April 12— May 8 2016
40TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS
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The Belfry Theatre presents
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Conceived and Compiled by Don Shipley Cast (in alphabetical order)
Lauren Bowler Andrew MacDonald-Smith Katrina Reynolds John Ullyatt
Director Musical Director, Orchestrator and Keyboard Programming Set and Costume Designer Lighting Designer Sound Designer Choreographer Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Second Keys
Glynis Leyshon Nico Rhodes Cory Sincennes Guy Simard Paul Tedeschini Jessica Hickman Erin Voaklander Christopher Sibbald Brad L’Écuyer
Puttin’ on the Ritz is presented through special arrangement with Rodgers & Hammerstein: An Imagem Company, www.rnh.com. All Rights Reserved. The use of video or audio recording devices is strictly prohibited at all times. This production is supported by a generous bequest from the estate of M. Grace Mersereau. Puttin’ on the Ritz is generously sponsored by:
40th Anniversary Season Sponsors:
Public Funders:
The Belfry Theatre is a registered Canadian charity, 11921 5549 RR0001. The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. The Belfry Theatre is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, USA., Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Arts Alliance of Great Victoria. Please enjoy the performance.
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Scheherazade Beethoven’s Fifth Pavel Plays Chopin Carmina Burana Rocket Man with Chris Hadfield Celtic Celebration with Ken Lavigne
ACT 1
OVERTURE
Everybody Step Always Play A Simple Melody
Company John and Katrina Company
SOFT LIGHTS AND SWEET MUSIC I Love a Piano All Alone Change Partners
Lauren Andrew with John as Robber John and Company
WEATHER OR NOT
It’s A Lovely Day Today Fella with an Umbrella Isn’t This a Lovely Day? It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow What Does it Matter? Blue Skies
Andrew and Lauren Company with Andrew Company Company Company Company
TALENT HOUR
There’s No Business Like Show Business Let Me Sing and I’m Happy Heat Wave Old Fashioned Wedding
Orchestra John Katrina with Company Company
SHARING AND CARING
Sisters How About Me Shakin' the Blues Away Count Your Blessings
Lauren and Katrina Katrina Band and Company John and Andrew
HARD TIMES SOFT HEARTS
Couple of Swells I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee
Lauren and Katrina John and Katrina Company
THIS IS THE ARMY
Let's Face the Music and Dance John and Katrina Little Jimmy Marching Instrumental Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army Company This is the Army Mr. Jones Andrew and Company I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen John Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning Company ACT 2 Suppertime Katrina ENTRE' ACTE BLESSINGS Alexander’s Ragtime Band Company God Bless America Company IT'S WONDERFUL They Say It’s Wonderful Lauren Looking At You John, Katrina and Andrew INTERMISSION Mandy Company
JUST IN LOVE
What’ll I Do? Easy to Dance With How Deep is the Ocean You’re Just in Love
Let Yourself Go When the Midnight Choo-choo Leaves for Alabama We Saw the Sea I've Got the Sun in the Morning
John Andrew with Lauren Katrina Andrew and John
STEPPIN’ OUT
Company Orchestra and Company Company Katrina
FLYING HIGH
Rainbow of Girls Anything You Can Do
Top Hat, White Tie and Tails Steppin' Out with My Baby Cheek to Cheek/ Puttin' on the Ritz FINALE
Company ???
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ Company Company Company
Belfry Theatre Box Office/ Front of House Venue Technician Box Office Clerk Production Manager Marketing & Communications Director Box Office Manager Box Office Clerk Assistant Box Office Manager Front of House Manager Executive Director Facilities Supervisor & Head Technician Company Manager Capital Campaign Coordinator Scenic Artist Graphic Designer Box Office Clerk Artistic Associate & Outreach Coordinator Belfry 101 Coordinator Financial Officer Head of Props Master Carpenter Artistic Director Scenic Painter/Custodian Technical Director Development Manager Head of Wardrobe Associate Artist Box Office Clerk Front of House
Jane Broomfield Ben Burrow Michelle Chowns Alex Currie Mark Dusseault Casey Fitterer Jenny Fitterer Ian Gibson Tara Gilroy-Scott Ivan Habel Keith Houghton Valerie Houle Judi James Carole Klemm Jeff Kulak Kate Loomer Erin Macklem Dave Morris Patricia O'Brien Peter Pokorny Dale Pudwell Michael Shamata Lara Shepard Gregory Smith Susan Stevenson Joanne Stichbury Deborah Williams Eryn Yaromy Golnaz Zad
Belfry Support Staff B4Play Audio Technician Photographers
Ben Brysiuk David Cooper Emily Cooper Jo-Ann Richards Peter Pokorny Don Craig
Additional Crew Stitcher Stitcher Stitcher Hair Stylist Costume Assistants Crew
Karen Levis Pauline Stynes Karla Stout Cristina Woods Hana Ruzesky-Bashford Delaney Tesch Abbra Faufmann Carolyn Moon Kyle Nichols Patricia Reilly Alex Sangster Holly Vivian
Board of Directors President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Directors
Helen Lansdowne Dr. Monty Bryant Georgia Gibbs Robert Thomson, CA Gloria Back Sheila Elworthy Dr. Andrew Karwowski Joan Peggs Andy Stephenson Bob Tyrrell Roshan Vickery
Honorary Board of Directors Chair Emeritus Patrick Stewart Directors Sherri Bird Barbara Greeniaus, Robert Johnston, Q.C. John Keay Joan Snowden Dr. Brian Winsby Michael Ziegler In Memoriam: the Belfry acknowledges the passing of Beverley Cave Volunteer since 1981 Special Thanks: Citadel Theatre Theatre Calgary The Grand Theatre Shaw Festival Chemainus Theatre Atomic Vaudeville Pacific Opera Victoria University of Victoria Western Canada Theatre James Insell Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Avenue Victoria, British Columbia Canada, V8T 1G5 250-385-6815 Box Office 250-385-6835 Administration 250-385-6336 Facsimile www.belfry.bc.ca Charitable donation number 11921 5549 RR0001 Programme Advertising Design and Production Victoria Arts Marketing P.O. Box 8629 Victoria, BC V8W 3S2 250.382.6188 Email: vicarts@vicarts.com www.vicarts.com Publishers Philomena Hanson, Paul Hanson Design/Production Lyn Quan
