AIRS EVERY TUESDAY AT 5:30 PM/EST
and available until 11:59 PM/EST (4:59 AM/UTC) the following Monday
and available until 11:59 PM/EST (4:59 AM/UTC) the following Monday
ABOUT BACKSTAGE TEA
Backstage Tea is a musical theatre focused variety talk show. Each week for 9 weeks, Alene Degian and Danny Sylvan – Assistant Producers at Angelwalk Theatre – will host the show and invite guest artists to discuss their journeys in musical theatre and to 'spill the tea’ on their theatre experiences in general.
Each episode will be approximately 30 minutes in length and will feature 2 guest artists. The show will include ‘Spill the Tea’ conversations, live musical performances, and a fun musical theatre trivia game.
Each episode will be approximately 30 minutes in length and will feature 2 guest artists. The show will include ‘Spill the Tea’ conversations, live musical performances, and a fun musical theatre trivia game.
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Alene Degian
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Danny Sylvan
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SERIES EPISODES
EPISODE 1:
ELENA JUATCO & JEFF MADDEN | October 20, 2020
Elena Juatco was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia and is best known for her performance as Jann Arden's manager Cale in CTV's comedy hit, JANN. She is a Best Actress Jessie Award-winner and has received a Best Actress Dora nomination for her work in theatre which includes performances in Foreigner's Jukebox Hero at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Kinky Boots (Mirvish/Royal Alexandra Theatre) and Cameron Macintosh's 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. For television, Elena was also a series regular on Open Heart (Nickelodeon/YTV), playing razor-sharp doctor Scarlet McWhinnie. She appears as Ruth in one of the final episodes of Schitt's Creek and has a recurring role as Kelly the head of forensics on Hudson & Rex. You may have also seen her on Killjoys (SyFy) and Odd Squad (PBS). Films include Netflix's Kodachrome, where she worked opposite Jason Sudeikis, Oscar award-winning film Spotlight, and Lifetime's A Surrogate's Terror. Elena released her debut album Beyond This Line in 2015, a compilation of original songs written in the 10 years since her 6th place finish on Canadian Idol. The album is available for streaming on Spotify and other streaming platforms worldwide. Elena is the Creative Facilitator for "SExT: Sex Education by Theatre", a nationally-touring program and show that educates youth on topics surrounding sexuality and healthy relationships. She made her directorial debut with two music videos which address consent and intimate partner violence; funded in partnership with the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR).
Jeff Madden is a veteran of the musical theatre scene in Toronto, most recently appearing as ‘Kevin T. and Others’ in Come From Away (Mirvish). A Dora-Award winning actor, Jeff starred as ‘Frankie Valli’ in Jersey Boys for over three years in Toronto and across Australia. Other Toronto credits include Forever Plaid (Starvox/Mirvish), Echoes (Andrew Seok), and I Love You Because (Angelwalk) for which he garnered his second Dora nomination. Jeff has also performed for eight seasons at the Shaw Festival, recorded two CDs, appeared on TV’s ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ and ‘Mayday’, and enjoys teaching acting and singing privately and at Sheridan College in Oakville. Love and hugs to Christine, Sydney and Emily.
ELENA JUATCO & JEFF MADDEN | October 20, 2020
Elena Juatco was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia and is best known for her performance as Jann Arden's manager Cale in CTV's comedy hit, JANN. She is a Best Actress Jessie Award-winner and has received a Best Actress Dora nomination for her work in theatre which includes performances in Foreigner's Jukebox Hero at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Kinky Boots (Mirvish/Royal Alexandra Theatre) and Cameron Macintosh's 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. For television, Elena was also a series regular on Open Heart (Nickelodeon/YTV), playing razor-sharp doctor Scarlet McWhinnie. She appears as Ruth in one of the final episodes of Schitt's Creek and has a recurring role as Kelly the head of forensics on Hudson & Rex. You may have also seen her on Killjoys (SyFy) and Odd Squad (PBS). Films include Netflix's Kodachrome, where she worked opposite Jason Sudeikis, Oscar award-winning film Spotlight, and Lifetime's A Surrogate's Terror. Elena released her debut album Beyond This Line in 2015, a compilation of original songs written in the 10 years since her 6th place finish on Canadian Idol. The album is available for streaming on Spotify and other streaming platforms worldwide. Elena is the Creative Facilitator for "SExT: Sex Education by Theatre", a nationally-touring program and show that educates youth on topics surrounding sexuality and healthy relationships. She made her directorial debut with two music videos which address consent and intimate partner violence; funded in partnership with the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR).
Jeff Madden is a veteran of the musical theatre scene in Toronto, most recently appearing as ‘Kevin T. and Others’ in Come From Away (Mirvish). A Dora-Award winning actor, Jeff starred as ‘Frankie Valli’ in Jersey Boys for over three years in Toronto and across Australia. Other Toronto credits include Forever Plaid (Starvox/Mirvish), Echoes (Andrew Seok), and I Love You Because (Angelwalk) for which he garnered his second Dora nomination. Jeff has also performed for eight seasons at the Shaw Festival, recorded two CDs, appeared on TV’s ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ and ‘Mayday’, and enjoys teaching acting and singing privately and at Sheridan College in Oakville. Love and hugs to Christine, Sydney and Emily.
