2018 PROGRAM - Perchance Theatre at Cupids
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Theatre at Cupids
2018 PROGRAMROSS LESLIE, 1959-2018
In 2010, during the second season
of Republic of Doyle, Ross Leslie
came to Newfoundland as the
production manager. He fell
in love with Newfoundland,
especially its arts. In 2014 he
fell in love with the Perchance
dream. His support was so huge
that first year, we decided to
honour him by naming our one
and only comfortable seat – the
wicker love seat – the Duke of
Leslie Royal Box. He was a prince
among men, so the title was apt.
In 2016, Ross joined the board of Perchance. During that time
he performed in Called to the Bard twice, played the role of Thisbe
in Sea Cliff Castle, came to the Secret Garden Parties, advised
us on best practices in theatre, fundraised, donated, connected
us with other supporters, sold beer tickets at the Regatta, hosted
martini fundraisers, and was always at the end of the phone when
we needed advice. A tireless believer in our mission, his warm
and welcoming smile would light up the theatre, whenever he was
in attendance.
He leaves behind
fantastic, inspiring
family, and a huge
circle of friends and
co-workers across
the country. We
will all miss him
greatly.
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince;
and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” – HamletJANET ELAINE EDMONDS, 1966-2017
In the spring of 2017, the Perchance
family lost a beloved member.
Janet was a leading lady on stage
and off and that was best summed
up in her performance of Lady
Macbeth in 2015 where she
stepped onstage and transported
the audience with her electrifying
portrayal of Shakespeare’s most
complicated Lady.
Janet worked hard through long
rehearsal days, in all weather,
at all times of night, and always,
always, always with a smile. This while going through the rigours
of chemotherapy and the myriad of complications of such a
venomous illness.
She drew strength from performance and gave strength through
her bravery and grace. She always felt that the show must go on.
With her blessing, it will.
This season is made possible in part due to the generosity of the
late Janet Edmonds.
“Death lies upon her like an untimely frost
upon the sweetest flower of all the field.”JOAN LIZBETH GUNNESS, 1953-2018
In memory of Joan Lizbeth
Gunness. Adored yoga teacher,
dance instructor and blueberry
lady of Bonny Slope Blueberry
U-Pick Farm in Portland Oregon.
Beloved sister to Marget Davis,
brother-in-law Roger Pearson
and loving aunt to Floyd Davis,
Hannah Marchand and Lindsay
Adey. She will be sorely missed.
“I’ll fly away.”
–Albert Edward BrumleyMESSAGE FROM PREMIER
PERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
PERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN OF CUPIDS On behalf of the Council members of the historic Town of Cupids, we would like to welcome all the participants and guests for the commencement of the 2018 season. The dedication and vision of the many skilled cast and volunteers has brought Perchance Theatre at Cupids to the achieved high standard in the performing arts. Thank you and good luck with the 2018 season. Carl Butler Mayor Town of Cupids (709) 528-4428 (office) (709) 528-4430 (fax) E-mail: townofcupids@eastlink.ca
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dear Friends of Perchance Theatre at Cupids,
Thank you for joining us for our 2018 season. And what a season it promises to be!
The Old World is colliding with the Older Still World this year, as Newfoundland
partners with Europe. We are delighted to welcome to our Perchance family
internationally renowned director from Greece, Thomas Moschopoulos, who has
directed a new addition to our classical repertoire in Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull.
Our company is thrilled to have the opportunity to share ideas and inspiration with
Thomas this season, thanks to the generous support of the patrons of the Sandbox
Series for professional development, in addition to our fearless defenders at the
Cultural Economic Development Program of the Department of Tourism, Culture,
Industry, and Innovation. The vision of creating in Newfoundland, once a hub of
international trade in goods going between the old world and the new, a network
for the sharing of artistic practices following those same trade routes is becoming
a reality. Exciting times, indeed!
Once again, however, in the midst of our joy, we have experienced tremendous loss.
Our dear friend, fierce supporter, and loyal board member, Ross Leslie, passed away
suddenly on March 13, devastating all who were so blessed to have known him.
Our deepest gratitude to all who have shared stories of Ross with us, supported us
through this difficult time, and donated to Perchance in Ross’ memory. Your generosity
is helping to keep Ross’ unflagging belief in this company alive. Ross Leslie truly lived
every minute of his life, and it is in honour of this indomitable spirit that we carry on,
and we dedicate our 2018 season to the one and only Duke of Leslie.
“He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again.”
Hamlet (I, ii, 186)
Through these challenging times, and amidst her own grief in the loss of her dear
friend, we have been guided by our steadfast Artistic Director, Danielle Irvine, who
tirelessly continues on building this “little company that could.” It is our privilege
to support Danielle in leading Perchance through these uncharted waters, and to
witness her vision coming to fruition.
Our thanks, as well, to our government supporters, Arts NL, the Department
of Business, Tourism, Culture, and Rural Development, and Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, whose continued enthusiastic support enable us to keep
building and growing year after year. And we would be nowhere without the
community support from our amazing volunteers! Thank you all!
So, in the spirit of resilience and, perhaps, stubborn tenacity, we carry on, we build,
we grow, we inspire. And our 2018 season promises to be the best one yet! So, sit back,
enjoy, and let us transport you to another time, and another world where all our
dreams can come true!
