CRITIC'S PICK
of the 2023
Toronto Fringe Festival
Sold Out Run
2023 Toronto Fringe
Critics Pick
2023 Toronto Fringe
THE STORY
Book and Lyrics by Jim Betts
Music by Marek Norman
Dancer (A Musical In Ten Furlongs) is the story of Northern Dancer, the “horse nobody wanted” – the too-small, too-ungainly, too-willful thoroughbred who overcame doubt, injury and history to become the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby, in 1964. And he won it in record time! The Dancer then went on to become the most successful sire in thoroughbred racing history.
WINNER of the 2023 Adams Prize for Musical Theatre
Check Out The Article on Dancer
in the 2023 Fall Edition of the
Official Churchill Downs Magazine
4 Different Versions Of
Northern Dancer's
1964 Kentucky Derby Race
MEET THE 2023
TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL TEAM
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Jim Betts
Book & Lyrics
Jim Betts
Book & Lyrics
Jim Betts is an award-winning playwright and composer who loves writing, and celebrating, Canadian Musical Theatre. His Canadian themed musicals include Colours In The Storm (about Tom Thomson), The Shooting Of Dan McGrew, Lucy Maude & Anne, Extraordinary (The Extraordinary Life Of An Ordinary Woman), The Fabulous Kelley, and the upcoming Bluenose (written with composer John Estacio). He has also produced Stan Rogers • A Matter Of Heart, and published the Canadian Musical Theatre song collections, Field Of Stars. He is a former Artistic Director of Smile Theatre, Theatre Orangeville and ScriptLab, and started the Canadian Musical Theatre course at Sheridan College. Jim is both proud and excited that he and his wife Kate Barris have finally managed to bring this new Canadian Musical - Dancer (A Musical In Ten Furlongs) – to audiences here at The Toronto Fringe.
Marek Norman
Music
Marek Norman
Music
Marek Norman is considered one of Canada’s most versatile theatre artists.
A multi-award-winning composer/songwriter/actor/producer, his performance credits include Canadian premieres of Closer Than Ever and Falsettos, world premieres of Amelia (by John Gray) and The Death of Von Richthofen ... (by Des McAnuff).
Marek has created over 50 original scores for theatre productions. His musicals include Dracula – A Chamber Musical, Emily, Larry’s Party, Dancer, Ballycroy – and Wanderlust (in collaboration with Morris Panych) which received its world premiere at the Stratford Festival.
Other works: The Tin Soldier, Oliver Button is a Sissy (National Tap Dance Co.), The Lover (a film-ballet), opening/closing ceremonies for The Canada Games, Bridgefest (PEI), and Special Olympics – for which his anthem, “Along The Way”, has become the organization’s main theme.
Mr. Norman co-produced (with his wife, Barbara Barsky) the Canadian premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, which garnered five Dora Mavor Moore Awards – including Best Production and Musical Direction.
Their company, Reprise Concerts, produced classic works in concert format: including Company, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, Roar of The Greasepaint, Smell of The Crowd.
Marek has written, arranged and performed over 1500 commercial jingles. His theme for American Airlines –“We’re Giving Our Best” won the prestigious Clio Award for Best Song of the Year.
As a singer, Marek has provided vocal support for such superstars as: Bryan Adams, Sheena Easton, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, Luther Vandross and Colm Wilkinson.
As an educator, Marek works with many of Canada’s young writers of musical theatre. He’s the former composer-in-residence for Stratford’s famed INNERchamber music ensemble. Marek's most recent creation, Ballycroy, premiered this past fall.