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Audience Information
weekly specials
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burger & beer $10.95 Fully loaded bacon cheddar burger or our famous veggie burger with a pint of Fernwood Lager
Thursdays
wing night $6.50
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Cellphones & Pagers Please turn off your cellphones and pagers when you enter the theatre. If you need to be contacted in an emergency, please leave your name and seat number with our House Manager. Latecomers & Re-admission The Director of each production designates moments in the show when the seating of latecomers will cause the least amount of distraction for actors and audience members. Should you leave the theatre, our House Manager will not be able to reseat you until one of these breaks. Babes in Arms The Belfry is proud to produce adult contemporary theatre. Our productions are not suitable for children 10 and under, including babes in arms.
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Recording Devices No cameras or recording devices are permitted in the theatre. Audience Advisories and Running Times We make every effort to advise you of strong language, subject matter or extreme technical effects (strobe lights, fog). Please look for signs at the entrances to the theatre. Advisories and running times are available at the Box Office as of the first preview. Food & Drinks Please feel free to take only food and/or drinks you've purchased from the Belfry bar into the theatre. Our goodies are packaged so that they don't make a lot of noise and disturb your fellow audience members. Perfume & Cologne Please refrain from using perfume and cologne when you come to the theatre. Some of our patrons are highly allergic to scents. Electronic Cigarettes Please refrain from using electronic cigarettes in the theatre, to avoid distraction for other patrons and the Artists on stage. Thank you for your consideration. Enjoy the performance.
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LA VOIX HUMAINE May 12, 14, 18, 20 at 7:30pm & May 22 at 2:30 pm The Baumann Centre for Pacific Opera Victoria 925 Balmoral Road A forty-minute one-act opera for soprano and piano Performed in French with English Surtitles
“The telephone is sometimes more dangerous than the revolver.” JEAN COCTEAU
Listen in on the final phone conversation between a woman and her lover. Starring Kathleen Brett as Elle Robert Holliston on piano Directed by Diana Leblanc
Tickets $25 for adults – $15 for students (with valid ID) Call today to purchase tickets 250.385.0222 or www.pov.bc.ca
Pr�udly s�pp�rtin� th� arts in �ur c�mmunity
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Artistic Director’s Notes
Notes from the Executive Director
Thank you for being here and helping us to celebrate the past with this dynamic production of Puttin’ on the Ritz – the first piece of theatre produced by the Belfry Theatre.
In the world of the Belfry, I am not much more than a toddler, however in the Canadian theatre milieu I am – well, let’s just say, older than that. Yet while I may be a neophyte to this company and city, the reputation of the company reached me many years and miles ago. The Belfry has attained over its history an extraordinary national reputation: as a welcoming home to artists, a place of pride in its community, a stage with exceptional productions, and a knowing, inquisitive, and very appreciative audience. It has built this reputation with the care and attention of its artists and artistic directors, managers, an exceptional staff, a large coterie of extraordinarily dedicated volunteers, the careful stewardship of its Boards, its many funding partners, dedicated sponsoring companies, hundreds of donors and, not least, the tens of thousands of audience members who have graced this heritage home over the last forty years.
There is so much history wrapped up in this production. Don Shipley, the Belfry’s first Artistic Director, created this Irving Berlin revue. Don’s partner at the theatre, the Belfry’s first Executive Director, and the Production Manager for Ritz, was Richard Brownsey. Richard was married to a young director named Glynis Leyshon. Glynis painted a piano white for that first production. During her tenure as Artistic Director of the Belfry, Glynis directed a remount of Puttin’ on the Ritz during the 1993-1994 season. And now Glynis is directing this current production! Those two earlier incarnations of Puttin’ on the Ritz starred Victoria-based musical stars Bill Hosie and Dan Costain. We are thrilled to dedicate this 40th anniversary production to those two gentlemen. There are many in this audience today who remember their singing and dancing. And clowning. Together with Sheila McCarthy and Mary Swinton, they launched the Belfry Theatre with wit and style. Together with Marlane O’Brien and Marina Stephenson Kerr, they revived the joy and magic of Berlin and Shipley. This new production features a remarkable cast: Lauren Bowler (Chelsea Hotel), Andrew MacDonaldSmith, Katrina Reynolds, and John Ullyatt (The Best Brothers). The elegant choreography is by Jessica Hickman (A Christmas Carol). The stunning set and costumes are designed by Cory Sincennes (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), with lighting designed by Guy Simard (God of Carnage, The Best Brothers), and making it all sound exquisite, Paul Tedeschini (Home Is A Beautiful Word, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike). My personal gratitude to Don Shipley, Richard Brownsey, Glynis Leyshon, Bill Hosie, Dan Costain, Ken MacDonald and Paddy Stewart: you launched this beautiful theatre with class and fun, and I am both proud and humbled to be trusted with its current artistic stewardship. With love to our brilliant audiences!
