Based
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Neptune Theatre is located on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land.
As artists, we are grateful to work and build community here. As stewards of culture, we commit to continuing to improve our relations with Indigenous people and upholding values of collaboration and inclusivity in all that we do.
We strongly recommend that masks be worn in our venues. As our theatres place the audience so close to the action on stage, masking helps protect not only audience members but also the actors, who cannot wear masks when performing. By keeping them safe, we all can help prevent COVID-related performance cancellations.
Any videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. The use of cameras, cellular phones, paging devices and all other recording devices is strictly prohibited in the theatre. Please ensure all cellular phones and watch alarms are turned off. Neptune Theatre is a scent-free environment.
Neptune Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional Artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. Neptune Theatre engages professional technicians represented by IATSE Local 680.
Neptune Theatre acknowledges the support of our government partners:
Lyrics
Featuring Ryan Brown as Buddy and Amanda Lundgren as Jovie
CAST
Ryan Brown Buddy
Amanda Lundgren Jovie
Ryan Rogerson Walter
Kirstin Howell Emily
Noah Tran Michael
Michele Shuster
Deb/Tiara/Mrs Claus/Ensemble
Julius Sermonia Manager/Ensemble Todd Hunter Santa/Ensemble
Chris Vergara Chadwick/Charlie/Ensemble David Light Matthews/Ensemble
Katherine Norris Ensemble
Laura Caswell Greenway/Ensemble
Hailey Christie-Hoyle Ensemble
Anthony MacPherson Dance Captain/Ensemble Sarah Parlatore Ensemble
CREATIVE TEAM
Jeremy Webb Director
Carla Bennett Choreographer
Sarah Richardson Music Director, Band Leader
Tamara Marie Kucheran Set Designer
Tamara Marie Kucheran Costume Designer
Vicky Williams Lighting Designer
Matt Downey Projection Designer
Joe Micallef Co -Sound Designer
Jordan Palmer Co -Sound Designer
Rebecca Wolfe RBC Chrysalis Choreographer
Avery Johnson RBC Chrysalis Set Designer Devon McCarron RBC Chrysalis Lighting Designer
MUSICIANS
Gwen Dawson Keyboard
Brad Reid Reeds
Matt Myer Trumpet
JR Smith Drums
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Matt MacInnis Stage Manager
Gina Thornhill Assistant Stage Manager
Rachel Dawn Woods Assistant Stage Manager
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.
Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true
identity. Faced with the harsh reali ties that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
This modern-day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. After all, the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
For the last 24 years I have been fortunate to create, perform, tour, or direct shows during the holiday season. The irony of this Christmassy fact is that I am (scandal) not the biggest Christmas fan. That is UNTIL I am working on the show, then my heart grows two sizes and I leave my Grinch-like tendencies behind. This year I am feeling EXTRA sparkly and that’s because of Buddy The Elf.
Neptune first produced Elf the Musical exacly ten years ago (that year I was playing the less sparkly Ebenezer Scrooge next door on the Scotiabank Stage) and it feels so right to bring Buddy back ten years later with this amazing new cast & creative team. I am sure, having spent a few weeks in the rehearsal hall that this show will help you rekindle your Christmas Spirit.
Remember, if it’s all too much cheer, Ebenezer (now with Rhys Bevan-John taking the lead) is a few metres away, still on the Scotiabank Stage until New Year’s Eve and ready to share some ‘humbug!’
Have you thought of theatre as a gift this season? I encourage you to stuff someone’s stocking with tickets to Fall On Your Knees, Billy Elliot The Musical and the other plays we have on offer during the remainder of this 60th Season at Neptune.
Merry Humbug, everyone. I hope 2023 brings you love, joy, shared adventures and, above all, theatrical treats.
Jeremy Webb Director,ELF The
MusicalGoodbyes are never easy, so I’m going to keep mine brief. As you’re reading this, my time at Neptune Theatre has come to an end. It’s been an incredible privilege to meet, and become a part of, the community that loves and supports this theatre.
What I will remember most about my time at Neptune is the people. I’ve met patrons who had their first date at Neptune, 50 years ago, and have been coming together ever since. Patrons who come to the holiday show every year because it was what they did as a family when they were children, and now they bring their children and grandchildren to experience the magic of Neptune. People from all over Nova Scotia who are committed to supporting this beautiful building and
the incredible people who work within its walls, because they know that Neptune is a cornerstone of our creative community.
