2019 SEASON
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FEATURED ARTISTS
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTORS Mamma Mia! has swept the world scene for good reason. It’s packed with pop hits that have been part of personal underscoring in the parties, car rides, jogs and lives of millions of people. Its sunny setting invites summer celebration. And the powerful women who fuel the narrative become emblems of freedom, friendship and fun. Donna’s journey in particular, showcases a bold individual who challenges all kinds of private and professional boundaries and now offers her experience to her family. While this fun-loving and frothy world keeps toes tapping it plays with themes of liberation and empowerment. We hope you enjoy our summer musical in this intimate and rollicking theatre. It’s always a thrill to see thousands of people travel across Vancouver Island, and from off-Island, to enjoy theatre in this sea-side town. We are thankful for your curiosity about the work on stage, your patronage and your support. Enjoy the show!
Mark DuMez
Artistic Director
Randal Huber
Managing Director
MAY 24 - AUG 31
M U S I C A N D LY R I C S BY
BENNY ANDERSSON
BJÖRN ULVAEUS
AND SOME SONGS WITH STIG ANDERSON BOOK BY CATHERINE
JOHNSON CRAYMER ADDITIONAL MATERIAL & ARRANGEMENTS MARTIN KOCH ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED BY JUDY
PERFORMING ARTISTS (in order of appearance) Sophie Sheridan Alex Gullason Ali Ali Watson Lisa Vanessa Merenda Donna Sheridan Stephanie Roth Tanya Erin Ormond Rosie Jenni Burke Sky Colin Sheen Pepper Kevin McLachlan Eddie Oliver Castillo Harry Bright Graham Coffeng Bill Austin Kieran Martin Murphy
Sam Carmichael Jonathan Winsby Father Alexandrios/Ensemble Jason Hardwick* Drums Alicia Murray Guitar Brad Shipley Bass Kraig Waye Keys 1/Ensemble Meredith Zwicker Keys 2 Jeff Poynter, Heather Burns, Jim Hill Ensemble Emily Henney* Ensemble/Dance Captain Jennifer Lynch Ensemble Corey Snidal *Denotes Understudy
ARTISTIC CREDITS Director Barbara Tomasic Music Director Meredith Zwicker Choreographer Nicol Spinola Set/Costume Designer Drew Facey
Lighting Designer Craig Alfredson Stage Manager Angela Beaulieu Asst Stage Manager Liz King Appr Stage Manager Becca Jorgensen
MAMMA MIA! WAS ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN LONDON BY JUDY CRAYMER, RICHARD EAST AND BJORN ULVAEUS FOR LITTLESTAR IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUBLISHING GROUP AND EMI GROVE PARK MUSIC INC. AND EMI WATERFORD MUSIC INC. MAMMA MIA! Is presented through special arrangement with music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www. MTIShows.com
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Chemainus Theatre Festival 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 Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT 1 I Have a Dream — Sophie Honey Honey — Sophie, Ali, Lisa Money, Money, Money — Donna & Ensemble Thank You For The Music — Harry, Bill, Sam & Sophie Mamma Mia! — Donna, Harry, Bill, Sam & Ensemble Chiquitita — Rosie, Tanya & Donna Dancing Queen — Rosie, Tanya & Donna Lay All Your Love On Me — Sky, Sophie, Pepper, Eddie, Boys & Girls Super Trouper — Donna, Tanya, Rosie & Girls Gimme, Gimme, Gimme — Lisa, Ali, Sophie, Sam, Bill, Harry & Girls The Name of the Game — Sophie & Bill Voulez Vous — Sky, Eddie, Pepper & Ensemble ACT 2 Under Attack — Sophie & Nightmare Chorus One of Us — Donna SOS — Sam & Donna Does Your Mother Know? — Tanya, Pepper, Harry, Rosie, Lisa, Ali, Bill Knowing Me, Knowing You — Sam Our Last Summer — Donna & Harry Slipping Through My Fingers — Donna & Sophie The Winner Takes it All — Donna Take a Chance on Me — Rosie & Bill I Do, I Do, I Do — Sam, Rosie, tanya, Donna & Ensemble I Have a Dream — Sophie & Ensemble
SETTING
A Mediterranean Island, sparkling in the iridescent blue of the Aegean, ancient and fertile, with a harbour and narrow, winding alley-ways. The buldings are dazzling white, with blue and green shutters, bougainvillea-decked walls and flowered courtyards. The light of the island is dazzling and intense.
Presented with the generous assistance of Season Sponsor
Mamma Mia!
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Mamma Mia, here I go again, my, my, how can I resist you? This is how I feel about ABBA Music, it starts playing and I immediately begin to sing along, I can’t help it. What is it that you can’t resist? Sophie can’t resist the pull of the mystery of who her father is, and her decision to invite all three of her possible fathers to her wedding sets into motion a maelstrom that puts everyone on a new path.
