THE MANITOBA BAR ASSOCIATION L’ASSOCIATION DU BARREAU DU MANITOBA
ROYAL MANITOBA THEATRE CENTRE AND THE MANITOBA BAR ASSOCIATION PRESENT THE 27 TH ANNUAL LAWYERS PLAY
MAY 7–11 , 2019
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Mamma Mia! There she goes again! Congratulations to Gail Asper on your 13th production of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre/Manitoba Bar Association Plays.
www.asperfoundation.com
Imagine Our Future. The possibilities are endless. Donate to Royal MTC today and together we’ll put magic on our stage. To make a gift or for information on becoming a donor, contact Kate Supleve, Development Manager. 204 954 6412 I ksupleve@royalmtc.ca
MESSAGE FROM ROYAL MTC’S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR How can we explain Mamma Mia!’s longevity? There are the ABBA songs, of course, all hooky melodies and dance-floor rhythms. Graft that Swedish ear candy onto a madcap Italian comedy and set it all on a sun-drenched Greek island, and you’ve got a multicultural hybrid that has proven irresistible to audiences year after year. Kind of like the Manitoba Bar Association, which has earned our province’s long-standing respect with a rare combination of intellectual and moral Steven Schipper rigour, high-spirited benevolence, and serious stage chops, all of which have been showcased at our theatre for more years than either they or I would like to count. It has been my great pleasure to work with these lawyers and judges on many of our annual fundraising shows. These same overworked legal professionals have also chaired our boards and committees, helped revise our bylaws, and signed a last-minute affidavit so an actor’s minor child could be transported legally across an international border. They never say no, no matter how big the ask, and they ask nothing of us in return, because that’s just how they roll. We want to thank them for their generosity and their companionship, and for selflessly sharing their many talents with our theatre. (And for wearing silly costumes when we ask them to.) Yours always,
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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE MANITOBA BAR ASSOCIATION It is a personal honour to be able to provide a few comments in anticipation of this year’s production of Mamma Mia!. The annual production between Royal MTC and the MBA is an unqualified success story. It has produced many great shows, provided wonderful entertainment, and has raised well over $1,009,000 over the years. It is a true privilege to be associated with this project. I, personally, have been in 11 shows since I joined the MBA. I can honestly say that nothing Mark Toews within the profession has provided me with greater pleasure, friendships and memories than being involved in these productions. I would like to congratulate the cast, all of whom are members of the CBA, who volunteer an immense amount of time to make this show a success. I am well aware of the hard work that goes into these productions, which includes learning the complex choreography, the musical numbers and memorizing all the lines. The dedication of the cast is truly appreciated. I would also like to thank their families who have made significant sacrifices to allow them to be involved in such a professional production. I would also like to thank the hard work and highly professional support that is provided by Royal MTC. In particular, I would like to thank the Directors Steven Schipper and Teri-Lynn Friesen, choreographer Matthew Armet, musical director Rachel Cameron, Executive Producer Chuck McEwen, and everyone else who made these members of the legal community look so good. I would also like to thank the corporate sponsors for their generous support and their contributions to the fundraising efforts of Royal MTC. Finally, I would like to thank all of you for coming to the show and supporting your colleagues, family and friends, and Royal MTC. Enjoy what will be an unforgettable night!
may 2019
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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&
PRESENT
Mamma Mia! Music and Lyrics by
Benny Andersson Björn Ulvaeus And some songs with Stig Anderson Book by Catherine Johnson Originally Conceived by Judy Craymer Mamma Mia! was originally produced in London by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal. Additional Material & Arrangements
Martin Koch Music Published by Universal Music Publishing Group and EMI Grove Park Music Inc. and EMI Waterford Music Inc. May 7-11, 2019
Co-Director........................................................................Steven Schipper* Co-Director........................................................................ Teri-Lynn Friesen Musical Director................................................................ Rachel Cameron Choreographer.................................................................. Matthew Armet* Production Designer.............................................................. Kari Hagness Wardrobe Coordinators......... Thora Lamont and Lorraine O’Leary Lighting Designer.......................................................Ksenia Broda-Milian Audio....................................................................................................Tim Clark Deck Audio......................................................................................Chris Brett Warehouse Electrician.........................................................Randy Harder Stage Manager................................................................... Chuck McEwen Assistant Stage Manager...............................Seraph-Eden Boroditsky Assistant Stage Manager...........................................Meaghan Fletcher Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................Linda Beech Mamma Mia! is performed with one intermission. Mamma Mia! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 • Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Special thanks: Rainbow Stage, Manitoba Theatre For Young People and Dr. Michael Eleff.
*The participation of this Artist is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance • Opera • Theatre Policy.