Stacey Tookey
Director/ Choreographer
Stacey Tookey
Director/ Choreographer
Stacey Tookey is a multi Emmy-nominated choreographer, director, dancer and teacher who has worked with musical artists such as Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Christina Perri, Justin Timberlake, Michael Bublé, Ingrid Michaelson and Paula Abdul. Stacey has performed as a member of Mia Michaels’ company R.A.W., Parsons Dance Project, Ballet British Columbia, Peter Chu’s ChuThis, Houston Grand Opera and Celine Dion’s record-breaking show A New Day at Caesars Palace. Stacey worked as resident choreographer and guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance both in Canada and the U.S. for 10 seasons, where her passionate pieces earned her three consecutive Emmy nominations. Other choreography credits include; Dancing with the Stars, The James Corden show, Shia LeBeouf Live, Dance-Off and Fair Market Value and recently the musical feature film I’m not Gay and the Golden Jubilee for the UAE at the World Expo Dubai 2020. She has choreographed full length ballets for Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet, and taught at Loyola Marymount University, University of Jacksonville, Princeton, Montclair State University and The Juilliard School. Stacey also has her own dance company Still Motion who have performed to sold out audiences in NYC and L.A. as well as Perry Mansfield, Dans Encore and Jacob’s Pillow. She is currently working on new musicals Pump Up The Volume and, most recently Dancer as part of the Toronto Fringe Festival this summer. Her passion for inspiring others has led her to create mentorship programs. The Protégé Movement’s mission is to foster dancers as a whole, healthy bodies, informed & creative minds and authentic hearts. The Bridge Movement continues this mission for dancers who are bridging the gap between pre professional and professional career.
Mark Camilleri
Musical Director
JB Nelles
Set & Costume Design
JB Nelles
Set & Costume Design
JB Nelles is a Toronto based set and costume designer for the screen and stage. In addition to design, JB is also a scenic painter and costume maker. Recent credits include; Set Design - Bone Cage (One Four One Collective), Prop master - La Bete (Talk is Free Theatre), Production Designer and Art Director - Aced It (Aced It Productions), Assistant Designer - Requiem for a Gumshoe (Eldritch Theatre). JB has also worked as a scenic painter with McWood Studios (2020-2022) and received a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from York University. Keep up to date with their upcoming projects on their Instagram page @thecostumewitch or through their website www.jbnelles.com
Alia Stephen
Lighting Design
Alia Stephen
Lighting Design
Originally from Vancouver, Alia has been designing across Canada and in the UK for the past fifteen years. Credits include: Lighting Design for Alternative Routes (NDCWales); the premiere of Stiles & Drewe’s Anything Can Happen, Falstaff (Richard Burton Co); PROUD, People Like Us (Firehall Arts Centre); Supernatural Noir (Fugue Theatre); Set/lighting design for Cabaret (Pipedream); Set/Lighting/Projection design for Secret Service (Fugue Theatre); Assistant Lighting Design for multiple productions with the Stratford Festival including Spamalot, A Wrinkle in Time, Chicago, and The Rocky Horror Show; and for Missing (Pacific Opera Victoria); Associate Lighting/Projection designer for The Cave (JMar Electric), among others. Alia has an MA in Lighting Design from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a BFA in Theatre Production and Design from UBC, and a Diploma in Technical Theatre from Capilano University. Online: aliastephen.com.
Wayne Deering
Sound Design
Wayne Deering
Sound Design
Wayne comes to the theatre world with a background in music and sound. After graduating from McGill University with a Masters of Music in Sound Recording, Wayne spent time honing his craft at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts, and a studio in New York City before settling in Toronto with his family. As a freelance recording engineer, sound designer, and media artist, Wayne has worked on original theatrical productions including Blue Like Jazz Live, Lost Fool, and The Prodigal Trilogy (JHCA) as well as musical productions for school and community groups. He is thrilled to join the team for this highly anticipated production of Dancer.
