Jesus Christ Superstar

Van Wilmott

Artistic Director/Musical Director/Keyboards

Hello and welcome to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre. It is my great pleasure to welcome Jesus Christ Superstar to our stage after a 23-year hiatus. We have waited many years for this show’s availability and are thrilled to be able to present it. It truly is one of the most groundbreaking pieces in musical theatre history. The creative team putting this together is top notch and it has been our collective vision to pay homage to the rock ‘n roll origins of this show.  JCS writers Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (famous for their work with Phantom of the Opera, CATS, Evita and many more) began their journey with this show in 1970 with the hit single  “Superstar” featuring English singer Murray Head.  The success of this record enabled them to finish what is now famously known as the “Brown Album”. It went on to become a stage musical, produced on Broadway in 1971 and then London in 1972. This award winning production became the longest running musical in the West End’s history! Perhaps our most lasting images are from the 1973 film starring Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson but for Edmontonians, our first experience with the show was lining up at the top of the hill to get into the Kinsmen Fieldhouse to listen to a band and a dozen singers spread across the stage, performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber score…an amazing collection of tunes celebrating an amazing story. JCS is an account of the last several days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. This is a very sacred story for over 2 billion Christians worldwide and it has been our goal to remain respectful of its importance, while also celebrating this great music that Webber and Rice gave us. Thank you for sharing this experience with us and enjoy your evening at the theatre.

Kate Ryan

Director

Kate is thrilled to be directing at the Mayfield with this amazing company of artists. Kate has been performing, directing and teaching in Musical Theatre for over 20 years.  At the Mayfield, she directed The Last Resort and has performed in Boeing, Boeing, 9 to 5, Saturday Night Club, Carousel, Oklahoma and Sound of Music (and goes as far back as performing in the first production of Jesus Christ Superstar). Other performances include Citadel Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, True Love Lies and Measure for Measure. Kate is also the Director of Plain Jane Theatre Company receiving Sterling Awards for her direction in the musicals It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman and Bells Are Ringing.  Other musicals include Mack and Mabel, Drat! The Cat!, Little Fish and A New Brain. Kate is also an instructor at Citadel Theatre’s Young Musical Company and MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program directing The Drowsy Chaperone, Nice Work if You Can Get It and Sondheim on Sondheim. Thank you for coming and enjoy.

Laura Krewski

Choreographer

Laura is so excited to part of this wonderful team of artists on Jesus Christ Superstar. Previous Mayfield shows are Chicago, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Footloose. Recent choreography credits include West Side Story, Spamalot, As You Like It, (Citadel Theatre), Made in Italy (Western Canadian Theatre), I Think I’m Fallin’, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Spring Awakening (Belfry Theatre), Enron (National Arts Centre), Next To Normal (Citadel Theatre /Theatre Calgary), the new musicals Vigilante, Hunchback, Nevermore, Frankenstein and Fortune Falls (Catalyst Theatre), and Rich and Rapa Nui (Manitoba Theatre for Young People), and her self-produced new work The Yellow Wallpaper for the Chinook Series. This summer she will be working with Freewill Shakespeare Festival. Laura is also is an instructor for the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program and a guest instructor for Grant MacEwan University and The Canadian College of Performing Arts. Enjoy the show!

Vance Avery

Caiaphas/Ensemble

Vance is excited to make his Mayfield Dinner Theatre debut in his hometown of Edmonton. Broadway: Sweet Charity in Concert/Lincoln Centre, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court at Encores/City Centre and original cast member of the Tony Award winning musical revival, CABARET. He later replaced Tony winner Alan Cumming as Emcee. Vance also performed as Emcee in Japan and South Korea. Canadian/US casts: Les Misérable (Marius), CATS, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph), Chicago (Billy Flynn), The Black Rider (Pegleg) at the Ahmanson Theater, LA; directed by Robert Wilson and music direction by Tom Waits. He has performed in concert with Broadway Inspirational Voices, Lisa Minnelli, Patti Labelle, Elton John, Deborah Cox and Oleta Adams. Film and Television: A New Life, Knightwatch, Loser, PBS My Favourite Broadway: Love Songs. This spring, Vance will star as Waldemar Zernickle in the documentary film, Waiting For Waldemar.