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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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Mamma Mia! THE CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Donna.................................................................................................Gail Asper Ensemble...........................................................................Andrea Bellhouse Ensemble.....................................................................................Jennifer Bird Sam.................................................................................................Paul Cooper Ensemble................................................................................ Laura Diamond Ensemble...................................................................................Tashia Dreger Lisa........................................................................................ Caleigh Glawson Ensemble.....................................................................................Blair Graham Ensemble............................................................................. Benji Greenberg Ensemble.............................................................................Melissa Hazelton Ensemble...................................................................................... Kate Henley Ensemble.............................................................................Reannah Hocken Ensemble..............................................................................Joan Holmstrom Ensemble...................................................................................Chaobo Jiang Ensemble...................................................................................Jamie Jurczak Sky.....................................................................................................Ryan Krahn Ensemble........................................................................................ David Kroft Ali...................................................................................... Melanie LaBossiere Sophie............................................................................................ Hayley Main Bill............................................................................................Jim McLandress Ensemble.............................................................................Louis Mendelson Ensemble.......................................................................Anastasiia Movchan Eddie.............................................................................................. Jeff Palamar Ensemble............................................................................................Leo Palay Father Alexandrios........................................................Myron Pawlowsky Ensemble.................................................................................... Sandi Phillips Tanya............................................................................................. Nalini Reddy Rosie................................................................................ Margaret Redmond Ensemble.................................................................................... Pamela Reilly Harry...................................................................................... Evan Roitenberg Ensemble.......................................................................................Jaime Rosin Pepper..................................................................................... Steve Scarfone Ensemble...................................................................................... Darcia Senft Ensemble............................................................................................Kyla Wills
Royal MTC acknowledges that our two venues are on Treaty 1 territory and that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. may 2019
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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Mamma Mia! MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT 1
I Have a Dream Honey, Honey Money, Money, Money Thank You for the Music Mamma Mia Chiquitita Dancing Queen Lay All Your Love on Me Super Trouper Gimme, Gimme, Gimme The Name of the Game Voulez-Vous ACT 2
Under Attack One of Us S.O.S. Does Your Mother Know? Knowing Me, Knowing You Our Last Summer Slipping Through My Fingers The Winner Takes It All Take a Chance on Me I Do, I Do, I Do I Have a Dream Finale MUSICIANS
Band Leader/Keyboards............................................... Rachel Cameron Rehearsal Pianist/Keyboards.................................................. Eric Vickar Bass..........................................................................................Julian Bradford Drums.............................................................................. Brendan Thompson Acoustic/Electric Guitar...............................................Derrick Gottfried
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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
may 2019
ARTISTS Gail Asper
Andrea Bellhouse
Donna
Ensemble
Back in 1978, when she first heard the song “Thank you for the music” Gail fell in love with ABBA and has been a staunch devotee lo these many years. She is thrilled to be performing with this phenomenally talented cast in a show she has been rehearsing for over the past 41 years! Gail has been involved in the Royal MTC/ MBA shows for a whopping 29 years along with fellow Twelve Angry Jurors castmates Joan Holmstrom and Jim McLandress. We all started as infants... This show marks her 13th production and much as she loves her real-life role as President of The Asper Foundation, she can’t imagine how boring her life would be without the opportunity to play roles like Nurse Ratched, Miss Adelaide or Mama Rose. Gail would like to thank Steven Schipper from the bottom of her heart for creating this wonderful opportunity for the triple threat wannabes in the legal community to tread the boards, work with outstanding theatre professionals and make lifelong friends. Steven – we thank YOU for the music! Finally, many thanks and much love to Gail’s husband Mike for his unfailing support and invaluable help running lines, given Gail’s failing memory. Without his enthusiastic encouragement to audition for the show (“well Gail – you ARE pretty old and may never get a chance like this again...”) Gail would never have accepted the challenge to play Donna. And sooooo Mamma Mia – here we go again!!
may 2019
Andrea is glad to be back for her fourth show with the MBA and Royal MTC. Many thanks to the production team for their hard work and patience and to all of you for coming to support theatre in our city. Enjoy the show!
Jennifer Bird Ensemble
This is Jennifer’s first Royal MTC/MBA performance. She is delighted to be part of such a marvellous cast and crew, and would like to thank them all for making this experience so fun and so memorable. Jennifer would also like to thank her wonderful colleagues at the WCB, her amazing friends, and especially Malcolm, Alice and Frances for their support. From the moment Jen said, “I think I’ll try out for the Lawyers Play this year,” they have been the best cheering squad a gal could hope for. Enjoy the show!