THE COMPANY
Keanu Uchida
"Dancer"
Keanu Uchida
"Dancer"
Keanu is a Canadian dancer and movement artist. As a performer, Keanu has toured internationally with Muse and Lorde, performed at the 89th Academy Awards and danced with Pink in the MTV Video Music Awards. As a creator he has acted as movement director for Netflix's superhero series The Umbrella Academy and showcased his own work at the Guggenheim Works & Process in New York City. Keanu is also active in the fight against sexual abuse in the dance industry. In 2021, he brought his and others’ stories of abuse to The Toronto Star resulting in its "Breaking the Silence" investigation and a rare partnership between The Associated Press and The Star on grooming and misconduct in the convention dance industry. Recently he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Physics and Philosophy from the University of Toronto. Keanu is grateful to be stepping into the role of Dancer and for the platform contemporary dance is being given at this year’s Fringe.
Sterling Jarvis
Bill Brevard
Sterling Jarvis
Bill Brevard
Sterling Jarvis is an accomplished actor and singer who has recently returned from performing his principal role in the hit musical Book of Mormon on Broadway. His other theatre credits include The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Driving Miss Daisy and Caroline or Change for which he received a Dora Award for Best Actor in a Principal Role. His TV and Film appearances include The West Wing, The Sentinel, The Border, Covert Affairs, Aaliyah, Lost Girls, Suits and most recently The Boys. He has sung anthems for the Blue Jays, the Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs and can be heard on many TV and radio commercials as well as singing the themes for the popular kid’s shows Donkey Kong Country, Wild Kratts
and Zaboomafoo.
Daniel Kash
E.P. Taylor
Daniel Kash
E.P. Taylor
Daniel Kash trained at The Drama Centre in London. He has enjoyed many magical moments in theatre and film over the years in Canada, the US and the UK. Some theatre highlights include Unidentified Human Remains, Rigoletto, Donut City, Blood Brothers, Cruel and Tender, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Tempest, Macbeth, Arturo Ui, and most recently Jerusalem. Film highlights are Aliens, The Line, Bad Blood, Star Trek, and a whole bunch more, including most recently, Slasher. I have always loved musical theatre the most and am honoured to be a part of this wonderful Dancer universe.
Barbara Barsky
Winnie Taylor
Barbara Barsky
Winnie Taylor
Barbara is an award-winning actor/producer. Selected Credits include: Berthe/Boeing,Boeing, Miss Andrew/Mary Poppins/SAAT Award nomination (Persephone Theatre), Mme Thenardier/Les Miz (WCT), Mama Rose/Gypsy (The Arts Club), Penelope Pennywise/ Urinetown (Jessie Award nomination), Maria Callas/Masterclass, Golde/ Susan H. Schulman’s Fiddler On The roof, Wanderlust, Henry V and Patience (Stratford Festival), Norma Desmond/Sunset Boulevard (Livent), Charlotte/ Larry’s Party (CanStage, NAC, MTC), Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney Todd. She has received seven Dora Award nominations for Closer Than Ever, Forbidden Broadway, Chutzpah a Go Go, Snappy Tales, Assassins and A New Brain (The Musical Stage Company). She co-produced with her husband Marek Norman, the original Canadian production of Assassins which garnered five Dora Awards, including Best Production. She was a member of the legendary Second City company/w Martin Short and Catherine O’Hara, and co-founder of Reprise Concerts, great musicals in concert. She has appeared in multiple TV shows culminating in an ACTRA Award nomination for her work in Clowns.
Sam Rosenthal
Daryl
Sam is an actor, voice-over artist (samrosenthalnarrator.com), director, writer, and producer. Currently he is the Artistic Director of a Toronto based theatre company called The Hogtown Collective (hogtownexperience.com) which recently presented an immersive production of The Christie Pits Riot in Christie Pits Park. Now it’s also available as a 4-part audio drama which can be downloaded at the company website. Selected acting credits include Caroline or Change (Musical Stage Company), The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz (Segal Centre), Beauty and The Beast (Neptune Theatre), Forever Plaid, Suds (Tribal Productions), Time Stands StilI (Eclectic Theatre). TV/ Film Credits include, Hannukah On Rye (Hallmark), The Mohel (Short Film), Diggstown (CBC) and Escaping NXIVM (Nominated for an ACTRA Best Supporting Role). Sam lives in Toronto with his wife Michelle and their Beagle Kismet.