ABBA’s music and Mamma Mia! both have the reputation for being fluffy or lacking in meaning, but I disagree. I mean, they are fun and joyful, but also deal with some big themes; soul mates, best friends and mother-daughter relationships. The music is layered with evocative harmonies and can move you from heartbreak to great joy and make you want to dance. There is a reason that this show is so loved wherever it plays. So, transport yourself to summer on a small Greek island, surrounded by white plaster buildings, bougainvillea, and an endless blue sky and enjoy, Mamma Mia!
Barbara Tomasic
MAMMA MIA! Barbara is thrilled to be working with this terrific team in Chemainus after directing Grease last summer. She is a graduate of UBC with an MFA in directing and JIPA with a diploma in theatre performance. Favourite directing credits: Footloose, Grease (Chemainus), Girl in the Goldfish Bowl, The Music Man, Crazy for You (Gateway Theatre) and Little One by Hannah Moscovitch. Special thanks to my family and the team at da Costa Talent!
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ARTISTIC COMPANY
CRAIG ALFREDSON
ANGELA BEAULIEU
JENNI BURKE
HEATHER BURNS
OLIVER CASTILLO
CRAIG ALFREDSON Craig is a Technical Director and Designer based out of Vancouver, BC. He has been working professionally for over 20 years with many different theatre and dance companies and his work has been seen across Canada as well as internationally. He holds a diploma in Stagecraft from Douglas College, his Bachelor and his Master of Fine Arts from UBC. Recent Chemainus credits include Grease (lighting), Once (lighting), and Kim’s Convenience (set).
ANGELA BEAULIEU Angela, the stage manager for Mamma Mia!, is thrilled to be back in Chemainus. Past productions include, All Shook Up, Delicious Lies, Footloose and Grease. In June 2008, as part of the Jessie Awards ceremony in Vancouver, Angela received the Mary Phillips Prize for her work behind the scenes. Love to SJT.
JENNI BURKE Delighted to return to Chemainus Jenni previously played the Apollo singer in Buddy Holly Story. Stage credits include: Intimate Apparel, The Wars, Bang Bang, King Lear and Twelfth Night, Little Shop of Horrors, Funny Girl, Chicago, Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Ain’t Misbehavin, Drowsy Chaperone, Once on this Island ,The Miracle Worker. Film/TV credits: Sensitive Skin, Rookie Blue, Da Kink in my Hair, Blues Brothers 2000, Half Baked, Undercover Brother, Music Man.
HEATHER BURNS Heather Burns lives in Victoria and works as a freelance musician, performance coach, arranger, writer & music director. She holds a MA in Performance Arts and enjoys teaching, directing & performing both locally and abroad. In addition, she is the music director for swing & show band, “Dock Side Drive” (www. docksidedrive.ca), and the Director of Education & Programming at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria.
OLIVER CASTILLO A graduate of the Musical Theatre Program and the Bachelor of Performing Arts program at Capilano University, Oliver Castillo is thrilled to be a part of Mamma Mia! Selected credits include: Mamma Mia!, Hand To God *Jessie Nom.*, Les Misérables (Arts Club), Charlie Brown, Holiday Double Bill (CTYA), Sweeney Todd (Snapshots Collective), The Music Man (Gateway), The Drowsy Chaperone (Exit 22) and Legally Blonde (TUTS). olivercastillo.com
ARTISTIC COMPANY
GRAHAM COFFENG
DREW FACEY
ALEX GULLASON
JASON HARDWICK
EMILY HENNEY
GRAHAM COFFENG Graham was in the original Toronto company of Mamma Mia! back in 2000 and is delighted to be back at CTF playing Harry. He was last here in Les Misérables, and It’s A Wonderful Life before that. Selected credits: Beauty & The Beast, & Million Dollar Quartet(Arts Club); Mr. Burns- A Post Electric Play(Little Mountain Lion Prod.); & Forever Plaid(Drayton/Gateway). His award winning film Afterparty is available on iTunes. Love to Josh, Mum, & Dad.
DREW FACEY Drew had been a set and costume designer for over a decade with his work being seen across Canada, in the US and New Zealand. He has designed over 150 shows for a wide range of companies including The Shaw Festival, Can Stage, Theatre Smash, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Citadel Theatre, the Arts Club, Bard on the Beach, Vancouver Opera, & Rumble. He has been honored with 16 Jessie Richardson Awards for Outstanding Design.
ALEX GULLASON Alex is a Jessie nominated actor/singer/comedian from Vancouver, B.C. Select Credits: Broken Sex Doll (Virtual Stage), Hair (Renegade), Joseph/Bye Bye Birdie/ Titanic (TUTS), Sweeney Todd (Snapshots). She is an improviser with Vancouver Theatre Sports, Fictionals Comedy Co. and has a comedy duo called @TheDangerousJanes. As always big thanks to her family for their unwavering support, as well as Nicol and Barb for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!
JASON HARDWICK Jason is excited to leave the prairies for the summer and explore glorious Vancouver Island. Select credits: Elf (WCT), Don’t Frown at the Gown, Puck Bunnies (Guys in Disguise), All Shook Up (Mayfield), Mary Poppins (Globe); Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Ah, Romance!, A New Brain, Drat The Cat, Little Fish (Plain Janes). Thanks and love to Barb, Meredith and the whole creative team.
