Back to the 80s Part 2: The Adventure Continues

Van Wilmott

Artistic Director/Director/Musical Director

Welcome to the Mayfield and this performance of Back to the 80’s Part 2. It’s that time of year again when we unleash our holiday season Rock ‘n Roll extravaganza! Two years ago, Part 1 of our tribute to the 80’s was such a huge success, Part 2 was inevitable. This most excellent musical adventure continues under the backdrop of the great (and sometimes questionable) music and fashion of the 80’s.

This time around, Bill and Ted search for love…love can found in the strangest places. Just like Part 1, this is a great party show with an amazing cast, including many of our Xmas show regulars and two talents who are new to us at the Mayfield.

If you are new to our theatre, we hope you have an amazing time and if you have been with us before, we are thrilled to have you back! The holiday season review is always a great time at the Mayfield and always provides a challenge to make it as popular as the year before. We hope you enjoy this performance and thank you again for your patronage.

Dave Horak

Staging

Dave Horak is a director, actor, and teacher who has worked throughout Canada and the United States and is Artistic Director of the award-winning Edmonton Actors Theatre that has produced Stupid F##king Bird, A sort of adaptation of The Seagull, Fatboy, The Waste Land and will re-mount the alternative holiday hit Burning Bluebeard at Theatre Network this December. Other recent directing credits include Going, Going, Gone and The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe (Teatro La Quindicina), Footloose, Curtains, and Company (MacEwan University) A Few Good Men (Keyano Theatre), Measures; The Musical, The Inspector General, Cloud Nine (Citadel Theatre Young Company), and Eurydice (U of A Studio Theatre). Dave’s past Mayfield credits include performing in Boeing-Boeing, Godspell, Mile High Madness, The Full Monty, Maggie’s Getting Married, Shear Madness, The Great Electrical Revolution, and Don’t Dress for Dinner. Dave has also performed at many theatre companies across the U.S. and Canada including The Citadel Theatre, Freewill Players, Workshop West Theatre, Theatre Yes, Vertigo Theatre, theatre no. 6, and Wild Side Productions. Dave holds BFA (Acting) and MFA (Directing) degrees from the University of Alberta and was a participant in the 2015-16 Citadel/ Banff Professional Theatre Program. 

Christine Bandelow

Choreographer / Ensemble (Dec 5–Jan 7)

Christine has been involved in over thirty productions at the Mayfield, performing or choreographing or both. Most recently she had the pleasure of choreographing Soul Sistas and was in Jesus Christ Superstar this past spring. Some other favourite show experiences include choreographing Bittergirl – The Musical (Charlottetown Festival/Citadel Theatre) One Man, Two Guvnors (Citadel Theatre), It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s Superman! (Plain Jane Theatre/Edmonton Fringe), Heathers (Citadel Young Company), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Neptune Theatre) Rent (Mexico, Barcelona, Montreal), Hair, Only In Vegas, Back to The 80’s, Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story, Little Shop Of Horrors and The British Invasion (Mayfield Theatre). Favourite performance experiences include Cabaret and West Side Story (Citadel Theatre), Chicago, Gypsy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Top Of the Pops (Mayfield), Featherland (One Yellow Rabbit), The Yellow Wallpaper (Chinook Festival), Songs For Sinners and Saints (Catalyst Theatre) and Rent (Mirvish) – Original Canadian Company/US National Tour.

Jahlen Barnes

Ensemble

Born and raised in Toronto, Jahlen Barnes started his training at the age of eight at the Annex Children’s Theatre Education Program. He also trained with the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. Jahlen appeared in last year’s Alice in Wonderland and Sweeney Todd at The Shaw Festival. In Toronto, Jahlen was seen in Seussical at Young People’s Theatre as one of the Wickersham Brothers and then as Youth in the Musical Stage company’s production of Passing Strange for which he won a Dora Mavor Moore award. Previous credits: Melchior in Spring Awakening, Captain Watkin Tench/ Black Caesar in Our Country’s Good and as a featured singer in Solid Gold 80’s for Stage West Calgary. Jahlen is a proud graduate of the Randolph Academy of Performing Arts in Toronto.

Vanessa Cobham

Ensemble

Vanessa is very excited to be making her debut at the Mayfield theatre. Vanessa has worked as a triple threat performer all over the US and Canada. She had toured with musical acts 112 and Nelly while working for Arista/ Sony records.  Other theatre credits include: Sister Act (Drayton/Rainbow Stage), Little Shop of Horrors (Drayton), The Lion King (Mirvish Productions), South Pacific (Drayton), The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre Aquarius), Dreamgirls (The Grand Theatre), Chicago (Neptune Theatre).  Film/TV Credits: Heroes Reborn (NBC), Man Seeking Woman (FX), Warehouse 13 (SYFY), Hairspray (New Line Cinema), The Pacifier (Disney Pictures), Rick Mercer Report (CBC), Sound Girl (Canadian Film Center). Vanessa would like to thank her family for always supporting her career.   Now let’s rock out to the 80’s!

