CAST
Julie Adams (Secretary/Stagehand/Seemstress): This is Julie’s debut with Amicus Productions, but she has been involved with theatre for many years, acting and directing. Productions she’s appeared in include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Melville Boys, Lend Me A Tenor, and Moon Over Buffalo to name a few. In her spare time she can be found in the country with her horse. She’d like to thank Alex and Harvey for bringing her to Amicus and this fun production of Shakespeare in Hollywood.
Simon Bennett (Joe E. Brown/Lone Ranger): This is Simon’s debut with Amicus Productions after playing George Horvath in the Scarborough Players’ production of Parfumerie, winner of the 2016 THEA for Best Ensemble in a Comedy. Simon played Danny Zuko in Grease and Amos Hart in Chicago with the Performing Arts Collective. By day, Simon rides the never-ending rollercoaster of teaching kindergarten in Toronto. Thanks to the cast, crew and everyone behind the scenes with Amicus Productions.
Alex Bortoluzzi (Harry Warner/Tarzan/Stagehand): Alex has appeared in several Amicus Productions’ shows, most recently as the unhinged King Richard in last fall’s Robin Hood. He is an active member of a number of community theatre groups in the Toronto area in various capacities. Next up (late June) will be The White Sheep of the Family with Scarborough Theatre Guild. A latecomer to the world of theatre after a career in banking, Alex is thoroughly enjoying the experience. Enjoy the show!
Chris Coculuzzi (Oberon): Chris is an actor, director, playwright, and producer who’s been involved in community, educational and independent theatre for over twenty years. Chris became a member of Amicus Productions in 2011 and has served as President of the club for the last two years. This season Chris directed our season opener, Robin Hood, then played the role of Mr. Paul in Villette. When not involved in theatre, Chris is a high school teacher for the Toronto District School Board.
Daryn DeWalt (Max Reinhardt): Daryn is an award-winning actor who has been involved with community theatre for the past fifteen years mainly with East Side Players. Favourite roles include Glen in Wonder of the World, Wilf in Quartet, Frank in Over the River and Through the Woods, Argan in The Hypochondriac, and Rudyard Kipling in My Boy Jack. This is his first production with Amicus and he is thrilled to be working with such a talented director, cast, and crew!
Labe Kagan (Jack Warner): Labe has been enjoying acting and writing for over twenty years. In 2000 he won a THEA for Best Supporting Actor in Twelve Angry Men for Oshawa Little Theatre. He recently appeared in Tribute for The Curtain Club, and The Sunshine Boys for Mississauga Players. Labe’s play, A Lesson in Gabby, was well received at last summer’s Toronto Fringe Festival. Labe is thrilled to be working with Amicus and this great ensemble.
Kristine MacDonald (Puck): Kristine is an actress who is very excited to be doing her first show with Amicus Productions. Past credits include Biondello in Taming of the Shrew for Jaybird Productions and Denise in Problem Child for Grenfell Theatre. When not gracing the stage, Kristine works as a food wench at Medieval Times and as a nanny to two sassy boys.
Jackie Mahoney (Olivia Darnell): Jackie is overjoyed to be doing Shakespeare in Hollywood for the second time—and this time with lines! She’s a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Theatre and Performance program and has been involved with theatre as an actor, director, writer, and technician for seven years. Her favourite acting credits include Mary in Unity 1918, Rosalind in As You Like it, Maria in Twelfth Night, and Estelle in No Exit. Outside of theatre, Jackie is the Special Events Program Director for Easter Seals Camp Merrywood.
Paul Micucci (Dick Powell): Paul was recently seen in two previous Amicus shows: as Purvis the Peddlar in Robin Hood where he was nominated for a best supporting actor in a comedy, and as several roles in The Madwoman of Chaillot. Before that you might have seen him in Almost, Maine at The Curtain Club. And now he’s back for more!
Thomas O’Neill (Will Hays): Thomas is an actor/playwright who has recently returned to the stage by way of community theatre. This is his third Amicus production. Thomas was last seen in Robin Hood in the role of Friar Tuck. When not doing theatre Thomas is a freelance television director and announcer.
Chris Quirke (Albert Warner/Stagehand): This is Chris’ first show with Amicus. He was last seen onstage in East Side Players’ 2014 production of Elizabeth Rex, and My Boy Jack in 2012. He’s been involved in various community theatres over the years. Chris lives in Toronto’s east end and can be found during weekdays sipping some fantastic oolong tea in his office cubicle.
Harriet Rice (Louella Parsons): Harriet Rice is a Toronto actor and Shakespeare in Hollywood is her second appearance with Amicus Productions. She has performed in various live theatre productions such as Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Golde in Fiddler on The Roof, Mrs. Tilford in The Children’s Hour, and Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Most recently she played Charlotte in Scarborough Theatre Guild’s production of The Maltese Bodkin and has been featured in an independent film entitled Always on My Mind.
Matthew Taylor (Jimmy Cagney/Sam Warner): Born and raised in Toronto, Matthew has always been fascinated by the dramatic arts. Although he’s been in school productions this is his first foray into the world of community theatre and he’s excited to be a part of it. Most of Matthew’s stage experience is as a stand-up comic so he finds acting an interesting challenge. He hopes you all won’t completely hate his performance and promises to try his hardest to make you NOT ask for a refund!