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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ARTISTS Paul Cooper
Tashia Dreger
Sam
Ensemble
This production, even more so than the previous seven in which I have been lucky enough to participate, has been a truly shiny happy place for me to be. To Steven, and Teri-Lynn, and Rachel, and Matt, and Eric, and Chuck, and to all my castmates – so many thanks for being the reason for that shiny happiness. To my family, as always, thank you for always being there. To my amazing son Declan, thank you for keeping me so grounded in the real world with your irreplaceable hugs. To my beautiful wife Anne – your hand on the road ahead is all I need to hold.
Tashia is thrilled to be returning for her third Royal MTC/MBA production. She is extra excited that this year’s production gave her an excuse to sing ABBA songs incessantly. Not that anyone needs an excuse to do that. When not singing and dancing to ABBA on stage, Tashia can be found singing and dancing to ABBA in her office or kitchen, depending on the time of day. Great thanks to the creative team and cast for making this production such a fun success. Additional thanks to friends and family, especially Andrew and Maria, for their patience and support throughout the rehearsal season.
Laura Diamond
Caleigh Glawson
Ensemble
Laura is pleased to appear in her first production of the Lawyers Play. For this she thanks her four sons for finally graduating from high school and competitive hockey, leaving her some time to attend all those rehearsals. In real life, Laura is the Chief Commissioner of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission. She is also quite thankful for her membership in the Winnipeg Jewish Community Chorus. Singing and performing with that choir helps to clear out the sticky and persistent earworms that come with the territory when singing in a show like Mamma Mia! Most of all, thanks to her five guys for all their love and support, even though they really do not share her affection for ABBA.
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Lisa
Caleigh is thrilled to be joining the cast of Mamma Mia! in her second Lawyers Play. Caleigh has just finished her third year of law school. Prior to attending law school, she received a musical theatre diploma from Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto. She has appeared in numerous productions over the years and is always grateful when she can return to the stage. She thanks Steven, Teri-Lynn, Matt, Rachel, Chuck, and everyone else working to make this event possible. Love to friends, family, and a special shout-out to the Brodsky team who are supporting her during her first week of articling!
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
may 2019
In my dreams I have a plan…
Proud supporters of Royal MTC All the things I could do…
www.cambrian.mb.ca Check us out on
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Mamma Mia ad_Layout 1 2019-03-28 3:35 PM Page 1
The MBA is pleased to present
Here we go again,
MBA members being
Money, Money, Money
Super Troupers to raise for Royal MTC.
THE MANITOBA BAR ASSOCIATION L’ASSOCIATION DU BARREAU DU MANITOBA A Branch of the Canadian Bar Association Une division de l’Association du Barreau canadien
Congratulations to the cast and crew. Over $1 million raised by the MBA to date in support of the Royal MTC.
ARTISTS Blair Graham
Melissa Hazelton
Ensemble
Ensemble
After a hiatus of at least four decades, Blair is delighted to return to the stage as part of the ensemble in this year’s Royal MTC/ MBA Lawyers Play. Earlier roles include Baby Two and one of the children in Names and Nicknames (Children’s Theatre MTC, October 1963) and Frederic in the Kelvin High School production of The Pirates of Penzance, 1970. Blair is extremely grateful to the other cast members and the Royal MTC crew for welcoming him into the fold and for their encouragement as he faced the challenges of reacquiring old skills and learning new ones. He also wishes to thank the IT department at home for being so patient as he learned to access the videos on Dropbox!
This is Melissa’s fifth appearance in a Royal MTC/MBA production. She is thrilled to be back after a two-year break. While Melissa prefers to appear on stage for the musical productions, she remained involved with the Lawyers Play Committee for the last two years, during the musical hiatus. She is thrilled to be back on stage again for Mamma Mia! In real life, Melissa is a Crown Attorney with Manitoba Prosecutions Service and is also the Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the MBA. She would like to say a huge thank you to her friends and family for all of their love and support. And huge thanks to Royal MTC and the entire artistic team for making us look good! Enjoy the show!!!
Kate Henley
Benji Greenberg
Ensemble
Ensemble
Benji is thrilled to be taking part in her first Lawyers Play after a 14-year hiatus from the theatre. She previously appeared in productions at Grant Park High School and with MTYP’s Young Company and studied theatre at University of Winnipeg. Since then she’s been preparing for her return to the stage by frequenting the city’s karaoke bars. When she’s not belting out angsty ‘90s tunes, Benji practices at McRoberts Law Office. Benji would like to thank the cast and crew as well as her family and friends for their support, especially Catti Smith and Robert Meowpplethorpe who have put up with her constantly singing ABBA songs for eight months. 12
This is Kate’s second performance in the Lawyers Play, having previously appeared in 2016’s La Cage aux Folles. While her talents lie more in dancing than singing, she hopes her enthusiasm for ABBA will make up for her vocal (in)ability. By day (and sometimes often by night) she practices in criminal defense as an associate at Phillips Aiello. Kate would like to thank everyone involved in the production for a fun few months, and all of those who took the time to attend the show. Hope you enjoy!