If we had the space, I would list each and every one of you who have provided the foundation for our birth, our growth, our sustained presence and our ability to plan for our future. We have, over this season, been proud to feature small insights from just a very few of our outstanding builders in these pages. They are a small sampling of the many dedicated individuals who build this truly great institution, and to all of them, I’d like to say thank you for this remarkable gift. We hope this production and our upcoming Gala are small celebrations of the people and organizations who believed, who gave, who participated and who watched as the Belfry became one of the region’s most important cultural gathering places. As we continue to look to our next four decades and beyond, we will focus on remaining accessible to our community and growing in a manner that focuses on our artists and on you, our patrons. Art is a fundamental pillar of any great community, and we at the Belfry are proud to be one of those pillars for our island community.
Michael & Ivan Photo by Jo-Ann Richards,Works Photography
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Thank you for attending Puttin’ on the Ritz Continue the fun at Belfry’s 40th Anniversary on Saturday May 14th Call me to secure your tickets: 250.532.0888 ANDY STEPHENSON andystephenson.com Sotheby’s International Realty Canada is Independently Owned and Operated
Gala
Director’s Notes I have always loved the old MGM films where inevitably Judy Garland, with boundless enthusiasm, would declare to Mickey Rooney that ‘her uncle has a barn so let’s make a play’! The early years at the Belfry Theatre, whose 40th anniversary we are celebrating this season, were filled with just that kind of cockeyed optimism. Don Shipley and his creative partner Pat Armstrong wrangled together a crazy talented group - including Bill Hosie, Danny Costain, Sheila McCarthy and designer Ken MacDonald to mount a modest little revue they titled Puttin’ on the Ritz. It was the first ever production at the newly christened Belfry Theatre - the idea was to celebrate the legendary American songsmith Irving Berlin with an evening of song and dance. Just four performers, two musicians and a baby grand. Modest indeed, but still far beyond the budget of our fledgling church-turned-theatre. So, General Manager Richard Brownsey went around town gathering brown paper bags filled with loose cash-donations rustled up by Paddy Stewart from a motley group of reluctant theatre ‘angels’. Friends rallied to build and sew and glue together a production worthy of this bijou musical. Opening night was one of those truly remarkable evenings in theatre when dreams do indeed come true. Puttin’ on the Ritz became the little revue that could…and the show’s success allowed many other productions to follow. Now, forty years later, we are gathering another talented group together to celebrate this homegrown Victorian legend. The music still delights and we hope that you too will be ‘lifted out of your seats’ at the wit and musical heart of the great Irving Berlin. Glynis Leyshon
Bill Hosie, Sheila McCarthy, Mary Swinton and Danny Costain in the 1976 production of Puttin' on the Ritz.
Patrick Stewart Notes The recipe for starting a theatre is quite straightforward. You mix the following ingredients: a yankee songwriter, a visionary director, a set designer/poster maker, local musical talent, an old church, a nonprofit society, an L.I.P. grant, four disparate angels, a stage and a piano. Stir for two or three weeks and, voila, you have created a cracker of a Ritz. WARNING – do not try this more than one time as the recipe becomes more complicated and the ingredients become more expensive. From his book The Humble Chef
Paddy Stewart
The show must go on...
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3Jcc J] ]QN +NUO[b =QN 3XMR 9[XcWRLT :^J[]N] `R]Q <]N_N 4JUMN\]JM XW =NWX[ <Ja May 16 at 7:30pm Tickets: 250.385.6815 Celebrating 42 years in Victoria 4BMFT r 5VOJOH r 3FTUPSBUJPO 2328 Government Street 250.384.3935 Keith and Catherine Allison
Acting Company
Lauren Bowler
Andrew MacDonald-Smith Rehearsal Photography by Peter Pokorny
Lauren Bowler Lauren has fond memories of her grandma bringing her over from Salt Spring as a child to see plays here, and being on this stage all grown up is a joy. Admittedly, the stage seemed much bigger as an eight year old. Lauren was recently seen at the Belfry in Chelsea Hotel, and in Godspell and One Man, Two Guvnors (Arts Club). Other appearances include: Firehall Arts Centre, Chemainus Theatre Festival, Western Canada Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Vancouver Playhouse, National Arts Centre, and the Gateway Theatre. She has been nominated for a couple of Jessie Richardson awards, and owns the Great Wall Tea Co. Up next: Rock of Ages (Arts Club). For her leading man, KRP.