To the staff and crew who work so hard, and have been absolute miracle workers over the last few years, thank you. Your passion, ingenuity, determination, and endless creative solutions to creative problems made working at Neptune a truly fulfilling experience. I am so proud of all we accomplished together.
The Board of Directors is engaged in a search for a new Executive Director. I look forward to seeing what this next chapter will bring.
Please enjoy this performance of Elf, and may your holiday season be filled with good cheer, love, and warmth.
Lisa Bugden, General ManagerHello and welcome to Elf The Musical! On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season.
Thank you for celebrating the holidays with Neptune this season. This is our 60th holiday season bringing joy and everlasting memories to Nova Scotians of all ages. As 2022 comes to a close, please consider donating to Neptune Theatre so we can celebrate another 60 seasons. For many of us, our first theatre memory is the holiday musical. What better way to give a lifetime of thanks to the special people who introduced you to theatre by having their name(s) added to one of our seats. To support one of our many programs and discuss giving options, you can contact our Director of Development and Partnership Leslie MacDonald at lmacdonald@ neptunetheatre.com or the Box Office at (902) 429-7070.
It is with the very best of wishes that the Board of Directors and the entire team at Neptune bid adieu to outgoing General Manager Lisa Bugden as she embarks on new endeavors. For the past six years, Lisa has steered the theatre through a time of unprecedented challenges and successes. Her leadership through the pandemic ensured
that we not only survived but set up to succeed now that the curtain has lifted. The entire Neptune family thank Lisa for her enormous contribution to the theatre and the communities we serve, we wish her all the very best in this new chapter. The Board of Directors is engaged in a search for a successor and we all look forward to seeing what this next chapter will bring.
Finally, I want to say thank you to every devoted member of the Neptune Theatre team. It is incredible how the past two and a half years has made us all aspire to getting back to “normal”. This incredible team, most of whom work behind the scenes and you will never see, have all worked so hard and with incredible dedication to help us all return to a “normal” Neptune holiday season.
Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with good cheer, love, warmth and normalness.
Paul LabergeRYAN BROWN
Role: Buddy Neptune: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, Shrek the Musical, The Addams Family, A Christmas Carol, La Cage Aux Folles, The Jungle Book. Other Theatre: Beauty and The Beast, Shrek the Musical, The Little Mermaid (The Globe); Pinocchio, Robin Hood (Torrent Productions); The Wedding Singer (Stage West); Les Misérables (Drayton); Forever Plaid (Orillia Opera House); Spamalot (The Citadel) Film/TV: Overruled! (Disney), King Of The Camp (Bensondale) Training: Sheridan Music Theatre – Performance Program 2011 (Brian Linehan Triple Threat Award) Other: All the love to my parents, my favourite sister Trish, The Talent House Gang, and my love Teenie! @rybrown_
AMANDA LUNDGREN
Role: Jovie Neptune: Cinderella understudy, Ensemble Other Theatre: Annie in Chicago (Stratford Festival); Daphne in Holiday Inn (Shaw Festival); Ensemble in Guys and Dolls (Capitol Theatre); Michelle, Deena understudy, Ensemble in Dreamgirls (Lower Ossington Theatre); Calonice in Lysistrata (Toronto International Film Festival); Film/TV: The Boys, Children Ruin Everything, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Spin. Commercials: Rogers, Hudson’s Bay Company, Tangerine Training: Dance, Steps On Broadway International Visa Program; Vocals, Sue Dunstan, Robert Markus; Acting, Jane Moffat, Marvin Karon. Other: So much love to my family & friends for always supporting me. Miss you Daddy. 10 Talent Management, CHEERS! Happy Holidays! @damanda_13.