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
may 2019
ROMANTIC RHINE RIVER CRUISE WITH AVALON WATERWAYS
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You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your lives! Congratulations to the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! and to our own “dynamos” Jamie Jurczak, Jeff Palamar, and Leo Palay.
Wishing you all a great show! tmlawyers.com
ARTISTS Reannah Hocken
Chaobo Jiang
Ensemble
Ensemble
This is Reannah’s seventh appearance in the Royal MTC/MBA production, having previously appeared as Anne in La Cage aux Folles, Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Vivian in Legally Blonde, and in the illustrious chorus of both Gypsy and The Producers. Reannah is privileged to share the stage with such hard-working and committed lawyers. When not treading the boards, Reannah spends her time practising Family Law with Deeley Fabbri Sellen. Reannah would like to thank Matthew for his love and support (and for remaining in their marriage notwithstanding the steady stream of musicals echoing throughout the home and car on an almost constant basis).
Joan Holmstrom Ensemble
When Joan heard that Steven Schipper was retiring she made sure to come out and audition for this year’s Lawyers Play to be able to work with him again. She first met Steven when he cast her as Juror Number 12 in the very first lawyer show. Joan is happy to rejoin two other castmates from that show, Gail and Jim, in performing this year. Mamma Mia! will be Joan’s 12th production onstage with Royal MTC. She thanks her family, friends, and colleagues in supporting her over the many years and the great staff and volunteers at Royal MTC who help make each show look effortless. Enjoy! 14
This is Bo’s debut with Royal MTC and he is very thrilled to be a part of this musical. He is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and the wonderful staff at Royal MTC. A special thanks to his wife for her endless support and encouragement. Bo also wants to thank his employer and everyone at Zaifman Law for their support. P.S. Bo’s wife would like to thank the amazing cast and staff for finally getting him to stop looking at his cell phone, if only for a little while.
Jamie Jurczak Ensemble
Jamie is happy to be back on stage in her eighth Lawyers Play, after taking a few years off after her last appearance in 2014’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. It’s been great to work with such an amazing cast and crew! A big thank you to her friends and family and colleagues at Taylor McCaffrey for supporting her need to do this. Thank you to Shauna and the dancers at Maples Academy of Dance for sharing Jamie with this show in the middle of competition season. Thank you to her Mom for introducing her to ABBA when she was a kid, so she already knew most of the words to all the songs in this show! And thank you to Garth, for his patience, love and support, and for pretending not to mind every time she tries to turn their life into a musical.
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
may 2019
TDS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CAST OF
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ARTISTS Ryan Krahn
David Kroft
Sky
Ensemble
Ryan is thrilled to return to the Warehouse stage for his third Lawyers Play, following his previous appearances in La Cage aux Folles and Witness for the Prosecution. Ever since his high school music teachers informed him that it was his solemn birthright as a tenor to play the role of the lucky guy who gets the girl, Ryan has been patiently waiting for destiny to unfold. At long last, it seems the ancient prophecy will be fulfilled as Ryan assumes the mantle of Sky. (Or will it? Stay tuned...) In addition to his primary job at a Greek island resort, where he serves drinks and runs a Geocities website liberally strewn with animated flame GIFs (in true ‘90s style), Ryan has a small side gig as in-house counsel at SkipTheDishes. Ryan would like to thank his family, friends, coworkers, and the entire cast and crew for their support. He would also like to apologize to his cat Luna for all the rehearsal nights where he’s betrayed her by only feeding her after 10pm.
Mamma mia, here he goes again – David’s fifth Lawyers Play. Through the amazing partnership of the MBA and Royal MTC, David has journeyed from Anatevka (Fiddler on the Roof) to California (Grease) to Harvard (Legally Blonde) and now the Greek Islands. The joy of these journeys is matched only by the pleasure derived from knowing that together – cast, crew and audiences – are securing the future of world-class theatre in Manitoba. Thanks to Royal MTC for squeezing as much out of us as possible. Thanks to my family for your love and support.
Melanie LaBossiere Ali
Melanie is thrilled to be making her Royal MTC/MBA debut in Mamma Mia! Melanie is currently finishing her third year of law school and hopes to have heard that she will not have to repeat Trusts by the time you are reading this! Prior to attending law school, Melanie was involved in the performing arts and has appeared in a number of productions.
