Only In Vegas

Van Wilmott

Director / Musical Director

Welcome to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre and to this performance of Only in Vegas. Every year at the Mayfield we create a show for the holiday season. This tradition has been going on since 1998 and this year is no exception as we tackle the beast that is Las Vegas. It is the entertainment capital of the world so there is no shortage of material! It’s more of a question of where to begin. Only in Vegas tells the tale of two cities – the old Vegas, it’s history with the mob and its boom years in the ’50s and ’60s, and the new Vegas where pretty much anything goes! I can’t say enough about this cast! They are all amazing individual talents, but together this group has risen to the challenge to tackle many things that are new to them. It is the largest cast we have ever assembled for the “Christmas show” and they are awesome to watch and work with on a nightly basis. I would like to thank the designers for their amazing work, and thank you to Kevin Dabbs and Martin Murphy for their creative contributions to the show. If you are new to the theatre, we hope you have an amazing time and if you’ve 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. Have a great time and thank you again for your patronage.

Christine Bandelow

Choreograher / Staging

Christine is an Edmonton based choreographer and performer. 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). 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). Thanks for supporting live theatre in Canada and thank you to my amazing and wonderful family and friends for supporting me.

Andre Anthony

Ensemble

Andre is thrilled to join the Mayfield Dinner Theatre family! Previous theatre credits include Kinky Boots (Mirvish), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (CPAC), Handel’s Messiah ROCKS (Living Arts Centre) and Joy In The Morning (The Queen Elizabeth Theatre). After graduating from Humber College’s Music program and Acting for Film and Television program, Andre went on to earn a degree in Music from Thompson Rivers University. Recently, he has released a big band jazz album titled The Gentleman, available on iTunes and Google Play. www.AndreAnthony.net

Angie Brooks

Aerial Acrobat

Angie Brooks is an aerial acrobat based out of Leduc, Alberta. Her background in artistic gymnastics influenced her transition into the world of circus arts. As an artist, Angie studied and performed on aerial drumming, aerial hoop, bungees, Chinese poles, corde lisse, cradle, diving, fly-by-wire, flying trapeze, hand to hand acrobatics, rappelling, Russian swing, silks, skipping and a variety of character roles. Angie began her performing career as a stunt artist in Disney’s production Mystic Rhythms located in Tokyo, Japan. She then went on to perform in two Cirque du Soleil productions: Mystere at Treasure Island in Las Vegas, and the touring show Quidam. Angie was also involved in the creation of Franco Dragone’s production The House of Dancing Water. Following creation, she moved to Macau, China, where she performed as a house troupe artist while coaching as the acrobat act captain. Angie is excited to perform with the Mayfield Dinner Theatre.

Kevin Dabbs

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

This is my 7th production at the Mayfield and I am so grateful to be back. You may recognize me from Hair, Hairspray, The History of Rock and Roll, The Buddy Holly Story, or both of the Super Groovy 70’s shows.  Other credits include the Toronto production of Mamma Mia!, two seasons at the Charlottetown festival and film and TV appearances for Disney and MTV. I am honoured to be a part of this incredibly talented cast and I hope you enjoy your trip to Las Vegas.  Special thanks to my husband Adil and darling daughter Daniya. 

Pamela Gordon

Ensemble

Mayfield Theatre: 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!!!

Lyne Gosselin

Aerial Acrobat

Over the past 20 years, Lyne Gosselin has successfully performed in a great variety of events, festivals and plays. Lyne has been taken part in various Firefly Theatre productions such as Craniatrium, Panache and Duck Duck Bang. Lyne was also featured in a unique play produced by L’unithéâtre: Le Cabaret- Le Lapin Enivré. She has had the chance to coach and train at the two biggest circus schools in Québec. A former National trampolinist who fell in love with the opportunity and creativity offered by the art of circus, Lyne has had the chance to share her passion taking part in various circus festivals and busker festivals across Canada, the United States, Japan and Dubai. She is looking forward to this new Mayfield Dinner Theatre experience.

Kieran Martin Murphy

Ensemble

In the sixteen seasons of doing rock shows here at the Mayfield I have very fond memories of the first time we visited Vegas, so I am excited to return there. And what happens in Vegas…well…but this is Edmonton so behave!

Credits: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Rock of Ages, The Buddy Holly Story (Arts Club), King Arthur in Spamalot, All Shook Up, JC Superstar (Stage West), CATS (Theatre Calgary), The Full Monty, Evita, The Wizard of Oz, 9 to 5, The British Invasion (Mayfield), Claudius in Hamlet (UofA, MFA), The Pavilion (Shadow), Oliver! (Citadel). I’ll be guesting on this season of CBCs Irrelevant Show and look for me on iTunes, and you can see me back here in Jesus Christ Superstar in the spring! I’ll be in the lobby after the show…come say hello.

Melanie Piatocha

Ensemble / Dance Captain

Melanie is thrilled to be doing it up Vegas style this winter at the Mayfield. Favourites at the Mayfield include: Cabaret, Hairspray, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, The Wedding Singer, The Golden Age of Rock, Pop & Doo Wop, and The Golden Age Rocks On. Elsewhere: West Side Story (Citadel), Marvelous Wonderettes (Stage West); Jailbait, Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen and The Oedipus Project (Northern Light Theatre); Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Winter’s Tale, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest (Freewill Shakespeare Festival); The Innocence and The Porterettes in: Find Me A Primitive Man (Leave It To Jane); Drat The Cat! and Little Fish (Plain Jane); and Les Feux Follets (The Charlottetown Festival).

