A Canadian Stage Production in association with the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres
Sponsored in part by:
and Access Partner Government Support
Dan Chameroy, Vanessa Sears, Jonathan Cullen, Julia Pulo, Saphire Demitro, and Eddie Glen. Photo: Lorne Bridgman
Canadian Stage has four homes spread across our great city. The Bluma Appel and the Berkeley Street Complex bookend the vibrant St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood and run along what was once the shore of Lake Ontario. Our beautiful High Park Amphitheatre is nestled within the grassy mounds and forests of our city’s most beloved park. Our most recent addition, the Winter Garden Theatre, is located right in the bustling downtown core. Canadian Stage is grateful to be able to tell our stories on this bountiful land that we all share.
This sacred land has held story for thousands of years: stories that live in the fabric of who we are as a nation. Canadian Stage would like to acknowledge and thank the original caretakers and knowledge keepers of this territory: the Anishinaabe Nations (including the Mississaugas of the Credit), the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Wendat and Métis Nations. We give thanks to the Nations recorded and unrecorded, acknowledged and unacknowledged, who also share the responsibility for this territory. We honour the Dish With One Spoon Treaty and our responsibility to peaceably share and care for the resources that surround us. We are honoured to be in this meeting place called Tkaronto that many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people from across Turtle Island call home.
A Note from Canadian Stage
Welcome to TorOZto!
For over four decades, Canadian Stage has proudly stood as Toronto’s largest not-forprofit theatre, connecting millions of audiences to the brilliance of Canadian artists— on and off the stage. From ground-breaking productions to cherished traditions like 41 seasons of Dream in High Park, we have been at the heart of this city’s cultural life.
Today, Canadian Stage is proud to bring you the next chapter in another of Toronto’s most beloved traditions: the holiday pantomime!
For 25 years, the incomparable Ross Petty has been delighting audiences and inspiring a whole new generation of theatre-lovers with his zany, family-friendly versions of beloved fairy tales. Canadian Stage could not let this incredible legacy end with Ross’ well-deserved retirement. So, we are picking up the mantle and carrying on the holiday cheer with this all-out irreverent twist on the timeless tale of The Wizard of Oz.
Strap on your ruby Blundstones, get ready to walk the yellow brick road of Ozzington, and prepare yourselves to meet the Great Wizard on top of the CN Power: this is The Wizard of Oz like you’ve never seen it before!
If you like what you see, make sure to check out the rest of our shows. From Dream in High Park to our subscription season, we present some of Toronto’s best theatre, all year-round. Next up is our production of Edward Albee’s classic play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? starring real-life married couples Paul Gross & Martha Burns and Hailey Gillis & Mac Fyfe. We’d love to see you there!
Happy holidays!
- Canadian Stage
Brendan Healy Artistic Director
Monica Esteves Executive Director
Thank you to the supporters of The Wizard of Oz!
Sponsor
Foundation Support
Season Sponsor and Access Partner
Donors
The Elizabeth and Tony Comper Foundation
Margaret and David Fountain
Director’s Note
In the mid-90’s, Ross Petty and I got to know each other doing a film in the Czech Republic, just after the wall fell. That’s a whole other play, believe you me. I just adored him and we remained friends. He had just started producing the Pantos back then, and they were still rooted in the British scripts and traditions, but it was clear that families loved them and that they were here to stay. In the early “aughts” Ross asked me to direct Aladdin for him. I was thrilled. My idea was to “drag the Panto across the pond”, and make it “Canadian”, with well-known pop music, as opposed to musical theatre songs, and jokes and storylines referencing popular culture that landed with kids and caregivers alike. We brought in Canadian wrestling icon Brett Hart to play the genie. It was a great show. I did four more after that, bringing in Canadian Idols, rock stars, TV stars and a dazzling array of our finest Canadian musical theatre performers. My kids, Rosie and Theo, were regulars at rehearsals and saw them all. It was a special time. And it was in those years that Dan Chameroy’s “Plumbum” came to be, and one of the things I am most proud of was that I gave her, her name: Plum being latin for lead, bum being, well, bum. Since then, The Panto has continued on in spectacular fashion for many years, with the amazing Tracey Flye at the helm.
The thing all the Pantos have had in common though, is Ross. Last year Ross retired both himself and the Panto, leaving our city without this staple for the first time in a quarter century. And when Canadian Stage decided to resurrect this dyed-in-the-wool Toronto holiday tradition, they wanted him to be a part of it. He agreed. And I was so thrilled to get the call from Brendan and Monica to return directing the show.
We have assembled an incredible cast and creative team. With another gem of a script from Matt Murray, and the most charismatic and joyful cast I have ever seen. Boo lustily! Cheer mightily! The Panto is back in Toronto, and long may it continue. Enjoy yourselves. And thank you Canadian Stage for making this happen.
This performance runs 2 hours including a 20 minute intermission
Parker Nowlan Head of Lighting
Kamil Wrzesniewski Head of Sound, Mixer
Ivy Groundwater Assistant Sound, A2
Peder Pedersen Head AV
Brayden Crawford Technical Director
Marshall Kidd Associate Technical Director
Kendalin Bishop Assistant Technical Director
Mary Spyrakis Head of Props
Chynah Philadelphia Props 1st Assistant
Running Crew
Jen Murphy Head of Stage Properties
Jackson Sayliss Stage Properties
Lora Rempel Head of Wardrobe
Rob Martin Fly Person
Production
Paige Partridge Props 2nd Assistant
Alysson Burnabe Scenic Artist
Janet Pym Head of Wardrobe
Gwyneth Whalen-Hughes Wardrobe Assistant
Geoff Hughes Cutter
Ivan Lukianiuk Head Stage Carpenter
Randy Dament Stage Carpetner
Heather Richards Spot Light Operator
Michael Brunet Spot Light Operator
Carly Beamish Karen Donaldson
Johanna Edwards
Dustin George Ilana Harendorf
Kathleen Johnston Stitchers
Sharon Ryman Production Hair Supervisor
Eric Evans Wig Builder
THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum as adapted for the stage by Matt Murray is produced by permission of the PLAYWRIGHT and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.mqlit.ca. Sound and video equipment supplied by Sound Associates International. The CN Tower appears courtesy of the Canada Lands Company.