The Board of DirectorsMESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LOVE AND MADNESS – The 2018 Season Outdoor theatre in Newfoundland. We must be mad to do this, what with the wind ripping our roof apart, the flies eating us alive, and the wildlife who like to steal the show. Why do we do this? Why do you come?! Clearly, we all love it. We love the theatre nestled in the trees. The epic stories we get to tell. The magical shared experience between us, the storytellers and you, our intrepid audiences. There is a bit of madness to our love perhaps, but it is deep and real and it keeps us all coming back for more. All the shows this season really embrace that exploration. Love, art, nature, madness, family, and dreams. Our two world classics, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Seagull, both question and celebrate art. Both have plays within plays. Both have love and unrequited love. Both have characters behaving and pursuing ideas that make them mad. While one is a romp through the forest, the other invites you into a family and into their home. Our new Newfoundland classic, Our Eliza, by Megan Gail Coles, also invites you into a home. But one much closer to Cupids than Russia or Athens, one from our very own province. Last year Eliza’s dreams and struggles touched people from all over the world, becoming a voice universal and we are proud to welcome her story back to our stage. And dreams…do we ever have dreams. Like Eliza, Bottom, and Nina, we have dreams. Ours at Perchance is to build a top-notch classical theatre company in Cupids that is still simple and direct in practice. One that turns the trade routes of old into new artistic trade routes between Newfoundland and the world. That dream is actually becoming a reality. We have been blessed to have the brilliant yet humble Thomas Moschopoulos come all the way from Athens to be a part of our company this season. The lessons we have learned from him will stay with us forever. Bringing Thomas’ classical technique to bear on such a wonderful adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, by our very own David French, makes the production extra special. French’s adaptation made Broadway and starred Ethan Hawke, Laura Linney and more! And we would not be still keeping this dream alive without the support of a great many people. A profound thank you to our founders, hosts, board, staff, legions of volunteers, donors, sponsors, promoters, and audiences. So, rain, squirrels, and flies aside - we invite you to sit back and enjoy the season where we bring Athens, Russia, Broadway and the Northern Peninsula home to Cupids and our humble stage. “I will hear that play; For nothing can be amiss, When simpleness and duty tender it.” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) -Danielle Irvine
FULL COMPANY
Board of Directors
Chair – Michelle O’Connell
Treasurer – Meaghan McConnell
Margo Connors, Jennifer Crummey, Marget Davis,
Natasha Hart, Sheila Ryan & Sharon Taylor
Creative & Production
Artistic Director, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Danielle Irvine
Production Manager, Technical Manager, Fight Choreographer
& Morale Officer (Self-Appointed) – Kirsti Mikoda
Production Coordinator – Michelle King
Payroll – David Green
Playwright, Our Eliza – Megan Gail Coles
Director, Our Eliza – Lois Brown
Director, The Seagull – Thomas Moschopoulos
Set & Props Designer, A Midsummer Night’s
Dream & The Seagull – Jamie Skidmore
Production Stage Manager, Our Eliza – Jacqueline Hynes
Stage Manager, The Seagull – Andrew Preston
Stage Manager, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Erika Squires
Production Assistant – Jeremy Nolan
Costume Designer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & The Seagull – Tucker Ellis
Costume Designer, Our Eliza – Connie Walsh
Assistant Costume Designer – Trish Thompson
Sound Designer – George Robertson
Choreographer – Lynn Panting
Communications Coordinator – Sarah Parsons
Marketing Consultant – Nayana Hejmadi
Scenic Artist – Sara Dorey
Carpenter – John VennDONORS
We are a non-profit organization. Our existence depends on the support of three
revenue streams: public funding, ticket sales, and YOU, our gracious donors. Every
donation made to Perchance Theatre at Cupids goes a long way. Support from our
audience, donors, and sponsors helps to ensure that: we can continue to make
high-class professional theatre accessible to as many people as possible, we can create
jobs for young people in their region, and we can build opportunities for artists to work
with high-calibre theatre practitioners from around the world. So thanks, and thanks,
and ever thanks to all who have made the Perchance dream a reality.
A special thank you goes out to all of those below who donated in memory
of Janet Edmonds, Joan L. Gunness, and Ross Leslie. The 2018 season is dedicated
in memory of Our Duke of Leslie.
Star Chamber Dennis and Susan Knight Sarah Fletcher David Green
Dan Penney Core Insight Clark Gunness Maggie Keiley
Lady Janet Edmonds Carol and Jim Stevens Derek Hogan Bill Kennedy
Patten Family Penney Group Lynn Morrissey Mary Koetting
Foundation John O’Dea Judy Morrow Lynda Lee
Presentation Sisters Frankie O’Neill Peter Mulley Beni Malone
Ambassador Jamie Skidmore, Andrea Kate O’Brien Paul Neil
The Congregation of and Leila Procter Victoria O’Dea Sharon Outerbridge
the Sisters of Mercy Courtier Ken Organ Ingrid Pardoe
Keeper of Jewel House Susan Adams IATSE Local 709 James Patrick
Peter and Deborah Stephen Bornstein Hannah Marchand Romy Patrick
Collingwood Kathryn Buck Meaghan McConnell Caroline Pike
Ross Leslie Nizar Ladha Newfoundland Phyllis Pike
Leader of Revels William Newton and Labrador Film Patsy Ploughman
Dan Boone Paul Pearson Development Catherine Power
The McLean Foundation Catherine Royle Corporation Cathy Power
Iris Petten Rosellen Sullivan Krystin Pellerin Susan Sherk
Peer of the Realm Herald Ross Petten Judi Somers
Paul Antle Lindsay Adey Valerie Pike Glenn Warner
Robert Stack and Darrin Akerman Mark Scott Protectors of
Margo Connors Afrah Alahmadi Bryar Smith the Realm
Dobbin-Sears Family Karen Ashley Kathi Stacey Laura Bruijns
Alan Doyle Elizabeth Ashley Bobin, Chrystie, John & Peggy Fisher
Susan and James Flynn Wallace Babcock and Kate Tindale Debbie McGee
Gill-Ratcliffe Peter Barnes Roberta Wells Anita & Chris Pike
Foundation Donald Burrage Jill Whitaker Deborah Rehner
Peter Ayers and Allison Caldwell Loyal Supporter Lynda Younghusband
Denyse Lynde Robert Chafe Jess Anderson Our Sandbox Series
Shane O’Dea Nan Cooper Barbara Barry (Professional
Sonia Power Floyd Davis Linda Bidgood Development)