Andrew MacDonald-Smith Andrew is thrilled to be making his debut at the Belfry. Selected roles include Avenue Q on Broadway (The Golden Theatre), One Man, Two Guvnors and Mary Poppins (Citadel Theatre), Pith!, The Infinite Shiver (co-writer), Everybody Goes to Mitzi’s (co-writer), and Witness to a Conga (Teatro la Quindicina), The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore (Edmonton Opera), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Wizard of Oz (Mayfield), The Liars and The Best Brothers (Shadow Theatre), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Mary Poppins (Theatre Calgary), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Vertigo Theatre), and Avenue Q (Jessie Award, Arts Club). Love to his inamorata.
Bravo Belfry Theatre
You’ve gifted Victoria with 40 years of “Steppin Out” live theatre. Carole James, MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill Community Office 1084 Fort Street
tel: 250.952.4211 carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca www.carolejamesmla.ca
Acting Company
Katrina Reynolds
John Ullyatt Rehearsal Photography by Peter Pokorny
Katrina Reynolds Kat is so happy to be making her debut here at the Belfry while celebrating such beautiful music! Select credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway), Hair (CanStage), Lorrell in Dreamgirls (Theatre Aquarius, The Grand Theatre, MTC), Mack and Mable and Hotel Pecadillo (Shaw Festival), Lil' Inez in Hairspray (Charlottetown Festival), Camelot, Fiddler On The Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar and Tommy (Stratford Festival), Rusty in Footloose (Drayton Entertainment) and most recently The Nomad in Godspell (Vancouver Arts Club). FILM/TV: The View, the 2012 Tony Awards, Officer Blake in Untold Stories of the ER. As always, Kat would like to thank her incredible parents, Nelson and Brenda Reynolds, and her partner in crime, Liam Begley, for their endless love and support.
John Ullyatt John Ullyatt is less of a stranger to the Belfry than he was last time he was here in The Best Brothers last year. Since then he has been working at home in Edmonton directing The Miraculous Mandarin with the ESO, performing in Coriolanus and As You Like It with The Freewill Players, Burning Bluebeard and most recently, Alice Through the Looking Glass at the Citadel Theatre. He also visited his original home in Montreal at the Segal Centre in Funny Girl, as well as improvising a new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Undiscovered Shakespeareâ&#x20AC;? at the Stratford Festival.
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Twelve Highlights and Honours Concerts Adjudicated Sessions showcase outstanding performances in a wide in ďŹ fteen range ofdisciplines. disciplines. These concerts feature a selection of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival performers, chosen by the adjudicators, and all promise to offer an enjoyable and entertaining evening for everyone!
Honours / Highlights Roberto &MaryatWood Concerts venues Join us at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall for the prestigious Roberto & Mary Wood near you. Scholarship Concert. Students from Brass,
SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bull in a China Shopâ&#x20AC;? is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Artists Showcased SESSIONS
EVENING Performances at 7:30 p.m. May 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 & 28 MATINEE Performances at 2:00 p.m. May 21, 22, 28 & 29
Performances Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performing artists showcase their talents.
Welcome to Festival 2014! Each year students of all ages in the performing arts demonstrate a high calibre of achievement in music, dance, speech and the dramatic arts. The general public is warmly welcome to attend Sessions, where professional adjudicators give commentary and mentorship in a classroom atmosphere as the students perform before their peers.
15 Disciplines
BY # " 'ILFORD DIRECTED BY -ICHAEL +ING
April 7 - May 14 April ~ May Our189th Year!12
Concerts
Bull in a China Shop
/gvpaf
2014 2016
CELEBRATING OUR 2015/16 SEASON
Details on the Website
Classical Guitar, Piano, Strings, Voice and Woodwinds are chosen by adjudicators to compete for a substantial scholarship towards further musical education. This Annual Concert showcases exceptional talent from our Victoria performing arts community.
www.gvpaf.org
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall - UVic Saturday, May 10 - 7:00 PM Ad $20 Sr/Std/Chld $10 Tickets available at the door only.
See other side for Highlights Concerts Full Festival schedule on the website www.gvpaf.org
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Creative Team
Glynis Leyshon
Nico Rhodes Rehearsal Photography by Peter Pokorny
Glynis Leyshon Director Artistic Director of the Vancouver Playhouse from 1997 to 2008, Glynis was previously Artistic Director of the Belfry Theatre for 11 seasons. During that time she was proud to have directed the 20th Anniversary Revival of Puttin' on the Ritz in a Jessie Award-winning co-production with the Gateway Theatre in Vancouver. She also headed the Banff Centre's Opera Training Programme for three seasons. Some recent directing credits include Verdi's Otello for Pacific Opera Victoria and L'Opera de Montreal, The Comedy of Errors for Theatre Calgary, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike for Alberta Theatre Projects and The Mikado for Calgary Opera's Summer Festival. She has directed across the country, including projects for the Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage and the National Arts Centre. Recently honoured as a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Victoria, she is looking forward to directing the world premiere of OURS for Opera on the Avalon in Newfoundland this summer and Simon Boccanegra for Pacific Opera Victoria this fall.
