreamenard.com/cards

Bring the music of Rubaboo home with you – download the digital album today:

andreamenard. bandcamp.com/album/ rubaboo-cabaret

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

I am thrilled to be a part of Andrea Menard’s World Premiere of her new work Rubaboo.

Cabaret theatre is Indigenous storytelling that plays across many forms of expression, music, stories, and dance, which all convey the relationship of the Métis people. To work in rehearsal on a new script allows me to assist where I can as a playwright and help the writer analyze her work. Then I put the Direction cap back on with a complete understanding of what Andrea’s vision is and try and help her realize that until its Opening.

Its been a fabulous process – oh the music, Robert Walsh is the Music Direction for a reason. Wow!

The music will live on.

I have known Andrea sometime now to know she is truly one of Saskatchewan’s Métis treasures. It is amazing to see her stage writing, performance, and music hit the boards in a national, sensational way here at the beautiful Grand Theatre, to be followed by The Arts Club, and next year, The Citadel. The only time I’ve been in London

was to see Larry Lewis’s last work as a director: The Rez Sisters, a seminal piece of work and part of my own body of acting work way back. This piece reminds us to pay attention to Métis history through time and scope. With the Michef language, the voice of Andrea’s motherland, and her stories both personal and legendary, it makes for a unique style of sharing this country’s history of the founding of a new race. It is my hope that audiences leave with a renewed insight of Canada’s Métis nation right along with a little jig in their step. Gchi miigwech (Big Thank you) to the entire artistic team and the Grand staff and production team.

alanis king

DID YOU KNOW?

Over centuries, the Métis have lived in a variety of homes both static and migratory. Because of their great involvement with the fur trade, their homes of choice were transportable shelter; such as tents, tipis and wigwams

Traditional Sedentary Homes normally consisted of notched logs held together with mud or clay. Usually were 1-2 large rooms and housed 15-20 people.

Sourced from: Traditional Métis Housing and Shelter By Todd Paquin and Patrick Young

ARTISTS

Nathen Aswell

f or t he Grand t heatre: Debut.

other: Singer-songwriter, inspirational speaker. Graduate of the BFA Program (Specialization in Jazz Studies) at Concordia University. www.NathenAswell.com

Andrea Menard

f or the Grand t heatre: Honour Beat.

t heatre c redits (selected): Anne of Green Gables, Stories from the Red Dirt Road (Charlottetown Festival); Thanks For Giving, The Orchard (Arts Club); Great Expectations, Evita, Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth (Persephone); The Velvet Devil (NAC, ); The Velvet Devil, Wizard of Oz, Lady of Silences (The Globe Theatre); The Velvet Devil, Buz’gem Blues, Wawatay (Gordon Tootoosis Nikaniwan Theatre); The Rez Sisters, Joni Mitchell: River, Godspell (PTE); Street Wheat, The Selkie Wife, The Shipbuilder (Dancing Sky Theatre).

film and tv c redits (selected): Sullivan’s Crossing, Tribal, Blackstone; Supernatural; Hard Rock Medical; Moccasin Flats, Rabbit Fall, The Velvet Devil.

other: Métis Nation.

Karen Shepherd

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut.

theatre c redits (selected): Violin/Viola: Jessica McMann Arts, Vancouver, BC; Violin: Regency Encounters, Pride and Prejudice Midsummer Ball (Fairmont Empress, Victoria, BC); ProCoroCanada; Original Composition: “Before the West” (Emily’s West).

film and tv c redits: Original Music:

Nathaniel Hehir’s “The Stone Killer” (2020); Chehala Leonard’s “Living a Legacy” (2021).

other : Currently an undergraduate student at Macewan University (Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, Composition Major).

Robert Walsh Music Director

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut.

t heatre c redits (selected): Music for Catalogue de Société (Le Petit Champlain); Music and Lyrics with Andrea Menard for Velvet Devil (Globe Theatre, Broadway Theatre, CBC Movie of the Week); Music, and Lyrics (with Marty Chan) for Forbidden Phoenix (Citadel Theatre, Lorraine Kimsaa Theatre, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Gateway Theatre); Music and sound design for Circle Mirror Transformation (Shadow Theatre); La récolte (L’Unithéatre); Musical Director for The Comedy Company (Shadow Theatre); Many theatre and opera shows as a musician (Disney, ESO, Edmonton Opera).

film and tv c redits: Numerous songs placed in TV and film, original scores for films.

other: Singer-songwriter, producer, educator, author. www.robertwalsh.ca

n athen aswell andrea menard

karen shepherd robert walsh

ARTISTS

Alanis King Director

f or t he Grand t heatre: Debut.

t heatre c redits (selected): As playwright – If Jesus Met Nanabush, The Tommy Prince Story, Born Buffalo, Two Spirits, The Manitoulin Incident, To Nooshenh. As director – Awowakii (Theatre Calgary), 49er Project (Nawawin Gamik), Song of Pegahmahgabow (Festival of Sound).

other: Odawa originally from the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Canada. NAC’s Indigenous Cities 2021.