EMILY HENNEY Emily is thrilled to join the cast of Mamma Mia! this summer. Previous Chemainus Theatre credits: Footloose (2016), The Cornwall’s All Inclusive Cancun Christmas (2017). Film and television: The Twilight Zone (CBS All Access), The Magicians (SYFY). Emily is grateful for the support of her family, friends and colleagues, without which she wouldn’t be able to experience working in this beautiful town for the third time. Enjoy the show!
ARTISTIC COMPANY
BECCA JORGENSEN
LIZ KING
JENNIFER LYNCH
KEVIN McLACHLAN
VANESSA MERENDA
BECCA JORGENSEN Becca is a Victoria born and raised stage manager and avid runner, holding a BFA in Theatre Production and Management from UVic. For Chemainus: Kim’s Convenience, 2 Pianos 4 Hands. Other favourites: Bears, Griffin & Sabine, Bed & Breakfast, The Children’s Republic, A Christmas Carol (The Belfry), The Piano Teacher (Arts Club), La Bohème (Pacific Opera Victoria), Drawer Boy, Sweeney Todd (Blue Bridge Repertory), Threepenny Opera (UVic).
LIZ KING Liz is thrilled to be in Chemainus this summer for the backstage dance parties and unlimited kayaking. In her seventh season here, CTF highlights include Once and Elf. Elsewhere Liz has worked for the Arts Club, Gwaandak Theatre, Green Thumb, Globe Theatre, Ruby Slippers, Persephone Theatre, Drayton, the Stratford Festival and a plethora of indie companies. Upcoming: Lumberjacks in Love. For the niece and the nephew for always.
JENNIFER LYNCH Jennifer is so excited to be making her Chemainus Theatre Festival debut! She is a graduate of Capilano University’s Musical Theatre program. Favourite credits include Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast, Lisa in Mamma Mia! (Arts Club), Zaneeta Shinn in The Music Man (Gateway Theatre), and Fritzie in Cabaret (RCMT). She’d like to thank the production team for this amazing opportunity, and her family, friends and agents for their unwavering support!
KEVIN McLACHLAN Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon. Select Credits: We Will Rock You-Sixx (Fallsview Casino) The Wizard Of Oz-Ensemble/Scarecrow US (Ross Petty Productions), GreaseRoger/Teen Angel (Chemainus Theatre), Writer/Director (Paprika Festival), Crazy For You-Custus, Kiss Me Kate-Bill/Lucentio, Into the Woods-Mysterious Man/Movement Director (Theatre Sheridan) Young Company (2015/16/17). Thank you family, friends, Barb, and TH. Original albums Small Town and Moments available online.
VANESSA MERENDA For Chemainus Theatre Festival: Debut. Select credits: It’s a Wonderful Life (Gateway Theatre), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Snapshot Collective), Cinderella; West Side Story (TUTS), Jesus Christ Superstar; Rent (URP), Thoroughly Modern Millie; Rocky Horror Show (Exit 22), Jesus Christ Superstar; Spring Awakening (FCP). Huge thanks to the cast, crew, creative team, Shannon, Melissa, Nonna and Nonna. Enjoy the show!
ARTISTIC COMPANY
KIERAN MARTIN MURPHY
ALICIA MURRAY
ERIN ORMOND
JEFF POYNTER
STEPHANIE ROTH
KIERAN MARTIN MURPHY Kieran was last here playing Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Selected Credits: Les Misérables, Buddy Holly, Rock of Ages (Arts Club), Spamalot, All Shook Up, JC Superstar (Stage West), CATS (Theatre Calgary), The Full Monty, Evita, The Wizard of Oz (Mayfield), TV: Damnation (Netflix) And, he is also a songwriter with 3 solo albums available. www.kieranmartinmurphy.com twitter: @kieranmartinmur
ALICIA MURRAY Based out of nanaimo, Alicia performs in musical theatre productions, bands, and puppet shows. Returning for their 9th production with Chemainus, previous shows include All Shook Up, Joseph, Footloose, and Grease. Alicia’s ongoing projects are the dirt pile doom folk band Country Mouse and the tequila soaked latin playin’ La Famila. When Alicia isn’t hitting stuff with sticks for hire, they enjoy juggling and slacklining with circus-y friends.
ERIN ORMOND Erin recently appeared in The Christians (Pacific Theatre), The Audience (Arts Club Stanley) for which she received a Jessie nomination, A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur, Harvey, Grace and Glorie, Dracula, A Christmas Carol, Enchanted April, An Ideal Husband (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Steel Magnolias (Richmond Gateway), and The Miracle Worker (Western Canada Theatre Company). Erin is thrilled to be a part of this incredible team of cast and crew. For you Dad.