ARTISTS Many thanks to the lawyers at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman who reached out and encouraged her to audition (read: told her she had to). Thank you to the incredibly talented and patient cast and crew for accepting her “creative” energy and laughing with her during the creative process. Special thanks to her friends and family for their support and for never complaining when asked to go over lines and lyrics again, and again, and again.
Hayley Main Sophie
After a six-year hiatus, Hayley is thrilled to be a part of the Royal MTC/MBA production for the sixth time. She previously appeared in Legally Blonde (Elle), Gypsy (Louise), The Producers (Ulla), Chicago (Cell Block Dancer) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). Hayley’s legal practice has been as an associate with Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP, although she is currently at home full-time taking care of three beautiful and crazy children. Kisses to Fancy Face, Master Bodhi, Little Clarky Man and Scott for their never-ending support and patience.
Jim McLandress Bill
I really, really, REALLY don’t like ABBA. There. I said it. I said exactly what many of you are thinking. That and, “I could’ve been pressure-washing the deck!” Well. Are YOU ever in for a surprise! You’re going to leave here thinking, “Damn. That was actually a LOT of fun; way better than pressure-washing the deck… but I still don’t like ABBA.” And that’s OK. Just by admitting that, you’ve taken a big step into adulthood. I know I haven’t. I’ve done more of these shows than Royal MTC cares to acknowledge but they are each, without fail, a marvellous adventure. It’s impossible not to learn something new every time and for that I want to thank Steven, Teri-Lynn, Robbie, Chris, Kayla, Rachel, Bill, Eric, Matt, Miss Sophia and all of the wonderful and talented professionals (and cast mates too) that I’ve had the chance to work with over the years. Of course I must also thank my beautiful and patient wife, Penny and my charming(?) kids Hannah and Finn. Most of all though, thanks to all of you for continuing to support Royal MTC. Without an audience a play is just a rehearsal. Without you there’s really no point. (P.S. If you get an ABBA-earworm, try humming a few bars of Stairway to Heaven.)
ARTISTS Louis Mendelson
Jeff Palamar
Ensemble
Eddie
Louis is excited to be performing in Mamma Mia! This is his first time participating in a Royal MTC/MBA production. It is also his first time singing live in front of an audience outside of the Agit Karaoke bar on Osborne. When he is not in ‘90s Greece singing ‘70s Swedish pop music, Louis is a criminal defence lawyer working for Legal Aid Manitoba. Thank you to the incredible cast and crew for making this experience so much fun! And mostly, thank you Aman for not laughing too hard at my earliest attempts to sing and dance.
Anastasiia Movchan
Leo Palay
Ensemble
Ensemble
Anastasiia is honoured to make her debut in the Royal MTC/MBA joint production of Mamma Mia! Originally a Ukrainian civil litigation lawyer, Anastasiia moved to Canada in 2013. She was recently admitted to Robson Hall, and is currently completing the requirements to continue her practice of law in Canada. Anastasiia is grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful Royal MTC artistic team. She thanks her sister Vira and brother-in-law Ivan, as well as her friends and colleagues at the Manitoba Government for their continuous support. Enjoy the show!
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Being cast as Eddie makes Jeff quite possibly the oldest person ever, anywhere, to portray on stage or screen the role of a teenager. He has fully embraced this epic challenge with characteristic enthusiasm, dedication, a healthy sense of humour and ibuprofen (as required). Thank you, thank you and another thank you to Angie and Bailey for putting up with and actually encouraging this nonsense once again, to all friends in showing support by coming out to enjoy the show and to the incredible crew at Royal MTC for their patience, guidance and magic.
Many lawyers are drawn to acting by their experience performing in the courtroom. Leo, a corporate tax solicitor at Taylor McCaffrey LLP, was drawn to the stage by other means. Leo developed his taste for the performing arts at Camp Massad, a summer camp that emphasizes culture, drama, song and dance. Mamma Mia! makes for an appropriate musical debut, as the album was played on repeat in the car for much of Leo’s childhood. Leo thanks his family and friends for putting up with his singing practice and providing their support to Royal MTC!
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
may 2019
CBIA/Lawyers Financial is pleased to sponsor Manitoba’s legal and theatre communities and applaud their contributions to the arts. CBIA/Lawyers Financial is proud to offer high quality insurance and investment solutions for lawyers, their families and staff. We are lawyer controlled and not-for-profit, where success is measured in satisfied clients, not dollars. We’re here to help! Contact Gordon J. Brennan, your local Authorized Advisor. Call 204.985.1140 or visit lawyersfinancial.ca
Without a song or a dance what are we?