Cimmeron Meyer Set Designer

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut.

t heatre c redits (selected): Pawakan (Akpik Theatre, Set); Kaasinooniks (Making Treaty 7, Set, Lighting, Projection); Iceland (Theatre Calgary, Lighting); The Unplugging (Gwaandak Theatre, Lighting); My Fair Lady: The Punk Version (Productive Obsession, Set, Lighting, Projections); Twelfth Night (Theatre Calgary, National Arts Centre, Lighting); Bakkahi (Stratford Festival, Lighting).

film and tv c redits (selected): Naughty to Nice (NFB, Old Trout Film Division, Associate Producer).

other: Cimmeron would like to recognize that this design is a collaboration and reflection of the talents of First Nations artist Leah Dorian and is made manifest by the talents of resident scenic painting artists (Richard Lawler and Craig Guthrie). Graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada www.cimmeron.net

Samantha McCue Costume Designer

f or the Grand t heatre: Honour Beat. film and tv c redits: The Breathing Hole (National Arts Centre); Where the Blood Mixes, Kamloopa (Soulpepper Theatre Company); The Herd (Citadel Theatre); Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer (The Belfry, Theatre Calgary); I Am William (Stratford Festival, co-design with Michelle Bohn).

other : Graduate of the BFA Program at York University. www.sammccuedesign.com , Instagram: @sammccuedesign

Kimberly Purtell Lighting Designer

f or the Grand t heatre: Elf, 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 Associated Designers of Canada.

alanis kinG cimmeron meyer

s amantha mccue kimberly purtell

ARTISTS

Mary Jane Coomber Sound Designer

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut.

theatre c redits (selected): Me Love Bingo!, Hand to God, Thanks for Giving (Arts Club); My Little Tomato, In My Day (ZeeZee); Yaga, Kill Me Now (Touchstone); Oz, Ladies & Gentlemen Boys & Girls (Carousel); Maps of Utopia, White GIrls in Moccasins, The Explanation (Frank); Kindred, Forget About Tomorrow (Belfry).

other : Graduate of the BFA Music Composition and BFA Theatre program at Simon Fraser University.

Kelly Luft Stage Manager

f or the Grand t heatre: Elf, Grow, Home For the Holidays, Grand Re:Opening Festival, Mary Poppins, Prom Queen, Chariots of Fire, A Christmas Carol (2017, 2018), Art, The Wizard of Oz (’16, ’09, ‘02).

t heatre 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 c redits (selected): 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 Hamilton / Opera Ontario, Wagner’s Ring Cycle - Götterdämmerung for the Canadian Opera Company, and Idomeneo for Opera Atelier.

upcominG: Love's Labour's Lost (Stratford Festival).

f or the Grand t heatre: Debut.

theatre c redits (selected): Forgiveness (the Arts Club), Cranked! the Remix (Greenthumb Theatre); Ride the Cyclone (Blue Bridge Theatre); Yellowfever (Firehall Arts Center); ‘Da Kink in my hair (the Arts Club); Mary’s Wedding (Firehall Arts Center); East Van Panto: Alice in the wonderland (Theatre Replacement); Revolt, she said, Revolt again (UBC); Cariboo Magi (Far from the tree production); Guards at the Taj (SACHA); The Winter’s Tale (Carousel Theatre); Melville Boys (Vagabond players); The Drowsy Chaperone (TUTS).

Summer Bressette

Indigenous Cultural Consultant

f or the Grand t heatre: Grand Re:Opening Festival (Featured Artist/Curator); Honour Beat (Indigenous Cultural Consultant).

t heatre c redits (selected): Love Song for the Thunderbirds (2021); “40 Seeds for 40 Seasons” Grant Recipient, Native Earth Performing Arts (2022).

other: Master of Indigenous Education, Western University 2013, Bachelor of English, Western University 2001.