EPISODE 2:
BRUCE DOW & KELLY HOLIFF | October 27, 2020
Bruce Dow has just returned to Toronto after participating in one of the most interesting projects of his career. When Covid-19 hit, “Diana, a new musical” was less than 10 days from opening on Broadway. “Diana”, about the late Princess of Wales is the latest work from ®TONY Award winning director, Christopher Ashley (Come From Away), and the TONY® award winning creators of Memphis. This past month (September 2020) the “Diana” producing team decided to embark on a first-of-its-kind Broadway/Covid Age experiment. The entire Cast and Crew were brought to New Jersey where they were quarantined for a full month for the recording of the Original Cast Album - then they moved, still quarantined, to New York City where they assembled in the empty Longacre Theatre to film the entire production for Netflix! Bruce is best known for his 5 featured roles on Broadway; 12 seasons in leading roles at the Stratford Festival; 2 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for his work at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre; and his Helen Hayes Award nominated work in Washington, DC, In Toronto, Bruce most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed World Premiere of Dr. Silver, a Celebration of Life for Musical Stage Co., and Outside the March Theatre companies which earned him his 4th Dora Nomination. Next for Bruce is the World Premiere of the Broadway-bound Diana at the La Jolla Playhouse . www.brucedow.com @DowBruce
Kelly Holiff is a theatre, cabaret and concert performer based in Toronto. Some of Kelly's favourite moments as a performer have been touring with Colm Wilkinson as his special guest; opening for President Bush and President Clinton; and being a voice for The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Selected theatre credits include Noises Off (Mayfield Theatre), Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre), Knishes and Grits (Harold Green), Priscilla (Drayton), Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha (Drayton), Everybody's Got A Story (Angelwalk), Any Dream Will Do (Angelwalk), Uncovered (Musical Stage Company), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (Drayton), Taking The A Train (Soulpepper), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown), Sound of Music (Aquarius), and Hairspray (Capitol).
BRUCE DOW & KELLY HOLIFF | October 27, 2020
Bruce Dow has just returned to Toronto after participating in one of the most interesting projects of his career. When Covid-19 hit, “Diana, a new musical” was less than 10 days from opening on Broadway. “Diana”, about the late Princess of Wales is the latest work from ®TONY Award winning director, Christopher Ashley (Come From Away), and the TONY® award winning creators of Memphis. This past month (September 2020) the “Diana” producing team decided to embark on a first-of-its-kind Broadway/Covid Age experiment. The entire Cast and Crew were brought to New Jersey where they were quarantined for a full month for the recording of the Original Cast Album - then they moved, still quarantined, to New York City where they assembled in the empty Longacre Theatre to film the entire production for Netflix! Bruce is best known for his 5 featured roles on Broadway; 12 seasons in leading roles at the Stratford Festival; 2 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for his work at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre; and his Helen Hayes Award nominated work in Washington, DC, In Toronto, Bruce most recently appeared in the critically acclaimed World Premiere of Dr. Silver, a Celebration of Life for Musical Stage Co., and Outside the March Theatre companies which earned him his 4th Dora Nomination. Next for Bruce is the World Premiere of the Broadway-bound Diana at the La Jolla Playhouse . www.brucedow.com @DowBruce
Kelly Holiff is a theatre, cabaret and concert performer based in Toronto. Some of Kelly's favourite moments as a performer have been touring with Colm Wilkinson as his special guest; opening for President Bush and President Clinton; and being a voice for The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Selected theatre credits include Noises Off (Mayfield Theatre), Captain Hook in Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre), Knishes and Grits (Harold Green), Priscilla (Drayton), Aldonza in Man Of La Mancha (Drayton), Everybody's Got A Story (Angelwalk), Any Dream Will Do (Angelwalk), Uncovered (Musical Stage Company), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (Drayton), Taking The A Train (Soulpepper), Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown), Sound of Music (Aquarius), and Hairspray (Capitol).
EPISODE 3:
ADRIAN MARCHUK & JOSEPH ZITA | NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Adrian Marchuk is the creator and co-producer of four hit concert musicals - Any Dream Will Do, The Sweetest Sounds, Over The Rainbow, and A Whole New World. By taking us behind-the-scenes and inside the lives of the greatest composers of Broadway and Hollywood, Adrian and his co-producer Brian Goldenberg are bringing audiences to their feet across Canada. Adrian spent three years playing Frankie Valli in the Toronto and Las Vegas companies of Jersey Boys. Other recent credits include starring in Marry Me A Little (Tarragon Theatre), Dr. Fine in the hit rock musical Next To Normal (Tarragon Theatre), Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza (Patrick Street Productions, Persephone Theatre), Gilbert Blythe in Anne & Gilbert (Ontario Tour), Musical Of Musicals (Mirvish), and the Canadian premiere of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. Adrian is also on faculty at Randolph Academy, Sheridan College, and St. Clair College in addition to teaching voice privately in Toronto.