Canadian Stage is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages professional Artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the terms of the jointly negotiated Canadian Theatre Agreement. Stage Employees are represented by IATSE Local 58 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. *Indicated designers on this production are represented by the Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local SC659
The musicians, musical director, conductor and orchestra contractor engaged for this production are members of the Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 149 of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
To purchase, visit the Guest Services desk at the CN Tower and present your Wizard of Oz ticket.
(Offer not available online and cannot be combined with any other offer, subject to change and availability, valid Dec 5, 2024-Feb 5, 2025.
Jordan Bell – Ensemble/Plumbum Understudy
Jordan is pleased as punch to return for his third holiday Panto!
Selected credits include: Snow White and the Group of 7, Peter Pan in Wonderland (Ross Petty); Stratford (three seasons); The Wizard of Oz (Mirvish and National Tour); Dear Evan Hansen; Calamity Jane (Off-Broadway); every Jet - including Tony, West Side Story (Orlando Shakespeare, Vancouver Opera, Rainbow Stage, Stratford Festival); Malcolm, The Full Monty (Charlottetown Festival); Escape To Margaritaville (Miami Playhouse, Arrow Rock Lyceum). TV: Law & Order, Aaron Hernandez: American Sports Story. Thank you to DaCosta Talent! Things that make Jordan happy: Gummy bears, his cats (Bruce Springsteen and Casper Mattress), and Adam.
Georgia is a Dora Award-winning performer born in Chemainus, BC and is thrilled to be making her Canadian Stage debut! Most recently, she wrapped up the BC tour of Sound the Alarm’s Music of the Night: The Concert Tour. She’s also been seen in 9 to 5: The Musical, Ghost: the Musical, Classic Country Roads, Holiday Jubilation, The Magician’s Nephew, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, and Little Women, as well as several shows as part of the Playbill Dining Room Cabaret series at Chemainus Theatre Festival. Other select credits: Storybook Search (Bad Hats [Dora Award]), Rumspringa Break! An Am-ish Musical (CMTP, TPM, NSTF), Dogfight (Theatre Sheridan), One Small Step (Toronto Fringe). Television: Ginny & Georgia (Netflix).
Andrew Broderick – Ensemble/Tin Man Understudy
Andrew Broderick is a Toronto-based theatre artist and is excited to return to Canadian Stage with the panto this year! Previous Credits Include: Choir Boy (Canadian Stage/Arts Club) The Color Purple (Neptune/Citadel/ MTC), The Last Timbit (Marquis Ent), Hadestown (Citadel), The Amen Corner, Sweeney Todd, Peter and the Starcatcher, Everybody (Shaw Festival), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Pirates of Penzance (Stratford Festival), Hairspray (Charlottetown Festival/Drayton Entertainment/Rainbow Stage), Dreamgirls (The Grand Theatre). He would like to thank all the creatives on and offstage; agents at The Talent House; and all of his loved ones.
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Dan Chameroy – Plumbum
For Canadian Stage: The Arsonists, Side by Side by Sondheim, Into the Woods. Sixteen seasons at the Stratford Festival credits include Thomas Nostradamus in Something Rotten! The Diviners, Chicago, Billy Elliot, The Rocky Horror Show, The Winters Tale, Cymbeline, Oklahoma! and Camelot. Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare); A Little Night Music (Koerner Hall); MatildaTTCA winner (US national tour/ Mirvish); Life After, Wild Party (Musical Stage Company); Idiots Delight, Of Human Bondage, (Soulpepper); The Magic Fire (Shaw); The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast - Dora Award (Mirvish) and 10 Ross Petty Pantomimes as Plumbum (Elgin Theatre). Film/TV: Leer Estates, Murdoch Mysteries, Saving Me, Paw Patrol, Super Why! Mittens and Pants, Hotel Transylvania & Open Season. Dan is a multiple Actra, CSA, Dora Award nominee. Upcoming: Fifteen Dogs (Crows/Mirvish) and Annie (Stratford). Instagram @danchameroy
Jonathan Cullen – Tin Man
Jonathan Cullen has wowed audiences across North America since 2010. Most recently he was nominated for a Dora Award playing Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages with More Entertainment - Toronto. Previously, he played a leading role on the 1st National Tour of the Broadway Smash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Post-Mormon, he toured across Canada with the TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Award) nominated Pop/Soul group, Silver Lining. Prior, Jonathan helped Grammy Nominated Steven Page, workshop his new musical, Here’s What It Takes. Earlier, Cullen worked with Tony Award Winners Director Stephen Daldry and choreographer Peter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award Winning artist Elton John on their ground-breaking Broadway success, Billy Elliot
Saphire Demitro – Lion
Saphire is absolutely thrilled to be making her Canadian Stage debut and to be performing at the iconic Winter Garden Theatre with this amazing cast! She has performed all across North America, the Caribbean, and Argentina with a multitude of shows. Select credits include: Rock of Ages (More Entertainment), The Rocky Horror Show (Neptune Theatre), Hairspray (Theatre Aquarius), Sin and Sorrow (TIFT), Obeah Opera (Nightwood Theatre), Heathers The Musical (We Are Here). Special thanks to my incredible family, my wonderful agent Colin and to my love, my heart and my biggest support Chiano.
