Cast and Crew

Adam Brooks (Robin Hood)  Adam is thrilled to be part of his second show with Amicus! Adam was last seen as David in last season’s wonderful production of Sabrina Fair. Other selected performances include: Wit (Alumnae Theatre), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Theatre Etobicoke), Father of the Bride (On Kew Players), as well as a 6-year run as the Master of Ceremonies at Medieval Times Toronto. Adam hopes you enjoy this truly unique show as much as he has enjoyed playing this dream role. “Courage!”

Celeste Van Vroenhoven (Maid Marian)   Celeste does many things in many places—you may have seen her previously with Amicus as Roxane in Cyrano de Bergerac. Today, she is thrilled to take you to Mythological Medieval England! Thank you to the cast and crew. Thank you to my family and friends for letting me whisk you away once again. http://www.celestevanvroenhoven.com

Stephen Flett (Prince John)   Stephen has appeared in far too many shows spanning far too many years. Among his many Amicus shows are Cyrano, The Madwoman of Chaillot, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Chorus of Disapproval, and A Flea in her Ear. With Toronto Irish: Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Moonshine, and Big Maggie. Elsewhere: Into the Woods, Hockey: the Musical, The Pajama Game, Urinetown, Parade, Pseudolus, and Shakespeare’s Rugby Wars. Recently: The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca, Picnic, A Lesson in Gabby, and Gaslight.

Alex Bortoluzzi (Dark Monk)   Robin Hood marks Alex’s second appearance with Amicus Productions following last season’s madcap The Madwoman of Chaillot. He is an active member of various community theatre groups in the Toronto area in various capacities. Alex’s most recent appearance was this past June in The Ugly, part of the InspiratoTO Festival. A latecomer to the world of theatre after a career in banking, Alex is thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Francis Melling (Little John) This is Francis’ first show with Amicus. Selected theatre credits include: Amadeus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Unity: 1918, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Good Person of Setzuan, the Skin of our Teeth (Phoenix Theatre), The Stephen Harper Play (Theatra Theatre), Trunk! (Kerplading Theatre), A Play or Something Like One (Silent Zoo Productions). Selected film credits include: Wexford Plaza, Kid Cannabis, Cole. Francis has a BFA in theatre with a specialization in acting from the University of Victoria. He is an actor, comedian, and musician from the west coast who settled in Toronto this past May.

Thomas O’Neill (Friar Tuck) Thomas is an actor/playwright who returned to acting on the stage by way of Amicus Productions in its production of last season’s The Madwoman of Chaillot as The Prospector. Thomas has also performed in pantomime. When not doing theatre Thomas is a freelance television director and announcer.

Riley Anne Nelson (Quigley)   Riley Anne Nelson is an East Coaster who is excited to be working with Amicus again after being a part of Cyrano de Bergerac last year. Some of her favourite shows has done have been Othello (Bard in the Park), Cloud 9, Far Away, The Europeans, New Anatomies and Macbeth (Memorial University, Grenfell Campus). Currently, Riley works at Addition-Elle while she waits for her lusty friar to whisk her away.

Melissa Verwey (Bronwen/Sister Felicity)   Melissa has been performing on stages accross the GTA, with Robin Hood being her debut with Amicus Productions. Some of her memorable past credits include Audrey (Leading Ladies), Peggy Scant (Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii), Jasmine (Aladdin) and Anita (Jenny’s House of Joy). Melissa has recently accumulated some TV credits and hopes to continue her dream of chasing a career in the arts. When not on stage, Melissa is running around on sets for local TV productions and Co-writing a cookbook. Melissa would like to thank the entire cast and crew for this experience. What did the archer make out of his bow? A bow tie. Melissa also likes to think she’s funny.

Paulette St-Amour (Queen Eleanor/Prioress) This is Paulette’s fourth production with Amicus. Previously, she appeared in The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, The Voysey Inheritance and Scotland Road. Early days in Ottawa, she was a soloist with the Classical Ballet Concert Group. Various scenes and plays with Ryerson’s Act II Studio. Performed and choreographed at the Ottawa Little Theatre, Orpheus Musical Theatre, and Lakeside Productions. In Toronto – Doric Players (The Curious Savage); Village Playhouse (Painting Churches). Favorite roles – Anita (West Side Story); Suzy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark); Frances Kittle (Scotland Road). Retired from production with CBC and TVOntario, she volunteers for PAL-Reading Services.

Ryan Abedi (Will Scarlett)   Ryan has been a member of Amicus for about a year now. He was a proud member of the ensemble and fight captain for Cyrano de Bergerac and The Boy in Sabrina Fair. He was trained at Humber College in the theatre performance program where he honed in on his stage combat, musical arrangement,oice work and acting. He hopes you enjoy Amicus’ production of Robin Hood!

Liam Doherty (Sheriff ) Liam has been enjoying finding his voice for the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham. This is his second appearance with Amicus Productions. Liam has been part of the theatre scene for a number of years. He studied with Second City Toronto, and is an accomplished Stand-Up Comic and MC. For the last 10 years he has hosted the popular “No Sweetheart Required” with Cabbagetown Theatre Co. He has also appeared in several productions with the Village Players including Blythe Spirit and The Humble Boy, and has also worked on many productions with the Toronto Irish Players.