JEFF POYNTER Jeff Poynter is a multi-instrumentalist who has a Bachelor of Music from UVic with a major in saxophone performance. He performs regularly with the indie-folk touring group West My Friend and burlesque performer Rosie Bitts, and maintains a teaching studio and a busy freelance schedule. Recent shows include Sweeney Todd (Blue Bridge) and Rocky Horror (Atomic Vaudeville). Jeff is excited for his first outing with the Chemainus Theatre Festival!
STEPHANIE ROTH Having just played Mother Abbess in CTF’s The Sound of Music, Stephanie is pumped to be getting in touch with her disco side! Stephanie has appeared across North America in a variety of forms including Broadway and Canadian tours, original musicals, fronted pop/rock bands, performed in symphonic shows, and is a veteran of The Stratford Festival of Canada. Love to Kraig and Cæleigh, the loves and light of my life!
ARTISTIC COMPANY
COLIN SHEEN
BRAD SHIPLEY
COREY SNIDAL
NICOL SPINOLA
ALI WATSON
COLIN SHEEN Colin Sheen is a graduate of Capilano University. He has spent the past few years performing around Southern Ontario in shows like West Side Story, All Shook Up, Mamma Mia! and Footloose (Drayton). He is grateful to be included in this production of Mamma Mia! and overjoyed to be back on the island for the summer. Thanks Pops, Ma, Court and Synth. You’re the best.
BRAD SHIPLEY Brad is thrilled to be back at Chemainus for Mamma Mia! and loves being part of the summer shows here. He performed in last summer’s hit Grease and previously in Rock Legends, Footloose and Twist and Shout. He happily makes Gabriola Island his home and performs with many different musical groups throughout the year. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz studies from VIU and is currently the Music Director for the Gabriola Chamber Ensemble.
COREY SNIDAL Corey is thrilled to get his first chance to perform with the Chemainus Theatre Festival. This third year graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts originally hails from Edmonton, Alberta. While home, Corey can be seen often with 50% Fruit Theatre Productions. His past credits include: starring as ‘Nikos’ in Jimmy Fagan Tait’s rendition of Zorba! The Greek and ‘Olivia’ in Bushes In the Basement (5/5★ Vue Weekly). Enjoy the show!
NICOL SPINOLA Nicol is thrilled to be choreographing Mamma Mia! in beautiful Chemainus. Recent choreography credits include Mary Poppins and Cinderella (TUTS) where she won two Ovation awards for choreography, 13 the Musical (Bring on Tomorrow Co), Enron (United Players) and Annie, Legally Blonde (Align Entertainment.) Nicol produced and choreographed the sold-out production of Sweeney Todd last fall with The Snapshots Collective. Up next, Rock of Ages (Renegade Arts Co) Company (Raincity Theatre).
ALI WATSON Ali is thrilled to be back on the Chemainus stage this summer playing the role of… Ali! You many have seen her last summer in Chemainus Theatre Festival’s production of Grease as Patty Simcox! Other recent titles include playing Sandy Nardini in Axis Theatre’s production of The Troll Grandfather, Lefou in Arts Club’s production of Beauty and the Beast and as #13 in With a Spoon Theatre’s production of The Wolves. Enjoy the show!
ARTISTIC COMPANY
KRAIG WAYE
JONATHAN WINSBY
MEREDITH ZWICKER
KRAIG WAYE Kraig is happy to return to CTF, having previously musically directed and/or appeared in Once, Million Dollar Quartet, Ring of Fire, The Buddy Holly Story and Rock Legends. He has worked nationwide as an actor, musician, singer, songwriter, music director and producer for the past 20 years. He thinks the lady playing Donna is cute, which is fortunate, as she is his wife. Thank you for supporting Canadian theatre! All my love to Steph and Cæleigh.
JONATHAN WINSBY Jonathan is delighted to return to the Chemainus Theatre. Last seen here in the 2004 production of Pirates of Penzance alongside his father, Sandy, Jonathan has since performed across Canada, the US, and beyond. Favourite credits include a stint on Broadway, three seasons at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, and numerous productions with the Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver. Favourite role: Uncle Jonny to his four little ladies.
MEREDITH ZWICKER A recent transplant to Victoria, Meredith has worked across the country as a musical director and actor. She recently appeared in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story and Elf at Western Canada Theatre. Other favourite shows include: Dean & Jerry: What Might Have Been; Les Liaisons Dangereuses (STC); A Christmas Carol (OOH); Frankenstein, Private Lives (TNB); Spamalot, Chicago, Noises Off (Stephenville); The Sound of Music, Gypsy (Neptune).
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BEHIND THE SCENES AN INTERVIEW WITH CHOREOGRAPHER NICOL SPINOLA How would you describe what you do?
the theatre in order to add all of the technical elements of the show like the costumes, lights and the set.