Eddie Glen – Scarecrow
Eddie is a Two-time Dora Nominee. Canadian Stage credits: Rocky Horror, (Dora Nomination) Other theatre credits include: Spamalot, Music Man, Moby Dick (Stratford); Miss Saigon (Drury Lane); Joseph....Dreamcoat ( London Palladium); Spamalot, The 39 Steps, Les Miz, It Runs in the Family, Little Me (Drayton); Eddie has starred in over 20 shows with Ross Petty Productions (Elgin) Film & T.V. Credits include: Odd Squad, Murdoch Mysteries, The Firm. Eddie lends his voice to numerous Animated series and has been the “Voice” of YTV for the past 27 years. Thank you for supporting live theatre.
Sierra Holder – Ensemble/Dorothy Understudy
Sierra Holder (she/her) is a Tkaronto-based performer who is deeply grateful to be able to share art and be in community on this land. She is so excited to make her Canadian Stage debut, and is passionate about telling stories that are truthful, human, challenging, and joyous. Past theatre credits: Beaches: The Musical (Theatre Calgary) Jesus Christ Superstar (Talk is Free Theatre) Little Shop of Horrors (Capitol Theatre Port Hope) Peter’s Final Flight, The Wizard of Oz (Ross Petty Productions) Ride the Cyclone - choreographer (Tweed Theatre Co.) The Adventures of Pinocchio (Young People’s Theatre); Film & TV: The Madness, Accused, Bring It On: Cheer or Die (Jackie), Locke & Key, The J Team, Y: The Last Man.
Tyler is thrilled to return to the Winter Garden Theatre for one of his favourite holiday traditions. Selected Credits: Peter’s Final Flight, Lil’ Red Robin Hood (Ross Petty Productions), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Crow’sTheatre/Musical Stage Co.), Rock of Ages (More Ent./Elgin Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Jukebox Hero (Annerin Prod./Ed Mirvish Theatre). Film & TV: Overcompensating (A24/Amazon), Gen V (Sony/Amazon), Paw Patrol (Nickelodeon), Ginny & Georgia (Netflix), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC). Training: RBC Apprenticeship for Choreography/Movement Dir. (Musical Stage Co.), Sheridan College, Etobicoke School of the Arts. Thank you to TH, Canadian Stage, Jennifer Mote, and the gracious support of my friends & family.
Julia Pulo – Dorothy
Julia Pulo is a multidisciplinary performer born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She has worked professionally in theatre, film/tv, commercial, voice over, and as a background vocalist at MetalWorks Studios, and is very excited to be making her Canadian Stage debut! Select theatre credits: Anne Boleyn in SIX (Mirvish Productions), Lucy in Narnia (Bad Hats); Polly in Polly Peel (Theatre Sheridan); Constance in Ride the Cyclone (Tweed &Co). TV/Film: Bakugan (SpinMaster), Teletubbies (WildBrain/Netflix). Training: Sheridan Honours Bachelor Music Theatre Performance (graduating class of 2023). Julia would like to thank M2 Talent for the opportunity, as well as her mom, dad, Grace, and her friends, family, and friends that feel like family for their unwavering love and support.
Kirstyn Russelle – Ensemble/Witch Understudy/Dance Captain Kirstyn is so excited to be making her Canadian Stage debut and joining this hilarious powerhouse of a team in the city’s beloved holiday panto phenomenon. Select theatre credits include: The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret, Into the Woods (Ovation Productions); Grease (Winter Garden Theatre), GROW (Choreographer - Next Stage Festival). Film/TV: Web of Lies (Discovery); Ginny & Georgia (Associate Choreographer - Netflix). Kirst will next be seen in Blackbird with Talk is Free Theatre. A huge thanks to the entire team and much love to her friends and fam xo.
Vanessa Sears – Witch
Vanessa Sears is thrilled to be doing her very first Panto! A multi-Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning artist, Vanessa has starred on stages across Canada and on Broadway. Most recently she starred as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and played Olivia in Twelfth Night at the Stratford Festival. For Canadian Stage: Is God Is (Dora nomination). Elsewhere: New York, New York (Broadway); Little Shop of Horrors, Billy Elliot, Why We Tell the Story (Stratford); An Octoroon, Grand Hotel, Magician’s Nephew, Holiday Inn (Shaw); Kinky Boots (Mirvish); Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins (YPT); Caroline or Change, Passing Strange (Obsidian/MSC); King Lear, Queen Goneril (Soulpepper), Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats). Film/TV: Suits, Sex/Life, Y: The Last Man, TallBoyz, 14 Love Letters, Sappy Holiday, My Little Pony. Love and gratitude to Richard and the fam.
Musicians
Peter Bleakney – Bass Player
Peter is thrilled to be back to be doing Ross Petty’s Panto. He lost count at about 10. Other Toronto theatre credits include Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia!, Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Little Shop of Horrors, Matilda, Kinky Boots, Grease, Come From Away, and Carol King’s Beautiful
David Gray – Guitarist
David Gray is musician and songwriter/arranger based in Toronto. Theatre credits include: Tom TEHOHÀHAKE Wilson’s ‘Beautiful Scars’ (Theatre Aquarius), Dear Evan Hansen (Mirvish) and several hilarious Pantos (Ross Petty Productions). David has also enjoyed working with artists representing a wide cross section of music: Angelique Kidjo, Parachute Club, Lillian Allen, Alex Cuba and Judy Mowat (Bob Marley), to name a few.