NOAH TRAN
Role: Michael Hobbs Neptune: Seeds of Change Other Theatre: Little Women, The Hobbit, Frozen Jr. (Neptune Theatre School); Romeo & Juliet, Elf Jr., Suessical (Halifax Regional Arts); Chicago (Woodlawn Highschool) Other: Halifax born and raised, Noah is exceptionally grateful to make his mainstage debut in Elf before heading off to university next fall. To all the trans kids in the audience, take up space everywhere you go. @noahtttran
KIRSTIN HOWELL
Role: Emily Neptune: Noises Off, KAMP, Mamma Mia, Once, Beauty And The Beast, Into The Woods, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, The Producers, White Christmas. Other Theatre: Unnecessary Farce (SRT); God Of Carnage, Village Wooing, Musical Of Musicals, Last Five Years (Chester); Miracle Man, Dustbowl Joan, Lysistrata (Two Planks); Mimi, [title of show], (TheatreSpeak); Cotton Patch Gospel (GTF). Film/ TV: Moonshine (eOne), Diggstown, Mr. D (CBC), I Am Syd Stone (Theriault/ Poan), Stage Mother (Fitzgerald), Me, My Mom, and Sharmila” (Crave) , Trailer Park Boys: USA (Netflix). Other: This Haligonian is a Sheridan grad, acting coach, and Mommy. www.KirstinHowell.com
MICHELE SHUSTER
Role: Deb/ Tiara/ Mrs. Claus/ Ensemble Neptune: Gingy in Shrek: The Musical Other Theatre: Mary Poppins (The Grand Theatre); Rocky Horror Picture Show (Magnus Theatre); Grease (Irregular Entertainment); Mamma Mia, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins (Rainbow Stage); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Blue Champagne, Spamalot (Stephenville Theatre Festival); Monster (The Monster Collective) Film/ TV: Spin (Disney) Other: Lots of love to my partner Ed, my number one fan (and Mother) Audrey, The Gang at TH, and my amazing friends. Next up Michele is travelling to Calgary to play Tammy in Escape to Margaritaville. Thank you for supporting live theatre! @Mzshuster
JULIUS SERMONIA
Role: Manager Neptune: Mary Poppins (Neleus) Other Theatre: Selected: Miss Saigon, The King and I, Doctor. Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Contact, Cats (Broadway); Chicago, Tommy, Camelot, Evita, Kiss Me Kate, West Side Story, A Funny Thing…Forum (also Mirvish), Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes (Stratford); Holiday Inn (Shaw); Yoshimi…Pink Robots (La Jolla); Shrek (Grand); Marathon of Hope, Damn Yankees (Drayton); The Little Mermaid, Cinderella (Ross Petty); The Drowsy Chaperone (MTC); Sweet Charity (StageWest); Hair (Canadian Stage). Film/TV: Mother of All Shows (Feature Film), The Boys (Sony/Amazon), Hellcats (CW). Other: Thank you Jeremy & Carla! Love to Hilary! @JuliusSermonia
RYAN ROGERSON
Role: Walter Neptune: Peter Pan, Bingo Upcoming: Billy Elliot The Musical Other Theatre: Unity(1918), The Stranger, Schoolhouse, MacBeth, Frankenstein, In This Light, Animal Farm, Nothing Less, Miracle Man, As You Like It, The Crucible, Rockbound, Our Town (Two Planks and a Passion); Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol (Theatre Baddeck); Observatory Mansions (The Villains Theatre); Mamma Mia (Globe Theatre); Cinderella (Torrent Productions); Bull (Coal Mine Theatre); Corker (The Belfry, Theatre Northwest, Eastern Front Theatre). Film/TV: Washington Black (Disney); Diggstown (CBC); Murdoch Mysteries (CBC); Killjoys (SyFy/Temple St.). Awards: Merritt Award, Outstanding Performance Supporting Actor, As You Like It.
TODD HUNTER
Role: Santa/Ensemble Neptune: Alice in Pantoland Broadway Theatre: The Who’s Tommy, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Victor/Victoria, Sideshow, and The Lion King (Los Angeles Co.). National Tours: Pippin (The Leading Playing), Hair, Bloomer Girl, and Dirty Dancing (Milan). Soloist with the L.A. Philharmonic in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass (Hollywood Bowl). Other Theatre: Whale Song, (Perseverance Theatre, Juneau), and Tony Kushner’s Angels in America (Belize). Film/TV: General Hospital (ABC); The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS). Other: Nominee, Canadian Dora Award (original composition, 2005), continues to perform concerts in Italy. Teaches Musical Theatre master classes and coaching. M.A. in Urban Sustainability and Drama Therapy. Working privately as a BIPOC / LGBTQ2I therapist.