Christine Bandelow

Maid by Fire/Ensemble/Annas Understudy/Dance Captain

Christine is an Edmonton based performer and choreographer. Recent performances include Working (Plain Jane Theatre-Edmonton Fringe), Songs for Sinners and Saints (Catalyst Theatre), Laura Krewski’s The Yellow Wallpaper (Chinook Festival), Back To The 80’s and Cabaret (Mayfield Theatre). Other performance favourites include Rent (Mirvish Productions), Oliver, West Side Story, Cabaret (Citadel Theatre), Damn Yankees (Drayton Entertainment), and her first professional musical theatre experience, Jesus Christ Superstar here at the Mayfield – 23 years ago! Choreography credits include Hair, Back To The 80’s, Top Of The Pops, Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story, Carousel, Little Shop Of Horrors and The British Invasion (Mayfield Theatre), Bittergirl The Musical and One Man, Two Guvnors (Citadel Theatre), Heathers (Young Company-Citadel Theatre), It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Superman!, Working (Plain Jane Theatre), Hello…Hello (Kill Your Television), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Neptune Theatre), Rent (Montreal, Mexico City and Barcelona). Thanks for supporting live theatre in Canada and thank you to my amazing and wonderful family and friends for supporting me.

Karina Cox

Ensemble

Karina is thrilled to be returning to the Mayfield, working alongside such an incredible cast, crew and creative team! She is an Edmonton-based artist recently graduated from MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts Program where she was seen in Sondheim on Sondheim, Catch Me If You Can, Nine, and The Seagull. Since graduating from MacEwan, she has been seen in HAIR (Mayfield), ANXIETY (Northern Light Theatre/Theatre Yes), The Nutcracker Unhinged (Teatro La Quindicina), Bone Cage (Theatre Yes) and has been featured as a soloist with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Karina is also a musical theatre/acting instructor for St. Albert Children’s Theatre, where she grew up performing and found her passion for theatre. Love and many thanks to her amazing mentors, family, and friends! Enjoy the show!

Kevin Dabbs

Peter/Ensemble

Kevin is thrilled and grateful to return to the Mayfield! We are moderately thrilled to have him back! Some of his fave appearances here: 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. He was very busy this past summer working for the Global Edmonton News team as an editor, and was honoured to perform with local theatre juggernaut Plain Jane’s sold out and critically-acclaimed production of Working at the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. Kevin sends love to his amazing wife Christine, and his two outstanding children Madison and Jack! Hugs also to the staff and students at both Belgravia and Elmwood Public Elementary Schools! Love love love! Enjoy the show!

Tiffany Deriveau

Ensemble/Mary Understudy

I’m feeling especially blessed to be performing at the Mayfield once more.  Huge thanks to the creative team, and to my family for their ongoing love and support, especially my husband Adil and my daughter Daniya.

My past credits, reviews, photos and more can be found on my website. Thank you for coming to the theatre. Enjoy the show!

Pamela Gordon

Mary Magdalene/Ensemble

Mayfield Theatre: 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!!!

Tara Jackson

Ensemble/Judas Understudy

Tara is super excited to be back on the Mayfield stage for Jesus Christ Superstar! Born and raised in Calgary, she began singing at the age of three and has had a passion for it ever since. An honours graduate of Berklee College Of Music, Tara has filled the past few years with performances at theaters across Western Canada. Favourite credits include: Bittergirl (Citadel Theatre), Hair (Mayfield), and Rumours and Dreams (Stage West). Much love to Steven, my family, and friends. Enjoy the show!

Jeremy Koz

Simon/Ensemble/Jesus Understudy

Jeremy Koz has dreamed of performing in Jesus Christ Superstar since he was 12. This is his second show with Mayfield having performed the role of Woof in Hair last year. Currently Jeremy sings in the Big City All Star Band, Indian City, Snake Oil and his own original band, Deep Dark Cave. He is currently working on their first album and his own solo album. He was also lead singer for original rock band, Floor Thirteen who has toured throughout North America and played with such Canadian acts as Our Lady Peace, Buckcherry, Default and The Guess Who to name a few. Their debut album Mmmm was played on radio stations all across North America and earned Koz a nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal at the L.A. Music Awards. Floor Thirteen songs have been featured in film and television as well as EA Games Need for Speed and Sims. Past select theatre credits include Oh Canada, What a Feeling (Mirvish, Annerin Productions), Avenue Q (Winnipeg Studio Theatre), Cats, Rent and Full Monty (Rainbow Stage), Cranked (MTYP), The Wave (MTC), and Strike (Danny Schur Productions). Check out his original music at www.deepdarkcave.com

Jarrett Krissa

John/Ensemble/Harod Understudy

Jarrett couldn’t be more excited to return to the Mayfield to rock out with the beautiful company of Jesus Christ Superstar, after appearing here last season in HAIR. Other credits include: Catch Me If You Can, Sondheim on Sondheim (MacEwan), Carmen (Edmonton Opera), and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (No Tomatoes). A graduate of MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program, he also enjoys a career as a teaching artist with St. Albert Children’s Theatre. Many thanks to Van, Kate and Laura for their generosity and this opportunity, to the entire Mayfield family, and to you, the audience! Enjoy the show!