Gene Gabriel
Horatio Luro
Gene is an award-winning actor. He is thrilled to be a part of Dancer and honoured to work with this incredible cast and crew.
Broadway: Take Me Out (original cast) The Odd Couple (Lena Horne Theatre). Off- Broadway: Moments Defined (Kaye Playhouse), Take Me Out (Joseph Papp Public Theatre) Regional: The Drama Department (Blank Theatre), The Odd Couple (West Virginia Public Theater), It Can’t Happen Here (Blank Theatre) Take Me Out (U.S. West Coast tour and London U.K. West End premiere)
TV: Blue Bloods, Bull, Instinct, The Good Fight, The Blacklist, Shades of Blue, Homeland, NCIS: LA, Elementary, Numb3rs, The Sopranos, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Walker, Texas Ranger. Film: Brittany Runs A Marathon, Return To Danger, Death Of A Fool, Listen, The Wrong Path, The Duke & Duchess of Queens, Rich Boy, Rich Girl, The Informer, Fair Market Value, Lift Me Up, Cassanova Was A Woman, The Evil Gene, Penumbra, Dance-Off.
Kiairah Hammond
Dance Company
Kiairah Hammond
Dance Company
Born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, Kiairah has always had a passion for performing. At age five, she started taking hip-hop recreationally and was then asked to dance competitively when she was seven years old; intensive training throughout this timeframe has allowed her to develop into a versatile dancer who is capable of performing various styles, genres, and techniques. In addition to her adaptability, her greatest strengths as a performer are her passion, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Kiairah graduated from her studio in 2022 and continues to train at Dynamic Dance Force to keep learning and growing as a dancer. In an effort to become a better dancer and prepare herself for a career in the professional dance industry, she recently joined Amanda Cleghorn Creative, which is a personalized mentorship program that will help her develop her skill set as she begins the next chapter of her dance career.
Anna Marchisello
Dance Captain/ Dance Company
Anna Marchisello
Dance Captain/ Dance Company
Anna Marchisello is an artist who believes in the connective and transformative power of creative movement. Originally from North Carolina, Anna's experiences have taken her to the dance community in Los Angeles, the interdisciplinary landscape in Berlin, and the visual art department at New York University, where she completed her BFA.
Anna's interests in dance, healing arts, and creative direction stem from her reverence for movement as a healing modality, a way of cultivating community, and medium through which to create meaningful work. She has performed on stage and on film in the Monsters of Hip Hop, Julie Tolentino’s Slipping Into Darkness, and an original movie musical (in-production) for which she also served as assistant choreographer. Other assistant and associate choreographer credits include Still Motion’s Moments Defined, and Journey of the 50 at Expo 2020 in Dubai with Stacey Tookey. Most recently she developed, performed in, and edited the dance fashion film Simulation in collaboration with Heather Lang, Purdie Baumann, and Norma Kamali.
Amanda Cleghorn
Dance Company
Amanda Cleghorn
Dance Company
Amanda Cleghorn is a versatile dancer and performer with a passion for teaching and choreography. Born to perform and entertain, Amanda took her first dance steps at the age of four. For fifteen years she trained extensively in all kinds of dance. When she was named as the lead female on So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 3, she moved to Los Angeles to launch her career. She has since performed on television shows, feature films, world tours, music videos, commercials, and award shows. Highlights include dancing in Taylor Swift’s RED world tour and as a featured dancer in Julie and The Phantoms, Schmigadoon, The Masked Singer, Lip Sync Battle, and the Apple TV feature film Spirited. Amanda is also the creator and director of ACC, a one-on-one exclusive program for aspiring professional dancers seeking advice to reach their goals and take their careers to the next level. Amanda truly lives for an audience, to perform on stage and in front of the camera.