Steve Heathcote – Drums & Percussion
A recent highlight for Steve was working with Sting in the Toronto production of The Last Ship. Other theatre credits include The Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, The Producers, Come from Away, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Singing in the Rain, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Grease and Billy Elliot. Tours with The Tenors, Anne Murray, Colm Wilkinson, Lighthouse, Holly Cole, and David Clayton Thomas have taken him all over the world. Steve has also performed with Elton John, Janelle Monae, Natalie MacMaster, Chantal Kreviazuk, Manhattan Transfer, Petula Clark, Rich Little, Shirley Bassey, Bob Newhart, Colin James, Henry Cuesta, Guido Basso, Frank Gorshin and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Martha Burns Mac Fyfe
Hailey Gillis
Paul Gross
Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Jan 18 - Feb 2, 2025
Directed by Brendan Healy
Underwritten by Elaine Kierans & Shawn McReynolds and by Trina McQueen, O.C.
Bluma Appel Season Underwriter: John & Nancy Embry
Photos by Lorne Bridgman
Michael Vieira – Keyboard Player (2)
Michael is a Canadian musician, composer, conductor, and musical director based in Toronto. Credits include Associate Musical Director for Rock of Ages, Annie, Piaf/Dietrich, Polyanna and Dear Evan Hansen. As keyboard player for Mirvish Productions, he has performed in the Toronto productions of Wicked, Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Lion King, Beautiful, Bat Out of Hell. In addition, Michael toured with The Canadian Tenors for two years, and was composer for the Stratford Festival for eight seasons.
Creative
Matt Murray – Playwright
Matt is a Toronto-based playwright, musical theatre book writer and lyricist. Musicals: Maggie - co-book, co-music, co-lyrics (collaboration with acclaimed recording artist Johnny Reid), Grow – Book writer (collaboration with Colleen Dauncey & Akiva Romer-Segal). Going Under - Book writer (collaboration with Colleen & Akiva). Matt wrote six Ross Petty Pantos: Peter’s Final Flight, Lil’ Red Robin Hood, The Wizard of Oz and A Christmas Carol as well as two digital productions: There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays and Alice in Winterland A Christmas Carol was recorded for broadcast by CBC/Family Channel. Plays include: Chronicles Of Sarnia, Myth Of The Ostrich, Remember, Maggy? (collaboration with Carol Anne Murray).
Ted Dykstra – Director
Ted is a seven-time Dora winner who has acted, directed and/or composed for every major theatre in Canada. Canadian Stage work includes Fire (twice!) and Dream In The Park. He co-wrote and performed the massive success 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, wrote and composed the musical Evangeline, and wrote the music for Coal Mine’s world premiere DION: A Rock Opera. He is a founding member of Soulpepper Theatre, and co-founded (with wife Diana Bentley) and is Artistic Director of The Coal Mine Theatre, where he directs regularly. Also: dozens of movies and television shows, most recently Percy Jackson (Disney), Murdoch Mysteries, Law & Order Toronto, and coming up: Devil in Disguise, a series for NBC. Plus: Gemini, Chalmers, Merritt and Sterling Awards. He is the very proud father of Theo, Rosie and Henry.
Jordan Laffrenier – Associate Director
Jordan is an award-winning director, producer, playwright, dramaturg and educator. Jordan is currently the Associate Artistic Director of Canadian Stage and Prime Mover Theatre Company. Jordan has held many musical theatre development roles in New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Jordan is the founding Artistic Director of Then They Fight Theatre, a dramaturgically based theatre company dedicated to developing new work from the initial spark of an idea into a fully realized production. Jordan is an advocate of theatre that supports the community on and off stage and has partnered theatre productions directly with local charities.
Ross Petty – Executive Producer Emeritus
I’ve had a privileged career as a performer having appeared on Broadway, London’s West End, the Lido in Paris, and working with theatre giants Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince as SWEENEY TODD. I transitioned from solely being an actor to create Ross Petty Productions, specifically to produce English Pantomimes, first at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre and then at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre. After 25 years of creating a joyous family holiday tradition at the Elgin, it was time to ring the curtain down. Until Canadian Stage called to say that they wanted to revive the raucous audience-participatory entertainments. I’m grateful to Brendan Healy and Monica Esteves for breathing new life into my legacy of having introduced the magic of live theatre to thousands of children and their families with the Pantos. May your hearts never grow up!
Mark Camilleri – Musical Director, Arranger & Orchestrator/Conductor & Keyboard Player
Mark Camilleri is thrilled to be part of the Panto again. Mark’s musical career has taken him around the world performing with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Eric Clapton, Paul Anka, Jeff Beck, Sarah McLachlan, David Foster, and Herbie Hancock as well as dozens of Music Theatre productions. Mark also owns and operates IMAGINE Sound Studios and his Recording/Producer credits include Jeff Healey, Jason Priestly, Quartetto Gelato, Marvin Hamlish, Allen Thicke, Cosmopolitan Magazine, General Mills, Microsoft, General Motors, Penguin Random House as well as scoring documentaries for the History Channel,TLC and CBC.
Jennifer Mote – Choreographer
Jennifer Mote is thrilled to be making her Canadian Stage Debut as Choreographer for her 7th Ross Petty Panto. She is a Dora Award-winning artist that has appeared on stage and screen throughout North America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Choreography credits include: Lifetime Channel: Christmas In The Spotlight, CityTV: The Wedding Planners, SaskExpress: We Will Rock You, David Foster Foundation Fundraisers, Stratford: Rent (Associate Choreographer), Ross Petty Productions: Peter’s Final Flight (Co-Choreographer), Wizard of Oz (Assistant Choreographer). Jen has worked with CeeLo Green, Tony Vincent, Akon, Katy Perry, Deborah Cox, C+C Music Factory, New Kids On The Block and runs her own entertainment company, Gloss Entertainment @jennifermote @gloss_ent. Love and Gratitude.