Corben Kushneryk

King Herod/Ensemble

Corben is delighted to be back at The Mayfield Dinner Theatre where he last appeared in 9 to 5: The Musical. Affiliated with Edmonton’s Impossible Mongoose, he has been known to wear a number of theatrical hats. Some favourite performing credits: The Bully Project (Concrete Theatre), 10 out of 12 (Wild Side Productions), The Kaufman Kabaret, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beyond Therapy (Studio Theatre), The Best Little Newfoundland Christmas Pageant Ever (Whizgiggling Productions) and a number of creations with Toy Guns Dance Theatre. Some favourite directing credits: The Fall of the House of Atreus (Blarney Productions/ Impossible Mongoose), Prophecy, Harold and Vivian Entertain Guests, Coraline: The Musical, 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Impossible Mongoose) and Never, Never (Promise Productions). He holds a BFA (Acting) from the University of Alberta and is also a proud graduate of MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts Program.

Larry Mannell

Pontius Pilate/Ensemble

Larry last appeared at the Mayfield as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray and prior to that, as the Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose. He has performed at most of the regional theatres across the country, as well as the Stratford, Shaw, Charlottetown and Drayton Festivals. In Toronto, Larry was an original Canadian cast member of Crazy For You; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, which also toured North America. Selected Film/TV credits include Suits, Murdoch Mysteries, Damien, The Firm, The Listener, Nikita, Breakout Kings, Covert Affairs, Flashpoint, the feature film Hairspray and Paramount Pictures upcoming Downsizing. Larry is based in Toronto, where he lives with his wife/actor, Jill Harland, and Daisy the Wonder Dog.

Robert Markus

Judas Iscariot

Mayfield Theatre: Chicago. Other theatre credits include: Tommy, Fiddler on the Roof (Stratford Festival), Our Town, Sweeney Todd (Shaw Festival), Next to Normal (Theatre Calgary/Citadel Theatre), The Rocky Horror Show, A Christmas Carol (Citadel Theatre), Hunchback (Catalyst Theatre), Dream a little Dream, Shrek (Grand Theatre), UnCovered: Queen and Bowie, UnCovered: Simon & Garfunkel (The Musical Stage Company), Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang, Seussical, James and the Giant Peach (Young People’s Theatre), Chicago, Twist and Shout (Drayton Entertainment). Robert would like to thank his family, friends, TH and Jen for their support. He is a proud graduate of the University of Alberta’s BFA program. Follow Robert on twitter: @robert_markus.

Kieran Martin Murphy

Annas/Ensemble/Pilate Understudy

I am excited to be back at the Mayfield for a spring musical for the first time in many years and to do Jesus Christ Superstar for a second time.  This is an exceptional show with a stellar cast.  Enjoy! Selected Credits: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, The Buddy Holly Story, Rock of Ages (Arts Club), King Arthur in Spamalot, All Shook Up, Jesus Christ Superstar (Stage West), CATS (Theatre Calgary), Claudius in Hamlet (UofA) The Full Monty, Evita, The Wizard of Oz, The British Invasion (Mayfield), The Pavilion (Shadow), Oliver! (Citadel).  Television/Film: Fear Itself (NBC), Mixed Blessings (APTN), a regular on CBC’s Irrelevant Show, and I am also a songwriter with two solo CD’s: The Painter’s Hand and Theatrics (iTunes).

Melanie Piatocha

Ensemble

Melanie is so grateful to be a member of this cast and crew, filled with friends! Favorite credits for the Mayfield include: Only in Vegas, Cabaret, Hairspray, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and The Wedding Singer. Elsewhere: West Side Story (Citadel), Drat! The Cat and Little Fish (Plain Jane), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Stage West), Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen, Jailbait, and The Oedipus Project (NLT), Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Winter’s Tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Tempest (Freewill Shakespeare). Melanie is a graduate of Grant MacEwan University and a recent participant of the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program. Later this season Melanie will be making her debut with Teatro La Quindicina in Stewart Lemoine’s touching romantic comedy Shockers Delight!

Hal Rogers

Priest 2/Roman Soldier/Ensemble/Simon Understudy

Originally from Leduc, Hal has worked between Vancouver and Edmonton for the past several years and is happy to be back at Mayfield once again. He is a graduate of SFU’s theatre program. Hal has also studied musical theatre in New York City at The Circle in the Square Theatre School as well as pursued writing classes in Toronto with Tarragon Theatre. Select Vancouver credits include: A Charlie Brown Christmas (Carousel Theatre), Fame (Bring on Tomorrow), The Best Laid Plans: A Musical (Touchstone/Patrick Street), Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Show, Rent (Fighting Chance Productions), and Dreamgirls (Arts Club). In Edmonton: Hair, Hairspray (Mayfield), and Rent (Two-One-Way Tickets).