www.adrianmarchuk.com
Joseph Zita (he/him) is a Toronto-based actor, singer, and queer theatre artist. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and raised in Mississauga, ON. Credits for Angelwalk Theatre include Beauty and the Beast: In Concert, Angelwalk at 10, and Production Assistant forAny Dream Will Do: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Most recent credits include: Jay and Shilo: Phrantic Phone Call (Toronto Virtual Fringe Collective), Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre), Lilies; Or, The Revival of a Romantic Drama (lemonTree Creations/Buddies In Bad Times Theatre/Why Not Theatre), Kitsault: A New Canadian Musical (Al Green Theatre), Picture This (Soulpepper), Richard III (Shakespeare BASH’d) In The Heights: In Concert (We Are Here Productions), Maddie’s Karaoke Birthday Party (Toronto Fringe Festival). Joseph currently serves as Artistic Representative on the Board of Directors for Shakespeare in the Ruff. He holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor and trained in the Stella Adler Studio’s Musical Theatre intensive in New York City.
ADRIAN MARCHUK & JOSEPH ZITA | NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Adrian Marchuk is the creator and co-producer of four hit concert musicals - Any Dream Will Do, The Sweetest Sounds, Over The Rainbow, and A Whole New World. By taking us behind-the-scenes and inside the lives of the greatest composers of Broadway and Hollywood, Adrian and his co-producer Brian Goldenberg are bringing audiences to their feet across Canada. Adrian spent three years playing Frankie Valli in the Toronto and Las Vegas companies of Jersey Boys. Other recent credits include starring in Marry Me A Little (Tarragon Theatre), Dr. Fine in the hit rock musical Next To Normal (Tarragon Theatre), Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza (Patrick Street Productions, Persephone Theatre), Gilbert Blythe in Anne & Gilbert (Ontario Tour), Musical Of Musicals (Mirvish), and the Canadian premiere of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. Adrian is also on faculty at Randolph Academy, Sheridan College, and St. Clair College in addition to teaching voice privately in Toronto.
www.adrianmarchuk.com
Joseph Zita (he/him) is a Toronto-based actor, singer, and queer theatre artist. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and raised in Mississauga, ON. Credits for Angelwalk Theatre include Beauty and the Beast: In Concert, Angelwalk at 10, and Production Assistant forAny Dream Will Do: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Most recent credits include: Jay and Shilo: Phrantic Phone Call (Toronto Virtual Fringe Collective), Peter Pan (Neptune Theatre), Lilies; Or, The Revival of a Romantic Drama (lemonTree Creations/Buddies In Bad Times Theatre/Why Not Theatre), Kitsault: A New Canadian Musical (Al Green Theatre), Picture This (Soulpepper), Richard III (Shakespeare BASH’d) In The Heights: In Concert (We Are Here Productions), Maddie’s Karaoke Birthday Party (Toronto Fringe Festival). Joseph currently serves as Artistic Representative on the Board of Directors for Shakespeare in the Ruff. He holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Windsor and trained in the Stella Adler Studio’s Musical Theatre intensive in New York City.
EPISODE 4:
ALEXIS GORDON & VANESSA SEARS | NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Alexis Gordon was born and raised in London, Ontario. Selected theatre credits include: Ma in North American premiere of Emma Donoghue’s Room (Grand Theatre/Mirvish); Brigadoon, Rope (Shaw Festival); Hook Up (Theatre Passe Muraille/Tapestry); Coriolanus, The Tempest, Guys & Dolls, A Little Night Music, Carousel, The Sound of Music (Stratford Festival); Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol (Grand Theatre), Sunday in the Park With George (TIFT), The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble (Factory/Obsidian); Obeah Opera (Nightwood); Starbright Christmas, Canada Sings, Godspell (Petrolia Playhouse); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Driftwood). Awards: Banks Prize for Emerging Artists (Musical Stage Co). Education: BFA Acting, University of Windsor.
Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning performer based in Toronto. Making her professional debut as Nicola in the Canadian Premiere of ‘Kinky Boots’, Vanessa has since starred on stages across Canada. Vanessa is now working primarily in film and TV due to the pandemic, but had the pleasure of performing live for audiences with Musical Stage Company’s concert series “Porchside Songs” throughout the summer. An educator and budding activist, Vanessa is expanding her skills to include directing, and is delighted to have been chosen as one of the Musical Stage Company’s RBC Apprentice Directors with the support of the Kathleen C Freeman Leadership Development Fund. Vanessa is excited and immensely grateful to continue learning alongside phenomenal artists and looks forward to returning to the stage when it is safe to do so.
ALEXIS GORDON & VANESSA SEARS | NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Alexis Gordon was born and raised in London, Ontario. Selected theatre credits include: Ma in North American premiere of Emma Donoghue’s Room (Grand Theatre/Mirvish); Brigadoon, Rope (Shaw Festival); Hook Up (Theatre Passe Muraille/Tapestry); Coriolanus, The Tempest, Guys & Dolls, A Little Night Music, Carousel, The Sound of Music (Stratford Festival); Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol (Grand Theatre), Sunday in the Park With George (TIFT), The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble (Factory/Obsidian); Obeah Opera (Nightwood); Starbright Christmas, Canada Sings, Godspell (Petrolia Playhouse); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Driftwood). Awards: Banks Prize for Emerging Artists (Musical Stage Co). Education: BFA Acting, University of Windsor.