Explorer J. Anthony Dearness Sarah Caines is generously
Anonymous Glenn Deir Catherine Dempsey sponsored by:
Anonymous Victoria Dickenson Susan Foran Roger Pearson and
Karen Rehner Fisheries Council Janette Georghiou Marget Davis
Michael Kavanagh of Canada Diane GilmoreSPONSORS
Bronze Sponsors
Diamond SponsorOUR ELIZA - WRITER’S NOTES Our Eliza was the first play I wrote while at theatre school. In a way, it will always be tangled up with my professional pursuit of playwriting. I had been somewhat of a secret playwright before moving to Quebec. I was very non-committal when discussing it with my bay cousins and these preoccupations manifest themselves in the script. I was also feeling very removed from Savage Cove at that time. Truthfully, I was dreadfully homesick in beautiful Montreal and trying desperately to weave the world of my childhood into my new adult reality. Writing the play was like going home for a couple hours every day and I was so grateful to visit. I am also very grateful for my mother, grandmothers, and aunties whose courageous voices are ever-present in my Eliza. These wonderful women, and my army of female friends, encouraged me while I navigated becoming a writer and support me still as I continue to negotiate how I conduct myself as a woman in the world. You’re the best. Life would be unmanageable without you. This Eliza, and every Eliza, is a testament to your intelligence and kindness and generosity of space and time. Eliza represents a generation of Atlantic Canadian women who didn’t build modern careers because they were busy building families and towns. They were the original feminists before we even had the words to articulate that as a notion. They were striving for equality and a kind of happiness never before discussed inside the walls that made up their homes. The play is a testament to the strength and wit exhibited in these ordinary houses, around ordinary tables, every ordinary day. Eliza is a daughter of the fierce North Atlantic. She belongs to all of us. She is ours. We, together, made her up.
PERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS MEGAN GAIL COLES* Playwright, Our Eliza Megan Gail Coles is a graduate of Memorial University, the National Theatre School of Canada, and is currently completing the UBC M.F.A. Opt-Res program. She is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Poverty Cove Theatre Company. Megan is currently working on her sophomore collection of short fiction and completing the Driftwood Trilogy of plays. Megan’s first fiction collection, Eating Habits of the Chronically Lonesome (Killick), won the BMO Winterset Award, the ReLit Award and the Margaret & John Savage First Book Award, and earned her the one-time Writers’ Trust Five x Five prize. Her debut novel Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club is forthcoming from House of Anansi Press in Feb. 2019. Originally from Savage Cove on the Great Northern Peninsula, Megan now resides in St. John’s where she works as the Executive Director of Riddle Fence and Special Projects Manager at Eastern Edge Gallery. *The playwright is a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada
OUR ELIZA - CAST LIST
CAST LIST
Allison Moira Kelly - Eliza
Greg Malone* - Loomis
Evan Mercer - Hank
*Appears with the permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity AssociationPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS Lois Brown Director, Our Eliza Lois Brown was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Educated in Drama at the University of Alberta, she returned to St. John’s where she established her cross-disciplinary artistic practice. She is an original member and past Curator of Neighbourhood Dance Works. In 2004, she was one of five Canadian directors short-listed for the Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize. The following year The Canada Council for the Arts awarded her The Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award for outstanding achievement in theatre by a mid-career Canadian artist in theatre. She has been recognized for her contribution to the arts in Newfoundland and Labrador with an Artist Achievement Award. In 2014, she received the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Goodwill award for her contribution locally and nationally. Lois holds a Masters from Memorial University, where she has taught acting and directing. Lois was Artist and Dramaturg in Residence at Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal from 2010-2013. Her current artistic interests are dramaturgy, improvisation and democratization, and other (dis) Arts aesthetics and processes.
THE SEAGULL - CAST LIST
CAST LIST
Rhona Buchan - Irina Nikolayevna Arkadina
Zac Cross - Yakov
Greg House - Semyon Medvedenko
Allison Moira Kelly - Masha
Alexis Koetting* - Polina
Erin Mackey - Nina Zarechnaya
Greg Malone* - Peter Nikolayevich Sorin
Michael Nolan - Ilya Shamrayev
George Robertson - Yevgeny Sergeyevich Dorn
Andrew Tremblett - Constantine Gavrilovich Treplyov (Kostya)
Paul Ewan Wilson* - Boris Alekseyevich Trigorin
*Appears with the permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity AssociationPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
Thomas Moschopoulos
Director, The Seagull
Thomas has received training in Literature
and Drama (University of Salonika, National
Drama School of Northern Greece) and Cinema
(Laboratorio della Communicazione Udine, Italy).
He has staged as a director many plays of the
modern and classical repertory for: Amore, Porta,
Aliki, Horn and Thesum theatres of Athens, State
theatre of Northern Greece, National Theatre
of Greece, Athens and Epidaurus Festival, and
the Riverside Studios (London). His directorial
credits include (among others): La Venexiana
(Anonymous Venetian), Le Massere (Goldoni),
Love (L. Petroushevskaya), Closer (Marber),
The Cherry Orchard (Chekhov), Much Ado
About Nothing (Shakespeare), Measure For Measure (Shakespeare), Twelfth Night
(Shakespeare), Macbeth (Shakespeare), Life Is A Dream (Calderon); as well as original
theatrical compositions: So Much Water So Close To Home (based on Raymond Carver’s
short stories), Metamorphoses+ (inspired from Ovid), and La Meduse (inspired from
Gericault’s Le naufrage).
He has also directed operas in Greece: Cosi Fan Tutte (Mozart), The Turn Of The Screw
(Britten), St Jean Au Bucher (Honnegar), Tamerlano (Handel), Puss In Boots (Cui); and
Italy: Macbeth (Verdi [Spoleto]), L’incoronazione Di Poppea (Monteverdi [Cermona,
Como, Ravenna, Mantova]), and Le Rossignol-G.schicchi (Stravinsky-Puccini [Cagliari]).