Michael Gianfrancesco – Set Designer
Michael’s set and costume designs have been seen across Canada, in Europe and the USA. He has designed for the Stratford Festival for 20 seasons and the Shaw Festival for 10 seasons. Past productions include sets and costumes for Emma Bovary at the National Ballet of Canada, Something Rotten at Stratford, Jasper at the Signature Theatre in New York City, sets for The Inheritance at Canadian Stage, La Dame aux Camélias at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Embrasse at Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Hadrian at Canadian Opera Company, and costumes for Ricciardo e Zoraide at the Rossini Festival in Italy and for Frame By Frame created by Robert Lepage and Guillaume Côté with Ex Machina and the National Ballet of Canada.
Bonnie Beecher – Lighting Designer
Bonnie is an award winning lighting designer from Toronto, Canada. She has designed the lighting for over 400 productions for theatre, opera and dance. Her work has been seen in most theatres in Canada including The Shaw Festival, The Stratford Festival, The Canadian Opera Company, Opera Atelier, Soulpepper Theatre, The National Ballet of Canada, Tarragon theatre, The Citadel and Ballet British Columbia. International work includes lighting designs for The Dutch National Ballet, The Versailles Royal Opera, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Ballet du Rhin in Mulhouse, The State Ballet of Georgia, Ballet Im Reveir, The Dusseldorf Ballet, The Stuttgart Ballet, and Ballett Mannheim. Recent productions include Something Rotten and Twelfth Night for Stratford, and My Name is Lucy Barton for Canadian Stage.
Ming Wong – Costume Designer
For Canadian Stage: The Inheritance, Public Enemy, Is God Is. For Ross Petty Productions: Peter’s Final Flight, Alice in Winterland. Elsewhere: The Wedding Party, Uncle Vanya, Red Velvet, The Master Plan, Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 (co-pro Musical Stage), The Wrong Bashir, Rosmersholm (Crow’s); Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (YPT); Three Sisters, De Profundiis, The Guide to Being Fabulous, Sizwe Banzi is Dead, Pipeline (Soulpepper), Once (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Salesman in China, Rent (Stratford), Candida, Just to Get Married, Trouble in Mind (Shaw Festival); Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats), Hansel und Gretel (COC). Upcoming: Kim’s Convenience, Strange Loop (Soulpepper), Fat Ham (Canadian Stage). More: 2021 Virginia & Myrtle Cooper Award; 2 time Dora Award winner.
Linas Kairys – Assistant Lighting Designer
Assistant lighting designer of Something Rotten!, Twelfth Night, King Lear and Rent (Stratford). Lighting designer, Birmingham Conservatory presentation: Three Sisters. Lighting designer (Stratford), Gintarine Jonines (Toronto Gintaras); Little Rock Show (Artist - Robbie Roth); Tinkerbell (University of Windsor). Assistant lighting designer: Fall for Dance North 2023. Lighting and projection designer: Homeland. Lighting and set design: The Twenties EP Release (Artist - Patrick Dean). Lighting designer: Uphill Climb (Berklee College of Music NYC); This is How We Live (TMU); The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (TMU); Mixtape (Mixtape projects). Training: MA, Live Experience Design, Berklee College of Music. BFA, Performance Production, Toronto Metropolitan University.
Cameron Fraser – Projection Designer
Cameron Fraser is a west coast based, multidisciplinary artist with an extensive background in performing and visual arts. Through his company, Escapist Entertainment, he has designed or assisted designers for such companies as 25th Street Theatre (SATA Award), The Grand Theatre, Punctuate! Theatre, The Shaw Festival/Why Not Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Sound The Alarm Music Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, The Confederation Centre for the Arts, Theatre Calgary/Western Canada Theatre, Vertigo Theatre/The Arts Club, as well as for a variety of corporate clients, including Volvo, Samsung, Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA), and the Cruise Line Industry Association. Cameron is a Guinness World Record Holder and a proud member of ADC659.
Brian Kenny – Sound Designer
Brian is a designer for theatre from Newfoundland and Labrador and is a graduate from The National Theatre School of Canada and Sheridan College. Selected credits include: La Cage Aux Folles (Stratford Festival), Fall On Your Knees (Vita Brevis/Canadian Stage), Kelly vs Kelly (Musical Stage), Pollyanna (Theatre Aquarius), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown) Million Dollar Quartet, Elf, GROW, (The Grand), Everybody Just C@lm The F#ck Down, Between Breaths (Artistic Fraud), Upcoming: A Strange Loop (Soulpepper/Musical Stage) and After The Rain (Tarragon/Musical Stage). Brian is a board member of the IATSE Local 659, The Associated Designers of Canada.
Loralie Pollard – Stage Manager
Loralie Pollard is a Toronto based stage manager and a proud graduate of Sheridan College’s theatre production program. She is happy to be making her Canadian Stage debut with The Wizard of Oz. Select SM credits: Liars at a Funeral, Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes, Back in 59 (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Orlando, Mary Stuart, The Witch of Edmonton, A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Oresteia (Theatre Erindale); Tool for Rebellion, Love Us Most (Studio 180). Select ASM credits: Peter Pan: the Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk: the Panto (Drayton Entertainment); The Sound of Music (Thousand Islands Playhouse), Of The Sea (Tapestry Opera); A Northern Lights Dream (Toronto Operetta Theatre); Meet My Sister, Baskerville (Lighthouse Theatre); The Events (Necessary Angel).
Katie Fitz-Gerald – Assistant Stage Manager
Katie is so thrilled to be joining the panto family as Assistant Stage Manager. Selected Credits: The National Ballet of Canada; Infinite Life, Appropriate, Yerma (Coal Mine); Misery & Same Time Next Year (Watermark Theatre); It’s A Wonderful Life (Young People’s Theatre); The Sound of Music (1000 Islands Playhouse); Bad Parent (Soulpepper); Gloria & The Great Divide (Harold Green Jewish Theatre); The Adventures of Pinocchio (Young People’s Theatre); Sherlock Holmes (The Shaw Festival); King Charles (Mirvish Productions & Studio 180).