My job as a choreographer is to create all of the movement and dance that you see in a show. I work closely with the How did you get started? director to create work that support the story we are telling. My mom put me into dance when I was a little girl and I loved it. When I was 13, What’s a typical work week like? my musical theatre teacher cast me in a show and I fell in love with musical During rehearsals, we work six days theatre. I was always interested in a week - eight and a half hours a the choreography aspect of the show day. Once we get closer to show and after high school started to assist time, we start working longer days at local choreographers on different
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productions. Eventually, I was offered my own show and have been working professionally ever since. What is most challenging about what you do? I think the most challenging aspect of my job is taking the music and lyrics and converting them into movement that supports the story. My job is to make every performer look great on stage so working within their skill set to create movement and dancing that they can do well and looks great. Can you talk a little bit about the different dance styles in this production? This show is filled with a mix of styles! You are going to see a lot of classic jazz, street jazz, ballroom and of course, disco. When did you begin choreographing? Tell us about your first experience. I started choreographing when I was 15 years old for students at the dance school I attended. Since then, I’ve gone on to choreograph many competition pieces for different dance groups on the lower mainland and children’s theatre. My first professional choreography job was with Theatre Under the Stars and their production of Mary Poppins. It was a huge production with over 30 members in the cast. It was both challenging and exciting. What is your process like? Are you driven by the music first or a specific concept? I think it is a bit of both. When I am first starting to create choreography, I often
sit down and listen to the music and write down the things I am imagining. I work with the script and the director to create and really understand the story and how we are going to tell it, and then create movement that aligns with the story and the vision for the show. I then get on my feet and start physically working out what each dance step will be and where all of the performers will be standing on stage. What is your favorite genre to choreograph? I really enjoy choreographing classic tap pieces. It’s fun to come up with different rhythms that add to the music. Do you have a favorite routine in this show? There are so many great pieces in the show. I am actually a really big ABBA fan so it’s been a blast getting to listen to their music every day. If I had to pick, Voulez Vous is one of my favourites. It’s there anything else you’d like to add? Being here in Chemanius and getting to create theatre in such a beautiful location is very special. I hope that audiences enjoy Mamma Mia! as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.
You can find Nicol Spinola’s biography and headshot in the biography section of this program. Her headshot is also on display in the lobby of the theatre.
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MEET THE CHARACTERS
DONNA Sophie’s fiercely independent and hard-working mother, Donna is the owner of a taverna (a small restaurant) on a beautiful Greek island. She is the former lead singer of “Donna and the Dynamos.” SOPHIE Donna’s headstrong 20-year-old daughter, Sophie is determined to have what her mother never had: a traditional family. SKY Sophie’s fiancé is a former stockbroker who got tired of the cutthroat world of Wall Street. TANYA One of Donna’s oldest and best friends, Tanya has married several millionaires, but has never found the right man. Wild and sensual, she catches Pepper’s eye. ROSIE Another of Donna’s old friends, Rosie is an author of cookbooks. ALI & LISA Two of Sophie’s friends who have come for the wedding. PEPPER & EDDIE Donna’s employees, these two are the bar-staff, waiters, boatmen and general help around the taverna. Both are relaxed and good-natured. SAM CARMICHAEL An architect, Sam has regretted leaving Donna all his life. HARRY BRIGHT Although he was known as the wild “Head Banger” when he first knew Donna, today Harry is a respected banker. BILL AUSTIN A well-known travel writer, Bill has visited the far reaches of the earth, but is afraid of making a commitment. FATHER ALEXANDRIOS The minister of the island.
MAMMA MIA! AUTHORS CATHERINE JOHNSON Theatre: Rag Doll, Renegades, Suspension (Bristol Old Vic); Too Much Too Young (Bristol Old Vic and London Bubble); Boys Mean Business, Dead Sheep, Little Baby Nothing (Bush Theatre, London); Shang-aLang (Bush Theatre and national tour); and Mamma Mia! (worldwide); Through the Wire and A Letter to Lacey for NT Connections. Creative consultant on ABBA the Museum, Stockholm. Television: “Casualty,” “Byker Grove,” “Love Hurts,” “Gold,” “Linda Green.” Original screenplays: “Rag Doll” and “Where’s Willy?” (HTV) and “Sin Bin” (BBC), the series “Love in the 21st Century” (Channel 4) and “Dappers” (BBC3). Awards: Catherine has won the Bristol Old Vic/HTV Playwrighting Award, Thames Television’s Writer-in-Residence Award and Thames Television’s Best Play Award and was nominated in 2002 for a Tony Award for Best Musical Book for Mamma Mia! Film: Catherine wrote the screenplay for the Mamma Mia! movie released July 2008. BENNY ANDERSSON Born 16 December 1946 in Stockholm. 1952: Received accordion lessons from his father and grandfather. 1964-68: Member of the Hep Stars, Sweden’s most popular rock band in the 1960’s. During this time, he began composing music. “Sunny Girl” and “Wedding” were huge hits for the Hep Stars. 1972-82: ABBA. 1982-84: Composed the music (together with Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice) for the musical, Chess. 1987: Began collaborating with Orsa Spelmän. Recorded three albums deeply rooted in Swedish folk music: Klinga Mina Klockor, November 1989 and Fiolen Min. In 2001, this collaboration led to the formation of Benny Andersson’s Orchestra, a 16-man constellation with vocalists, Helen Sjöholm and Tommy Körberg. Thus far, this has resulted in five CD albums and several summer tours. 1990-95: Composed the music to Kristina from Duvemåla. Premiered in October 1995. 1995: Received the title of Professor from the Swedish government. Inducted to in the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 2007. Appointed Honorary Doctor of the College of Humanities at Stockholm University in 2008, and at Luleå University of Technology in 2012. Benny Andersson is married to former TV producer, Mona Nörklit. They have one child, Ludvig Andersson. Benny Andersson also has two children from a previous marriage, Peter Grönvall and Helene Odedal. He has five grandchildren: Charlie, Felix, Fabian, Malin and Viola. BJÖRN ULVAEUS Björn Ulvaeus was born in 1945 in Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden. After a successful local career in Sweden with a folk group in the mid 1960s, he started his collaboration with Benny Andersson. They then went on to form ABBA with Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Even during the ABBA years, the idea of writing a musical seemed appealing and, in 1981, Björn and Benny met Tim Rice and cowrote Chess with him, which opened in the West End in 1986. In 1995 Björn and Benny opened a new musical called Kristina Från Duvemåla, which played for three years in Sweden. Their most recent musical is the Stockholm production Hjälp sökes, which opened in 2013. Bjorn is one of the producers for MAMMA MIA! The Party, which opened in Stockholm in January 2016.