Kevin Dabbs

Ensemble

Kevin is most bodaciously-thrilled and grateful to be back at the Mayfield with this totally non-heinous cast, crew and band! Some of his fave appearances here: Jesus Christ Superstar (Peter), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Andre), The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), The Full Monty (Malcolm), Nashville Outlaws (Willie Nelson), Four Lads Who Shook the World (Paul McCartney), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jerry) and Folkswaggin’ (Bob Dylan). Kevin is having an amazing experience this school year learning together with his awesome Grade 4 students at Elmwood Elementary! Love love love to Christine, Jack and Maddy-Kat! Be excellent to one another!

Gerrad Everard

Ensemble (Nov 7–Dec 3; Jan 9–28)

Gerrad is thrilled to be returning to the Mayfield with such a great cast and crew! Selected Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet, Sister Act, Hair, Buddy Holly Story, Rocky Horror Picture Show, British Invasion I and II, Twist and Shout, Legends of RnR, Super Groovy 70’s, Anne of Green Gables, The Wedding Singer, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Canadian Legends, History of RnR, and Disco Cirque.  Selected Film and Tv:  Paranormal Witness, Close Encounters, Chocolate Confidential, Doodlebops.  Gerrad lives in Stratford, ON but originally hails from a family farm near Wawanesa, MB.  Please meet and pick up a copy of his album R0K 2G0 in the lobby after the show or for more info on Gerrad please visit www.gerradeverard.com. Enjoy the show and Happy Holidays to all!!! ox

Pamela Gordon

Ensemble

Mayfield Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar, Only In Vegas, Back to the 80’s, Cabaret, Top of the Pops: A British Rock Invasion, History of Rock ‘n Roll: Stars & Stripes, Chicago, The British Invasion, Rockin’ Vegas, Country, Rock and a Whole Lotta Soul, 2000 – A Rock and Roll Odyssey, Poodle Skirts to Platform Shoes, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, Rock and Roll Reunion and Hair. Other Theatre: Rainbow Stage: Les Miserables; Citadel Theatre; West Side Story, Oliver, Grease, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors; Theatre Aquarius: Legally Blonde, Top of the Pops; Neptune Theatre: CATS, The Rocky Horror Show, Cabaret; Theatre Calgary: West Side Story; Jubilations Dinner Theatre: Pirates of the North Saskatchewan III; Norwegian Cruise Lines. Film/T.V.: Halo (2005 release), voice work for the X-box video game Jade Empire. Et Cetera: Pamela is a Sterling award nominee and recipient. Pamela would like to dedicate these performances to her husband and co-worker Brad, and to her very supportive group of friends and family. Have a great time tonight and enjoy the show!!!

Cameron MacDuffee

Ensemble (Dec 5–Jan 7)


Cameron has worked in theatres across Canada including Vancouver Playhouse, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Grand Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, Canadian Stage, Acting Upstage, Segal Centre, Theatre New Brunswick Neptune Theatre and several seasons at the Shaw, Charlottetown and Drayton Festivals. Originally from Ontario (where he spent the eighties), he now lives on a farm on Prince Edward Island.

Kieran Martin Murphy

Ensemble

Ahhh, going back to the 80’s…my time. Growing up in Westlock where Friday night was the mainstreet cruise, followed by a trip to the vendors and then hitting a bush party where some guy in a Monte Carlo would crank his stereo and play all 11 of the cassettes he just got in the mail from Columbia House. Tonight we celebrate….enjoy the mix tape. Selected Credits: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, The Buddy Holly Story, Rock of Ages (Arts Club), King Arthur in Spamalot, All Shook Up, JC Superstar (Stage West), CATS (Theatre Calgary), Claudius in Hamlet (U of A) The Full Monty, Evita, The Wizard of Oz, The British Invasion (Mayfield), Oliver! (Citadel). Television/Film: Damnation (USA), Fear Itself (NBC), Mixed Blessings (APTN). I have a new album coming out…see me in the lobby after.