SUB ASM: & Juliet, SiX (Mirvish Productions). Upcoming: People Places Things (Coal Mine). Sending love to my family and the girls!
Victoria Wang – Assistant Stage Manager
Selected credits: Woking Phoenix (Theatre Passe Muraille), Universal Child Care (Quote Unquote Collective), UnCovered (Musical Stage Company), Mahabharata (Why Not Theatre), My Sister’s Rage (Tarragon), Sizwe Bansi is Dead (Soulpepper), Solitudes (Aluna Theatre). Outside of theatre Victoria is also a yoga instructor who has guided community classes for Toronto Fringe, Theatre Passe Muraille, and Soulpepper Theatre.
May Nemat Allah – Apprentice Stage Manager
Canadian Stage: The Wizard of Oz: A Holiday Musical Panto for All, Fat Ham. Other Credits: Assistant Stage Manager for Steel Magnolias (Drayton Entertainment); Apprentice Stage Manager for Women of the Fur Trade, Death and the King’s Horseman (Stratford Festival); Stage Manager for Antigonick, Everything Gone, Everything Shone, Assistant Stage Manager for Maybe Not Tomorrow, Cabaret (National Theatre School of Canada). Training: National Theatre School of Canada and the University of Waterloo. Endless love and gratitude to my family and friends!
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Annual Donors, Sponsors and Members
Canadian Stage is grateful to the many individuals, foundations and corporations that supported our activities during the 23.24 season. They allowed us to invest in artist development, build our pipeline of new work and present artistic experiences at the highest level.
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Robert & Mary Pat Armstrong
Huw Evans & Kathryn Bird
Marjorie Fainer
Sheila Goldman
Brendan Healy
Ken Hugessen & Jennifer Connolly
Pia Kleber
Greg Lemaich & Julie Sutherland
Maureen & Roger Parkinson
Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation
Sandra & Jim Pitblado, C.M.
$5,000 - $9,999
Sara & Dr. Michael Angel
Upkar Arora
Tony Baylis & Jacqueline Kirk
Navin Bhat
Adam and Gayle Burke
Grace Foods
Susan Crocker & John Hunkin
Joan & Clifford Hatch Foundation
Kathy Inch & Steve Simpson
Kingfisher Foundation
Ron Lalonde & Jane Humphreys
Frances & Tim Price
The Racioppo Family Foundation
Julie & Peter Wood
Anonymous
$2,000 - $4,999
Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts
The Paul Butler and Chris Black Foundation at Toronto Foundation
Norman Boersma
Lynn Eakin
Dr. Roy Eappen
Monica Esteves
Robert & Julia Foster
Andrew Gillespie
Linda Glover & Ian de Verteuil
Lindy Green Family Foundation
Sheila Gregory & Eugene Knapik
Colin Gruchy
Colin Hennigar & Justine Turner
Nancy Jain
Nina Josefowitz
Diane King
Brett Ledger & Patricia Olasker
Trevor Lloyd
Ian & Dorothy MacDonald
Gail MacNaughton
Frances Mahil
Heather McMartin & David Lightheart
Covell and Edwina Foundation
Vafa Mirzaagha
Qasim Mohammad
Robert Morassutti
Alice Morgan
Perry Orestes & Tim Giguere
Linda Reed
Gabrielle & Greg Richards
In Memory of John and Norma Rogers
In Memory of Elder Pauline Shirt
Vivek Shraya
Jason Silzer
Sylvia M.G. Soyka in honour of Heather McMartin
Dennis & Denny Starritt
Doug & Gail Todgham
Beth Toombs
Antoinette Tummillo & John Carter
Anonymous
City Builders
Principal
SvN Architects + Planners
Partners
Aercoustics Engineering Ltd.
Castlepoint Numa
DIALOG
Diamond Schmitt
EllisDon
Enwave Energy
ERA
Harrington and Associates
KPMB
O2 Planning and Design Inc.
RAW Design
TAS
Theatre Ball 2024 Supporters
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Black Onyx, Counselling & Wellness
Media Sponsor
The Globe and Mail
Premium Table Buyers
Aird & Berlis
Castlepoint Numa
Hugh Clark
Regular Table Buyers
Alexandra Baillie
Navin Bhat
Bond Paving
Castlepoint Numa
CIBC Mellon
Ed and Fran Clark
Davies
Diamond Schmitt
Gardiner Roberts LLP
Polar Asset Management Partners
Power Corporation of Canada
Paul and Janice Sabourin
SvN
The Mitchell Partnership Inc.
Torys LLP
Trillium Health Partners Foundation
Veltri Wealth Management Group
Show your love for Canadian Stage by making a gift today.
Go to www.canadianstage.com/donate to support the work on our stages and the artists who create it.
Lifetime Giving
Canadian Stage wishes to acknowledge the generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations whose lifetime financial contributions to the company exceed $100,000.
Above $2,000,000
Bram & Bluma Appel
The Bluma Appel Community Trust
BMO Financial Group
TD Bank Group
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999
Marilyn Baillie, C.M. & Charles Baillie, O.C
CIBC
Sandra Simpson
$500,000 - $999,999
BMO Harris Private Banking
Susan Crocker, C.M. & John Hunkin, C.M.
John & Nancy Embry
Imperial Oil Foundation
Ron Lalonde & Jane Humphreys
William MacKinnon
Manulife Financial
Maureen & Roger Parkinson
RBC Foundation
Scotiabank
The Slaight Family Foundation
St. Joseph Communications
Anonymous
$250,000 - $499,999
Alexandra Baillie
David W. Binet
Canada Life
Hal Jackman Foundation
The William & Nona Macdonald
Heaslip Foundation
The Henry White Kinnear Foundation
Elaine Kierans & Shawn McReynolds
Laidlaw Foundation
Loblaw Companies Limited
Trina McQueen, O.C.
