Class of ’63: A Rockin’ Reunion

Van Wilmott

Artistic Director/Musical Director

Welcome to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre and to our production of Class of 63: A Rockin’ Reunion! If you are new to the Mayfield, we hope you have an amazing time and if you’ve been with us before, we are thrilled to have you back! You are in for a treat with this blast from the past. The early 60’s was a time that brought us the beach party, the prom, the soda shop and the drive-in. It was a time of political unrest, civil rights and incredible music, with continued discoveries in this new thing called rock ‘n roll. Join the class of 1963 as they celebrate their 25th year reunion, spending an unforgettable night reliving their old romances, heartbreaks and the best time of their lives. The Mayfield is famous for a great time with our holiday season revue and this extraordinary cast will make it a reunion you will never forget! Thank you for supporting live theatre in Edmonton. We appreciate your patronage.

Kate Ryan

Director

Kate Ryan is honoured to be a part of the amazing team here at the Mayfield. Her past directing credits include Canada 151, Forever Plaid, All Shook Up, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Jesus Christ Superstar (Mayfield Theatre); Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Working!, A New Brain, It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman (Plain Jane Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone (Citadel Theatre Young Company). She has also staged the Edmonton Sterling Awards and Edmonton Opera’s Valentine’s Gala. Kate’s performing credits include Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol (Citadel Theatre); The Light in the Piazza (Theatre Calgary) Boeing, Boeing, 9 to 5, Oklahoma and Sound of Music (Mayfield Theatre) and most recently Fun Home (Plain Jane Theatre). Kate is also an instructor with Citadel Theatre’s Young Company and MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program and is the director of Plain Jane Theatre here in Edmonton. Enjoy your reunion!

Christine Bandelow

Choreographer

Christine grew up and trained in Calgary. She has performed and/or choreographed in over 30 productions here at the Mayfield. Favourite choreography experiences here include Sister Act, Canada 151, Soul Sistas, Hair, Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, The British Invasion and Little Shop of Horrors. Other choreography credits include One Man, Two Guvnors (Citadel Theatre), Bittergirl The Musical (Citadel Theatre, Charlottetown Festival), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story (Neptune Theatre), City of Angels (Grant Mackewan University), Rent (Mexico City, Barcelona, Montreal) and Inferno with Firefly Theatre.

Jahlen Barnes

Chad/Lewis/Rockin’ Robin

Born and raised in Toronto, Jahlen Barnes started his training at the age of 8 at the Annex Children’s Theatre Education Program. He also trained with the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. Jahlen appeared in Alice in Wonderland and Sweeney Todd in 2016 at the Shaw Festival. Jahlen recently had his debut at the Grand Theatre in A Christmas Carol as well as at the Neptune Theatre in Mamma Mia. 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; as TJ in Sister Act and Back to the 80’s: Part 2 at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre. Jahlen is a proud graduate of the Randolph Academy of Performing Arts in Toronto.

Simone Denny

Angela

The role of Medda Larkin in Drayton Entertainment’s Newsies, Dinah Washington and Mamma Troy in Mama I Want to Sing. Simone Denny is a multi-Canadian Juno Award Winner and the former front woman of Canadian Dance music super group Love Inc. She is best known for her dance anthem “You’re A Superstar”. Simone continues to tour extensively across Canada, United States, Europe and Australia. She is the original vocalist of the theme song to the Emmy award-winning show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (NBC/Bravos). Simone is known for her philanthropy supporting: The Starlight Foundation, Breast Cancer, HIV Awareness & Support, Women’s College Hospital and Doctors Without Borders. Thanks to NLM, family and friends. IG @simonedennymusic

Pamela Gordon

Francis/Dance Captain

Mayfield Theatre: Sister Act, Canada 151, Back to the 80’s: Part 2, 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. Choregrapher: Ranchers and Rustlers (Souris Valley Theatre, Estevan). 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; Rock and Roll Heaven, 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!!!

Kieran Martin Murphy

Chip

Martin is just back from Vancouver Island where he was Bill Austin in Mamma Mia for the summer, and he is stoked to be back at the Mayfield for another Rock Extravaganza with this stellar team. Coming up: The PreTenors will be performing in February or March with Sir George Simpson School, and he will return to this stage for Rock of Ages in the spring. 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), The Full Monty, Evita, The Wizard of Oz, JC Superstar (Mayfield), The Pavilion (Shadow), Oliver! (Citadel), Songs My Mother Never Sung Me (Concrete). On TV: Damnation (NETFLIX). Come say Hello in the Lobby after the show!

Melanie Piatocha

Paula/Carhop/Candy/Mrs. Burden

Melanie is grateful to be back at the Mayfield this winter! Favourite credits include: The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Catalyst), Myth of the Ostrich and Real Estate (Victoria Playhouse), Mamma Mia! and West Side Story (Citadel), Shockers Delight! (Teatro), All Shook Up!, Cabaret and Hairspray (the Mayfield), Drat! The Cat! (Plain Jane), Jailbait and Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen (NLT), Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Winter’s Tale and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Freewill). Melanie is a graduate of the MacEwan Theatre Arts Program and a recent participant of the Citadel/Banff Professional Training Program. Up next you can see Melanie at the Citadel performing with Catalyst Theatre in the Edmonton premiere of their newest work The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Thank you for supporting live theatre. Enjoy the show!