CHRIS VERGARA
Role: Chadwick / Charlie (Understudy Buddy) Neptune: Peter Pan Other Theatre: A Perfect Bowl of Pho (Toronto Fringe, Patrons Pick winner), A Christmas Carol, Night Light / Tagged - TYA Tour (Magnus Theatre); Cannibal! The Musical (Starvox Entertainment, US premiere and North American Tour); High School Musical (Theatre Aquarius); Avenue Q, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Lower Ossington Theatre) Training: 9 Week Conservatory, Fiasco Theater (off Broadway, New York City) Other: Proudly Filipino. Thank you Neptune for having me back. Endless thanks to my family, friends (see you out there Michele), and especially Richard for the love and support. Instagram/Twitter @verbitty
DAVID LIGHT
Role: Matthews / Ensemble (UnderstudyWalter / Greenway) Neptune: The Rocky Horror Show, Reunited, Peter Pan, Cinderella, KAMP*, Mamma Mia!, It’s A Wonderful Life, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (*Co-produced with EFT) Selected Theatre: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Joseph…, Chicago (Drayton Entertainment), West Side Story, Evangeline (Citadel Theatre), Evangeline, Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), and Billy Elliot - The Musical (Mirvish / NETworks). Film/TV: Cam Boy (OUTtv), The Sinner (Netflix), Diggstown, .. 22 Minutes, Moonshine, and Triple Sensation (CBC) Other: When David isn’t on stage he is a licensed REALTOR® / Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers Halifax. A big thank you to Jeremy, Sarah, Carla, and the T-House Gang! Love to Mom, Jer, and Gunner. Xx @Daviddelight @david.light.realtor
KATHERINE NORRIS
Role: Ensemble (Understudy Deb/Manager) Neptune: Alice in Pantoland Other Theatre: Hippoposthumous (Atlantic Summer Tour 2022/Halifax Fringe Festival 2021); Anne of Green Gables (Lower Ossington Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone (Randolph College). Training: Neptune’s Musical Theatre Foundation Program and Randolph College for the Performing Arts. Other: Thrilled to be spending another holiday season with Neptune performing in a show based on my favourite Christmas movie!
LAURA CASWELL
Role: Greenway/Ensemble Neptune: over 15 productions. Selected Credits include: Alice in Pantoland, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Other Theatre: Holiday Inn (Drayton); Crazy for You (TBTB); Marvelous Wonderettes (Stage West); Little Shop of Horrors (STC); Bingo Ladies (Port Stanley); She Loves Me (Rose Theatre). Other: Passionate coach and educator, the Director of Education @neptunetheatreschool. Producer and curator of variety nights and workshops (@little.misc.co.pro) Has called K’jipuktuk (Halifax) home for five years. Proud dog-mama to @belladaballdog. It’s not easy being Green but here I am...again. Follow Laura @thelauracaswell.
HAILEY CHRISTIE-HOYLE
Role: Ensemble (Understudy Jovie) Neptune: Debut Other Theatre: Mamma Mia, (Flying Arrow Productions); Head over Heels (Theatre Sheridan); AB Project (David Glass Ensemble); Crack of Doom (Bravo Academy); West Side Story (Victoria School of the Arts) Training: Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance (Sheridan College) Other: Thanks to Neptune Theatre for being my professional theatre debut!
ANTHONY MACPHERSON
Role: Dance Captain / Ensemble Neptune: Alice in Pantoland, West Side Story, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Oliver!, The Sound of Music, A Gift to Last. Other Theatre: Matilda, The Wizard of Oz (1st National, Mirvish); Peter Pan in Peter Pan in Wonderland (Ross Petty); Five seasons at The Charlottetown Festival; Mamma Mia! (The Grand); Elf!, Mary Poppins, Christmas Carol (Aquarius); Rock of Ages, Priscilla, Man of la Mancha, The Little Mermaid (Drayton). Film/TV: Sugar Highs (OutTV); FROM (Epix); The Sinner (USA/ Showcase). Other: Anthony is beyond thrilled and honoured to be making his stage (re)debut in the theatre that started it all, Neptune. Love to Flea, Jam, & the Fam. Instagram: @armacpherson.
SARAH PARLATORE
Role: Ensemble (Understudy Matthews) Neptune: Debut Other Theatre: Ghost The Musical (Starvox Four Chords Inc.); Let’s Dance, Pippin, Cats (St. Lawrence College Music Theatre); Imagine (Borris Brott Festival); Legally Blonde, Into The Woods, Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Fame The Musical (HWDSB Program of The Arts). Film/TV: The Next Step (Family Channel/CBBC). Other: Thank you to the cast, crew, family, and friends for all of your love and support!