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser, and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle schoolaged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).
IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS ABBA! In 1966, two Swedish popstars, Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, met, and later began to record together. On their second single, the backing vocals were sung by their fiancées, Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the first time the group sang together. Saddled with an awkward name, “Bjorn & Benny, Agnetha & Anni-Frid,” they recorded the single “People Need Love,” which reached the top 20 in Sweden. In April, 1974, the group, now renamed ABBA (an acronym of the members’ names), entered the Eurovision Song Contest, a yearly variety presentation showcasing acts from all over Europe. The catchy lyrics and infectious sound of their song “Waterloo” charmed the judges and they won first prize. With this recognition, ABBA became the most popular and successful acts of the 1970s. ABBA’s win in the Eurovision Song Contest propelled them to world stardom. The song that won them the contest, “Waterloo” rose to the top of the charts in Europe, and eventually hit the No. 6 spot on the Billboard Charts in the United States. Soon the entire world was listening to ABBA. Nelson Mandela, who later became the first democratically elected president of South Africa, once declared that ABBA was his favorite pop group! And all this only a year after they began recording in English! From there, hit singles, sold out concerts and platinum albums followed. Although ABBA stopped recording together in 1982, their songs are still popular. In the 1990s, their album ABBA Gold topped charts all around the world. To date, ABBA has sold over 350 million recordings worldwide.
GENTLE REMINDERS
SMARTPHONES, CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please turn off cellular phones or pagers in the theatre. BABES IN ARMS In consideration of our patrons and performers, children three and under will not be admitted to Main Stage performances (excluding KidzPlay series). SCENT FREE ZONE Help us keep the air we share healthy and fragrance free. Please do not wear perfume, cologne, aftershave or other fragrances. LATECOMERS AND READMISSION If you are late or need to leave the auditorium during the performance, you will be re-seated at a suitable break in the performance, at which time the seating location will be at the discretion of management. In special circumstances, late seating or readmission may not be permitted. HEARING ASSIST Listening devices for the hard of hearing are available at the coat check for use during the performance. Reserve early as we have limited availability. TALK BACK After every Wednesday evening performance stay for a discussion (questions and answers) with the actors from the show! Learn what happens ‘Behind the Scenes’. SMOKE FREE PROPERTY Please refrain from smoking while visiting all areas of the property.
ABBA IN THE THEATRE ABBA entered the world of the theatre when Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, along with lyricist Tim Rice, wrote their first musical, Chess. Chess proved to be a cult hit around the world, producing the hit singles, “One Night In Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well.” It was Judy Craymer, the executive producer of Chess, who first recognized the inherent theatricality of ABBA’s pop songs. “The Winner Takes It All” suggested to her “the rollercoaster of love and loss,” she said, “It was extraordinarily theatrical.” She slowly began to work on her idea, sitting on the floor of her apartment, she remembers, “listening to ABBA’s records late into the night.” She commissioned award-winning playwright Catherine Johnson to create the story, insisting that the musical have an original and contemporary story, interwoven with the existing songs, rather than being simply a tribute show to ABBA. Craymer then hired director Phyllida Lloyd. Craymer later wrote that having this trio of powerful women leading a major musical venture –an unusual thing in the world of theatre –helped to create the strong female characters of MAMMA MIA! On April 6, 1999 (the anniversary of ABBA’s win at the Eurovision Song Contest 25 years earlier), MAMMA MIA! opened at London’s Prince Edward Theatre. “We really had no idea how it was going to be received, “said Craymer, “The audience went wild. They were literally out of their seats and singing and dancing in the aisles...” From there, it went on to the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Canada, and then to Broadway, to the Winter Garden Theatre in 2001, where it opened with one of the biggest advance sales in theatre history. MAMMA MIA! has gone on to become one of the most popular theatre productions in history, having been seen by over 30 million people around the world. There are currently more productions of MAMMA MIA! playing than any other musical. Each and every night, 17,000 people around the world see ABBA’s breathtaking music come to vivid life right in front of them, live on stage.