Artem Tikhonenko
Dance Company
Artem Tikhonenko
Dance Company
Artem is a captivating and versatile performer who was born in Russia and grew up training in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Artem has won multiple awards such as First Runner-Up Male Best Dancer at The Dance Awards, Top 3 Soloist at Jump Dance Convention and Breakout Artist Winner at Nuvo Dance Convention. He grew up training in many styles of dance such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Partnering/Adagio, Musical Theatre and Freestyle. Artem has also performed in shows with professional companies such as Bridge to Artists and In an Instant and has worked as a professional assistant for Break the Floor. He has recently finished training at the CLI Conservatory under Teddy Forance and continues to pursue his love for dance. Artem is eager and excited for what the future holds!
Moses Rankine
Brockton Boy
Keiran Bohay
Dance Company
Keiran Bohay
Dance Company
Keiran is a Wainwright AB, raised choreographer and dancer who now resides in Vancouver BC. His works have spanned from stage to film, across multiple dance genres. Currently Keiran is a member of a contemporary dance company, Radical System Art, which has seen stages across the globe. He is beyond ecstatic to be back with the Dancer family, exploring this purebred Canadian legend. The privilege of working along side this talented cast and crew has him feeling so lucky. Must be the Horseshoes.
Previous Theatre Credits: Peter Pan, Oliver!, Prison Dancer (Citadel); Dancer: A Musical In Ten Furlongs-Workshop (Ginger Cat Productions); Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast (Arts Club); Newsies (Drayton Entertainment).
Mia DiLena
Dance Company
Mia DiLena
Dance Company
Mia DiLena, originally from Toronto, graduated from the Certificate program at The Ailey School (NYC). She attended Springboard Danse Montreal in 2009, 2010 and 2011, and danced in several Toronto-based companies. She performed in multiple national tours with Shaping Sound, and other performances including the American Music Awards for Jennifer Lopez. In 2019, Mia performed in the original Off-Broadway Musical “Alice By Heart” where she was dance captain and nominated for a Chita Rivera award. Some of Mia’s film and television credits include Disney’s The Music Man, “Human” by The Jonas Brothers, and an A24 film to be released in 2023 that she was also the associate choreographer for. Mia is collaborating on a new immersive show opening in NYC in 2024. She has been performing, teaching, and choreographing across North America for over 14 years and is thrilled to be performing at the Toronto Fringe Festival this season in Dancer, A Musical in Ten Furlongs.
Shelby Patterson
Dance Company
Shelby Patterson
Dance Company
Shelby Patterson was born and raised in Orange County, California. Many places are responsible for her versatile dance training, OCPAA, Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, Westside Dance Project, and Orange County School of the Arts. Upon graduating high school as Valedictorian of the Commercial Dance Conservatory, Shelby began working in Los Angeles, danced two contracts with Royal Caribbean Cruises and began her teaching career at various competitive studios, mentorship programs and high schools. In 2021 she relocated to New York to train under Stacey Tookey and her program The Bridge Movement which allowed her to focus on growing her authentic career and mind, body, soul connection. Shelby is also currently a full-time professional assistant with NUVO Dance Convention where she works with the best in the industry. Shelby is committed to her career in dance and plans to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.
Madison Foley
Dance Company
Madison Foley
Dance Company
Madison began her training at the young age of 2 ½. As an exceptionally passionate and highly trained dancer, Madison is in the beginning stages of her professional career.
Madison completed the ITP program at Harbour Dance Centre in 2022, and since then has been seen on television series such as, Riverdale, Backstage, and The Next Step as well as a feature in a couple of nationwide commercials.
She has studied at Armstrong Acting Studios, as well as one-on-one mentorships with professional actors in Vancouver.
Madison is very thankful for all the opportunities that have come her way in helping her to become the artist she is today. As she continues to train and develop her craft, remaining a student is always number one. Being a part of this project is a great honour, and Madison looks forward to sharing the stage with this talented cast.