Nico Rhodes Musical Director, Orchestrator and Keyboard Programming A studio musician, music director, arranger/ orchestrator, composer, pianist, and woodwind player, Nico is at home in almost any musical environment. Nico has written and performed with symphony orchestra, jazz ensemble, big band, choir, and musical theatre. Recently Nico orchestrated the world premiere of the new musical The Best Laid Plans and played woodwinds in Elf: The Musical at Chemainus Theatre Festival. Select credits include: A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (Arts Club), A Wonderful Life (CTF/Persephone), TONIGHTâ&#x20AC;ŚPIAF (Vancouver Island Symphony), Twist and Shout (Chemainus Theatre Festival) and Anne Of Green Gables (Drayton). Love to Kate and Joelle.
Creative Team
Cory Sincennes
Guy Simard
Paul Tedeschini Rehearsal Photography by Peter Pokorny
Cory Sincennes Set and Costume Designer Belfry Theatre: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Other selected credits: Evangeline, Bittergirl: The Musical (Charlottetown Festival), Romeo and Juliet, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show, One Man, Two Guvnors, Make Mine Love (Citadel), Peter and the Starcatcher, Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Where the Blood Mixes (WCT), Mump and Smoot (Alberta Theatre Projects), The Huron Bride (Vertigo Theatre), Julius Caesar, The Tempest (Freewill Shakespeare Festival), Let the Last 5 Years, Light of Day Through, Little One, Woman in Black (Theatre Network). Awards: Sterling Awards for Outstanding Scenic Design – Next to Normal, Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble, Outstanding Costume Design – Monty Python’s Spamalot. Cory holds a degree in Architectural Studies from Carleton University and a MFA in Theatre Design from U of A. He is a member of Associated Designers of Canada.
Guy Simard Lighting Designer Born and raised in Montreal, and graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, Guy Simard has been teaching lighting design at the school for more than 25 years. He has also taught at different schools in Belgium and France. With Renaud Doucet and André Barbe, he has designed productions for numerous companies such as Opera du Rhin (France), Opera de Marseille (France), Volksoper in Vienna (Austria), Royal Swedish Opera and Malmo Opera (Sweden), Hamburg State Opera (Germany), Leipzig Opera (Germany), Seattle Opera, the Manhattan School of Music, New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Arizona Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Opera Kentucky (USA).
Paul Tedeschini Sound Designer Paul is over the moon about returning to the Belfry. Puttin’ on the Ritz is his third Belfry design. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike was his second, Home Is A Beautiful Word his first. Other selected credits include Into The Woods (Canadian College of Performing Arts), 39 Steps, Noises Off (Western Canada Theatre), Gaslight (Blue Bridge Theatre), Ring Of Fire – Project Johnny Cash, Les Miserables, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Fresco (Shadbolt Centre/The Cultch), Circle Mirror Transformation (Arts Club Theatre). As always, thank you to Nicolle and Isidoro.
Creative Team
Jessica Hickman
Brad L'Écuyer
Erin Voaklander Rehearsal Photography by Peter Pokorny
Jessica Hickman Choreographer Jessica is honoured to have been involved in bringing this quirky and beautiful show back to life! Some recent choreography credits for Jessica include A Christmas Carol (Belfry Theatre), Elf: The Musical (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Let Me Call You Sweetheart (Belfry Theatre), The Tempest (GNS), Smalltown: A Pickup Musical (TheatreSKAM), Chicago (Guild Theatre), as well as directing/choreographing Thoroughly Modern Millie (VOS), and Bye Bye Birdie (GNS). Jessica has been working as the Crowd Director for the past two seasons at The Canadian Badlands Passion Play (Drumheller), and is the co-artistic director of Open Pit Theatre (Whitehorse). Upcoming for Jessica is the premiere of an exciting cardboard puppet show called Tombstone: A Sci-Fi Western with Ramshackle Theatre, and directing the premiere of Words of the Yukon with Open Pit Theatre. (jessicahickman.net)
Brad L’Écuyer Second Keys Brad is thrilled to be back at the amazing Belfry Theatre. Past Belfry shows include Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Year of Magical Thinking. An actor, music director and composer, Brad is also the Artistic Director for Victoria’s Gotta Getta Gimmick. Favourite credits include: Sunday in the Park With George and Noel Coward’s Play Orchestra, Play (Shaw Festival), Les Misérables, Elf: The Musical, The Buddy Holly Story, Joseph…Dreamcoat, Gifts of the Magi (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Falsettos, Sweeney Todd, chorus|line|cabaret series (GGG), South Pacific, Albert Herring and Mary’s Wedding (recorded for CBC Radio 2) Pacific Opera Victoria.
Erin Voaklander Stage Manager Erin is thrilled to return to the Belfry, having previously worked on A Christmas Carol and The Bomb-itty of Errors. Favourite credits include: The Bomb-itty of Errors and White Christmas (Arts Club Theatre), Blackbird, True Love Lies, and Courageous (Citadel Theatre), The Last Resort, Don't Dress for Dinner, and Chicago (Mayfield Theatre), and Sequence (Shadow Theatre). She has worked as assistant director on Featuring Loretta and Criminal Genius (Punctuate! Theatre), and The Particulars (Pyretic Productions). Love and gratitude to my dear family for all of the support: in particular to my Nana and Pa, Donald & Marjorie Mulcahy: lifelong Victoria residents and lovers of song & dance...this one's for you!
