RYAN ABEDI (Young Man): Ryan was born and raised in Toronto. He trained at Humber in the Theatre Performance program, where he also trained for his basic certification in Stage Combat with the help and guidance of Steve Wilsher. After spending a long time travelling across Europe to experience new life in a craft entirely dedicated to human endeavours and experience, he is excited to return to the stage. He appeared as cadet and chef in our opening production of Cyrano and looks forward to many more works in the wonderful theatre scene of Toronto.
PETER BLOCH-HANSEN (Mr. Larrabee): A long-time actor of stage and screen, this is Peter’s second foray onto Amicus’ boards, the first being the title role in Cymbeline. Co-founder of BardBusters: Theatre in the Classroom, Peter is a Shakespeare enthusiast but recently enjoyed his first online work as the Boss, in the outrageous comedic web series The Undrawn, available on YouTube. He’s also a prize-winning playwright and author, poet and sculptor, with ambitions to learn to play the kazoo.
ADAM BROOKS (David): Adam is thrilled to be back on stage after taking a sabbatical from fun to go back to school. But now he has returned, and could not be more excited to make his debut with Amicus. Favourite credits include Jason in Wit, Danceny in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Hornbeck in Inherit The Wind, and an extended run as the Master of Ceremonies at Medieval Times. Special thanks to Victoria for getting me back on the horse (so to speak). Adam despises inside jokes in bios, so none will be included here. Enjoy the show!
JEFF BURKE (Fairchild): Jeff has been in community theatre for well over forty years and a member of Amicus for almost twenty years. He has acted, directed and worked backstage and has won 7 THEAS as well as the prestigious Maggie Basset Award for his great contributions to theatre in Ontario. Jeff was last seen eight years ago when he played the small part of the old man in A Flea In Her Ear—one of his favourite parts with only a half dozen lines. For the past 25 years, Jeff has been a theatre instructor to over 200 youths between 13-18 years of age. He is thrilled to finally be working with Victoria and pleased to be part of a wonderful play with such a great cast.
SANDRA CARDINAL (Maude): Sandra is a playwright, singer and actor, thrilled to be debuting with Amicus and returning to the boards after a ten year hiatus. Some of her favourite roles have included Mrs. Lyons in Blood Brothers, Jessica in Jitters and Martha in Agnes of God. She penned the musical for young audiences Laura Secord performed by the Festival Players of Prince Edward County in 2013, the ten- minute play “The Magyar” for the Inspirato Festival 2014 and the upcoming play Sizzle and Spin to premiere at the Toronto Fringe Festival in July 2015.
ALEXIS CHUBB (Set Designer): Alexis is happy to be working with Victoria and Amicus on Sabrina Fair. Alexis has also worked with Victoria on Scotland Road, Moonlight and Magnolias, and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife with Amicus and on Queen Milli of Galt, and Real Estate at the Village Playhouse. Enjoy the show.
CHRIS COCULUZZI (Linus): Chris has been performing, directing, writing, and producing for independent, community, professional and educational theatre for over twenty years. This is his fourth season with Amicus. He first performed as Chris Keller in All My Sons (2011-12), then as Hyde 3 in Jekyll and Hyde and director of Apartment 3A (2012-13), Rakitin in A Month in the Country (2013-14), and most recently as the title character in our fall production of Cyrano. In addition to his many theatrical contributions, Chris works as a high school teacher for the Toronto District School Board.
LIZ CURRIE (Stage Manager): This is Liz’s first show with Amicus and she couldn’t be happier to be a part of this wonderful group. Although not seen on stage, she always feel a part of the show family, and she wants to thank the entire cast and production staff for this wonderful opportunity! Thanks to all the friends and family who support me!
DAVE FITZPATRICK (Photography): David has worked in Community Theater for the past five years. His principal roles in the theatre are Sound Design and Photography. David’s Photography started at the age of 12 when he was introduced to darkroom techniques. David’s passion for Photography and Theatre have allowed the two to merge, providing memories and keepsakes of the contributions everyone works so hard at. Feel free to contact David for any photography needs at dafitzpatrick@gmail.com
SHANE FLYNN (Paul): Shane is relatively new to the community theatre scene in Toronto. Sabrina Fair will be his second play he has performed in since he moved to Toronto from Ireland over four years ago. He recently played the character of Larry in the Toronto Irish Players production of Bookworms by Bernard Farrell. Shane has enjoyed performing on stage in various musical and dramatic roles from a young age, and he appreciates the opportunity to be involved with Amicus on this production.