Andrew Tite (Daryl): Beginning as a child model at age five, Andrew has performed in Film and on Stage and Television across Canada. He can be seen in the TV show Fear Thy Neighbour airing May 25th, 2016 on Investigation Discovery Channel. Andrew studied theatre at George Brown College. Over the past nine years he’s performed at Screamers and FearFest. He’s been Just for Laughs’ and Air Transat’s mascot at various events. He’s performed Odori Japanese dance for several years with dance group Sakura Kai. Film credits include Final 24 (Cineflix), Fear Thy Neighbor (ID Network), and Cycle of Fear. Theatre credits include Blackpool & Parrish, Pirates of Penzance, Dracula, A Christmas Carol, Romeo & Juliet, and City of Joy. In his last theatre production Andrew starred as Edgar Allan Poe in The Horse We Rode In On. Visit him online at http://andrewtite.com.
Melissa Verwey (Lydia Lansing): This is Melissa’s second show with Amicus Productions, as you may recognize her from Robin Hood. When not pursuing acting, you can find her working behind the scenes on the show Cityline. Melissa would like to thank the entire cast and crew for this memorable experience. To find out more about her acting career check out her website https://melissaverwey.actor.
CREATIVE and CREW
Susan McQueen (Producer): This is Susan’s third show with Amicus, following last season’s The Madwoman of Chaillot and 2013’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Selected production credits include Wonder of the World, Over the River and Through the Woods and Laughter on the 23rd Floor with East Side Players, and Big Maggie with Toronto Irish Players. Shakespeare in Hollywood brings together an ensemble of seasoned performers and fresh new talent supported by an award-winning production team whose sole aim is to make you laugh. Special thanks to Harvey, Wayne, Karen, Kristin, Alex, Mary Jane, Chris, Maureen & especially John.
Harvey Levkoe (Director): Harvey is delighted to be working with so many new and talented actors. This is the ninth play he has directed for Amicus Productions. Previous shows include last season’s The Madwoman of Chaillot, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the first play produced by Amicus at the Papermill Theatre. Other productions include All My Sons, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Anne, Wait until Dark, Harvey, and The Matchmaker. Next season Harvey is looking forward to directing the Pulitzer Prize winner Glengarry Glen Ross for Amicus.
Karen Farnocchi (Stage Manager): Karen has Stage Managed for a number of theatre companies in Toronto and is very happy to be working with Harvey Levkoe and Amicus again. She extends a great big THANK YOU to everyone in the Cast and Crew (especially Kristin) whose dedication and involvement is what brings extraordinary productions to life.
Mary Jane Boon (Lighting Design): Mary Jane has been working as a theatre designer for over twenty-five years, but her collaboration eight years ago with director Harvey Levkoe began an exploration of the role lighting design plays in the realization of the theatrical vision. Their work together includes Amicus Productions’ All My Sons, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and last year’s The Madwoman of Chaillot. This is their fifteenth collaboration. Mary Jane won a 2016 ACT-CO Thea Award for her lighting design of Wait Until Dark.
Wayne Cardinalli (Set Design): Wayne has been working with Harvey for the past eighteen years or so. During that time, he’s designed almost all the plays Harvey has directed. Eighteen years…could it be that long? There must be a time warp. Wayne is Puck to Harvey’s Oberon.
John McQueen (Sound Design and Operator): John works with many local theatre groups where he’s contributed as a sound designer, actor, photographer, builder, producer, board member and promoter of audience development. John won a Thea award for his sound design of The Importance of Being Earnest. John is like most people: he has lots of interests but among his favourites is live theatre where the audience is your greatest critic and your best friend. I hope my sound design for this production takes you away on an amusing journey filled with delightfully absurd people and situations.
Kristin Chan (Rehearsal Stage Manager): Kristin has been involved in Toronto community theatre since 2012. She’s had the pleasure of working with Amicus as Stage Manager for this season’s Robin Hood and past seasons as Assistant Stage Manager for The Madwoman of Chaillot (2015) and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (2012). She’s had a fantastic experience exploring Shakespeare in Hollywood with the team. When not in rehearsal or the booth, Kristin is a high school teacher for the Toronto District School Board.
Alida Minchella (Assistant Stage Manager): This is Alida’s first play with Amicus Productions. Most of her recent theatre experience is with L’Arche Toronto’s Sol Express, a theatre group made up of adults with developmental disabilities, where she has coached, stage managed and played small roles.
Joan Jan (Script Assistant): Once again it has been a treat to be following the words on the pages of an Amicus production. Wishing for all extra zing! in their daily lives.
Maureen Wright (Lighting Operator): Maureen has been involved in community theatre (mostly backstage) for over ten years. She is delighted to be back at Amicus, working with this talented and dedicated Cast and Crew. Many thanks to Karen, Harvey, and the McQueen team.
Sharon Kamiel (ASM): Sharon is a Social Worker, Event Planner, and Puppeteer. She spent nine years as Choreographer for Crescent School, and has treasured many onstage roles in school/camp productions. Sharon puppets for Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry, and will be writing/directing for them. Recent backstage experience includes ASM for Remember, Maggy? and Dresser/ASM for The Maltese Bodkin. When not involved in theatre Sharon works with disabled children. She is excited to be ASM for Shakespeare in Hollywood!
Dave Merchant (ASM): David is a writer and musician with a life-long love of the arts. New to East York, he volunteered with Amicus Productions to be more involved in the community. David works in the construction industry as an electrician.
David Fitzpatrick (Photography): David is delighted to return to Amicus for another season as the resident Photographer. Some of David’s Amicus credits include: Having Hope at Home, Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, and 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…).
Amicus Productions, Toronto's Most Engaging Community Theatre 