Jude Richardson
Dance Company
Jude Richardson
Dance Company
My name is Jude and I’ve been dancing since I was 9 years old. I’m 6’5 but my height will never stop me from doing what I love. I grew up with a family very involved in the arts, with both parents being actors and my Aunt Jackie Richardson being a phenomenal famous singer. I was a student at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts from grades 7-12 and studied dance for all 6 years there. I just finished my final competitive dance season with my studio Performing Dance Arts and it’s very bittersweet as I move into my next chapter of dance starting this September in New Jersey at The Bridge Movement. Dance is one of the most special things to me and I hope to continue it for as long as my body will allow me.
Jackson Lee
Dance Company
Jackson Lee
Dance Company
Jackson Lee is a passionate young Toronto based dancer, and aspiring choreographer. He has been dancing since the age of 4, and over the years, he has trained in a wide variety of styles, including jazz, acrobatics, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop. He continues to refine his training at Performing Dance Arts, which has allowed him to become an extremely well rounded and sought after dancer, teacher and choreographer. Jackson has also had the chance to work with some of the industry’s most renowned choreographers, such as Stacey Tookey, Tyce Diorio, and Teddy Forance. Jackson has competed many times at some of the largest competitions in North America, such as Jump, Nuvo, and 24 Seven Dance Convention. There, he has received numerous awards and commendations, like placing Top 10 in the Senior Male division at The Dance Awards in 2019, while also making connections with many well-known choreographers. His work experience includes Family Channel’s The Next Step, as well as an upcoming Disney film called Spin. He was also featured as a principal dancer in HSBC’s Plus Rewards corporate show.
Louise Camilleri
The Hoofbeats
Louise Camilleri
The Hoofbeats
Louise Camilleri - The Hoofbeats (Lester B. Pearson)
Louise has been an entertainer for over 3 decades with appearances in television, film and commercials. Career highlights feature her in Musical Theatre shows throughout Canada to the Broadway stage. These include performing as a featured dancer in the U.S. national tour of Sophisticated Ladies produced by Mercedes Ellington, the role of Anita in West Side Story, the world premier production of The Lord of the Rings, the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia!, and the world premier production of Show Boat at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Film and television highlights include the movies Superstar, Blues Brother’s 2000, and Disney’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. Vocal highlights include performing as a guest soloist with The Tenors, a featured singer with Josh Groban in concert, performing and recording with The Parachute Club, and as lead vocalist with her band Mark Camilleri and The CT Project on their debut album. And she just got a Dora Award nomination for her part in Rock of Ages. https://louisecamilleri.com/
Louise has been an entertainer for over 3 decades with appearances in television, film and commercials. Career highlights feature her in Musical Theatre shows throughout Canada to the Broadway stage. These include performing as a featured dancer in the U.S. national tour of Sophisticated Ladies produced by Mercedes Ellington, the role of Anita in West Side Story, the world premier production of The Lord of the Rings, the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia!, and the world premier production of Show Boat at the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. Film and television highlights include the movies Superstar, Blues Brother’s 2000, and Disney’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure. Vocal highlights include performing as a guest soloist with The Tenors, a featured singer with Josh Groban in concert, performing and recording with The Parachute Club, and as lead vocalist with her band Mark Camilleri and The CT Project on their debut album. And she just got a Dora Award nomination for her part in Rock of Ages. https://louisecamilleri.com/
Emily Masurkevitch
The Hoofbeats
Emily Masurkevitch
The Hoofbeats
Emily Masurkevitch – The Hoofbeats (Bobby Ussery)
Emily is a Sheridan graduate who is beyond excited to be joining Dancer. Whenever Jim Betts asks to work together, there's never any hesitation it's just a big fat YES! Previous projects with Jim include the Cathy Elliot Project and the workshop of Made Glorious Summer where Emily had the delight of playing her great Grandmother. The fringe space is always so special because it welcomes experimenting, getting it right, getting it wrong, and all of the in-between. A big shout-out to all of Emily's friends and family for all the love and support. Hope you enjoy!