Vanessa Sears is a Dora Award, Toronto Theatre Critics Award, BroadwayWorld Award and Critic’s Pick Award winning performer based in Toronto. Making her professional debut as Nicola in the Canadian Premiere of ‘Kinky Boots’, Vanessa has since starred on stages across Canada. Vanessa is now working primarily in film and TV due to the pandemic, but had the pleasure of performing live for audiences with Musical Stage Company’s concert series “Porchside Songs” throughout the summer. An educator and budding activist, Vanessa is expanding her skills to include directing, and is delighted to have been chosen as one of the Musical Stage Company’s RBC Apprentice Directors with the support of the Kathleen C Freeman Leadership Development Fund. Vanessa is excited and immensely grateful to continue learning alongside phenomenal artists and looks forward to returning to the stage when it is safe to do so.
EPISODE 5:
BEAU DIXON & HAILEY LEWIS | November 17, 2020
Beau Dixon is a self taught multi award winning actor, musician, composer, playwright and artistic director of Firebrand Theatre. He has performed extensively throughout Canada, the U.S and Europe as an actor and musician. Some of his acting credits include; Guys 'n' Dolls, HMS Pinafore (Stratford Festival), Ghost Quartet (Crow's Theatre), Hamlet, Next To Normal (Tarragon), The Father, Marjorie Prime (Coalmine Theatre). Beau has composed music for Vertigo Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary), Factory Theatre, Coalmine Theatre, Crow's Theatre (Toronto). He won the Toronto and Calgary Critics Award and was nominated for a Dora for his lead role in a musical as the Narrator in Passing Strange (Musical Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). As a playwright; his plays have been produced at Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary), Theatre Collingwood, Factory Theatre, Storefront Theatre (Toronto). His most recent play, Bloom: A Rock 'n' Roll Fable premiered in front of a sold out audience at 4th Line Theatre (Millbrook). Beau is a recipient of Peterborough's Pathway Of Fame, and is a KM Hunter award finalist. He is presently touring his award winning theatrical solo piece 'Beneath Springhill' (Talk Is Free Theatre, Burlington Theatre, Neptune Theatre, St. Johns Theatre Company). You can hear his albums on itunes, spotify or any social media stream.
Hailey Lewis (she/her) grew up in Burlington, Ontario where she trained in various styles of dance for 15 years at Burlington Dance Company, as well as performing in Burlington Student Theatre’s Performing Arts Camp summer shows. She is a graduate of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre degree program and two-time Triple Threat Award recipient. A proud member of CAEA and ACTRA, she has performed in musicals such as: Hairspray, Grease, Sousatzka, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia and more, in theatres across Canada as well as danced in Disney's Zombies and a Season 2 episode of American Gods. Hailey truly feels in giving back to all communities, by inspiring and spreading love and light. As always, she thanks her agency, her friends and most importantly her family, for their on-going support. Instagram:@haileyalexislewis
BEAU DIXON & HAILEY LEWIS | November 17, 2020
Beau Dixon is a self taught multi award winning actor, musician, composer, playwright and artistic director of Firebrand Theatre. He has performed extensively throughout Canada, the U.S and Europe as an actor and musician. Some of his acting credits include; Guys 'n' Dolls, HMS Pinafore (Stratford Festival), Ghost Quartet (Crow's Theatre), Hamlet, Next To Normal (Tarragon), The Father, Marjorie Prime (Coalmine Theatre). Beau has composed music for Vertigo Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary), Factory Theatre, Coalmine Theatre, Crow's Theatre (Toronto). He won the Toronto and Calgary Critics Award and was nominated for a Dora for his lead role in a musical as the Narrator in Passing Strange (Musical Stage Company/Obsidian Theatre). As a playwright; his plays have been produced at Lunchbox Theatre (Calgary), Theatre Collingwood, Factory Theatre, Storefront Theatre (Toronto). His most recent play, Bloom: A Rock 'n' Roll Fable premiered in front of a sold out audience at 4th Line Theatre (Millbrook). Beau is a recipient of Peterborough's Pathway Of Fame, and is a KM Hunter award finalist. He is presently touring his award winning theatrical solo piece 'Beneath Springhill' (Talk Is Free Theatre, Burlington Theatre, Neptune Theatre, St. Johns Theatre Company). You can hear his albums on itunes, spotify or any social media stream.