2019 DONORS
Angels $2,500+
Darlene MacLean Ruth Smith Anonymous
Artistic Director’s Circle $1,000 - $2,499
Les & Lynne Aldcroft Pat & Emery Ballantyne Ken & Sonjia Beswick Neil Burn & Maisie Barnett Monty & Adelle Clements Clair & Valerie Davies Colin & Anne Dobell Marie Emery Laverne & Arlene Erickson Donald Gerla & Noreen Linton Thomas & Mary Gilmour Jan & Nancy Glerup Kathryn Holt Donald & Roberta Johannessen Donald & Muriel John Gordon & Linda Jones Gordon & Maxine Lowick McDaniel Family Foundation Gregg & Jennifer Perry
Carmen & Ed Pitcher David & Ingelise Pollock Manly Price Murray & Jane Schafer Betty Short Marina Stanko Alex & Carol Stewart Anonymous
Player’s Circle $300 - $999
Bev Angus Robert & Barbara Baillie Hal & Donna Baldwin Fred & Marg Birkenhead Richard & Brenda Bond Alan & Mary Coombes Dann & Carolyn Cox Garth Decker & Jen Forrest Jim & Heather Drake Mark DuMez & Erin Ormond Ian Farthing Peter & Marilyn Hegarty Albert Hill & Jean Glen Mike & Teresa Hleck Joy Holland Randal & Rebecca Huber Shirley Husband
Patricia Johnson Arlene Juby John & Lynne Landygo Len Lindstrom & Karen Chaster John & Sue MacDonald Malcolm & Karen MacLeod Richard & Judith Marr Ross & Donna McArthur Susan Menzies Bob & Margaret Merriam Adina Mooney Pat & Linda Moore Stan & Aileen Munro Larry & Jan Myhre Peter & Sieka Pardee Brian Payne & Bonnie Cooper Stuart & Sharon Price Mark & Maria Ridewood Barrie & Lorie Rogers Ruth Schiller Louis Seidel John & Anne Silins Donalda Smith Patricia Sunderland Cedric & Judy Trueman Anonymous
A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR
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MAINSTAGE SUPPORTING ROLE
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STAFF AND BOARD Executive
Artistic Director: Mark DuMez Managing Director: Randal Huber
Administration
Administrative Assistant: Mya Wilson Accountant: Eric Douglas Bookkeeper: Anita McCallum Accounting: Diana Carter Marketing & Sales Dir: Michelle Vogelgesang Marketing Assistant: Gillian Guest
Education
Education Coord/Artistic Assoc: Melissa Young Education Asst/Artistic Assoc: John Han
Playbill Dining Room
Exec Chef/Hospitality Manager: Nick Caulford Exec Sous Chef: Valerie Butler Asst Hospitality Manager: Terry Williams Pianists: Bernadette Brown, Dwight Siemens Staff: Jeanette Antoine, Paul Benard, Jaclyn Berrow, Barry Bissonnette, Judith Buckley, Ashton Butler, Zeaira Duval, Janie Dyson, Eli Eckert-Johnson, Rita-Ann Frank, Heather Irwin, Makayla Joe, Mikhayla Knott, Wendy Knowland, Joseph Klatt Leblanc, James Martin, Quinn Masselink, Carly Maxwell, Jordan Marchtaler, Deb McMullin, Kelly McPherson, Kailie Shelton, Catherine Stiles, Ally Taylor, Bejamin Terlien, Judy Ursulan, Hannah Zimmer
Front of House
Manager: Johnny Lee Coordinator: Alison Bendall, Stephanie Allesia
Facilities and IT
Manager: Damion Knight Assistant: Don Smythe Maintenance: Erv Goertz, Dennis Moffat
Box Office
Manager: Andrea Starr Group Bookings Coord: Karen Sharanowski Head Ticket Agent: Dale Lehmann Ticket Agents: Alison Bendall, Harriet Best, Sherry Hubka, Dee McCuaig, Sandra Wilson
Gallery Gift Shop
Manager: Lorna Rivard Assistants: Kathryn Jacobsen, Susan LumholstSmith, Fonda Newell, Louise Squires, Colleen Wike
Production
Production Manager: Nicole Lamb Production Coordinator: Victoria Caldwell Asst TD/House Tech: Nick Barrett Head of Wardrobe: Crystal Hanson Wardrobe Lead Hand: Mary Downes Head of Props: Kristen Nuhn Scenic Painter: Jennifer Hedge Head Carpenter: James O’Leary Asst Carpenter: Doug Clark Live Mixer: Andrew Nicholls Changeover Crew 2019: Tyler Bangsund, Luc Beaulieu, Arielle Bergeron, Anna Brancato, Steve Draper, Mike Demchuk, Armin Grueneklee, Geoff Hendrie, Liz King, Maddie Mahon, Colin Mann, Gabrielle Marcolin, Jaxun Maron, Tyler McGee, Tatty Mitchell-Faber, Andrew Nicholls, Jacob Reeves, Natasha Salway, Brydie Thomas, Jonah Turton, Mya Wilson
VOLUNTEER BOARD Chemainus Theatre Festival Society Chair: Pat Moore Vice Chair: Tim Erickson Treasurer: Maria Ridewood
Chemainus Theatre Foundation Chair: David Pink Vice Chair: Mike Skene Treasurer: Maria Ridewood
Founders
LaVerne Erickson, Ken Smith (1927-2017)
Directors at Large
Irma Andersen, Eileen Godkin, Jeremy Martin, Kerry McIntyre, Larry Myhre, Stuart Price
SPECIAL THANKS The Antique Barn, Magpie Antiques and Gifts, Ladysmith Post Office Photo Credits: Mrs. Warren’s Profession - Erin Ormond.