Among his film and television credits, he has staged Sophocles’ Electra for Stratford
Shakespeare Festival of Ontario (2012). He has received the following awards: National
Greek Award for best documentary, Golden Knight Minsk (Belorussia Film Festival 1996),
Premio Abbiati Italy for Best Opera Staging (2003), Critics Guild Award for Ancient
Drama (2009), Kuhn Award for most innovative staging (2011).
From 2001-2008 he was the artistic director of Amore/Notos theatre company. He has
translated and adapted himself most of the plays he has staged and has written librettos
for musicals and plays (in collaboration with X. Kalogeropoulou). He did the direction
for the artistic part of the Closing Ceromony of the Athens Olympics in 2004. Since 2014,
he is the artistic director for Portra Theatre Athens where he has staged Ferenc Molnar’s
Liliom, Jez Butterworth’s Mojo, Andrew Bovell’s Speaking In Tongues, Yevgeni Swartz’
The Dragon, Kafka’s The Trial, Voltaire’s Candide, Ray Bradbury’s Farenheit 451, and his
own The Mystery Of Hamelin. He teaches acting, drama, and theatrical direction
in various institutions in Greece and Italy.A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM - CAST LIST
CAST LIST
Mihalis Barry - Demetrius; Snout; Sprite
Zac Cross - Lysander; Starveling; Sprite
Greg House - Bottom
Allison Moira Kelly - Hermia; Cobweb
Alexis Koetting* - Hippolyta; Titania
Erin Mackey - Helena; Moth
Michael Nolan - Egeus; Snug; Mustardseed
George Robertson - Philostrate; Peter Quince
Annabelle Sheehan - Peaseblossom; Attendant
Andrew Tremblett - Puck; Attendant
Alexander Wilson - Flute; Sprite; Attendant
Paul Ewan Wilson* - Oberon; Theseus
*Appears with the permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity AssociationPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
Danielle Irvine
Artistic Director, Perchance Theatre | Director, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Danielle Irvine is a proud
Newfoundlander who has had
to travel a lot for her work.
Highlights of her career include
teaching at the National Theatre
School of Canada; Assistant
Directing at the Stratford Festival
of Canada (including being the
first director to study in their
Birmingham Conservatory);
and winning such awards as the
Canada Council for the Arts prestigious John Hirsch Prize for Directing and the
ArtsNL BMO Artist of the Year. Danielle was also a participant in the World
Stage Festival 2000’s Master Class for Directors, where she was honoured
to study with such theatre greats as Peter Brook, Yoshi Oida and Polly Teale.
In the fall of 2016, she was invited to participate in the inaugural Stratford
Festival’s International Classical Directing Intensive. She has directed theatrical
productions of all sizes and types in all manner of venues. Danielle has
co-founded two other successful theatre companies: Shakespeare by the Sea
(NL), First Light Productions, and is also the current founding AD of Sweetline
Theatre. Her background has also included being a tour guide for over 25
years. This love and passion for NL culture combined with her theatre training
inspired Danielle to co-develop a show which brought audiences through a
theatrical experience on a bus, a ferry, around Bell Island and culminated 650
feet underground in a mine. This was listed by the Professional Association of
Canadian Theatres as a Landmark Theatrical Event in 1997. She has also been
a keynote speaker and workshop leader at various conferences over the years
and has also spent 6 seasons with Republic of Doyle, the last two as the head
of Newfoundland Casting, and more recently for the Netflix series, Frontier,
the CBC Series, Little Dog, and the CBC mini-series, Caught. Recently, she
has been nominated a YWCA Woman of Distinction for Arts and Culture,
and received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Excellence in Casting
for Frontier. For the past few years, Danielle has been bringing her love
of Newfoundland culture and community, together with her passion for
Shakespeare in her role as the Artistic Director of Perchance Theatre at Cupids.
She has been traversing the province bringing Shakespeare’s words alive through
classes, workshops and fun events for all ages. She is immensely proud of the
Perchance team and so deeply grateful to all the believers who help to bring this
dream alive.
“Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks.”ABOUT THE CAST & CREW
MIHALIS BARRY, DEMETRIUS IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Mihalis is an actor from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. He received his
Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memorial University in 2012 and has worked
with Grand Bank Regional Theatre, Rising Tide Theatre, Impulse Productions,
and Beyond the Overpass Theatre Company. This past winter, Mihalis was
thrilled to be welcomed into the writers’ room for Halfhandsome’s Almost
Baymous. Some of his favourite roles include Nihad Harmanni in Scorched
(Grenfell Theatre), Ignatius Rogers in West Moon (Rising Tide), and Barnette
Lloyd in Crimes of the Heart (Beyond the Overpass). He is exceedingly grateful
to be a part of Perchance this season.
RHONA BUCHAN, IRINA NIKOLAYEVNA ARKADINA IN THE SEAGULL
Rhona is a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. She has worked in Ontario
summer theatre & festivals. Newfoundland credits include: Nothing Else to
Do (Rising Tide Theatre), In Your Dreams Freud (Artistic Fraud), Julius Caesar
(Dick’s Kids), This Beggarly Wooden Country (Alumnae Theatre), Streetcar
Named Desire (Tarragon Spring Tonic), The Great Eastern (CBC Radio),
The Horse, & Sunny in Mickey (Best Boy Productions), and various commercials.
For the last 17 years Rhona’s performances have been limited to the courtroom
in her role as a family & criminal lawyer. The best role she has ever scored is
that of Mum to her 8-year-old twin boys Sam & Ian, & wife to Ken. Rhona is
very grateful to Danielle for this incredible opportunity to return to the stage
with a Perchance debut, under the direction of Thomas Moschopoulos.