Hailey Lewis (she/her) grew up in Burlington, Ontario where she trained in various styles of dance for 15 years at Burlington Dance Company, as well as performing in Burlington Student Theatre’s Performing Arts Camp summer shows. She is a graduate of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre degree program and two-time Triple Threat Award recipient. A proud member of CAEA and ACTRA, she has performed in musicals such as: Hairspray, Grease, Sousatzka, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia and more, in theatres across Canada as well as danced in Disney's Zombies and a Season 2 episode of American Gods. Hailey truly feels in giving back to all communities, by inspiring and spreading love and light. As always, she thanks her agency, her friends and most importantly her family, for their on-going support. Instagram:@haileyalexislewis
EPISODE 6:
STEFFI DIDOMENICANTONIO & ANDREW PRASHAD| November 24, 2020
Steffi Didomenicantonio, Montreal born and Ottawa raised, is a Dora Award nominated performer who has appeared on stages across Canada and the United States for the past decade. Before the pandemic, Steffi had performed the role of Janice and Others in the Broadway smash hit Come From Away in Toronto over 850 times. She has toured North America in the first Broadway National Tour of Spring Awakening and was the Top 5 finalist on Season 4 of Canadian Idol. Her other selected theatre credits include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Cinderella in Cinderella (Dora Nomination), Natalie in Next to Normal, Wendy in Peter Pan in Wonderland, Wednesday in The Addams Family, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Monica in Rooms, the world premiere of Bittergirl: The Musical, the bilingual multimedia show Five Faces for Evelyn Frost, among others. Steffi has also appeared on the small screen as Shellers in CBC’s Crawford created by Trailer Park Boys’ Mike Clattenburg as well as Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, Saving Hope, Lost Girl, Nikita, Private Eyes, Rick Mercer Report, Fugazi, Amélie et Compagnie (2 seasons), Moitié Moitié (4 seasons), the short film Loretta’s Flowers which has made it’s rounds in the film festival circuit and the feature film Stage Fright with rockstar legend Meatloaf. You may also recognize her from various commercials where she was probably trying to sell you cars, fast food or chocolate bars. You can catch Steffi in the upcoming romcom Learning To Love Again on the W Network and as the recurring voice of Ashlor in the animated series Ollie’s Pack and as gossip journalist Tara Tweet in the upcoming season of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Steffi also co-created and co-hosts the online isolation talkshow Check In From Away on the Mirvish Productions’ YouTube channel. Her last name is 16 letters and 8 syllables and she was named after the tennis player Steffi Graf. She’s your average Italian French Canadian musical theatre nerd slash Liza Minnelli lookalike who loves cats, karaoke and poutine, all at once or separately and in no particular order.
Andrew Prashad is a solidly trained and versatile dancer as well as a musician, singer and actor. He is one of the leading Tap dance artists in Canada, teaching and choreographing around the world. He is an award- winning actor, composer and writer, having recently had his self-produced short film officially selected in 12 festivals around the world and winning 4 awards including BEST SHORT FILM. He was a featured singer and dancer on the 20th Anniversary World Tour of RIVERDANCE, originated a role in Mira Nair’s MONSOON WEDDING musical at Berkeley Rep Theatre, played Cogsworth in Young People’s Theatre’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Billy in ONCE at Theatre St John’s in Newfoundland, Boutons in Neptune Theatre’s CINDERELLA where he won a MERRITT AWARD for OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR, and originated the role of Jonas in JUKEBOX HERO at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. He recently finished doing HOLIDAY INN at the Shaw Festival and is preparing for his tour of his One- Person show ONE STEP AT A TIME. It is a critically acclaimed, multi-medium show (Tap dance, acting, singing, video) chronicling his family’s journey with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and has been presented by schools and theatres, raising $9,330 (to date) for SickKids Hospital and ErinOak Kids. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Toronto at Mississauga with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance as well as French Literature.
STEFFI DIDOMENICANTONIO & ANDREW PRASHAD| November 24, 2020
Steffi Didomenicantonio, Montreal born and Ottawa raised, is a Dora Award nominated performer who has appeared on stages across Canada and the United States for the past decade. Before the pandemic, Steffi had performed the role of Janice and Others in the Broadway smash hit Come From Away in Toronto over 850 times. She has toured North America in the first Broadway National Tour of Spring Awakening and was the Top 5 finalist on Season 4 of Canadian Idol. Her other selected theatre credits include: Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Cinderella in Cinderella (Dora Nomination), Natalie in Next to Normal, Wendy in Peter Pan in Wonderland, Wednesday in The Addams Family, Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Monica in Rooms, the world premiere of Bittergirl: The Musical, the bilingual multimedia show Five Faces for Evelyn Frost, among others. Steffi has also appeared on the small screen as Shellers in CBC’s Crawford created by Trailer Park Boys’ Mike Clattenburg as well as Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, Saving Hope, Lost Girl, Nikita, Private Eyes, Rick Mercer Report, Fugazi, Amélie et Compagnie (2 seasons), Moitié Moitié (4 seasons), the short film Loretta’s Flowers which has made it’s rounds in the film festival circuit and the feature film Stage Fright with rockstar legend Meatloaf. You may also recognize her from various commercials where she was probably trying to sell you cars, fast food or chocolate bars. You can catch Steffi in the upcoming romcom Learning To Love Again on the W Network and as the recurring voice of Ashlor in the animated series Ollie’s Pack and as gossip journalist Tara Tweet in the upcoming season of Frankie Drake Mysteries. Steffi also co-created and co-hosts the online isolation talkshow Check In From Away on the Mirvish Productions’ YouTube channel. Her last name is 16 letters and 8 syllables and she was named after the tennis player Steffi Graf. She’s your average Italian French Canadian musical theatre nerd slash Liza Minnelli lookalike who loves cats, karaoke and poutine, all at once or separately and in no particular order.