MAMMA MIA Thank you for the music! Congratulations to the cast & crew. FILLMORE RILEY LLP LAWYERS AND TRADEMARK AGENTS
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ARTISTS Myron Pawlowsky
Sandi Phillips
Father Alexandrios
Ensemble
After completing a 36-year career with the Companies Office of the provincial government (he started there when he was 13), Myron was convinced that Broadway talent agents would come calling, given the diverse talents he displayed in earlier MTC/ MBA productions (as, inter alia, a wino, an African-American accountant, an Irish cop, and a country club golfer). Alas, they must have lost his cell phone number. But, now that Myron has received a true ‘higher calling’ (as a Greek Orthodox priest in Mamma Mia!, no less), the Great White Way will no longer be able to resist him! Thanks to all of Myron’s friends and relatives for supporting the production, and to wife Susan, and children Adriana and Alex, for encouraging his stage ambitions.
Sandi is thrilled to reveal her inner Dancing Queen in this year’s Lawyers Play. Sandi has appeared in previous MBA/Royal MTC productions The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, La Cage aux Folles, Ten Angry Jurors (Juror #6) and back in the days when ABBA was still on the charts, she played Alice in You Can’t Take it With You, Doris in Damn Yankees and Princess Winnifred in Once upon a Mattress. Sandi is so grateful for her lovely and talented castmates and the fantastic professional and creative staff of Royal MTC. Sandi appears courtesy of her employer, Manitoba Hydro, and especially with the love and support of her most important audience, James, Matthew and Laura.
Nalini Reddy Tanya
Mamma Mia!
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Nalini, who practises at Pitblado Law, is appearing in her ninth Lawyers Play. After playing Velma Kelly in Chicago, she enjoyed playing friendly, fully-clothed Smitty in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – but has returned to her less modest roots in Mamma Mia! Nalini is grateful to her parents for the music and dance lessons (little did they imagine!) and sends huge hugs to her boys – Brad, Kieran and Sanjay – for their support and their patience with many Mamma-less hours. Finally, she thanks Steven Schipper for the opportunity to work with him one last time on this very worthwhile project and wishes him well in his next adventure.
ARTISTS Margaret Redmond
Pamela Reilly
Rosie
Ensemble
I am truly grateful to be in this show that is just pure joy and silliness. And great music!! Thank you to my family, and Gail, for talking me into this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I dedicate this show to my mom who lived the adage ‘you should never be too old to be silly.’ And also to my beautiful daughters, my sister and nieces and all my other ‘sisters’ throughout my life. You have always appreciated and encouraged the kind of goofiness and playfulness that only a group of women can create. It is so fun to share it with all of you. And to Greg who has always let my light shine. “Screw ‘em if they can’t take a joke.” Day Job – CEO of Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
I happily recall my MTC/MBA debut in the 2001 production of Grease, and am delighted to return for the 2019 production of Mamma Mia! Heartfelt thanks to Rachel, Teri-Lynn, Matt and Chuck. True to their word, these talented and dedicated Royal MTC professionals made this experience fun and worth the price of admission! And to my bandmates in Baltimore Road – my missed cues and forgotten lyrics during band practices should resolve now that my limited memory capacity is not overwhelmed with ABBA songs! Thanks, guys (especially Wayne!), for your unceasing support. Hope you enjoy the show!
Congratulations to Pitblado Law’s Dancing Queen Nalini Reddy We hope the Super Trouper lights will find the entire cast and crew feeling like a number one for this year’s Royal MTC and Manitoba Bar Association production of Mamma Mia!
pitblado.com
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ARTISTS Evan Roitenberg Harry
I practice criminal defence law with Gindin Wolson Simmonds Roitenberg. I would like to thank my wife and daughters for allowing me to, and supporting me in, doing this show. Twenty-two years ago, Steven Schipper foolishly agreed to cast a young criminal lawyer as a butler in the show And Then There Were None. Thirteen shows later, I have been given repeated opportunities to indulge my acting needs (and overcome my characteristic shyness) all because the Artistic Director of this fine institution hadn’t yet figured out a way to rid himself of me. Until now, that is. Steven, not only could I not have done any of these shows without you, I wouldn’t have been given a chance without your low standards. Thank you for that. Thank you for your commitment to your actors, your production teams, your crews and your audiences. In this show, I play a man embracing the dream of fatherhood, much like you embraced guiding your Royal MTC as if you were its father. For that, we can all thank you. Steven, I dedicate this show to you. I also dedicate this show to my father, Shom. Dad, I know you’re watching.
Jaime Rosin Ensemble
not-so-secretly, her favourite part of the practice of law! Fully bitten by the theatre bug, Jaime is directing her first show at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival this summer entitled #GetItUp: An Actor Prepares, and hopes this shameless plug will encourage all to come and check it out! Congrats to all fellow cast members on what is sure to be an amazing show and thanks to family, friends and colleagues at the Manitoba Public Insurance Legal Department for their support!