Emily is a Sheridan graduate who is beyond excited to be joining Dancer. Whenever Jim Betts asks to work together, there's never any hesitation it's just a big fat YES! Previous projects with Jim include the Cathy Elliot Project and the workshop of Made Glorious Summer where Emily had the delight of playing her great Grandmother. The fringe space is always so special because it welcomes experimenting, getting it right, getting it wrong, and all of the in-between. A big shout-out to all of Emily's friends and family for all the love and support. Hope you enjoy!
Laura Larson
The Hoofbeats
Laura Larson
The Hoofbeats
Laura Larson – The Hoofbeats (The Auctioneer)
Laura is a singer and stage actor with a passion for the development of new Canadian musicals. Returning to the Toronto stage under the leadership of Marek and Jim, with such brilliant creators is the stuff that dreams are made of! Laura recently originated the role of Amelia Earhart in Dead Reckoning by Lezlie Wade and Scott Christian, whose filmed version premiered in 2021. She has also had the joy of originating roles in Unravelled by Andrew Seok, Could I Have This Dance by Geordie Brown, and multiple iterations of Bluenose - a stunning piece by our own Jim Betts, with John Estacio. Other highlights include Meg in Little Women (Theatre Orangeville), Parade: In Concert at Lincoln Centre, Nellie in South Pacific (EMP), Marian in The Bridges of Madison County (SMT) and five seasons with Drayton Entertainment. Laura sends beams to all her loves for their unwavering support. “This one’s for MLZ, our forever sunshine.”
Laura is a singer and stage actor with a passion for the development of new Canadian musicals. Returning to the Toronto stage under the leadership of Marek and Jim, with such brilliant creators is the stuff that dreams are made of! Laura recently originated the role of Amelia Earhart in Dead Reckoning by Lezlie Wade and Scott Christian, whose filmed version premiered in 2021. She has also had the joy of originating roles in Unravelled by Andrew Seok, Could I Have This Dance by Geordie Brown, and multiple iterations of Bluenose - a stunning piece by our own Jim Betts, with John Estacio. Other highlights include Meg in Little Women (Theatre Orangeville), Parade: In Concert at Lincoln Centre, Nellie in South Pacific (EMP), Marian in The Bridges of Madison County (SMT) and five seasons with Drayton Entertainment. Laura sends beams to all her loves for their unwavering support. “This one’s for MLZ, our forever sunshine.”
Mark Cassius
The Hoofbeats
Mark Cassius
The Hoofbeats
Mark Cassius – The Hoofbeats (Bane)
Mark Cassius is a versatile singer and entertainer, who has been featured on Broadway, in the Original Cast of Ragtime and revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar and Shenandoah. He has spent seasons at both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals. Also, with Drayton Entertainment in Damn Yankees, The Little Mermaid and Sweet Charity. His Toronto Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Donny Osmond), Miss Saigon, Showboat, Cats and the Toronto Premiere of the Off- Broadway Musical, The Musical of Musicals, (the Musical), for which he received a Broadway World, Best Actor nomination. He toured internationally with acclaimed Canadian Pop/Acappella quartet, The Nylons, for eight years. He has been a Musical Director at Canada’s Wonderland, a vocal coach for School Theatre Arts programs and Vocal Studios across Canada and the United States. He is a recurring performance instructor at The Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto and also teaches Musical Theatre Performance courses at Sheridan College and Toronto MetropolitanUniversity. https://www.facebook.com/MarkCassius https://www.instagram.com/themarkcassius
Mark Cassius is a versatile singer and entertainer, who has been featured on Broadway, in the Original Cast of Ragtime and revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar and Shenandoah. He has spent seasons at both the Shaw and Stratford Festivals. Also, with Drayton Entertainment in Damn Yankees, The Little Mermaid and Sweet Charity. His Toronto Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (with Donny Osmond), Miss Saigon, Showboat, Cats and the Toronto Premiere of the Off- Broadway Musical, The Musical of Musicals, (the Musical), for which he received a Broadway World, Best Actor nomination. He toured internationally with acclaimed Canadian Pop/Acappella quartet, The Nylons, for eight years. He has been a Musical Director at Canada’s Wonderland, a vocal coach for School Theatre Arts programs and Vocal Studios across Canada and the United States. He is a recurring performance instructor at The Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto and also teaches Musical Theatre Performance courses at Sheridan College and Toronto MetropolitanUniversity. https://www.facebook.com/MarkCassius https://www.instagram.com/themarkcassius