Lumberjacks in Love - Brendon Williams.
David Cooper Photography.
DO YOU KNOW ABBA? A QUIZ ON THE BAND AND MUSIC BEHIND THE MUSICAL
Recording together as a duo, Björn & Benny released their debut album in 1970. What was it called? A. Lycka C. Björn & Benny B. The Duo D. Laika On what TV show did ABBA stage their final appearance? A. The Morning Show C. The Tonight Show B. The Late, Late Breakfast Show D. The Oprah Winfrey Show Which of these albums was the only one not to chart in the UK? A. Super Trouper C. Ring, Ring B. Voulez-Vous D. Waterloo Which Swedish artist designed ABBA’s logo, and all of their album covers from 1976-1986? A. Ruun Söderqvist C. Rune Söderqvist B. Rona Söderqvist D. Ron Söderqvist Which popular Swedish company of the same name did ABBA need to get naming rights permission from? A. A theatre company C. A chewing gum brand B. A clothing line D. A fish canning company As long as they didn’t wear the super flashy ensembles they became famous for donning onstage while they weren’t performing, they were considered deductible by Swedish law. A. True B. False The group was in such high demand that they made the unique arrangement for Russia to pay them with oil to perform while touring the Soviet Union during the Cold War when rubles had been embargoed. A. True B. False Before they were ABBA, what was the band known as? A. Frida C. The A’s and B’s B. BABA D. Festfolk Answers: A, B, C, C, D, A, A, D
COMING UP NEXT A SNEAK PEAK INTO THE SCANDELOUS CLASSIC MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION
Mrs. Warren’s Profession is one of George Bernard Shaw’s most controversial plays, where our title character must attempt to reconcile with her disapproving daughter in a story sprinkled generously with sharp comedy and biting social commentary. Mrs. Warren manages a flourishing business that funds her daughter Vivie’s education at the finest boarding schools and universities; all while keeping her profession as a “Madam” a secret. Vivie, a “modern woman,” comes home to acquaint herself with her mother for the first time in her life and demands to know her mother’s secret but is unprepared to hear it. She challenges her mother in a two-woman battle of ideas between upper-class expectations and lower-class realities. Mrs. Warren’s position is that poverty and a society that condones it constitutes true immorality, while Vivie recognizes her mother’s courage, but grapples with her ongoing involvement in the business. Mrs. Warren’s Profession was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1893 and published in 1898, but was not performed until 1902 due to government censorship of its primary subject matter. Even then it was only produced as a private showing at London’s New Lyric Club. Shaw, an Irish playwright, critic, and political activist, used his public persona to promote ideas of social reform. He was obsessed with the inequalities of society, particularly around the disparity between the classes and lack of women’s rights; he found these morally unjust. In defending his play, Shaw claimed he needed to “draw attention to the truth that prostitution is caused, not by female depravity and male licentiousness, but simply by underpaying, undervaluing, and overworking women so shamefully that the poorest of them are forced to resort to prostitution to keep body and soul together.” Further, he argued “starvation, overwork, dirt, and disease are as anti-social as prostitution.” There is some irony to be realized when one considers that while Mrs. Warren’s Profession was known as a proto-feminist text, it was first performed in a club where women could only enter upon special occasion, and then only if accompanied by a man. Furthering this, some argue that Shaw created a conversation about women, rather than with women. Regardless, Mrs. Warren’s Profession still has the power to provoke and spark important, relevant conversations in present day. Shaw’s play directs audiences to consider the ways in which gender relations and historical power inform the present.
SEP 13 - OCT 5 A SCANDALOUS CLASSIC Mrs. Warren’s Profession still has power to provoke. The Seattle Times
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OCT 18 - NOV 2 A LOG SPLITTING MUSICAL COMEDY This uproariously clever and funny musical...resonates with tender humanity and humor. Peggy Sue Dunnigan | BroadwayWorld.com
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