ZAC CROSS, LYSANDER IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& YAKOV IN THE SEAGULL
Zac is an actor and writer from the big city, A.K.A. Mount Pearl.
He is excited to be working on two great classics with an amazing
cast and crew this summer. Enjoy the show!
TUCKER ELLIS, COSTUME DESIGNER
Tucker is a twenty-nine-year old changeling from Central Newfoundland.
They’ve always had an overwhelming attraction to cosplay, costume design;
anything that allowed them to sit for extended periods of time and make
strange things. With a Diploma in Textiles: Craft and Apparel Design, Tucker
is very excited to be joining the Perchance Theatre crew this year as lead
costume designer.PERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
DAVID W. GREEN, PAYROLL
David W. Green is an artist and performer residing in St. John’s, Canada.
He holds an Honours Diploma in Arts Management from Harris Institute for
the Arts, and recently completed a Performance and Communications Media
Diploma at Memorial University. When he is not working on television shows
such as Caught, Frontier, and Little Dog, he is drag queen Eda Kumquat. Some
of his film and theatre credits include: writer and director of the short film,
Happy Birthday, Denver!; director of the short play, After; portrayal of
Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Riveting Productions’ 2016 and 2017 Rocky Horror
Picture Show: Shadow Cast; and lighting designer for St. John’s Players’ The
Good Doctor, which received a nomination for Best Lighting Design at the 2017
Provincial Drama Festival. He is delighted to work alongside Danielle and the
Perchance family this summer, and hopes you enjoy their labours of love.
GREG HOUSE, BOTTOM IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& SEMYON MEDVEDENKO IN THE SEAGULL
Greg is an actor, musician, and teacher from Corner Brook and a graduate
of the BFA Theatre Program from Grenfell Campus, Memorial University
of Newfoundland. In the past he has worked with Theatre Newfoundland
Labrador, Rising Tide Theatre, Stage West Theatre Festival, and Gros Morne
Summer Music. He is thrilled to be back for his third season with Perchance
Theatre at Cupids. Past roles with Perchance include Banquo in Macbeth,
Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Edward IV in Richard III and Groomio
in The Taming of the Shrew. Please enjoy the show!
JACQUELINE HYNES, PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER, OUR ELIZA
Jacqueline Hynes is a theatre artist, poet and filmmaker from Bell Island, NL.
She has produced and directed three plays under her company, The Ninja
Theatre Collective, is co-founder of the St. John’s Short Play Festival, an
occasional actor, closet comedian, and lover of karaoke. This is Jackie’s second
year with the company and she’s thrilled to be working with so many inspiring
and hard-working artists.
ALLISON MOIRA KELLY, HERMIA IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM,
MASHA IN THE SEAGULL & ELIZA IN OUR ELIZA
Allison Kelly is an actor from Gander, Newfoundland. She holds a Bachelors
of Fine Arts from Memorial University, Grenfell Campus, and a Masters
of Fine Arts from York University. This is her third season with Perchance.
For Perchance: Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew,
Richard III, and Our Eliza. She has also performed with Rising Tide (Saltwater
Moon, Play Me Home, Eyes of the Gull); Gros Morne Theatre Festival (1949,
Neddy Norris Night); Persistence Theatre (Isle of Demons); c2c (Pains of Youth,
Love You Forever); Mindless Theatrics (Tibb’s Eve); and the Resource Centre
for the Arts Theatre (Dedication, The Drowning Girls). Allison has worked
in film, television, and radio as well. She is delighted to be back with
Perchance Theatre!ABOUT THE CAST & CREW
MICHELLE KING, PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Michelle is delighted to work with the Perchance team for the first time this
year. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Memorial University and
has just finished a Diploma in Performance and Communications Media.
She is a member of the improv troupe, Stanley Braxton, who perform
in St. John’s. Having spent the last 2 years researching Shakespeare in
Newfoundland, Michelle is very grateful to Danielle for the opportunity
to be a part of the magic at Perchance Theatre. Enjoy the Show!
ALEXIS KOETTING*, HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& POLINA IN THE SEAGULL
Alexis is honoured to join this amazing company for a fourth year. She
has been working as an actor for close to 25 years having appeared at the
Stratford Festival, the Watermark Theatre, The Sudbury Theatre Centre,
The Lighthouse Festival, Ujima Theatre in Buffalo, and many others.
On screen, Alexis has appeared as Gertrude Bell in the History Channel’s
Women Adventurers Series, and has had roles on Orphan Black, Frontier,
and the films, An Audience of Chairs, Casey, and Ida Here and There. Alexis
is also the author of the Bella James Mystery series. Her first book, Encore
was shortlisted in 2016 for both an Arthur Ellis and Bony Blithe Award,
and the sequel, Triple Threat was released this past February. She is hard
at work on the third installment. Alexis lives happily in St. John’s with her
Bernedoodle puppy, Sebastian, and she loves horror movies, dirty gin
martinis, and has a terrible weakness for potato chips.
ERIN MACKEY, HELENA IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& NINA ZARECHNAYA IN THE SEAGULL
Erin Mackey is thrilled to be back for her fifth season with Perchance Theatre.
Favorite credits include: “Hero” in Much Ado About Nothing, “Juliet” in Romeo
and Juliet, and “Lady Anne” in Richard III. She has worked both on stage and
on screen with companies such as Atlantic Light Theatre, TaDa! Events, Peter
Macdonald Productions Best Kind Productions, Gussied Up Productions,
Riveting Productions, Lucky Productions, Best Boy Productions and Blue
Pinion Films. Erin has just finished her first year at the National Theatre
School of Canada in Montréal, and is so excited to be back with the fine crew
at Perchance. She thanks Danielle and Thomas for this amazing opportunity.