Stephanie Pitsiladis

Bunny

Stephanie made her professional debut in Hairspray (Mirvish) in 2004 where she was the first Canadian to perform the role of Tracy Turnblad. She reprised the role in 2010 for the Charlottetown Festival’s production of Hairspray, where she played opposite George Wendt. She has also performed the role with Drayton Entertainment, Rainbow Stage and Mayfield Theatre. Other credits include: Jan in Grease, Dee Dee in Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Red Girl in Shout! (Stage West), History of Rock ‘n Roll: Stars & Stripes (Mayfield), Little Miss Muffet in Mother Goose (Theatre Athena), Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre New Brunswick), Young Rabecca /Maddison/Rabbi Epstein in Gefilte Fish Chronicles (CETM), Genie in Aladdin: The Panto, Grumpy in Snow White: The Panto, Miss Lynch in Grease (Drayton Entertainment), Miss Lynch in Grease (Irregular Entertainment), Miss Hopkins/Mrs. Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady, Gwendolen Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest, Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Caroline in Sugar Road (RuBarb Productions), and Myrna in The Christmas Express (Upper Canada Playhouse). Stephanie would like to thank her friends, family, and everyone at Talent House for their love and support.

Brad Wiebe

Jerry

Brad is excited to be making his Mayfield return in this wonderful show along with a terrific cast of performers and friends! Select credits include: Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, a multitude of stars including Gord Downie in Canada 151 (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), Cabaret (Theatre Aquarius) and Rock ‘n Roll Heaven (Jubilations Dinner Theatre). Most recently Brad directed and musical directed Ranchers and Rustlers (Souris Valley Theatre). Brad would like to thank his wife Pamela who he is lucky enough to have in his life and perform with for her love and support. Enjoy the trip down memory lane everyone and come say hi in the lobby after the show, cheers!

Mike Zimmerman

Bobby

Always a reunion of sorts in its own right, Mike is thrilled to be returning to the Mayfield! His love for performance has grown through varied experiences in stage, television, radio, a cappella ensemble and touring theatre. Selected credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Only In Vegas, The Last Resort, History of Rock ‘n Roll: Stars & Stripes, The Super Groovy 70’s Part 2: Keep On Truckin’, BUDDY The Buddy Holly Story, The Super Groovy 70’s, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Peace, Love & Rock ‘n Roll Part 2: The Beat Goes On, The Full Monty, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Golden Age Rocks On!, The Golden Age of Rock, Pop & Doo Wop, The Wizard of Oz – as Tinman, Only In Canada, Eh? and Rockin’ Vegas (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), Jailbait (Northern Light Theatre) and Drat! The Cat!, Little Fish and Bells Are Ringing [Sterling nominated] (Plain Jane Theatre Co.). Enjoy the show!

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 Community College. Paul has performed with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas (“O” at the Bellagio), the Tommy Banks Band, and Princess Cruises. 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 pop/jazz music on his own label. From Paul: “Good music is timeless. That’s why we still like to hear certain songs more than 50 years later. Nostalgia is not just sentimentality –it represents the soundtrack of our lives. And any song without a saxophone leaves something to be desired…” :) When not working in theatre, Paul loves to entertain Seniors as “Lam-Chops”.

Erik Mortimer

Keys

Erik is a musician, composer, improvisor and music director based in Edmonton. He has been recognized with Sterling Awards for his composition of Sleeping Beauty (Capitol) and music direction on The Last Five Years (Theatre Network). He was also nominated on five other occasions for Peter and the Starcatcher (Citadel Theatre), Women on Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Drat the Cat (Plain Janes), Shakespeare’s Will (Thou Art Here) and Honk (Grindstone). Erik has composed music for several productions including Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella (Capitol Theatre), Kill Shakespeare and Shakespeare’s Will (Thou Art Here) and How the Blank Stole Christmas (Rapid Fire Theatre). Other recent work includes Two Good Nights (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), Guys and Dolls (Grant MacEwan University), Songs My Mother Never Sung Me (Concrete Theatre), What Gives (Teatro la Quindicina), Songs of the Martingale and Coat of Many Colours (Andrea House). He is current MD for Off-Book the Improvised Musical and rehearsal pianist at Ballet Edmonton.

Derek Stremel

Bass

Derek grew up in a musical family and started playing at a young age. He moved to Alberta after high school, leaving his Manitoba farming roots behind to begin his professional musical career. Early in his career he also took a job for Otis Elevator Company; like every job, it had its ups and downs. He learned that hard work never killed anybody but figured why take the chance? So, for almost two decades now he has been employed at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre playing musical revues and Broadway musicals. Although, not the best bassist among the musicians before you, he is in the top five. Derek would never use gratuitous italics and is always absolutely 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…well…A LOT…of productions at the Mayfield as guitarist, vocalist, Head of Audio, and on a few occasions, as a cast member (note: no actors were harmed or suffered loss of work due to these experiments). Some favourites include Four Lads Who Shook the World: The Beatles Story (as George Harrison), Soul Sistas, Two Good Knights, Canada 151 and J.C. Superstar. This year he kept busy doing the live sound mix/sound design for Sister Act and Million Dollar Quartet. He also performed with the fabulous Andrea House and Austin, Texas guitar legend Mitch Watkins in the smash Fringe Festival hit Coat of Many Colours. He has toured extensively with many artists, performing at events such as Lilith Fair and other music festivals, and on the national tour of the musical Red Rock Diner. 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.