JEREMY WEBB
Role: Director Neptune: Misery, The Rocky Horror Show, Alice in Pantoland, The Woman in Black, Fully Committed, Calendar Girls, Peter Pan, Little Thing, Big Thing, Noises Off, Cinderella, Shakespeare in Love, Mamma Mia!, A Christmas Carol. Upcoming: Billy Elliot The Musical As actor: Beauty and the Beast, Great Expectations, Rexy!,The Comedy of Errors, The Wizard of Oz, Romeo & Juliet, The Producers, Beauty & The Beast (2007), Oliver, Annie, What The Butler Saw, Sylvia, Blood Brothers, Rumors, Sleeping Beauty. Other Theatre: The Hobbit (Festival Antigonish), Broadway On Argyle St, Macbeth, Under Milk Wood, Fishing, Shakespeare On Trial and A Christmas Carol (Off The Leash). Other: His BEST productions are his sons, Samuel & Dylan. www.offtheleashhfx.com
CARLA BENNETT
Role: Choreographer Neptune: 5th season. Other Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Adventures of Pericles (choreographer, Stratford); Holiday Inn (assistant choreographer, Shaw). As actor: seven seasons Stratford Festival; Holiday Inn (Shaw); Return to Grace, A Funny… Forum (Mirvish); multiple seasons Drayton Entertainment and Theatre Aquarius. Film/TV Choreography: Three Famous Footwear commercials, SEE (AppleTV), Man Seeking Woman (FXX); Pacific Rim (associate choreographer, dir. Guillermo del Toro); Degrassi: Next Class, Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas (assistant choreographer). As actor: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Next Step, State Like Sleep, Warehouse 13, Hellcats, Slings and Arrows, Honey.
SARAH RICHARDSON
Role: Music Director, Band Leader Neptune: The Rocky Horror Show, Rumour Has It: the Songbook of Adele, Alice in Pantoland, Calendar Girls, Controlled Damage, Peter Pan, Frozen Jr., The Color Purple, DivaStation, Shakespeare in Love, Les Misérables: School Edition, My Side of the Country Other Theatre: Assassins, Heathers, Peter & the Starcatcher, The Birthday, 9 to 5, Company (WST); Ruthless: the Stage Mother of All Musicals, Damn Yankees (Chester Playhouse); New Waterford Boy (HEIST); Rocky Horror Show, Nunsense (HFDT) Film/TV: Moonshine (CBC) Awards: Merritt Award Winner for Outstanding Musical DirectionRuthless Training: BFA - Ryerson University, RCM Other: The Blackrats.
TAMARA MARIE KUCHERAN
Role: Set & Costume Designer Neptune: The Color Purple (Set & Costume), Peter Pan (Set) Other Theatre: Tamara is honoured to have collaborated with an extensive list of remarkable creators on stages across Canada, including the Stratford Festival and The Shaw Festival. Tamara’s teaching credits include The National Theatre School of Canada, University of Victoria, University of Winnipeg, and Michigan State University. Awards: Virginia and Myrtle Cooper Award in Costume Design (2017), Merritt Award for Outstanding Costume Design (nomination for Outstanding Set Design), Dora Award for Outstanding Costume Design (multiple nominations for Set and Costume) Training: University of Victoria (BFA), National Theatre School of Canada, University of Guelph (MA) Other: Tamara is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada. www.tamaramariekucheran.com
MATTHEW DOWNEY
Role: Projection Designer Neptune: The Rocky Horror Show [assistant] Other Theatre: Frequencies, Princess Pride and Joy (Heist), Macro Digitals:BrainStorm, Stages:Journey To the Zone, Micro Digitals: Awakening (Eastern Front Theatre) 50 Things: Where the Wild things Aren’t (Zuppa, EAC) Chimes of Bedlam, Tyrant, The Blazing World, Women Beware Women, The Duchess of Malfi, Galathea (The Villains Theatre) Rings thru Water, Fatty Legs, The Hours Turn to Nothing, Tales of the Old North (Xara Choral Theatre) Awards: Robert Merrit awards for Outstanding Technician(2014) and Outstanding Projection Design (2022) for Princess pride and Joy (Heist), Wes Daniels Design Scholarship 2015
JORDAN PALMER
Role: Co-Sound Designer Neptune: Misery, Page to Stage Series: In Lieu of Flowers. Other Theatre: Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story (2b Theatre, Merritt Nominated), Footnotes: An Evening of 3 Short Plays by Hannah Moscovitch, Joyride, The Little Years, The Woodcutter, Peter Fechter: 59 Minutes, Bone Cage (Matchstick Theatre); The Aliens (Theatre in Space); The Hydrofoil Mystery (Theatre Baddeck); The Proletariat, YAGA, Little One, Sweet Enough (Highland Arts Theatre). Training: OIART, Diploma in Audio Recording Technology.