GREG MALONE*, PETER NIKOLAYEVICH SORIN IN THE SEAGULL
& LOOMIS IN OUR ELIZA
Greg Malone is well known for the CODCO and WGB TV series and his
wicked impersonations of political icons like George Bush, the Queen, and
of course, Barbara Frum, for which he has received many awards, including
ACTRA’s Award of Excellence in 2015. Besides radio, film and TV and theatre
shows, Greg is recognized across Canada as a political activist for his work
on HIV/AIDS and his consistent efforts to protect the Environment. Greg’s
memoir of growing up in St John’s, You Better Watch Out, and his latest book,
Don’t Tell the Newfoundlanders, are both Canadian best sellers. Greg has
been a regular performer and a director at Perchance Theatre’s summer
Shakespeare series. His recent theatre shows included a tour of Meg Coles’
Falling Trees and NAC’s production of Tartuffe, and The Laramie Project which
he directed at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook in the 2018 winter semester.
Greg is currently working on another book and a new stage show.
*Appears with the permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity AssociationPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
EVAN MERCER, HANK IN OUR ELIZA
Evan Mercer is thrilled to be back with Perchance for his second season.
Originally from down the road in Shearstown, Evan has been fortunate
enough to work with many theatre companies across the province including:
Theatre Newfoundland, Poverty Cove, Rising Tide, HalfHandsome and more.
Recently he appeared on CBC’s Little Dog in the role of Spam. Enjoy the skit!
KIRSTI MIKODA, PRODUCTION MANAGER, TECHNICAL MANAGER
& FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER
Kirsti has been with Perchance for the last four exciting seasons, and is
pleased to be back for her fifth. Previous to coming to Newfoundland she
worked in theatres across Canada. She is grateful to all the lovely people
who make up Perchance Theatre.
JEREMY NOLAN, PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Jeremy is currently studying Communications at MUN. Over the past year,
he has been learning more about theatre through the Communications
and Performance Media diploma program at MUN. Only recently, he has
performed on the stage for the first time in Danielle Irvine’s acting class,
as well as a production of “Moby Dick” for English 4401: Producing the
Play, directed by Jamie Skidmore. He also just directed his first short play,
Botticelli by Terrence McNally, for Danielle’s directing class. He is new to
the theatre world but is excited to pursue more opportunities and to grow
as an artist.
MICHAEL NOLAN, EGEUS IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& ILYA SHAMRAYEV IN THE SEAGULL
Michael Nolan is pleased to be in his second season with Perchance Theatre,
particularly to be working with such fine actors and directors. He has been
in theatre for many years, beginning with the original MUN Drama. His
more recent favourite roles include the title character in Fleming (Basilica
Heritage), Uncle Charley in August: Osage County and Selsdon in Noises
Off (Nothing On), Mr. Death in “One for the Angels” (School Zone), and Lord
Hastings in Richard III (Shakespeare by the Sea). He teaches English Literature
at Memorial University; his specialty is Elizabethan drama.ABOUT THE CAST & CREW
LYNN PANTING, CHOREOGRAPHER
Lynn Panting is a multidisciplinary performer, choreographer, and arts
educator known for creating innovative and accessible dance works.
Panting has created work for theatre, musical theatre, puppet theatre,
circus, choral groups, film and television, as well as self-producing her own
shows which bring her vibrant work front and center with new audiences.
Panting is known for creating dances that appeal to a wide audience and
often works with artists from other disciplines to generate a theatrical yet
lyrical blend of choreography. Her work is at time humorous, heartfelt, bold
and always original. Panting is deeply committed to the growth of creativity
and self-confidence through movement and likes to collaborate with
individuals outside of the dance community. Panting holds a Master of Arts
in Philosophy from Memorial University as well as a Master of Humanities
concentrating in performance, dance and the body. lynnpantingdance.com
SARAH PARSONS, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Sarah is extremely excited to be involved in her first year with Perchance
Theatre at Cupids! Currently completing an English degree and the
Performance and Communications Diploma Program at MUN, Sarah
has various experience with acting, directing, design, editing, and film.
She just completed the directing course under Danielle Irvine’s instruction,
and enjoyed herself so much she went head over heels looking for production
experience in a professional capacity. Sarah has been involved in theatre her
whole life; acting and singing in many shows over the years. She is now very
happy to officially join such a wonderful production team. Enjoy the show!
ANDREW PRESTON, STAGE MANAGER THE SEAGULL
Andrew Preston is celebrating his first year with Perchance Theatre and is
delighted to be Stage Managing for The Seagull. Though he has been involved
in the community theatre scene in St. John’s, this is his first go around with
this amazing company. It has been an amazing experience working with such
a talented cast and crew, and a wonderfully talented director in Thomas
Moschopoulos. A special thank you to the rest of our production team,
who work so hard behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, and
to Danielle Irvine and Kirsti Mikoda, without whom none of this would be
possible. Thank you all for coming out, and I hope you enjoy the show!
GEORGE ROBERTSON, SOUND DESIGNER, QUINCE IN A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT’S DREAM & YEVGENY SERGEYEVICH DORN IN THE SEAGULL
George Robertson first came to Newfoundland as a university professor
on a two-year contract, and is still here more than twenty years later. Now
a recovering academic, he has worked as an actor, musician, and sound
designer (often simultaneously in two or three of these capacities) with many
theatre companies in Newfoundland and Labrador, including RCA Theatre
Company, c2c theatre, Rising Tide Theatre Company, New Curtain Theatre,
Open Theatre Company, Kanutu Theatre, Poverty Cove Theatre Company,
Shakespeare By The Sea, Nothing On Productions, and others, as well as
appearing in several locally produced film and television projects. He is
thrilled to be returning for a fourth season on the beautiful stage at Cupids
with the outstanding cast and crew of Perchance Theatre.PERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
ANNABELLE SHEEHAN, PEASEBLOSSOM IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Annabelle is a 17-year old level 3 student at Carbonear Collegiate. She has
been performing with her school drama troupes since 2014 and has previously
performed with Perchance in their productions of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and
Romeo and Juliet in 2015 and 2016. She is incredibly grateful
to have the opportunity to experience Perchance once again.