Andrew Prashad is a solidly trained and versatile dancer as well as a musician, singer and actor. He is one of the leading Tap dance artists in Canada, teaching and choreographing around the world. He is an award- winning actor, composer and writer, having recently had his self-produced short film officially selected in 12 festivals around the world and winning 4 awards including BEST SHORT FILM. He was a featured singer and dancer on the 20th Anniversary World Tour of RIVERDANCE, originated a role in Mira Nair’s MONSOON WEDDING musical at Berkeley Rep Theatre, played Cogsworth in Young People’s Theatre’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Billy in ONCE at Theatre St John’s in Newfoundland, Boutons in Neptune Theatre’s CINDERELLA where he won a MERRITT AWARD for OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR, and originated the role of Jonas in JUKEBOX HERO at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. He recently finished doing HOLIDAY INN at the Shaw Festival and is preparing for his tour of his One- Person show ONE STEP AT A TIME. It is a critically acclaimed, multi-medium show (Tap dance, acting, singing, video) chronicling his family’s journey with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and has been presented by schools and theatres, raising $9,330 (to date) for SickKids Hospital and ErinOak Kids. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Toronto at Mississauga with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Performance as well as French Literature.
EPISODE 7:
THOM ALLISON & EVANGELIA KAMBITES | December 1, 2020
Thom Allison, Canadian Screen Award winner can be seen as “Pree” in the hit series, KILLJOYS, on Space/Syfy Networks. Thom has appeared on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and in the original Canadian companies of Miss Saigon, The Who’s Tommy and Rent. He was also a judge on CBC's Over the Rainbow, searching for Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. At the Stratford Festival, Thom has appeared in Romeo and Juliet, Pericles, My Fair Lady, Threepenny Opera, The King and I, King Henry VIII, and Into the Woods. At the Shaw Festival: Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Wonderful Town, A Little Night Music and Follies: In Concert. Some other credits include The Wizard of Oz (Young People's Theatre), Cabaret (Theatre Calgary), Annie (Grand Theatre), Evita (Theatre Calgary/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre) and The Drowsy Chaperone (The Vancouver Playhouse/The Citadel/National Arts Centre/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). TV/Film: Murdoch Mysteries, Kim’s Convenience, I Me Wed, Road to Christmas, Leaving Metropolis. Directing credits include Seussical (Young People's Theatre), A Little Night Music (Randolph Academy), and Mary Poppins - Dora Award Nomination (Young Peoples Theatre). His CD, “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” can be purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. Visit his website: www.thomallison.com
Evangelia Kambites is a singer/songwriter, actor, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto. Notable stage credits include Hadestown (Citadel), Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors (Stratford Festival),the META Award-winning production of The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God (NAC/Centaur/BTW), The Hockey Sweater (Segal Centre/NAC) I Think I'm Fallin' - The Songs of Joni Mitchell (Belfry Theatre), for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, 27 Club (Soulpepper), the Jessie Award-winning production of Avenue Q (Arts Club), the Sterling Award-winning production of Hairspray (Mayfield Theatre), Buddy–The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre North West). For television: Minority Report (FOX), Heroes Reborn (NBC), Incorporated (SYFY/CBS), The Boys (Sony/Amazon). Debut album Feel The Fall available now on all platforms! Twitter/Instagram: @ekambites
THOM ALLISON & EVANGELIA KAMBITES | December 1, 2020
Thom Allison, Canadian Screen Award winner can be seen as “Pree” in the hit series, KILLJOYS, on Space/Syfy Networks. Thom has appeared on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and in the original Canadian companies of Miss Saigon, The Who’s Tommy and Rent. He was also a judge on CBC's Over the Rainbow, searching for Dorothy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's production of The Wizard of Oz. At the Stratford Festival, Thom has appeared in Romeo and Juliet, Pericles, My Fair Lady, Threepenny Opera, The King and I, King Henry VIII, and Into the Woods. At the Shaw Festival: Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Wonderful Town, A Little Night Music and Follies: In Concert. Some other credits include The Wizard of Oz (Young People's Theatre), Cabaret (Theatre Calgary), Annie (Grand Theatre), Evita (Theatre Calgary/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre) and The Drowsy Chaperone (The Vancouver Playhouse/The Citadel/National Arts Centre/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). TV/Film: Murdoch Mysteries, Kim’s Convenience, I Me Wed, Road to Christmas, Leaving Metropolis. Directing credits include Seussical (Young People's Theatre), A Little Night Music (Randolph Academy), and Mary Poppins - Dora Award Nomination (Young Peoples Theatre). His CD, “A Whole Lotta Sunlight” can be purchased on iTunes and streamed on Spotify. Visit his website: www.thomallison.com