Steve Scarfone Pepper
Steve joins the cast of Mamma Mia! for musical number five, his first since How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2014. Super excited to have in attendance again his beautiful daughter Olivia, then four, now eight! Olivia and her younger brother Michael enthusiastically helped dad practice his dance moves and sing ABBA songs before bedtime. Olivia, with her superior prefrontal cortex, mastered all the steps effortlessly, and was patient and encouraging while her dad struggled to coordinate himself. Thank you sweetie – I love that you are still young enough to not be embarrassed. Steve would like to thank his parents for once again making the long trek from Peterborough, along with newcomer Marnie, Steve’s awesome sister. Enjoy the show!
Jaime is thrilled to be back for her fourth Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play! Having previously appeared in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and La Cage aux Folles, she could not be happier to again participate in what has become, 22
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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HERE WE GO AGAIN. MLT Aikins is pleased to support the Royal MTC and MBA production of Mamma Mia.
M LT A I K I N S L L P • M LTA I K I N S . C O M
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 RBC Convention Centre—York Ballroom premier sponsor
in support of
TICKETS : ROYALMTC.CA/BW For more information please contact Melissa at 204 954 6410 or blackandwhite@royalmtc.ca
ARTISTS Darcia Senft
Björn Ulvaeus
Ensemble
Music and Lyrics
Darcia is happy to be performing in her ninth Royal MTC/MBA musical. Favourite past roles include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Sandy in Grease, Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Roxie Hart in Chicago. She jumped at the opportunity to dance and sing her heart out in a show filled with fun ABBA songs. By day, she sings a different tune as General Counsel and Director of Policy and Ethics at The Law Society of Manitoba. Her current favourite role is as a new Baba to Madison Grace. To the very talented artistic and production team and to my wonderful (and wonderfully zany) cast mates, “thank you for the music!” To her friends and family, thanks for supporting me and the theatre in these important fundraisers. This one is for Gary, my very own renaissance man. We started on a high note and we intend to hold it…
Björn Ulvaeus was born in 1945 in Gothenberg 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 Faltskog and AnniFrid Lyngstad. Even during the ABBA years, the idea of writing a musical seemed appealing and, in 1981, Björn and Benny met Tim Rice and co-wrote 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.
Benny Andersson
Kyla Wills
Music and Lyrics
Ensemble
This is Kyla’s second appearance in the Lawyers Play, her first being 2018’s Witness for the Prosecution. Kyla was a lawyer in her past life but is currently the Fulfillment Director, Canadian Market, for SkipTheDishes. She enjoys being able to staying connected to the legal community through the play. She has had a great time preparing for the performance and hopes the audience has as much fun watching as the cast does performing!
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Born December 16, 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 1960s. 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
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ARTISTS 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 Från Duvemåla. Premiered in October 1995. 1995: Received the title of professor from the Swedish government. Inducted into 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.
Catherine Johnson
Playwriting 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.
Steven Schipper Co-Director
Steven feels honoured by his association with the MBA, and deeply grateful for their generous support of Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. His directing credits with the MBA include Twelve Angry Jurors (1990), The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, And Then There Were None, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Inherit the Wind, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Mousetrap, Legally Blonde and La Cage aux Folles.
Book
Teri-Lynn Friesen Co-Director
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); Shanga-Lang (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 26
With Royal MTC: A Christmas Carol (Choreographer); Billy Elliot the Musical (Assistant Director); Late Company (Apprentice Director). Teri-Lynn has worked with several theatre companies in the city and was a member of the MTYP Creators Unit from 2016-2018. She is a three-time recipient of the Jean Murray-Moray Sinclair Scholarship. TeriLynn has enjoyed every laugh throughout the process with this tremendous group of lawyers. Thank you for the music!
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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ARTISTS Rachel Cameron
Matthew Armet
Musical Director
Choreographer
Rachel is excited to be joining a great team of lawyers and artists for her first MBA/Royal MTC production. Previous Royal MTC credits include Bittergirl: The Musical (MD), Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Rehearsal Pianist/Keys 1) and Billy Elliot the Musical (AMD). Other recent productions include Guys and Dolls (WSO/Rainbow Stage); Falsettos (WJT/ Dry Cold Productions); School of Rock (WST); and Songs for a New World (White Rabbit). She holds a Theatre and Film degree from the University of Winnipeg and has extensive training in piano, theory, and collaborative musicianship. Special thanks to Doug, Teresa, Austin and Heidi for their constant support. Enjoy!