JAMIE SKIDMORE, PROPS/SET DESIGNER THE SEAGULL
& A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Jamie Skidmore is an award-winning artist with over 30 years-experience in
the theatre. He’s the Artistic Director of the Isle aux Morts Theatre Festival,
and is a founding member of the St. John’s Shorts Festival. He works as a
director, designer, producer, and playwright throughout Newfoundland and
Labrador, as well as in other parts of Canada, the US, and the UK. In 2006
he served as the Production Manager/Technical Director for the Magnetic
North Theatre Festival, Canada’s National Festival of Contemporary Theatre
in English. He has worked with many prominent NL theatre companies and
artists, including RCA Theatre, Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, Grand Bank
Regional Theatre, Gordon Pinsent, Andy Jones, Mary Walsh, and more. He’s
also a professor at MUN, where he has taught practical courses in Theatre
and Film production for the last 15 years. He’s excited to be working with
Perchance Theatre in Cupids this season.
ERIKA SQUIRES, STAGE MANAGER A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Erika has been a part of the theatre community for most of her life: taking
on many different roles; such as an actor, director, stage manager, costume
designer, and more! (She’s insane.) On top of that she loves to cook, read,
and waste time writing fancy calligraphied notes to her friends. Some of
her recent credits include: Mary in Mary’s Wedding, Betty in Sure Thing, Bet
in Oliver, Polly in Impresario, Sally in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown; and
she is very happy to have survived directing her first play with Danielle’s class
this past winter (her crazy organizational skills shown in that course definitely
landed her this job.) You can also catch her in Rennies River’s upcoming
production of Beauty and the Beast in the fall! If you would like to talk about
vegetarian cooking or cats, come find her after the show.
TRISH THOMPSON, ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER
Trish loves exploring her passion for nature and gaming through cosplay
and textile art. She knew that she wanted to create when she watched her
Mom decorate beautiful wedding cakes that brought joy to so many. Her
Dad can build anything out of wood, his construction projects have inspired
her to be a creator too. Growing up Trish’s playground was the forest and
ocean. Nature inspired her make believe and storytelling games as a child.
Today she experiences that same sense of imagination through video games,
cosplay, and Dungeons & Dragons. To her, video games are art, she loves
exploring them and being immersed in the story. Creating gives her an outlet
to create her own stories and confer a sense of wonder. She likes choosing
materials derived from nature. It is both inspiring and humbling to be part
of a craft tradition that is thousands of years old. Knitting and sewing are
the heart of her creativity. The repetitive action, colours, and patterns offer
a refuge from everyday stresses. She love the potential fiber has to be turned
into a garment, sculpture or art piece.ABOUT THE CAST & CREW
ANDREW TREMBLETT, PUCK IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& CONSTANTINE GAVRILOVICH TREPLYOV (KOSTYA) IN THE SEAGULL
Andrew Tremblett is a twenty-five-year old actor born and raised in Gander,
Newfoundland. In 2015, Tremblett received his BFA in Acting for Stage at
Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus. After his degree, he went on to study
with The Second City Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. It was here where
Tremblett helped write and perform the sketch comedy revue show Empathy
and Irony, as well as study improv with The Annoyance Theatre. His other
past theatre credits include Butler’s Marsh, Murder at the Howard Johnson’s,
Boeing Boeing, Two Planks and a Passion, Three Sisters, A Lie of the Mind,
and Romeo and Juliet. Tremblett is also a director for stage and film.
He recently directed the sketch comedy revue show Almost Baymous,
with his sketch comedy group Halfhandsome. This is his third season
with Perchance Theatre at Cupids, and hopes the audience enjoys this
one of a kind theatre experience.
ALEXANDER WILSON, FLUTE IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Alexander is very excited to be working in his fourth season here at
Perchance. Previous roles include, Prince Edward (Richard III), Curtis (Taming
Of The Shrew), Son of Macduff (Macbeth) and Prince Escalus (Romeo & Juliet).
Other theatre experience has been in productions for Carbonear Collegiate
and St. Francis School – winning the Junior Excellence in Acting Award at
the 2015 Western Avalon Regional Drama Festival, as well as an Excellence
in Acting Award at this year’s NL Provincial Drama Festival. Alexander can
currently be seen in his first feature film, playing the juvenile lead role of
Travis in Crown & Anchor and can also be seen as Galley Boy/Servant in the
TV series Frontier; season one and two are streaming now through Crave TV
in Canada, and worldwide through Netflix!
PAUL EWAN WILSON*, THESEUS/OBERON IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
& BORIS ALEKSEYEVICH TRIGORIN IN THE SEAGULL
Paul is very happy to be back working for another season here at Perchance
Theatre at Cupids. Trained as an actor at the Victorian College of the Arts
in Melbourne, Australia, Paul worked extensively in Melbourne and Ontario
before relocating with his family to Newfoundland. Work here includes 4
previous seasons at Perchance in various roles including; Clarence (Richard
III), Orsino (Twelfth Night), Capulet (Romeo & Juliet), and Macbeth (Macbeth).
Other recent stage roles include; Leap (Leave Of Absence – New Curtain
Theatre), Jackie “Dad” Elliot (Billy Elliot – Atlantic Light), Pip/Theo Wexler
(Three Days Of Rain – Sweetline), Lonny (Rock Of Ages - TADA), and Dr. Fine
(Next To Normal – Best Kind). Having appeared in numerous short films,
and two episodes of Republic Of Doyle, Paul can be seen in the recurring role
of Vanstone on the TV series: Frontier, streaming now through Crave TV in
Canada, and worldwide through Netflix.