LINDSAY FORDE (Costume Mentor): In her past life as a freelance designer and costume technician Lindsay worked for Mirvish, Stratford, COC, Soulpepper and many others in the GTA and further afield. She has recently career changed to non-profit fundraising and is thrilled to lend her skills to the costume team. For Amicus: Barefoot In The Park (set and costume design), A Chorus of Disapproval (costume design). Favourite costume credits: The Playboy of the Western World (George Brown Theatre School); Hairspray, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (TriArts Sharon Playhouse, Connecticut); and 9 Parts of Desire (Seventh Stage) as co-designer of set and costumes and That Face (Canadian Stage Company/Nightwood) as apprentice designer.
DIANA FRANZ (Gretchen): Diana has been acting since high school. Since moving to Toronto a year ago, she has been in two shorts: the cow and the ogre in Solar Stage’s Jack and the Beanstalk as well as Ruth in the Village Players’ production of Blythe Spirit. She is very excited to be in her first show with Amicus!
HEATHER GOODALL (Julia): Heather is delighted to be working again with the talented Amicus cast and crew. Favourite roles with Amicus were Julia (Fallen Angels), Mrs. Croom (Arcadia), Pamela (Out of Order) and Pfeni (Sisters Rosenzwieg). Other performing highlights: Blanche (Streetcar Named Desire), Diana (California Suite), Joanna (Present Laughter) and Jessica (Jitters) with Stage Centre; Calamity (Calamity Jane) and Jaqui (Me and My Girl) with St. Clement’s Drama; and Lettice (Lettice and Lovage) with East Side Players, which garnered her an ACT-CO nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. Love and gratitude to her boys for their love and support.
SHOBHA HATTE (Margaret): This is Shobha’s first production with Amicus and she is very excited. She has performed in various multi-lingual community theatre productions, SummerWorks, the Toronto Fringe, and the Inspirato Festival. In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
MEREDITH HUBBARD (Costume Designer): Meredith grew up near Stratford, Ontario where she developed her love of theatre, and was a part of Playmakers! Theatre School for eight years, acting and working behind the scenes. She graduated from George Brown College for Fashion Techniques and Design in 2010 and from Humber College for Theatre Production in 2013. Meredith has been working for various theatre companies such as Drayton Entertainment and Kadozuke Kollektif as a stitcher and dresser. Meredith is thrilled to be working with Amicus for the first time this season and getting the opportunity to try her hand at design.
MEARA KHANNA (Young Woman): Meara has been involved in theatre since the age of 9, training with various theatre schools. Some of them include Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre and Armstrong Acting Studios. This is her first play with Amicus, and she hopes to further her education in the arts so she can coach young children in the future!
MARIE LAFOREST (Costume Asst): A graduate of Ryerson University’s Fashion Design program, Marie has always had a passion for the theatre. Marie joined Amicus Production’s Costume Team to experience working with behind-the-scene theatre professionals and help bring performances to life in community theatre.
AMY LEBLANC (Sabrina): Sabrina is Amy’s second onstage role with Amicus, the first being that of Alais in The Lion in Winter. Amy has also been teaching and performing Middle-Eastern dance for nearly a decade, predominately with Toronto’s Arabesque Dance Company. Other favourite stage roles include The Arbiter (Chess), and Antonia (The Man of La Mancha). Amy is honoured to have her re-introduction to theatre accompanied by such a fun and talented team of artists!
MAUREEN LUKIE (Producer): Maureen has been with Amicus from its first year and is glad to be contributing to this season. She appeared in Is He Dead last year, and directed A Month in the Country. She will play The Flower Girl (we use ‘girl’ loosely here) in the upcoming The Madwoman of Chaillot.
JAMIE SAMPLE (Lighting Designer): Jamie is a freelance lighting designer and technical director based in Toronto. He is a founding member and current Production Manager of Theatre Symbiosis. Previous lighting design for Amicus include Scotland Road, The Allergist’s Wife (Thea nomination), and Moonlight & Magnolias. Select other credits: The Honour Killings (Avenal Players), Exposure (Theatre Symbiosis), Real Estate (The Village Players), and For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (Alumnae Theatre).
VICTORIA SHEPHERD (Director): Victoria is delighted to return to Amicus with Sabrina Fair. Previous Amicus credits include 7 Stories, Moonlight and Magnolias, The Tale of The Allergist’s Wife and Scotland Road. Recent directing credits include Queen Milli of Galt and Real Estate (Village Players). Upcoming: August: Osage County (Alumnae Theatre, April 2016). Victoria is thrilled to be a part of the talented company bringing this magical show to life.
AMAKA UMEH (Young Woman): This is Amaka’s first production with Amicus. Previous credits include Ariel in The Tempest (Hart House Theatre), Narrator in Into the Woods, George W. Bush in Stuff Happens (Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts); Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray (Summerstock Theatre Society, Calgary). Amaka feels privileged to have studied at the Randolph Academy (class of Summer 2014). In addition to drama and musical theatre, Amaka enjoys writing poetry and playing her baby blue uke.
Amicus Productions, Toronto's Most Engaging Community Theatre 