JOE MICALLEF
Role: Co-Sound Designer Neptune: The Woman in Black, Fully Committed, The Last Five Years, Peter Pan, It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th St, A Christmas Story. Other Theatre: Eighteen (Neptune/Eastern Front); Chasing Champions, The Romeo Initiative, Habit of Murder, Our Eliza, (Ship’s Company Theatre); Litmus Road (Us vs Them). Electronic Music Design: Mamma Mia!, The Color Purple, Shakespeare in Love, Shrek, The Addams Family, Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, Elf (Neptune). Other: Joe lives with his family in Halifax where he runs the Neptune Theatre’s sound department. His training in theatre and sound include The Banff Centre and Sheridan College.
VICKY WILLIAMS
Role: Lighting Designer Neptune: Peter Pan, Pleasureville, The Argyle Street Kitchen Party, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Other Theatre: Observatory Mansions (Villain’sTheatre); Noises Off! (Mayfield Theatre); The Children (Keep Good Theatre Company); Miss N’ Me (Eastern Front Theatre); Fox (Villain’s Theatre); Some Blow Flutes (Homefirst Theatre Company); The Bitterest Time: The War Story of Mona Parsons (LunaSea); Pugwash, After Eepersip Disappeared, and The Romeo Initiative (Ship’s Company Theatre); King of Berlin (Doppler Effect Productions); Constellations (Keep Good Theatre Company); Bingo! (Mulgrave Road)
MATT MACINNIS
Role: Stage Manager Neptune: Christmas Carol, Wizard of Oz, La Cage Aux Folles, Beauty Queen of Leenane, Intimate Apparel, Having Hope at Home, Elf the Musical Other Theatre: Public Enemy (Canadian Stage), The Events (Necessary Angel), Evangeline, Anne of Green Gables, Canada ROCKS!, Alice Through the Looking-glass, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, Full Monty, Ring of Fire, Krongburg (Charlottetown Festival); Mamma Mia (Grand Theatre), Bittergirl the musical, Evangeline, Alice Through the Looking-glass (Citadel Theatre) Grease (Winter Garden Theatre), Jukebox Hero (Annerin Productions), Bend it like Beckham the musical (Starvox Entertainment). Other: Matt is excited to be home for the holidays and back at Neptune. Enjoy the show!
GINA THORNHILL
Role: Assistant Stage Manager Neptune: Actor- The Woman in Black, Fallout/ The Forest in my Room (Neptune Touring Company) SM - Neptune Theatre School’s YPCo. Other Theatre: Beyond the Sea (Mulgrave Road Theatre); Romeo & Juliet: A Drink Along (Tea Time Creation Co.); Some Blow Flutes (HomeFirst Theatre); Pugwash (Ship’s Company Theatre); Slut: The Play (LunaSea Theatre) Film/TV: Chapelwaite (CTV Sci-fi); Fizzy (Afro Viking Pictures); Diggstown (CBC); The Mist (Paramount); Feverish (Fuguists Productions) Other: Gina is also an instructor with the Neptune Theatre School, working with youth in various capacities. They are so pleased to be sharing the holiday spirit with you and this Neptune Family.