Laura Mae Nason

Ensemble (Nov 7–Dec 3; Jan 9–28)

Laura Mae is so happy to be back for another Holiday season at the Mayfield. Select Theatre Credits: Mary Robert in Sister Act (Drayton Entertainment), Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet (Drayton and Stage West Calgary), Margot in Legally Blonde (Theatre Aquarius), Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray (Mayfield Theatre, Drayton Entertainment, Charlottetown Festival, and Rainbow Stage), Holly in The Wedding Singer (Mayfield), Josie Pye in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), Chicago (Mayfield and Neptune Theatre), Beauty & the Beast (Arts Club), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Charlottetown Festival), British Invasion (Stage West Calgary and Charlottetown Festival), Guys & Dolls, Cabaret (Stage West). Thank you to Van, Christine, Dave and everyone at the Mayfield. And many thanks to Bruce and the Talent House, friends and family for their constant love and support. Happy Holidays!

Brad Wiebe

Ensemble

Welcome to our “Most Triumphant” return to the 80’s ladies and gentlemen! I feel so lucky to be sharing the stage with so many wonderful friends, especially my amazing wife Pamela! Last seen on this stage as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar I’m looking forward to reprising the role of Bill and performing some of my all-time favorite hits out of the 80’s! Some recent credits include Directing Orange is the New Pink (Jubilations), Hair (Mayfield) and Steve Perry, among others in Back to the 80’s: A Most Excellent Adventure (Mayfield). Have a wonderful holiday season everyone! I’ll be in the lobby after the show promoting my debut cd’s “Letting Go” the unplugged and studio versions. Come on by say hello and chat about how the Oilers are doing this year and most of all enjoy the show dudes and dudettes!!!!

Steve Hoy

Drums

One of the most respected and in-demand drummers in Western Canada, Stephen performs and records with numerous national and international artists. Known for his versatility and keen musicianship, Stephen is looking forward to performing again with the Mayfield Dinner Theatre.

Paul Lamoureux

Reeds/Keys

Multi-instrumentalist Paul Lamoureux was born here in Edmonton. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in music from North Texas State University, and a diploma in Performing Arts from Grant MacEwan College. Paul has performed with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas (“O” at the Bellagio), the Tommy Banks Band, and Princess Cruises. Mayfield Dinner Theatre productions include Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Full Monty, The Wedding Singer, Chicago, and Cabaret. He has backed up Robert Goulet, Flip Wilson, Mickey Rooney, Red Skelton, and toured with Grammy-nominated Christian rock act “Degarmo and Key”. Fluently bilingual, Paul was Musical Director of CBC French radio’s Gala Albertain de la Chanson for 8 years and has recorded 4 CDs of his own instrumental pop/jazz music on his own label.

Jennifer McMillan

Keyboards

Jennifer is like, totally psyched to be back at the Mayfield for her 14th show! Especially because the 80’s is her favourite decade! Like, they were totally righteous, man. As an accompanist, she has played for numerous choirs, soloists, cabarets, and musicals in Canada and abroad. As a vocalist, Jen has lent her talents to many vocal ensembles and has sung for various vocal jazz and choral publishing demos. She has performed as a backup singer for Ben Folds and has been a featured vocalist in many film, television and video game recordings. A few favourites include Universal Studios Tokyo, Warframe (video game), CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and CBC’s The Nature of Things.  “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.” – Airplane!

Derek Stremel

Bass

Derek grew up in a musical family and started playing in venues in southwestern Manitoba with his father at a young age. He moved to Alberta after high school, leaving his Manitoba farming roots behind and began his professional musical career. During that time he took a job for Otis Elevator Company. Like every job, it had its ups and downs. For almost two decades now he has been employed at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre, playing musical revues and Broadway musicals; yeah, I know…yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah…boring but true. He endures the music of 80’s and is grateful and honored to play this show. Derek would never use gratuitous italics and is always delighted by the opportunity to write about himself in the third person. He’d love to go into more detail but only has 150 words and has unfortunately run out of

Harley Symington

Guitar/Head of Audio

Harley has contributed to somewhere around 75 productions at the Mayfield as musician, singer, audio technician, and even occasionally as a cast member. Recent favourites include Soul Sistas, J.C. Superstar, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Dark Star: The Life and Times of Roy Orbison, Folkswaggin’: Music Of The People and Four Lads Who Shook The World: The Beatles Story Parts 1 and 2 (as George Harrison). He has toured extensively with many artists, performing at events such as Lilith Fair, other major festivals, and on the national tour of the musical Red Rock Diner. He performed once again with Andrea House at this years Fringe Festival in the Stardust Players production Chasing Willie Nelson. Other than theatre he keeps busy freelancing and performing with his own group in support of his debut CD, entitled “Don’t Talk”. He also holds a diploma with honours from the Computer Systems Technology program at NAIT.