Metcalf Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Jack & Judith Rose
The Sabourin Family Foundation
Sylvia Soyka
Sun Life Financial
Anonymous
$100,000 - $249,999
The Azrieli Foundation
Cathy Bateman
Jill E. Black & Barry Allan
Susan & Hans Brenninkmeyer
The Brian Linehan Charitable Foundation
M. Joan Chalmers C.C., O.Ont & Barbara Amesbury
Peter & Frances Chiddy
Ed & Fran Clark
Hugh Clark
Mark & Ann Curry
Deloitte Foundation
Ernst & Young LLP
Margaret & Jim Fleck, O.C.
GE Canada
Peter & Dianne Gillin
Gluskin Sheff & Associates Inc.
Sheila Goldman
Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation
Barbara Hackett & John Tory
Hewlett Packard Canada
HSBC Bank Canada
Ken Hugessen & Jennifer Connolly
Intact Insurance Company
Ed & Ann Kerwin
KPMG Canada
Adrian Lang & Ash Taylor
Don & Marjorie Lenz
Gail MacNaughton & In Memory of John MacNaughton
John & Kay McKellar Household
Molson Coors Brewing Company
Sandra & Jim Pitblado
Polar Foundation
Emmanuel Pressman
Timothy & Frances Price
PwC Canada
Penny & Robert Richards
Jim Riley & Nicole Sigouin
Edward S. Rogers
Rogers Communications Inc.
Ellen & Brian Rose
Schuyler Bankes & Family
TC Energy
Tridel Corporation
Chip & Barbara Vallis
Arlene & Michael Willis
Julie, Peter & James in Memory of John David Wood Anonymous (2)
Legacy Giving
We are grateful to the following individuals who have very thoughtfully and generously remembered Canadian Stage in their estates.
The Estate of Bluma Appel
The Estate of Kenneth C. Dawe
The Estate of John Gordon Hunter Larry Lubin
The Estate of Stanley Shaw
The Estate of Helen Joan Kates
These listings include donations received between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
We have made every effort to ensure proper recognition. If, however, your name has been accidentally omitted, listed incorrectly, or misspelled, we apologize. Please notify us at donate@ canadianstage.com with any corrections.
Alexandra Baillie Legacy Fund Donors
Matching and Lead Donor
$10,000 - $99,999
Mark & Gail Appel
Bob & Mary Pat Armstrong
Alexandra Baillie
Marilyn & Charles Baillie
Hugh Clark
The Krstajic Foundation
Trina McQueen
Vafa Mirzaagha
Maureen & Roger Parkinson
Drew Sinclair & Liza J. Stiff
Julie Sutherland & Greg Lemaich
$5,000 - $9,999
Michael Angel and Sara Angel
Upkar & Nita Arora
Tony Baylis & Jacqueline Kirk
Navin Bhat
Burstyn Family Charitable Fund
Susan Crocker & John Hunkin
Robert Foster, C.M.
Julia Foster, C.M.
Good & Well Inc.
Colin Hennigar & Justine Turner
Nina Josefowitz
Elaine Kierans & Shawn McReynolds
The Henry White Kinnear Foundation
Ron Lalonde & Jane Humphreys
John Montesano
Chip & Barbara Vallis
Thanks to our 24.25 Season Sponsors and Funders
Season Sponsor and Access Partner Bluma Appel Season Underwriter
John & Nancy Embry
Dream in High Park
Lead Corporate Sponsor Foundation Support
Production Underwriters & Sponsors
Alexandra Baillie
William and Nona Heaslip Foundation
Paul Maranger & Robert Brown
David W. Binet
Elaine Kierans & Shawn McReynolds
Trina McQueen, O.C.
Ian & Kiki Delaney
Marilyn & Charles Baillie Family Foundation Education & Community Outreach
Lead Donor
Fabio Mascarin Foundation New Work Development
Lead Donor Emerging Artists Support
Supporting Donor
Future Forward Fund Lead Donor
Ed & Fran Clark
Catherine Graham & Katy Graham Debost EmpowHer Founding Donors
Marion Armstrong Charitable Foundation
Kingfisher Foundation
The Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation
Otto & Marie Pick Charitable Foundation
Government Support Foundation and Corporate Supporters
Henry White Kinnear Foundation
FOUNDATION
Song Credits
“Texas Hold ‘Em”
As originally performed by Beyonce
As composed by Raphael Saadiq (ASCAP) / Brian Vincent Bates (ASCAP) / Elizabeth Lowell Boland / Nathan John Ferraro (SOCAN) / Beyonce Gisselle Knowles (ASCAP) / Megan Mulow
Published by Universal Music Corp. (ASCAP) o/b/o itself and Ugmoe Music (ASCAP), and Artist Publishing Group West (courtesy of Kobalt Songs Music Publishing).
Courtesy of Hyvetown Music Inc.
“TRY”
Written by Michael James Ryan Busbee/ Benjamin West Published by BMG Rights Management Canada B (SOCAN)
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“What Was I Made For?”
As originally performed by Billie Eilish and composed by Billie Eilish O’Connell (PRS) / Finneas Baird O’Connell (PRS)
Published by Universal Music Works o/b/o itself and Warner Grandview Music (PRS) and Last Frontier (courtesy of Kobalt Music Publishing America Inc)
“Shake Your Groove Thing”
As composed by Frederick J. Perren (ASCAP) / Dino Fekaris (ASCAP)
Published by Universal-Polygram Int. Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP) o/b/o itself and Perren-Vibes Music, Inc. (ASCAP)
“Take Me Home” By Phil Collins
This selection is used by special arrangement with Concord Music Group, Inc., www.concord.com. All Rights Reserved.