Evan Ren Assistant Stage Manager

mary jane coomber kelly luft

evan ren summer bressette

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.

KAREN SHEPHERD

NATHAN ASWELL, ROBERT WALSH, ANDREA MENARD

NATHAN ASWELL, ROBERT WALSH, ANDREA MENARD

Honouring your Four Sacred Bodies: what does it mean?

By Andrea Menard

In Indigenous teachings, we see the world through a wholistic lens where all things are interconnected. We are connected to the waters, to the land, to the stars, to each other. Something affecting one aspect of life always affects the rest in direct or indirect ways. It’s a comforting perspective if you focus on the fact that through this lens, everything matters. You matter. Your life and your choices are not small. They affect the whole of Creation.

A wonderful tool to help contextualize this wholistic lens is the medicine wheel. It is a circle with four equal parts. Although the medicine wheel isn’t a panIndigenous symbol that spans Turtle Island, it is very useful in representing the Indigenous way of thinking. All of life is contained in a giant circle, with no parts bigger or more important than any other. Some common references used in Indigenous medicine wheel teachings from the plains are terms like:

the four directions, (east, south, west and north) the four medicines, (sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, and cedar) the four bodies (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) the four phases of life (infancy, youth, adult, elder) the four elements, (earth, fire, water and air)

These various four aspects are used in ceremonial teachings of all kinds. I use them all the time. I have been taught that when we stand at the centre of the medicine wheel, we have the capacity to encompass the entire teaching and wisdom contained in each aspect all at once. This is deep work.

Ways of honouring

Indigenous ways of honouring are a little different. We tend to make the ordinary, sacred. We elevate the status of something or someone in a way that surpasses respect and lives more in the land of reverence. The one giving the honour focuses on lifting up and admiring the qualities, behaviours, and sacred nature of the subject being honoured. Honouring, in this way, is an act of love. One can bestow honour with gifts, words, recognition, love, songs, and ceremonies. For example, to show our gratitude for the gift of life, we honour the Earth. Or we honour a young woman as a Lifegiver, when she starts her moon time.

Communicating with the four bodies

The four sacred bodies are the physical body, the emotional body, the mental body, and the spiritual body. Other traditions or philosophies may have five bodies, or seven bodies, but I keep to the four parts of the circle. Every single human being has four sacred bodies operating in their lives. Most of us have a dominant body that tends to be our fallback operating system, but all four bodies are available to us if we develop our awareness. For instance, a person with a dominant mental body may not be aware that they get injured a lot. Or a person with a dominant emotional body may not notice that their thoughts are the root cause of their painful reactions. All four bodies affect us, and it is up to us to develop a relationship with each one.

We may not necessarily be operating as a healed and wholistic being, but we can learn to be. We are all capable of being whole. And one of the many ways is though the honouring of the four sacred bodies. Learning to listen to your physical body, emotional body, mental body, and spiritual body is a valuable step in becoming whole. There are gems that these bodies want to teach you.

There are ways your four bodies are trying to communicate with you. Sit down and have a chat with each of the bodies and see what they have to say. I know you will find that they have a lot to say. All you have to do is listen.

Acknowledge. And honour.

National Arts Centre, Vita Brevis Arts, Canadian Stage Company, Neptune Theatre, Grand Theatre Production

Stage adaptation by Hannah Moscovitch and Alisa Palmer

Co-Created & Written by Hannah Moscovitch

Co-Created & Directed by Alisa Palmer Production Dramaturgy by Mel Hague

Based on the Novel by Ann-Marie MacDonald

Written by the internationally-acclaimed Canadian writer, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Fall On Your Knees chronicles three generations of Cape Breton Island’s Piper family. The story moves from the battlefields of the First World War, to the emerging jazz scene in Harlem, New York, and into the lives of four unforgettable sisters.

We are proud to be partnering with four extraordinary theatre organizations to bring the historic stage-telling of Fall On Your Knees to four cities – ending right here in London! This highly original experience will break MacDonald’s beloved story into two parts to chronicle the full lifespan of the novel. Whether you see the first part, second part, or both, it will be an experience to remember. – DENNIs

IN-PERSON VIDEO

Hear more about this historic Canadian production from novelist, Ann-Marie MacDonald and stage adapter and co-creator, Alisa Palmer

Relentless ambition, forbidden love, and a secret that could shatter the foundation of a family.