*Appears with the permission of the Canadian Actors’ Equity AssociationPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS
PROTECTORS OF THE REALM
At Perchance Theatre at Cupids, our success depends on your support.
By becoming a monthly donor, you become a Protector of the Realm.
It’s simple with CanadaHelps – each month we’ll process your donation
on a day of the month that you choose. Plus, CanadaHelps allows you
to retrieve your online tax receipts at any time for free.
Best of all, monthly giving allows you to make a bigger charitable impact,
and allows us to better forecast our finances to plan for the future and
gives us the opportunity to dream bigger every year.
To become a Protector of the Realm, visit http://www.canadahelps.org/
en/charities/perchance-theatre-at-cupids and select “Donate Monthly”.
“For a few cents each month, year after year “Perchance is an exciting,
we use the services of CanadaHelps to transfer innovative, energetic and
financial support to Perchance Theatre. In thoroughly entertaining
this way the people of this remarkable theatre Company. This is drama at
company can focus more on producing its finest. Shakespeare with
breathtaking theatre and less on fundraising.” Andy Jones, Greg Malone?
– Peggy & John Fisher, Owners of The Fisher’s Loft Simply hilarious.”
– Barbara Doran, Producer
Thanks, thanks and ever thanks to our generous
patrons, supporters and believers. A regularly
updated list of season supporters can be found at
www.perchancetheatre.comPERCHANCE THEATRE AT CUPIDS: SPECIAL THANKS
Darrin Akerman Cupids Trail Association Kelly Jones Janine Pearson
Derek Akerman Cupids Legacy Centre Linda Kane Marget Davis &
Shauna Akerman Ann Connors Lloyd Kane Roger Pearson
Charmaine Newell Libby Creelman Jillian Keiley Iris Petten
Akerman Betty Dawe Alexis Koetting Samantha Phelan
Harold Akerman Rosalind Dawe The Lantern Andrea and Leila Procter
Jennifer Arlow Roy Dawe David Latham Ernie Pynn
Peter Ayers Ross Dawe Kaila LeDrew Sean Ryan
Zoë Balsom Wendell Dawe Helen Littlejohn Jon Ryan
Belbin’s Grocery Adrienne Deering Denyse Lynde Jane Simmons
Lindsay Boland Jenn Deon Lisa Machin Jamie Skidmore
Dan Boone Kathy Devine Leo Mackey Sam Smith
Pamela Boutilier Luanne Dominix Pat & Juanita Mackey Erika Squires
Sharon Buehler Irene Duma Patricia McCarthy Ernie Squires
Donald Buell Maureen Dunne Rodney Mercer Kathi Stacey
Neal Building Janet Edmonds Kirsti Mikoda Melanie Stanford
Alison Butler Kat Elliott Corey Morgan Margo Connors &
Mayor Carl Butler Robert Stack
Claudine Garland Ken Murphy
Nicole Button Dave Sullivan
Grant V. Genova Tom and Kelly Murphy
Charlie Byrne St. John’s Arts and
David Green Bill and Judy Newton Culture Centre
Robert Chafe Louise Green Jeremy Nolan Costume Bank
Deborah Clarke Jane Hall Michael Nolan Take the Shot
Russell Cochrane Allan Hawco Steve O’Connell Hilary Thomson
Aimee Coles Mike Herridge Len O’Neill Connie Walsh
Chris Collingwood David Hood Seamus O’Regan Dave Walsh
Dorothy Cousins Ryan Hupponen Janet O’Reilly Ian Watson
Libby Creelman Jacqueline Hynes Loyal Orange Lodge Paul Wilson
Cupid’s Haven & Staff IceCaps Care Rob Ormsby Reg Winsor
Cupids Historical Foundation Jacqueline Ottenheimer
Society Dale Jarvis
All those who participated in Called to the Bard:
Sheilagh Guy-Murphy, Giles W. Ayers, Rhona Buchan, John
Drover, Sylina Jones, Kevin O’Shea, Chris Pike, Peter Ralph,
Karen Rehner, Melissa Royle, and Lori Savory.
Our Perchance to Laugh Comedians: John Sheehan, Jason Card,
Luke Lawrence, Pete Soucy (Snook), and Stanley Braxton Improv Co.
(Chris Dunn, Elizabeth Glenn, Mike Hammond, and Michelle King).
Special thanks to those who donated their time and services
to help us with our international work permit:
Dan Boone, Rory H. Rogers, and Brittany Trafford at Stewart
McKelvey (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick).THANK YOU! Tourism is a key economic driver in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Perchance Sustainability Project was developed to determine the sustainability of Perchance and demonstrates the benefits Perchance Theatre brings to the economic sustainability of its rural context: the Legendary Coasts region. In particular, the Project identifies the contribution of Perchance to experiential tourism in the region and in the province. The Research Team for the Perchance Sustainability Project extends heartfelt thanks to the following who contributed to the development and successful completion of the Project: Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (TCII), NL and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Canada. Participants in surveys, interviews, workshops, kitchen sessions, focus groups, including: audience members, regional residents, Perchance artists, NL theatre leaders, Perchance board members, donors, as well as members of the Professional Theatres of Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you to Target for a creative marketing plan and Kirsti Mikoda for a comprehensive infrastructure plan. Thank you for amazing support from Cupid’s Haven B&B, the Cupids Legacy Centre, and the Legendary Coasts. Thank you to the Doctors Inn and Spa, the Stone Jug, Rising Tide Theatre, Gros Morne Festival and New Curtain Theatre for their generous support. All of you contributed to creating a roadmap for the future of Perchance Theatre and can find the Executive Summary of the Sustainability Project at www.perchancetheatre.com in late July. Research Team: Dr. Sharon Taylor, Victoria Balsom, Danielle Irvine, Zoe Balsom, Michelle O’Connell and Meaghan McConnell.
A warm
Thank You
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