“Brave”
As originally performed by Sara Bareilles. Composed by Sara Bareilles and Jack Antonoff.
Published by Sony Music Publishing (Canada) Incorporated
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun”
As originally performed by Cyndi Lauper. Composed by Robert Hazard.
Published by Sony Music Publishing (Canada) Incorporated
“Working for the Weekend”
As originally performed by Loverboy. Composed by Mike Reno, Matt Frenette, Paul Dean.
Published by Sony Music Publishing (Canada) Incorporated
“The Evil Side”
lyrics by Matt Murray, composed by Ted Dykstra
Canadian Stage
Board of Directors
Hugh Clark Chair
Sara Angel
Nimal Amitirigala
Alexandra Baillie
Navin Bhat
David Bronskill
Rupinder Dhillon Councillor Paula Fletcher
Management
Brendan Healy Artistic Director
Monica Esteves Executive Director
Daniel Bennett Director of Production and Facilities
Tanya Doroslovac Director of Marketing and Communications
Heather McMartin Director of Development and Campaigns
Beth Toombs Director of Finance and Administration
Artistic
Lynanne Sparrow Producer
Jordan Laffrenier Associate Artistic Director
Laurie Merredew Assistant Producer
Manuel Chaves Manager of Education and Community Engagement
Finance & Administration
Sunitha Rai Manager, Payroll Administration and HR Support
Kari Seppen
Intermediate Accountant
Brian Parsons Senior Manager, IT Services
Ruth-Anne Yiu
Executive Assistant and Board Liaison
Adam Burke Treasurer
Colin Hennigar
Nina Josefowitz
Elaine Kierans
Frances Mahil
Fabio Mascarin
Trina McQueen
Vafa Mirzaagha
Development
Leslie Francombe
Associate Director, Corporate Giving and Partnerships
Chris Faulkner Senior Manager, Government Relations and Foundations
Luisa Kurtz Senior Manager, Individual Giving
Gillian Hoff Manager of Special Events
Shaneill Floyd-Wlazlak Development Coordinator
Marketing and Communications
Shannon Tigert
Senior Marketing Manager, Loyalty & Growth
Madison Zinger
Senior Marketing Manager, New Audiences
Derek Ma Graphic and Digital Manager
Vaishnavi Panwar Marketing Coordinator
Michael Crumpton Senior Sales Specialist
Audience Services
Conor Copeland Ticketing and Audience Services Manager
Faisal Butt Assistant Ticketing Manager
Huw Evans Secretary
Qasim Mohammad
John Montesano
Daniel Sinniah
James Spearing
Julie Sutherland
Maple Tam Vandana Taxali
Abbas Abbas
Peter Genoway
Elyssia Giancola
Mima Higashi
Alex Jackson
Mackenzie Kerr
Colette Mbariko
Seamus Murphy
Sydnie Phillips
Henrique Santsper
Sienna Singh
Mya Wong
Audience Services Staff
Production
Brayden Crawford
Technical Director
Meg Woods Production & Site Manager
Matthew Hadley
Building Operations Manager
Marshall Kidd
Associate Technical Director
Kendalin Bishop Assistant Technical Director
Ian Kowalski Production Coordinator
Mary Spyrakis Head of Properties
Janet Pym Head of Wardrobe
Chynah Philadelphia Properties Assistant
Josh Vlodarchyk Head Technician
Karen Elizabeth Head Technician
Ben Junor
House Technician
The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
189 Yonge Street, Toronto M5B 1M4 416-314-2901
elginwintergarden.ca and like us on facebook.com/elginwintergardentheatres
We ask that you pause for a moment to consider the land on which this theatre is located – people have lived on this land for generations and generations and generations. We are gathered on the traditionally lands occupied by Indigenous peoples. They continue to care for this land and to shape Ontario. We honour all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable contributions to this land past and present – and in this space we pay our respects to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
Managing Director
Gail Packwood
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ellen Flowers
Front of House Manager
Lori MacLean
House Manager
Kelly Mudie
Senior Production Manager
Carolyn Mykytyshyn
Production Manager
Cayla Bekk
Bookings & Events Manager
Kevin Harris
Theatre Services Manager
Samantha Serles
Operations Manager
Derek Dresser
Operations Staff
Cody Corbin
Jeff Snow
Marc Washington
I.A.T.S.E. Department Heads -Local 58
Head Carpenter
Ivan Lukianiuk
Head Electrician
Parker Nowlan
Head of Properties
Jen Murphy
Head of Sound
Kamil Wrzesniewski
Ontario Heritage Trust
Chief Executive Officer
Helen Chimirri-Russell
Director, Corporate Business Services
Paul Dempsey
Director, Heritage Programs & Operations
Wayne Kelly
The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres are owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust. The Trust works province-wide to identify, protect, promote and conserve heritage in all its forms. It envisions an Ontario where the places, landscapes, traditions and stories that embody our heritage are reflected, valued and conserved for future generations. The Trust is financially supported, in part through generous corporate sponsors and private donors.
Please Note: At the discretion of management latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break in the performance. The use of cameras, cell phone cameras, recording equipment, radios or any playback devices are not permitted in the theatres. Patrons are asked to ensure that alarms and cell phones do not sound during the performance. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the building.
Hearing Enhancement: The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres are equipped with a hearing enhancement system. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Lost and Found Articles: Call 416-314-2885 and leave a message with your name, number and description of your lost item.
Great performances live here.
At BMO, we take pride in our local communities, and the artists that contribute to the cultural diversity and creative richness of our cities.
We are proud to be Canadian Stage’s 2024/2025 Season Sponsor and Access Partner.
Fall On Your Knees (2024). Photo by Dahlia Katz
By Roland Schimmelpfennig | Translated by David Tushingham