SAMANTHA HILL AND AMAKA UMEH CANADIAN STAGE PRODUCTION OF FALL ON YOUR KNEES SET DESIGN BY CAMELLIA KOO

COSTUME DESIGN BY JUDITH BOWEN

LIGHTING DESIGN BY LEIGH ANN VARDY

PHOTO BY DAHLIA KATZ

ways

are you a student who craves more theatre in your life? volunteer join the student club high school project

to get

grandtheatre.com/ways-to-save

DYK? Volunteering at the Grand counts towards your 40 hours of community service!

Become an important part of our Grand community with other like-minded students from across the city, and enjoy six plays on the Spriet Stage for as little as $16 per ticket!

student rush

An awesome opportunity for hands-on training and mentorship by professional artists and coaches in all departments of the Theatre. This program is open to any high school student from the London area and no costs are associated! Visit our website to learn more.

Same-day Student Rush tickets are available for all Grand Theatre Spriet Stage and Auburn Stage shows, starting at only $29.95!

We are building a community that future generations can be proud of. A community where everyone is welcome A community where you can be yourself

Photo Credit: Jackie Noble

Exterior House Cleaning Services

• Window Washing

• Roof Washing

• Gutter Cleaning

• Power Washing

• Christmas Lights

GRAND GALA The SAVE DATE!

PHOTO BY DAHLIA KATZ

Harmen Spoelstra and Jessica Jazey-Spoelstra, Owners

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

Luke Morrison

Patricia Sexsmith

Ben Storie

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

fund DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR

Heather Siskind-Levite

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS AND EVENTS

Sarah Hilton

DEVELOPMENT

COORDINATOR

Jacob Wiley

AUDIENCE SERVICES

FRONT OF HOUSE

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Ali Samuel

ASSISTANT FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Haley Helm

BAR & BEVERAGE

Mackenzie Bishop

Melissa Cameron

Laura Gallant

Amelia Hilton

Ben Kennes

Sabrina Sa

Sabrina Stewart

Hannah VanAlphen-Fyfe

Landon Wright

box office

AUDIENCE SERVICES

SUPERVISOR

Denise Hay

REPRESENTATIVES

Caitlin Cahill

Trinity Harrison

Brittney-Lee Lowey

Karen McDonald

Cheryl Willison

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

PROPS APPRENTI CE

Kassidy Noble

WARDROBE

HEAD OF WARDROBE

Lisa Wright

ASSISTANT HEAD OF WARDROBE/ACCESSORIES BUILDER

Elaine Ball

CUTTER

Kathryn Sherwin

WARDROBE APPRENTICE

Meghan Choma*

Scenic carpentry

HEAD SCENIC CARPENTER

Craig Pearson

FIRST CARPENTER

Tom Stewart

SECOND CARPENTER

John-Michael Plester

SCENIC CARPENTER

Rory Leydier

SCENIC ART

HEAD SCENIC ARTIST

Richard Lawler

SENIOR SCENIC ARTIST

Craig Guthrie

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

Sarah Tracy

AUBURN STAGE

HEAD TECHNICIAN

Steve Allen

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

George Kerhoulas

VICE-PRESIDENT

Matt Parr

PAST PRESIDENT

Anita Shah

TREASURER

Bill Assini

SECRETARY

Anne Toal

DIRECTORS

Christopher Alleyne

Nicole Blanchette

Jamie Campbell

Blair Fantillo

Alexis Gordon

Jennifer Ho

Ron Koudys

Amira Moussa

Jane Scholesl

Jennifer Slay

Dr. Robert Sokol

THE GRAND THEATRE FOUNDATION BOARD

PRESIDENT

Ron Koudys

VICE-PRESIDENT

Jamie Crich

TREASURER

Bill Assini

SECRETARY

George Kerhoulas

Tom Burnett

Dianne ElizabethCunningham Drewlo

Peter Markvoort

Bob Schram

Tom Tillmann

*Supported by The George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation

CHALLEN GE TH E CH I LL WITH LEXUS ALL-WH EEL D RIVE

1900*Representative lease example based on a 2023 Lexus NX 250 AWD sfx ‘A’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 7.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $50,885. Bi-weekly payment is $328 with $4,982 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $32,686. 52,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. *Representative lease example based on a 2023 Lexus RX 350 AWD sfx ‘P’ on a 39 month term at an annual rate of 7.9% and Complete Lexus Price of $61,585. Bi-weekly payment is $378 with $6,694 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $38,635. 52,000 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 39 month term at an annual rate of 7.3% and Complete Lexus Price of $44,431. Bi-weekly payment is $288 with $4,155 down payment or equivalent trade in, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total of 84 bi-weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Total lease obligation is $28,491. 52,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.20/km for excess kilometres. Complete Lexus Price includes Freight/PDI ($2,205), 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 apply 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 or cancellation without notice. Offers are effective beginning January 4, 2023, and expire on February 28, 2023, unless extended or revised. See Lexus of London for complete details.