Brad Wiebe

Jesus Christ

Brad is very excited to be back at the Mayfield and to be given the opportunity to play Jesus alongside a tremendously talented superstar cast and crew! Select credits include: Back to the 80’s: A Most Excellent Musical Adventure, Hair and Only in Vegas (Mayfield), Top of The Pops, Cabaret (Theatre Aquarius), Pirates of the North Saskatchewan 3 (Jubilations) and A Night at the Museum of Country Music (Jubilations/Director). Brad would like to thank his family for their love and support with a special thank you to his wife Pamela and his late birth mother Margot. Finally, Brad would love to say hi to you after the show in the lobby where he will be promoting his debut CD’s.

Kellan Ziffle

Roman Soldier/Ensemble/Peter Understudy

Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Kellan is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto (2010). Past performing credits include: Production Cast Principal in Rock You Tonight, Pure Variety and The Look Of Love (Norwegian Cruise Line – Sun), Glen in The Wedding Singer (Stage West Calgary); 9 to 5: The Musical (Mayfield Edmonton); Summer in the City (Stage West Calgary); She Loves Me and A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Rose Theatre); Swing in My Fair Lady and John/Sailor in The Admirable Crichton (Shaw Festival); Alan Swann in My Favorite Year and George Wickham in Pride & Prejudice (Randolph Academy); and Henry in Jasper Station (Souris Valley Theatre). So much love and thanks to my family and friends. xoxo

Mike Zimmerman

Priest 1/Old Man/Ensemble/Caiaphas Understudy

Mike was last seen immersed in the land of sequins and diamonds in the Mayfield’s Only in Vegas; and now, he embarks on a journey to an entirely different land, to be shared with a stellar cast! His love for performance has grown through varied experiences in stage, television, radio, a cappella ensemble and touring theatre. Selected credits include 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 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 journey with us!

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. Mayfield Dinner Theatre productions include Hair (twice), Jesus Christ Superstar, The Full Monty, The Wedding Singer, Chicago, Cabaret, and many others.  Paul is looking forward to performing “Superstar” for the third time in 25 years in 2 different venues, because each production is very different, but the music is always good! When not working in theatre, Paul loves to entertain Seniors under the stage name “Lam-Chops”.

Mike Lent

Bass (April 11-23)

Mike Lent has long been considered one of Canada’s premier double bassists. Because of his skill, sensitivity, and versatility, he has backed great artists for more than 25 years. He has toured, performed and/or recorded with a long list of jazz, blues, and rock greats, including Sheila Jordan, Mike Nock, Mark Murphy, Jim McNeely, Lee Konitz, kd lang, Jann Arden, Ferron and Long John Baldry. Mike has appeared on many international stages, including Royal Albert Hall and Radio City Music Hall, and on TV shows like Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Jay Leno.

Derek Stremel

Bass (April 25-June 11)

Derek grew up in a musical family and learned how to play piano from his mother and fiddle, mandolin and guitar from his father. He learned bass and banjo on his own and started gigging in venues in southwestern Manitoba as a teenager with his father. He moved to Alberta when he was eighteen, leaving behind his Manitoba music and farming roots and began a career playing music professionally. He has travelled every highway in Canada playing with everyone you can name and moreover, everyone you can’t. For 17 years now he has been employed at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre. Yeah, I know…yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah. He is grateful and honoured to play this show and work with a bunch of his ol’ theatre pals. He would like to dedicate this show and the finances of this show to his beautiful wife and two daughters. Derek is always delighted by the opportunity to write about himself in the third person. As he only has a limited word count for this bio, he would like to end by saying that

Harley Symington

Guitars/Head of Audio

Since playing the original production of Superstar way back when, Harley has contributed to about 75 productions at the Mayfield as musician, singer, sound technician, and even occasionally as a cast member. Favorites include 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 contributed to 2 hit shows at last year’s Fringe Festival doing sound for Working (Plain Jane Theatre) and playing guitar for Andrea House’s production Song Of The Martingale (Stardust Players). This February he was working with Andrea again on her latest creation, Chasing Willie Nelson at the Capital Theatre. Other than theatre he plays and sings with his own group in support of his debut CD, entitled “Don’t Talk”, and also holds a diploma with honors from the Computer Systems Technology program at NAIT.