Evangelia Kambites is a singer/songwriter, actor, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto. Notable stage credits include Hadestown (Citadel), Billy Elliot, Little Shop of Horrors (Stratford Festival),the META Award-winning production of The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God (NAC/Centaur/BTW), The Hockey Sweater (Segal Centre/NAC) I Think I'm Fallin' - The Songs of Joni Mitchell (Belfry Theatre), for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, The Secret Chord: A Leonard Cohen Experience, 27 Club (Soulpepper), the Jessie Award-winning production of Avenue Q (Arts Club), the Sterling Award-winning production of Hairspray (Mayfield Theatre), Buddy–The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre North West). For television: Minority Report (FOX), Heroes Reborn (NBC), Incorporated (SYFY/CBS), The Boys (Sony/Amazon). Debut album Feel The Fall available now on all platforms! Twitter/Instagram: @ekambites
EPISODE 8:
GABI EPSTEIN & JEREMY LAPALME | December 8, 2020
Gabi Epstein is a DORA Award winner and one of Canada's leading stage and cabaret performers best known for playing Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors" for the Stratford Festival and Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" for the Segal Centre/Harold Green Jewish Theatre. Other credits include “Once” (Mirvish Productions-- DORA AWARD Ensemble/Production), "Billy Elliot" (Stratford), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Stage West/Capitol Theatre), “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”, “Candide”, “Dani Girl” TIFT), “The Sound of Music”, “Blood Brothers” “Perfect Wedding” (Drayton), “City of Angels” (Theatre by the Bay), “To Life” (HGJT-- DORA AWARD Nomination for Outstanding Performance), and “Edges” (Musical Stage Co.). Gabi’s CD Show Off is available on Spotify and iTunes and her infamous “Gabarets” have been performed all over North America garnering her praise such as “Best Cabaret of the Year” by the Times Square Chronicles in NYC. She and her husband Jeremy are the co-founders of “The New Local: Dine In, Sing Out!” which partners with local restaurants to provide live virtual dinner & show events. Check out thenewlocal.ca for more info and follow Gabi on Instagram for all performance updates. @gabifayepstein
Jeremy Lapalme has made a reputation for himself over the past 12 years as one of Canada’s top comedic performers, appearing in plays and musicals across the country. Some theatre credits include: Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, You’re a good man Charlie Brown (Rose Theatre); 80s Solid Gold, Spamalot, Young Frankenstein, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and the hit farce Drinking Habits (Stage West Calgary); We Will Rock You (Magnus Theatre); A Christmas Story (Theatre Orangeville); The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof (Capitol Theatre) and many others. Jeremy is also one of the performing creators at with Bain and Bernard Comedy appearing in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Hamlet; The You’ve Never Seen Anything Like It Show!!; Romeo and Juliet: Chainsaw Massacre (Best of Fringe TO) among others. Jeremy is a proud graduate of both the performing arts program at Wexford School of the Arts and the musical theatre program at Sheridan College.
GABI EPSTEIN & JEREMY LAPALME | December 8, 2020
Gabi Epstein is a DORA Award winner and one of Canada's leading stage and cabaret performers best known for playing Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors" for the Stratford Festival and Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" for the Segal Centre/Harold Green Jewish Theatre. Other credits include “Once” (Mirvish Productions-- DORA AWARD Ensemble/Production), "Billy Elliot" (Stratford), “Fiddler on the Roof” (Stage West/Capitol Theatre), “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”, “Candide”, “Dani Girl” TIFT), “The Sound of Music”, “Blood Brothers” “Perfect Wedding” (Drayton), “City of Angels” (Theatre by the Bay), “To Life” (HGJT-- DORA AWARD Nomination for Outstanding Performance), and “Edges” (Musical Stage Co.). Gabi’s CD Show Off is available on Spotify and iTunes and her infamous “Gabarets” have been performed all over North America garnering her praise such as “Best Cabaret of the Year” by the Times Square Chronicles in NYC. She and her husband Jeremy are the co-founders of “The New Local: Dine In, Sing Out!” which partners with local restaurants to provide live virtual dinner & show events. Check out thenewlocal.ca for more info and follow Gabi on Instagram for all performance updates. @gabifayepstein
Jeremy Lapalme has made a reputation for himself over the past 12 years as one of Canada’s top comedic performers, appearing in plays and musicals across the country. Some theatre credits include: Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, You’re a good man Charlie Brown (Rose Theatre); 80s Solid Gold, Spamalot, Young Frankenstein, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and the hit farce Drinking Habits (Stage West Calgary); We Will Rock You (Magnus Theatre); A Christmas Story (Theatre Orangeville); The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof (Capitol Theatre) and many others. Jeremy is also one of the performing creators at with Bain and Bernard Comedy appearing in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Hamlet; The You’ve Never Seen Anything Like It Show!!; Romeo and Juliet: Chainsaw Massacre (Best of Fringe TO) among others. Jeremy is a proud graduate of both the performing arts program at Wexford School of the Arts and the musical theatre program at Sheridan College.