Classical Roots Contemporary Reach Daniel Lapp’s 4th Annual
JOY OF FIDDLE
Friday May 13 | 7:30PM Alix Goolden Hall $20 / $17 / $12 Kids 12 & under
JOY OF SONG
Saturday May 14 | 7:30PM
Alix Goolden Hall $25 / $20 / $12 Kids 12 & under
Christopher Sibbald
Christopher Sibbald Assistant Stage Manager Christopher is very excited to be back at the Belfry where he started his career after graduating from the University of Victoria in 2010. After spending nearly two years as the Apprentice Stage Manager at the Belfry, he had the pleasure of working in theatres from coast to coast, but is now pleased to call Victoria home once again. Selected credits include: And Slowly Beauty, The Trespassers (Belfry Theatre), Blithe Spirit, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Stratford Festival), Anne of Green Gables: The Musical, Alice Through the Looking Glass (Charlottetown Festival), Das Rheingold, The Barber of Seville (Pacific Opera Victoria).
“It’s A Lovely Day Today” and everyday, thanks to the Belfry Theatre.
JOY OF JAZZ
Sunday May 15 | 3:00PM
Teechamista Theatre, Colwood 3500 Ryder Hesjedal Way $20 / $17 $12 Kids 12 & under
Happy 40th Season!
250.386.5311 | VCM.BC.CA/EVENTS 907 PANDORA AVENUE
3050 Nanaimo Street, Victoria, BC Ph: (250) 386-5542 • Fx: (250) 386-7838 sales@hillsideprinting.com www.hillsideprinting.com
Belfry Builders
Veteran Artistic Director Glynis Leyshon
remains one of the brightest stars in the Belfry’s crown By John Threlfall
If the Belfry had a face, it could well be that of Glynis Leyshon. Indeed, it’s not hard to image Leyshon’s bright, bubbly face looming large over the building like some kind of benevolent theatrical deity as depicted by longtime season artist Grant Leier. And justifiably so, since her involvement goes back before the Belfry even existed as a theatre company. “My very first memory of the Belfry? Naming it!” Leyshon says, breaking into her trademark laugh. “I was in the room when people were kicking around ideas. It was a woman named Gina Hume who said, ‘What about The Belfry – because of the tower?’ Obviously, we all thought that was a great name.” Leyshon also had a hand in inaugural co-director Don Shipley coming on board, and her husband, Richard Brownsey, was the Belfry’s first general manager. She directed her first professional show here (1978’s Dames at Sea), helped stage the original production of Puttin’ on the Ritz and mounted the 20th anniversary version of it. As an actor, she’s been on the Belfry’s stage numerous times and she still reigns as the longest-running Artistic Director. It was during Leyshon’s 1986 to 1997 tenure that the Belfry bought and renovated the building, reduced the accumulated debt and helped refine the artistic mandate by focusing on contemporary and Canadian work by the celebrated likes of Joan MacLeod, Morris Panych, Dan Needles, Michel Marc Bouchard and Sally Clark, among many others. “You have to reach, you have to have ambition,” she says. “It was essential that the company supported its own community, while at the same time being part of the larger Canadian theatre scene. You always have to be working to provide the audience with the best live theatre you can.” She’s thrilled to return to the Belfry for the re-remounting of Ritz, the original production of which she has many fond memories. “It really was a magical event,” she recalls. “It was so improbable, it didn’t make any sense: there was no money, we didn’t have a business plan. But we did have synergy and we had a theatre. It was absolutely a case of ‘Let’s just make it happen!’ And we did!”
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BELFRY THEATRE ANNUAL FUND
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Our 40 Anniversary Celebration TH
40 years of giving Greater Victoria outstanding contemporary theatre is cause for celebration, so prepare for a gala event at the Belfry.
Saturday May 14th, 2016 5:30pm Tickets $250, including a minimum $100 tax receipt To reserve your spot please contact our box office at 250-38 5-6815
Gala sponsors:
The Belfry Theatre flourishes thanks to support from individuals like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution or monthly pledge. Every dollar you contribute makes a tremendous difference to the work we do.
Thank you! To make a donation: www.belfry.bc.ca/donate 250-385-6815 or drop by our box office
COMING UP
RING OF FIRE Project Johnny Cash Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. Conceived by William Meade
Apr 6 - 23 HARVEY
Tickets from $25
By Mary Chase
$29 for musicals May 6 - 28 FOOTLOOSE The Musical Stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Jun 10 - Aug 27
chemainustheatre.ca | 1.800.565.7738
APR 20 – MAY 7, 2016
JUN 8 – 25, 2016
DARK COMEDY BY GEORGE F. WALKER DIRECTED BY WENDY MERK funny & zany sequel to Better Living
A COMEDY BY OLIVER GOLDSMITH DIRECTED BY TOSHIK BUKOWIECKI charm, humour, deception & seduction
250.384.2142
250.384.2142
ESCAPE FROM HAPPINESS
langhamtheatre.ca
SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER
langhamtheatre.ca
Bravo! 2015-2016 40th Anniversary Season The following individuals have invested generously to raise funds in support of ongoing Belfry Theatre Operations.