Matt has had a fantastic time choreographing his first Lawyers Play. His career has taken him all across Canada, most notably to six seasons at the Stratford Festival, where show highlights include Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Crazy For You, Fiddler on the Roof, Tommy and 42nd Street. Locally he has performed in White Christmas and Cabaret at Royal MTC and can be seen this summer in Cinderella at Rainbow Stage. Matt also plays a member of the boyband SOUNDCHECK, on Odd Squad (PBS/TVO). He recently choreographed Guys and Dolls: in Concert with the WSO/Rainbow Stage. He is in constant awe of this cast. While they all can do his job, he still has no hope of ever doing theirs.
ARTISTS Kari Hagness Production Designer
Thanks and love always to my family for their support, especially in the last crazy six weeks of back-to-back techs!
Eric Vickar Rehearsal Pianist Kari Hagness has enjoyed designing the set and props for the annual Royal MTC / MBA Lawyers Play fundraising production since 2008. A graduate of the design program of the National Theatre School, she has been the Head of Props at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre since 1986.
Ksenia Broda-Milian Lighting Designer
Eric feels delighted and privileged to be on the bench for his 13th Royal MTC/MBA production. In his day gig, Eric practices as a child and adolescent psychiatrist. With affection and gratitude for Royal MTC and MBA’s co-conspirators in this project and my family. In loving memory of dear ones who are in the “place where lost things go.”
PwC Ksenia is so excited to join these Dancing Queens in beautiful Greece! With Royal MTC: Assistant Set and Costume Designer: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical; Apprentice Designer: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, Cabaret, The Seagull; scenic painter (various). With the MBA: The Producers Assistant Choreographer. Designs this season include After Jerusalem and Becoming Dr. Ruth (WJT); Lucas is Lonely (WCD); Pippin (WST/ViC); and Arcadia (U of W). Upcoming: Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Chemainus Theatre Festival).
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JULY 17 – 28
Comedy, drama, improv and everything in between! FREQUENT FRINGERS ON SALE Buy online or at the Royal MTC Box Office.
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PHOTO BY LEIF NORMAN
Lawyers Play Honour RolE* *Pun intended
The Manitoba Bar Association and Royal MTC would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their incredible years of service to the Lawyers Play, either onstage or on the committee. 20+ YEARS Joan Holmstrom Jim McLandress
10+ YEARS Gail Asper Cynthia Hiebert-Simkin Jeff Hirsch
Jamie Jurczak Brenda Keyser Nalini Reddy Brad Regehr
Kathrine Basarab Melissa Beaumont Kalyn Bomback Krista Boryskavich Lawrie Cherniack Jessica Cogan Paul Cooper Martin Corne Adrian Frost Danny Gunn Bill Haight John Harvie
Melissa Hazelton Sean Hicks Vivian Hilder Reannah Hocken Catherine Kelly Robin Kersey Bryan Klein David Kroft Laureen Lu Hayley Main Candray Mehkary Ron Meyers
Evan Roitenberg Priti Shah Mark Toews
5+ YEARS Marika Nerbas Mark O'Neill Gerry Posner Vivian Rachlis Margaret Redmond Steve Scarfone Darcia Senft Garth Smorang Lyle Smordin Neil Steen Richard Yaffe
The cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. PHOTO BY B. MONK
La Cage aux Folles after party. PHOTO BY DAVID SWIECICKI The cast of Twelve Angry Jurors. PHOTO BY DAVID SWIECICKI
The cast of Little Shop of Horrors.
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Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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We would like to acknowledge our gratitude for the invaluable contributions the following made to this year’s Royal MTC/MBA production. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Stacy Nagle and the MBA Executive, our volunteer ushers and all of Royal MTC’s production, administrative and artistic staff who make the production of this play possible, as well as the generous support of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. PRE SENTI N G SP O N SO R
SI LV ER SP O N SO R
RECEPTI O N SP O N SO R S
WI N E SP O N SO R
SU PP O RTER S Stella's Catering, Safeway & Sobey's
We encourage you to show your appreciation by using the services of companies who generously support Royal MTC. COMMITTEE Jamie Jurczak – Chair John Harvie Melissa Hazelton Reannah Hocken
Shawn Hughes Jessica L.M. Isaak Stacy Nagle Nalini Reddy
Ian Scarth Stéphanie Tétreault
STAFF Seraph-Eden Boroditsky – Indigenous Arts Leadership Fellow Chuck McEwen – Executive Producer, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival & Master Playwright Festival Rick MacPherson – Warehouse Technical Director Melissa Novecosky – Sponsorship Fulfillment & Events Manager Shelly Smith-Hines – Director of Development
may 2019
Royal MTC/MBA Lawyers Play
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