Devra Straker

Ensemble

Devra is so excited to be back at the Mayfield working with this great cast, band, crew and creative team. This fantastic show wraps up what has been a great year for Devra, which included a Royal Command performance of A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline (Globe Theatre) for Prince Edward and Countess Sophie while on their visit to Canada.  Previous select credits include Dark Star: The Life and Times of Roy Orbison; Hairspray, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, The Full Monty, Peace Love & Rock’n’Roll Part 1&2, Evita; Gypsy, The Golden Age of Rock Pop & DooWop, Rockin’ Vegas, Singin’ In The Rain, Oklahoma, The Sound Of Music (Mayfield Dinner Theatre). Other Theatre: A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline (Globe Theatre); Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (Globe Theatre, Persephone Theatre); Top of the Pops, The Rocky Horror Show (Theatre Aquarius); A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (Souris Valley Theatre); Move Over Mrs. Markham, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Buddy Holly Story, The Rocky Horror Show (Stage West Calgary); Oliver!, The Sound of Music (Citadel Theatre); 42nd Street, A Chorus Line (Rainbow Stage). Devra would like to thank James, Lillianna, and all her family and friends for their endless love and support – I love you all. Enjoy the show!

Brad Wiebe

Ensemble

Brad is excited to be back at the Mayfield for another show working with so many of his good friends and a few new ones! When you’re ‘a big kid’ going to Vegas is almost like Christmas, from the eye popping Cirque shows to magic acts to your favorite musical artists and much more! Vegas inspires a sense of wonderment for all and we look forward to bringing you a little bit of that wonder this evening. Select credits include: Hair (Mayfield), Back to the 80’s: A Most Excellent Musical Adventure (Mayfield), Top of The Pops (Theatre Aquarius) and A Night at the Museum of Country Music (Jubilations/Director).

Mike Zimmerman

Ensemble

Last seen appearing at the Mayfield, through the magic of theatre, simultaneously in Saskatchewan and Alberta in The Last Resort, Mike is thrilled to be back for some more Vida Loca! His love for performance has grown through varied experiences in stage, television, radio, a cappella ensemble and touring theatre. Selected credits include 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 And 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 and Viva Las Vegas!

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 – yes, 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, 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.  Paul is passionate about being musically diverse/useful. His mission is to be a “Swiss Army Knife” musician. When not working in theatre, Paul loves to entertain Seniors under the stage name “Lam-Chops”.

Jennifer McMillan

Keyboards/Vocals

Jennifer is thrilled to be back at the Mayfield for her 12th show! Past favourites include: The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Dark Star: The Life and Times of Roy Orbison, 9 to 5, and Hairspray. As an accompanist, she has played for the Kokopelli Association, numerous schools, the Citadel, and MacEwan University. She frequently performs and collaborates with Bridget Ryan on various cabarets and theatre shows. As a vocalist, Jen has lent her talents to numerous vocal ensembles and sings 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 favourite include Universal Studios Tokyo, Warframe (video game), CBS’s Hawaii Five-0 and CBC’s The Nature of Things. She enjoys life with her husband, little girl and brand new baby boy. 

Derek Stremel

Bass

Derek grew up in a musical family and learned how to play piano from his mother. He also learned fiddle, mandolin and guitar from his father. He learned bass and the five-string banjo on his own and started gigging in venues in southwestern Manitoba with his father when he was fourteen years old. He moved to Alberta when he was eighteen, leaving his Manitoba farming roots behind, and began a musical career playing the electric bass. He enrolled in the GMCC Jazz program in 1990 and learned to read ‘the little black dots’. For more than a decade now he has been employed at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre playing musical revues and Broadway musicals. He also has a home studio where he teaches, writes, records and produces and plays many of the instruments on the recordings. Yeah, I know…yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah…boring but true. He has enjoyed visiting the fine city of Las Vegas and seeing some of the fine acts represented on this stage today. Well, the newer ones anyways…he’s not THAT old! He is grateful and honoured to play this show and work with a bunch of his theatre pals. Derek is always delighted by the opportunity to write about himself in the third person!​

Harley Symington

Guitars/Vocals

As guitarist at the Mayfield for a number of years now, and more recently Head of Audio, Harley has contributed to somewhere around 75 productions as musician, vocalist, sound technician, and even occasionally as a cast member. Highlights include The Simon and 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 was part of 2 hit shows at this year’s Fringe Festival doing sound for Working (Plain Jane Theatre) and playing guitar for Song Of The Martingale (Stardust Players), both at the beautiful new Varscona Theatre. Outside of the theatre he plays and sings with his own group in support of his debut CD, entitled “Don’t Talk”. He also holds a diploma with honors from the Computer Systems Technology program at NAIT.

Bob Tildesley

Trumpet

An excerpt from Mark Miller’s “The Miller Companion to Jazz in Canada”: “Born in Calgary, Bob Tildesley played in R & B bands there before moving to Edmonton at age 20 where he quickly emerged as the city’s leading jazz trumpeter – and indeed one of Canada’s finest – through his work in the late 1970’s with pianists Tommy Banks and Bill Emes and saxophonist P.J. Perry, all associations that would continue into the 1990’s. An expressive soloist, particularly skilled with mutes, Tildesley showed himself to be as adept playing bebop with Perry on the LP Sessions and the CD Quintet as handling blues and swing on two CD’s recorded in Edmonton by the legendary Kansas City pianist Jay McShann, Hootie’s Jumpin’ Blues and Still Jumpin’ the Blues.” He has played several shows for the Mayfield Dinner Theatre including War Brides, Wizard of Oz, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Chicago and Cabaret.