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AfterWORDS

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

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.

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

PHOTO BY MOSES LATIGO ODIDA

MORE THAN EVER BEFORE

YOUR GIFT

As we continue to build back audiences after two years of shutdown due to COVID19, 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

LONDON PROUD CLUB

$2,500–4,999

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!

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 on our website at grandtheatre.com. Any comments, questions, or suggestions can be directed to our Development Coordinator, Jacob Wiley, at jwiley@grandtheatre.com or 519.672.9030, ext. 245

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Please note this donor list contains all donations received within the past 18 months

GRAND VISIONARIES DIRECTORS’ CIRCLE $20,000+

Lynn Davis • Elizabeth & Allan Drewlo • Caroline & Rodney Hancock • Nicole Le Riche & John Howard • Ron & Deb Koudys • Linda & Cecil Rorabeck • Debbie & Bob Schram •

Helen & Andy Spriet • Carol Stephenson • Marty & Susanne 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

AMBASSDOR'S CIRCLE $5,000–9,999

Jane & Justin Amann • Heidi Bayley & Jamie Crich • Sharon Bryan • Allan & Susan Edwards

Harry Joosten & Kathleen Murphy • Suzanne Lanthier • Peter Markvoort • Deanie Markvoort

• Jackie & John Porter

Alison & Doug Ross

Roberta & Dr. Robert Sokol

Anita & Amit Shah • Susan Smith-Goddard

Nicole Spriet & Sandy Mikalachki • Zelinka Family

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

Ahria Consulting

Anne & Bruce Barran

Chris Alleyne & Chris

Costello

Jim Cressman

Deb Harvey

Jennifer Ho

Lily & Grant Hopcroft

Joan & Glenn Johnson

Evan Klassen

Lesley MacAskill & Chris

Jackman

Sandra & Don Letton

Mike Meddaoui

North Moore Catering

Jenny, Matt & Finn Parr

Carey & Holden Rhodes

Eleanor Schnall

Jennifer Slay

Elaine Stalker & Jack Norman

Domenico Strano

Debbie & Dave Tennant

Jane & Tom Tillmann

Sarah Tattersall & Kevin Endo

GRAND SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATES $1,000–2,499

Linda Frosst Adams &

Stephen N. Adams QC

Jill & Brian Allen

Yvonne & Dr. Ross

Archibald

Rachael Berta

Brenda & Kerry Benson

David & Terianne Brebner

Susan Carlyle & David

Southen

Diana & Charles Coates

Dr Paul E Cooper & Mr

David J Hiebert

Dianne Cunningham

Jan & Guy De Rose

Danna DeJong

Chandlee Dickey & Larry

Panych

Emma Donoghue & Chris

Roulston

Jennifer Duncan

Glen & Marg Gagan

Dennis Garnhum & Bruce

Sellery

Mary Gillett & Thomas

Burnett

Jo-Anne & Richard Hammond

Barbara & Paul Hebert

Eleanore Huang & Jack Jung

Sandy Jamieson

Joanne Lubansky Johns & Dennis Johns

Elana Johnson & Christopher Collins

Michael Johnson

Kirsten Knight & Craig

Emptage

Mary Margaret & Gary

Koreen

Ruth Laidlaw

Diana Bennett & Spencer

Lanthier

Sharon & Brian Lessard

London Foods Ltd.

Liz & David Macdonald

Mary-Jane & Rick Mann

Darlene & Larry Marsh

Libby & Earl McMillan

Teresa & Ron McRae

Cydna Mercer

Michael and Valerie Milde

Ina Pakkert

Dawn & Franco Paron

Paul Butler and Chris Black

Foundation

Sandra & Robert Pearson

Dr Janet Pope

Deborah & Ronald Purdy

Glenda Robinson

K L Turner

Rick Verrette & George Jolink

Peter & Beth Whatmore

Mark Wilton

Mina Samuels

Pam Samuels

Georgina & Ralph Schinkel

Heather & Peter Scott

Liisa Sheldrick

Kim Shuit

Elaine & Ian Simpson

Joanne & Jack Smit

Erin & Dave Stimac

Norma Stokes

Diane Baird & Jurgen Tietz

The United Church of Canada

Foundation-The Mary and Norman Warner Fund

Margo Visser-DeVuono

John Zubick Limited

Anonymous Donor (1)