EPISODE 9:
SACCHA DENNIS & ALI MOMEN | December 15, 2020
Saccha Dennis was last seen in Mirvish’s hit musical Come From Away as Hannah and Others at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. She is an actor, director and creator. Originally from Montreal, she studied Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College in Oakville ON. Since then she has toured Canada, U.S and abroad. Her other acting credits include, Sousatzka: a new musical with Victoria Clarke and Montego Glover. Jacob two-two meets the Hooded Fang, James and the Giant Peach (Dora nomination- YPT) Sister Act ( Rainbow Stage) Avenue Q, (Citadel Theatre) Dreamgirls (Theatre Aquarius,Stage West) Little Shop (The RoseTheatre,Sudbury, Stage West) Shaw Festival’s Ragtime, My Fair Lady, Sunday in the Park with George and 1st U.S National tour of We Will Rock You to name a few. Saccha’s directing credits include: Legally Blonde (Hart House Theatre- Subscriber’s Choice Award for best production) 9 to 5: The musical, Dreamgirls (LOT- Broadway world regional award for best production- non-eq category), Oraltorio (Ift theatre Asst.dir ) Onegin (Musical Stage Co- Asst.dir.) Besides acting and directing she also writes, creates as well as educates young actors. You can find Saccha online @sacchafierce (Insta) Saccha Dennis Robichaud (Facebook) & sacchadennis.com
Ali Momen is an accomplished and award winning actor who has graced many of the largest stages North America; appeared and starred in independent and major films and has appeared in guest star, and recurring roles on many television shows. A classically trained singer, Ali's conservatory training was at Sheridan Institute's Music Theatre Performance program where he graduated with the highest overall achievement in performance, and after many years as a pro, has returned to Sheridan as an acting instructor. His theatre credits include three seasons at The Shaw Festival, and productions with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary and Why Not Theatre. He originated the role of VIKRAM in Mira Nair's stage adaptation of her hit film, MONSOON WEDDING. Currently Ali plays Kevin J and Others in COME FROM AWAY at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. On the screen, Ali played the leading role of Nep in Oscar Nominated Director Deepa Mehta's BEEBA BOYS and his other film and television credits include Kamran Gant on STAR TREK : DISCOVERY (CBS), Recurring rolesin THE LA COMPLEX (CW), and THE STRAIN (FX); guest stars on many shows including HOUDINI & DOYLE (iTV, FOX), INCORPORATED (SYFY), KIM’S CONVENIENCE (CTV), CRACKED (CBC), SATISFACTION (CTV), COMBAT HOSPITAL (ABC), and HOW TO BE INDIE (YTV)
You can catch Ali talk about arts, politics and how they intersect every week with Torquil Campbell on his podcast SOFT REVOLUTION - softrevcast.com
SACCHA DENNIS & ALI MOMEN | December 15, 2020
Saccha Dennis was last seen in Mirvish’s hit musical Come From Away as Hannah and Others at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. She is an actor, director and creator. Originally from Montreal, she studied Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College in Oakville ON. Since then she has toured Canada, U.S and abroad. Her other acting credits include, Sousatzka: a new musical with Victoria Clarke and Montego Glover. Jacob two-two meets the Hooded Fang, James and the Giant Peach (Dora nomination- YPT) Sister Act ( Rainbow Stage) Avenue Q, (Citadel Theatre) Dreamgirls (Theatre Aquarius,Stage West) Little Shop (The RoseTheatre,Sudbury, Stage West) Shaw Festival’s Ragtime, My Fair Lady, Sunday in the Park with George and 1st U.S National tour of We Will Rock You to name a few. Saccha’s directing credits include: Legally Blonde (Hart House Theatre- Subscriber’s Choice Award for best production) 9 to 5: The musical, Dreamgirls (LOT- Broadway world regional award for best production- non-eq category), Oraltorio (Ift theatre Asst.dir ) Onegin (Musical Stage Co- Asst.dir.) Besides acting and directing she also writes, creates as well as educates young actors. You can find Saccha online @sacchafierce (Insta) Saccha Dennis Robichaud (Facebook) & sacchadennis.com
Ali Momen is an accomplished and award winning actor who has graced many of the largest stages North America; appeared and starred in independent and major films and has appeared in guest star, and recurring roles on many television shows. A classically trained singer, Ali's conservatory training was at Sheridan Institute's Music Theatre Performance program where he graduated with the highest overall achievement in performance, and after many years as a pro, has returned to Sheridan as an acting instructor. His theatre credits include three seasons at The Shaw Festival, and productions with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary and Why Not Theatre. He originated the role of VIKRAM in Mira Nair's stage adaptation of her hit film, MONSOON WEDDING. Currently Ali plays Kevin J and Others in COME FROM AWAY at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. On the screen, Ali played the leading role of Nep in Oscar Nominated Director Deepa Mehta's BEEBA BOYS and his other film and television credits include Kamran Gant on STAR TREK : DISCOVERY (CBS), Recurring rolesin THE LA COMPLEX (CW), and THE STRAIN (FX); guest stars on many shows including HOUDINI & DOYLE (iTV, FOX), INCORPORATED (SYFY), KIM’S CONVENIENCE (CTV), CRACKED (CBC), SATISFACTION (CTV), COMBAT HOSPITAL (ABC), and HOW TO BE INDIE (YTV)
You can catch Ali talk about arts, politics and how they intersect every week with Torquil Campbell on his podcast SOFT REVOLUTION - softrevcast.com