Director's Circle: Godsend ($10,000+) 40 Patrick Stewart Anonymous (1) Director's Circle: Production Sponsor ($5,000 - $9,999) 40 Terry & Leslie Farmer Anne McLaughlin Dr. Stephen Tax Anonymous (1) Director's Circle: Artist Supporter ($2,500 - $4,999) Eric & Lee Adler Ian & Gloria Back Fund â&#x20AC; Stephen & Michelle Brown Rob & Shirley Hunter 40 The Jawl Foundation Claude & Joan Mury Anonymous (1) Director's Circle: Member ($1,200 - $2,499) Dr. Perry & Annamaria Bamji Sherri Bird & Bill Bird Edward J. Chambers Mary Jane Derksen * Eric & Nora Katherine Farris & Kit Pearson David Harris Flaherty Peter B. Gaby Barbara Greeniaus & Bill Israel Ivan Habel Philomena Hanson Bruce & Barbara Housser Fiona Hunter In Memory of Jean Elizabeth KĂľdar Helen Lansdowne Lillian McKimm Robert Milne Bill & Maureen Murphy-Dyson * Patricia O'Brien & Michael Gaudet Joan Peggs Barbara & Kim Potash Shelagh & Brad Rinald Michael Shamata Paul & Susan Siluch Lee & Karl Soberlak Foundation Frank & Moira Somers * Andy Stephenson Susan Stevenson & Bruce McGuigan John & Suzanne Stewart Judy Stewart Avril & Bob Tyrrell Catherine & John Windsor Michael & Vicki Ziegler Anonymous (1) Disciple ($1,000 - $1,199) Hon. David & Mrs. Sandra Anderson Susan & Gary Braley Commodore & Janice Drent Brian & Susan Findlay Mohan & Kathy Jawl Robert & Devi Jawl Foundation Cindy Petrowski & Phil Marsh
Gordon & Grace Rogers Ian Rye & Melina Boucher Robert & Joan Snowden Anonymous (2) Adherent ($500 - $999) Tom & Nancy Bailey Adrienne Betty Lorie Bradley & Russ Pym Jerri Carson Chris & Mary Chapman Dr. Dana Chlysta Donna Christie & Richard Shapka Leslee Farrell Eric & Michele Fretz Georgia Gibbs Carol A. Gray Bob & Sara Harman Joe & Linda Harvey Jean Horowitz Bill & Joan Huzar Andrew Karwowski & Sylvie Cote Patti-Anne & Martin Kay John & Anne Keay John Krich Mark F. McLean Michael Morres Nightingale Preschool & Junior Kindergarten Michael Olson Ronald & Judith Parish Edwin & Carmen Pitcher Ronald & Juliana Polstein Pauline Price Mary-Ellen Purkis Adrienne Radford Mary Scobie & Paul Boughen Alec Scoones Margaret L. Smith Michael Stewart * Robert Thomson Terry J. Waller Tom Ward Dr. Monika & George Winn Patricia M. Young Advocate ($150 - $499) Marianne Alto Kenneth & Sylvia Austin Douglas Baer Clayton Baraniuk & Jason Dubois Gordon George Barefoot Robert & Evelyn H. Barrigar Beverly Berkhold Christine & Michael Bloomfield Darralyn Bonnor Harry & Beryl Borris Gisele Boyer Peter Douglas Bray Elizabeth Bridger Monty & Nancy Bryant Sherry & John Butler Jane Butler-McGregor Mikell Callahan Miriam & Henry Caplan Carl & Carole Cederberg Eric & Shirley Charman Ida Chong Adelle Clements Anne Clinckett & Denny Gelinas Jane Clinckett Darlene Elaine Clover Chris & Susan Considine George & Diane Copley Les & Barbara Copley Ron Cox & Bev Suzuki Ross Crockford & Jennifer Wise
Stephen Cushing & Debbie Gill Donald & Judith Daly Pat Davey Mavis Degirolamo * Oksana Dexter Milus Douglas Donna Dupas John Dutton Lawrence Eastick Ross & Faye Eddy Rita Estock Bob & Sylvia Fair Delaine Faulkner * Carol & Ron Fedrau-Ens Jean Field Malcolm Foy Jane Francis & Dave Skilling Marguerite Friesen Helen Gans Ann Geddes Peter & Beverly Gibson Geoff & Linda Giles Daphne Goode In Memory of Len Graves Glen Hammond & Catherine Scott Alan & Dianne Hanna Chris & Catriona Harker Anne Holtzman & Gordon Philippe John & Elaine Hooper Katrin Horowitz & Andrew Croll Helen & Ted Hughes Lynda & Walter Hundleby Audrey Johnson Don & Lydia Kasianchuk Stuart & Ann Kenning ** Nancy Kenyon * Kindred Spirits Veterinary Hospital Bruce & Gwyneth Kingham Alina Maris Krogstad Lois Lacheur & Derek Whittle Marty Laurence & Mort Nelson P. Leslie & S. Boies Glynis Leyshon & Richard Brownsey Allana Lindgren Dan MacDougall & Karen McDiarmaid Bruce & Nikki MacKenzie Ken & May Mah-Paulson Margaret Mair Peter & Helen Malcolm Robert & Lynda Malpass Jessie Mantle Margaret Martin In Memory of Shurly Mazerolle Helen & Dan McAllister Mary McAvoy Frank McGilly Terence & Ann McMullen Lois McNabb Celso E. Mendoza Jon & Gail Muzio Bill & Coline Neilson Kelvin & Elisabeth Nelson Beate & Kirk Northcott Alfred Panter * Margie Parikh & Lonn Friese Marie Peach Julie & Bill Pearce Carol & Emily Prowse Jaci Ross Ann Saddlemyer Barbara Scott David & Jean Screech Don Shaw C. Stephen & Mary Smith Nalini & Tim Stewart Leonard & Valerie Stubel (con't)
Kenneth Thornicroft Giles Thorp Jeanette & Stephen Titus Michael & Anne Tyler Fund † Thomas & Diana van Cleave Nick & Carmel van Der Westhuizen Sharon Walls Donovan & Maryla Waters Drs. Robert Weyant & Marsha Hanen
Jane Whiteley Barbara L. Wilson * Marla & Hal Yacowar, QC Anonymous (18) Our thanks to the 75 Believers ($75 - $149) and 150 Friends (up to $74).