Claire A. Prins

Karen & Rick Pritchett

Lisa Putman & Bruce Reed

Nancy Quinn & Jeff

DeLuzio

Gail & Gary Rains

Susan Wallace & James

Reaney

Bonnie & Peter Regier

Linda Rempel

Eleanore Reynolds

Sharon Rich

Kathleen & Douglas

Richards

Doris & Frank Robak

William & Barbara Robins

Garrett Rodman

Karen & Paul Romanson

Trudy Roth Walker & Lloyd

Walker

Elizabeth & Ralph Rudy

Dianne & Rick Rumney

Lynda & Howard Rundle

Inge & Paul Russell

Peggy Sattler

Denise & Gordon Saylor

Alan G. Sellery

Catherine & Gordon Sellery

Ms Julia Sert

Todd Shaddick

Valerie & John Sharpe

Sandra Shaw

Kathryn Sherwin

Jennifer Shields

Margaret & Robert Shirley

Lynne Sinclair-Ifill

Judy and Kevin Smith

Judith & Robert Southcott

Mr. and Mrs. Nancy and

Jerry Springer

Helena Steinmetz & Bruce

Hewitt

Susan Steven

Shonagh Stevenson-Ramsay

Sarah Stewart

Karen Stone

Janice & Paul Strickland

Bill & Sheila Strybosch

Joan & Ken Sumnall

Anne Sutton

Janet Szilagyi

Anne & Don Thede

Diane Thrasher

Gerard Tillmann

Jane Tillmann

Jody Timmerman

Anne Toal & Paul Brission

Susan Toth

Shannon Twynstra

Dr. Jane Upfold

Christine & Jake Van Dyk

Jan Vanesch

Catherine Vermue

Jennifer and Keith Vincent

David Wake

Judith Walker

Janis Wallace

Beth-Anne & Alex Wasko

Susan Waugh

Alice Wehlau

Margaret & Mark Whitley

Lynn & Ted Williams

Sandra-Pat Willis

Cheryl & Mark Willison

Joe Wilson

Ian & Mary Wilton

Pam & Paul Wilton

Ailene Wittstein

Doug W. Woods

Sharon Wright-Evans

Richard Yake

Elizabeth Yurkiw

Beverley Zaifman

Anonymous Donors (6)

ENDOWMENTS & GIFTS THROUGH the LONDON COMMUNITY Foundation

The Barbara & John Cronyn Fund • The Grant & Lily Hopcroft 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 • Crawford MacLeod Foundation

In Memoriam

Thank you to those who gave in memory of Shirley Brown, Vivian Deleary, Mary Loncke, Pam Samuels, and Lister Waugh, 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

EJ 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)

• Walter R. (Wally) Duffield

• Douglas McCullough

Elizabeth Stratton

• Robert Crawford

• Innis Hammond

• Mary Eleanor Miller

• Buck A. M. Cuddy

• Theresa Cutler

• Helen Ann Day

• Barbara Horne

• Beryl Ivey

• Maureen Elizabeth Ryan

• Elizabeth Ann Jones

• Joseph Samuels

• Myrtle McCallum

• Donald Smith

• Doris Spence

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:

Lesley Beagley • Ross & Cathy Burgar

support our grand theatre dining partners

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!

6-show Spriet Stage subscribers can enjoy 15% off their meal at participating dining program restaurants

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Armouries Grille Premium Casual $$$ 325 Dundas Street, London

519-640-5030

www.marriott.com/yxudl

The Chef's Table Upscale Cuisine with $$

476 Richmond Street a Student's Smile

519-936-0960

thechurchkey.ca

The Church Key Bistro Pub Casual Fine Dining $$$

476 Richmond Street

519-936-0960

thechurchkey.ca

Che Resto Bar Casual Dining $$$

225 Dundas Street

519-601-7999

cherestobar.ca

RESTAURANT DINING STYLE PRICE RANGE

Fellini Koolini’s Casual Fine Dining $$$

155 Albert Street

519-642-2300

fellinikoolinis.com

Garlic’s of London

481 Richmond Street

519-432-4092

garlicsoflondon.com

Upscale Rustic Cuisine $$$

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

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