Rein Kartna (Constable/Sir Stephen)  This is Rein’s third outing with Amicus. He was previously seen in the 2013 production of The Voysey Inheritance and the 2002 production of Cymbeline. Rein has an extensive background in Community Theatre in Toronto having been on the stage with Theatre Etobicoke, The Toronto Irish Players, East Side Players, Stage Centre Productions, The Scarborough Theatre Guild, Bloor West Village Players, and The University Of Toronto Graduate Centre For Drama.

Howard Davis (Yorick/Ghost ) This beith the third production in which Howard hath appeared in an Amicus Production and he hopeth that you the audience enjoy it as much as we who performest. Enjoyeth!

Paul Micucci (Purvis/Redcap/Flint)   Paul is very excited to be right back working with Amicus after finishing The Madwoman of Chaillot. His other most recent appearance was in Almost, Maine at The Curtain Club. He’d like to thank everyone involved for making Robin Hood such a great experience. He enjoys long walks on the beach and his favourite colour is blue.

Micah Bucholtz (Jenny/Sally) This is Micah’s community theatre debut and she couldn’t be happier sharing the stage with such a lovely and energetic company. Her previous work at McGill University includes Antigone (Chorus/Page), Les Belles Soeurs (Pierrette), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lysandra/Flute/Peaseblossom). Micah has also tried on many creative hats while attending Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. When she isn’t acting, Micah is a supervisor at a dog boarding kennel in Scarborough.

Billie Jean Shannon (Ellen/Gwenny) Billie Jean arrived to Canada from Dublin, Ireland in October 2014. This is her second community theatre production and first with Amicus. She previously played Carmel in The Toronto Irish Player’s production of Elvis’s Toenail last winter. In Ireland she was part of many college productions and has some theatre training. By day she is an administrator with qualifications in Psychology and Human Resources. She has loved working with Amicus players and hopes you enjoy the madness that is Robin Hood!

Kay Randewich (Crazy Betty/Gummy Granny/Brekka)   Kay’s last experience with Amicus Productions was backstage. She is delighted to step out into the light with this production and is happy to be working again with a great cast and crew. Kay’s play, Authorized Novels, in which she played the role of Jane Austen, was recently produced by Act 2 Studio for the Ryerson 50+Festival. Kay also appeared in Murder Mistaken at the Village Playhouse. When not engaged in theatrical pursuits, Kay dances Argentine tango. She is currently shining up her tap shoes for the Alumnae Theatre’s production of Stepping Out in January.

Jackson Abrams (Davey/Cootie  ) Jackson Wolf Abrams grew up in Toronto studying the arts. Attending schools like the Randolph Academy, Rosedale Heights receiving a Bachelors at OCAD university last year for integrated media. Now Jackson works in the live event industry, doing show prep at Solotech and working as a sound technician for bands at the Cadillac Lounge at night. When not working Jackson can be found involved in other art projects, be it his comic book art practice or community theatre.

Jeff Burke (Cruikshank/Eadom/Grok) Jeff has been in community theatre for well over forty years and a member of Amicus for almost 20 years. He has acted, directed and worked backstage in many positions, as well is part of the Amicus executive. In the past, Jeff has won 7 THEAS for acting and directing, in addition to the prestigious Maggie Basset award for his contribution to community theatre in Ontario. Jeff was last seen on stage last year in Amicus’ production of Sabrina Fair. He is happy to finally work with with Chris as director for the first time and is thrilled to be part of a wonderful cast and crew.

Frankie Nusink (Will Stutely)   Francis Nusink is a Grade 12 student at St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School last fall, he produced, directed, and appeared as Jean Valjean in the fully staged opening scenes of Les Miserables, his favorite musical. He is thrilled to be a member of Amicus and to help bring the hilarious, profound adventure of Robin Hood to theatregoers. He is thrilled to work with so many talented actors.

Anthony D’Alessandro (Alan) Anthony is an arts/tech student at St Patricks C.S.S. for performing arts & technology, currently in his last year of high school. Anthony has played various roles in many school related productions such as the infamous Inspector Javert from Les Miserables, the great Greek god Zeus, Coach Bolton in High School Musical, The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, and most recently the famous Gomez Addams from The Addams Family. Anthony is very excited to be with Amicus for his first community theatre show ever, and can’t wait to keep continuing to work with all the amazing people involved!

Mandi Sunshine (Producer/Props/ASM ) This is Mandi’s second production with Amicus. She could be seen both on and off stage during the production of The Madwoman of Chaillot last season. She has been involved with community theatre for many years out in Mississauga and Guelph, and is excited to be a part of theatre in Toronto. By day she is a teacher in Brampton and loves teaching the subjects of Math, Science and Drama to middle school students. She hopes you enjoy the production of Robin Hood, it has been quite the ride!