As of March 22, 2016 ** New Donor * Donor moved up a category since last show. † Through the Victoria Foundation. 40 40th Anniversary Matching Campaign Donor
Legacy Gifts The Belfry acknowledges the generous recent and past gifts from the estates of: Shirley Mae Dawson M. Grace Mersereau Margaret Seens Alan Geoffrey White Anonymous Gift planning is an inspired, meaningful and deeply personal way to secure the future of the Belfry Theatre. The support of visionary philanthropy ensures that the Belfry will continue to flourish as Greater Victoria’s premier contemporary theatre company. Ask your professional advisors about the tax advantages of charitable donations and bequests. We would welcome the opportunity to ensure that your gift is recognized according to your wishes during and/or after your lifetime. For more information on planning your gift to the Belfry Theatre and our next Gift Planning Seminar on June 1st, please contact: Susan Stevenson Development Manager Tel: 250-385-6835, ext. 229 development@belfry.bc.ca Charitable registration number: 119215549RR0001
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Blue Heron Advisory Group
CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.
Bravo! The Belfry Theatre gratefully acknowledges the financial support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the Capital Regional District Arts Development Office and the City of Victoria.
Hospitality Sponsors Caffé Fantastico Charelli’s Delicatessan Everything Wine Sea Cider Spinnakers Brewpub & Guesthouse Host Hotels and Accommodation Sponsors Accent Inns The Fairmont Empress Garden Oaks Fine Accommodation The Magnolia Hotel & Spa Villa Marco Polo Media Sponsors Boulevard Magazine KiSS 103.1 FOCUS Magazine Times Colonist 98.5 The Ocean
40th Anniversary Season Sponsors Cook’s Day Off Helijet Thrifty Foods Times Colonist Show Sponsors Allison Piano Graham Isenegger & Neil Chappell of CIBC Wood Gundy – Blue Heron Group The Co-operators General Insurance Company Gabriel Ross Furniture Hillside Printing Jennifer Roberts Florist Munro’s Books TD Bank Group Belfry 101 Sponsor The Joint Pizzeria & Deli Booksmack Partners/Sponsors Greater Victoria Public Library Munro’s Books Crush Sponsors Boulevard Magazine The Cooperators General Insurance Company Everything Wine Inn at Laurel Point KiSS 103.1 Times Colonist 98.5 Ocean Facility and Operations Sponsors CD Specialty Cleaning & Restoration Costa Verde Landscaping Dowell's Moving & Storage The Finishing Store KPMG Monk Office Prism Imaging The Soap Exchange Floral Sponsor Jennifer Roberts Florist Gala Sponsors Horne Coupar Barristers and Solicitors Pedersen's Event Rentals TD Bank Group
SPARK Festival Sponsors CVV Magazine Do250 Government of Canada Hotel Zed The Zone @ 91.3 100.3 the Q Upstage Magazine Sponsor Fastrac Printing VocalEye Sponsors Aroga Technologies Foundations Barnes Family Foundation through the Victoria Foundation Belfry Theatre Society Endowment Fund through the Victoria Foundation The Hamber Foundation 40 The Jawl Foundation The Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation Provincial Employees Community Services Fund The Stewart Fund through the Vancouver Foundation Vancouver Foundation Victoria Foundation
Gold Business Circle Members de Vine Vineyards Orca Book Publishers Susan Salomonsson, Chartered Professional Accountant St. Margaret’s School Carolann Steinhoff, Queensbury Securities Inc. Silver Business Circle Members Field & Company LLP Chartered Accountants Garside Signs & Displays Horne Coupar Barristers and Solicitors Jean Medland, Realtor, Pemberton Holmes Kane Straith Fine Clothing Moxie’s Bar and Grill RDH Building Science Inc. Storey’s Gate Project Management & Construction Inc. Victoria Arts Marketing 40 40th Anniversary Matching Campaign Donor
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