RACHEL DAWN WOODS
Role: Assistant Stage Manager Neptune: Beneath Springhill, Alice in Pantoland Other Theatre: Tell Tale Harbour, Anne of Green Gables-The Musical (Charlottetown Festival), Cost of Living, The Candidate, Sweat, A Christmas Carol (Citadel Theatre); Heisenberg, The Comedy Company, Fly Me to the Moon, Annapurna (Shadow Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet, The Ladies Foursome (Mayfield); A Winter’s Tale, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Freewill Shakespeare); Les Feluettes, The Merry Widow (Edmonton Opera); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Travesties, The Graduate (Segal Centre); A Christmas Carol (TNB); Dear Johnny Deere (Blyth/Lighthouse). Training: St. Thomas University, National Theatre School
REBECCA WOLFE
Role: RBC Chrysalis Choreographer Neptune: Debut Other Theatre: Choreography: The Movements (Zuppa); Til Death Do Us Part (Kick at the Dark Theatre Co-op); Observatory Mansions, Zomblet (The Villains Theatre); High School Musical on Stage, Elf The Musical Jr. (Halifax Regional Arts). Acting: Macro Digitals (Eastern Front Theatre); 4.48 Psychosis (Caravan Theatre); Young Company 2020 (Theatre New Brunswick); Penny (Alinea Theatre); PEACE Project (Transitus). Directing: Shakespeare’s Time Machine (The Villains Theatre); Elf The Musical Jr. (Halifax Regional Arts) Film/TV: Diggstown (CBC); Mr. D (CBC). Other: Thanks to my family for their endless support and to Neptune for this incredible learning opportunity!
AVERY JOHNSON
Role: RBC Chrysalis Apprentice Set Designer Neptune: Misery Other Theatre: (Dalhousie FSPA); 7 Stories, The Crucible, Capture, The Science of Joy, People, Places and Things, Dog in the Manger, Beyond Windows, Machinal Training: She is currently in her fourth and final year of study in Stage Design and Technical Theatre at Dalhousie University Other: Passionate about the power of visual communication and storytelling, Avery is eager and driven to expand her abilities and loves being able to contribute to creating magic onstage. She is thrilled to join the Neptune team and their inspiring theatre community this upcoming season.
DEVON MCCARRON
Role: RBC Chrysalis Lighting Neptune: Debut Other Theatre: Stage Management Apprentice: The Drawer Boy, Educating Rita (Watermark Theatre); Lighting Design Intern: Tell Tale Harbour, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (Charlottetown Festival); Actor: La Calandra, Women of Troy, Love and Information, Don Juan Comes Back from the War (FSPA) Training: Fountain School of Performing Arts. Other: I’m grateful to be back in Halifax, surrounded by dear friends, and to be working with Neptune!
GWEN DAWSON
Role: Keyboard Player Neptune: Les Miserables, West Side Story, The Jungle Book, Wizard of Oz, Christmas Carol, Into The Woods, Mary Poppins, The Addams Family, Shrek The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Frozen Jr., Little Women, How To Eat Like A Child Other Theatre: Evita, Stop The World I Want To Get Off, A Chorus Line, Rocky Horror Show, Nicholas Nickleby, West Side Story (STF), Starting Here, Starting Now (Blackbox Productions), Grease (Various), Nunsense (Various) Other: International Piano Bar Entertainer - and her Best Role Ever: Sam’s Mom!!
BRAD REID
Role: Reeds Neptune: Cinderella, Shakespeare In Love, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek the Musical, A Year With Frog and Toad, The Addams Family, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd. Other Theatre: Pollyanna (Charlottetown Festival) Other: Crystal (Cirque du Soleil World Tour 2019-2020).
MATT MYER
Role: Trumpet Neptune: Ladies of Song & Songs of the Silver Screen with Karen Myatt Awards: Multiple ECMAs , Music Nova Scotia Awards , and a Juno Award Training: McGill University & Humber College Other: Much love to all of my teachers, colleagues, and family. Especially my wonderful partner Heather, and our daughters Diana, and Isobel.
JR SMITH
Role: Drums Neptune: Debut Rumour Has It: the Songbook of Adele: Other: JR Smith is a drummer, composer and multi-instrumentalist from North Preston, Nova Scotia. He is primarily self-made and community built and has studied at St. Francis Xavier University and Humber College. JR Smith is proud to be endorsed by Pearl Drums. He is the current drummer for the award winning Reeny Smith, and Canadian rapper and producer Classified. He has also graced the stage with the likes of Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and JUNO nominee and ECMA winner Myles Goodwyn, Alfie Zappacosta, David Myles, Symphony Nova Scotia, Jully Black, Measha Brueggergosman, Carson Downey, Cyndi Cain, Saint Thomas Baptist Church, and many more. He’s proud to have opened for Robert Glasper, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Anderson . Paak, Alex Cuba, Lisa Fletcher, and many more, meeting audience expectations with performances full of genuine emotion and technical fluency.