Chris Coculuzzi (Director)   Chris has been involved with community and independent theatre for over twenty years as a director, performer, writer, and producer. He last directed for Amicus in 2013 with Apartment 3A by Jeff Daniels. Prior to that he directed a number of plays in the Toronto Fringe Festival from 2001-2012. In addition to his contributions to Amicus and other theatre groups Chris works as a high school teacher for the Toronto District School Board.

Kristin Chan (Stage Manager  ) Kristin is excited to be back with Amicus this year. She held the role of ASM in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and was on stage for The Madwoman of Chaillot. It has been quite the adventure taking on the role of Stage Manager for Robin Hood and she is grateful for such a wonderful cast and crew to make every moment unforgettable! When she’s not playing around in Sherwood Forest, Kristin can be found teaching high school English, ESL, and Drama.

Sarah Covert (Props/Set Construction)   Sarah Covert is new to Amicus and community theatre in general, bringing her skills as a maker to the production team. Trained in furniture and fashion design, she can usually be found in the workshop covered in paint or sawdust creating something weird and wonderful.

Naomi Priddle-Hunter (Fight Choreographer) Naomi has staged duels, brawls, and mayhem for 50+ shows – Cyrano, I am Marguerite (Alumnae Theatre), The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca (Scarborough Theatre Guild) and Strictly Murder (Village Playhouse) in 2014-15. A joy to collaborate once more with Mr. Elliott (Cardinal Tosca, La Mancha, Love’s Cure…)!

Courtland Elliott (Fight Lieutenant)   Courtland has been involved in Martial Arts Teaching for over 35 years, and has ALWAYS had an interest in creating “Fight Scenes”. He’s provided choreography for Film, TV & Theatre, in addition to countless Martial Arts Demos. He has assisted some of the Greats, including BH Barry at Stratford, and the ubiquitous Naomi PH all around Toronto. He hasn’t pursued any formal Theatre accreditations (yet) but has a good eye, a quick wit, and a Patent with US Navy—but that’s another story…

David Howse (Set Design  ) David is a graduate of the Concordia University Theatre program and has been working in community theatre around Toronto for more years than he cares to count. He has worked with various theatre companies including the Village Playhouse, Alumnae Theatre and was a founding member of Upstart Crow Theatre Group. He is very happy to be able to work with Amicus Productions for the first time.

Karlos Griffith (Lighting Designer  ) Karlos has been a member of Amicus since 1992. He was invited to the group by Tom Kilp a Lighting Designer second to none, who was also his mentor. Over the next five years Karlos assisted Mr. Kilp on a number of lighting designs at Amicus. He also assumed many other roles including ASM, Stage Crew, Set Construction, Sound Designer, Sound Operator, Lighting Operator and Lighting Designer. He is not as active with the group as he once was, but when he is asked to help, he can be found in the roles of Front of House, ASM or Lighting Design. Karlos is only too happy to help. Mr. Kilp is no longer with Amicus, but to him Karlos will always be grateful. He has worked with many other Theatre groups since 1988, but Amicus is his home.

Dave Fitzpatrick (Sound Design/Photography)   David is delighted to return to Amicus for another season as the Sound Designer and Photographer for Robin Hood. Some of David’s Amicus credits include: Having Hope at Home, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Barefoot in the Park; to mention a few. David can be reached at 416.993.3283 or at dafitzpatrick@gmail.com for all your photography needs (wedding, portraits, head shots, etc.).

Farnoosh Talebpour (Costume Designer  ) Farnoosh Studied at York University and in that time was involved with Vanier College Productions and worked on the production aspect of theatre mainly as a costume manager but dabbled in a little bit of everything. Out in the real world she has found herself Stage Managing and Designing. This is her second show with Amicus Productions; past design credits include Over Time (Toronto Fringe), Cyrano de Bergerac (Amicus Productions) and Othello (Go Play Productions). She hopes you enjoy the show and is grateful for the hard work and dedication of her costuming team and the cast and crew!

Marie Laforest (Costumes)   Marie’s passion for costumes and the theatre brought her to Amicus Productions for the 2014-2015 season, and back again for this season. Amicus gave her an opportunity to apply her experience as a member of the Costume Team for Cyrano de Bergerac, Sabrina Fair and now Robin Hood. Marie graduated from Ryerson University’s Fashion Design program and is now pursuing a diploma in Graphic Arts.

Michelle Firman (Costumes) This is Michelle’s first show with Amicus and her 5th time working on a wardrobe team. Michelle is also an actress although It’s been a while since she has been on stage. Her last performances were Gertrude in Hamlet, Emilia in Othello, and Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (Upstart Crow Theatre Group). Michelle has been working on writing the only play she will probably write: Splitting, a pet project for many years. When not working in theatre, Michelle is a communications facilitator and a poet with three books going to final editing in November of this year. She wants to say thank you to everyone on this production team for the warm welcome back to the edge of the stage!

Meghan Felker (ASM) This is Meg’s first production with Amicus. Though Meg doesn’t have previous experience working in theatre she is excited to be involved with a great group of passionate people. Meg owns and runs a Nanny agency called Sprout Childcare Solutions.