Jonathan Cullen
The Hoofbeats
Jonathan Cullen
The Hoofbeats
Jonathan Cullen – The Hoofbeats (Willie Shoemaker)
Jonathan Cullen has wowed audiences across North America since 2010. Most recently he was nominated for a Dora Award playing Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages with More Entertainment - Toronto. Previously, he played a leading role on the first National Tour of the Broadway Smash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Since touring with the South Park- created sensation, he has been touring across Canada with the TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Award) nominated Pop/Soul group, Silver Lining. Fans say Silver Lining sounds like The Bee Gees meets Chromeo. Before touring with his band, Jonathan helped Grammy Nominated Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies, workshop his new musical, Here’s What It Takes. Earlier in his Career, Jonathan worked with Tony Award Winning Director Stephen Daldry and Tony Award Winning choreographer Peter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award Winning artist Elton John on their ground-breaking Broadway success, Billy Elliot. IG: @jonathancullen9
Jonathan Cullen has wowed audiences across North America since 2010. Most recently he was nominated for a Dora Award playing Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages with More Entertainment - Toronto. Previously, he played a leading role on the first National Tour of the Broadway Smash-hit, The Book of Mormon. Since touring with the South Park- created sensation, he has been touring across Canada with the TIMA (Toronto Independent Music Award) nominated Pop/Soul group, Silver Lining. Fans say Silver Lining sounds like The Bee Gees meets Chromeo. Before touring with his band, Jonathan helped Grammy Nominated Steven Page, formerly of Barenaked Ladies, workshop his new musical, Here’s What It Takes. Earlier in his Career, Jonathan worked with Tony Award Winning Director Stephen Daldry and Tony Award Winning choreographer Peter Darling along with multiple Academy and Grammy Award Winning artist Elton John on their ground-breaking Broadway success, Billy Elliot. IG: @jonathancullen9
Lucas Popowich
Hoofbeat/ Swing
Lucas Popowich
Hoofbeat/ Swing
Lucas is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Saskatchewan who has performed all across North America. Some of his favourite credits include singing in Parade: In Concert at the Lincoln Centre, Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart with Neptune Theatre, Shrek the Musical with The Globe Theatre in Regina, singing the music from Bluenose written by Jim Betts and John Estacio, Les Feux Follets with the Charlottetown Festival, Skylark Song at Outfest, and appearing in the feature film Stage Mother which starred Lucy Liu and Academy Award Winner Jacki Weaver. Many thanks to the cast and creatives who make telling Northern Dancer’s story such a joy. Love you Allie, and this one’s for you Nick!
THE BAND
Sharon Prater
Cello
Sharon Prater
Cello
Sharon Prater has been seen on many of the major concert stages of the world as former cellist of the internationally acclaimed Colorado Quartet. She is a graduate of the Juilliard School, where she earned the Master of Music degree and was the teaching assistant to Joel Krosnick of the Juilliard Quartet. Ms. Prater moved to Toronto in 1990 and was subsequently a member of the Canadian Opera Orchestra, the Amadeus Ensemble, and the Espirit Orchestra. She has been on the faculty of the New School of Music (Philadelphia) and taught as adjunct chamber music faculty at the University of Toronto. She was principal cellist of the Toronto Philharmonia for ten years and performed with Ensemble Vivant for eleven seasons. Sharon currently enjoys being a very busy freelance musician in Toronto.
Tony Zorzi
Guitar
Tony Zorzi
Guitar
Along with numerous radio and television commercials Tony has been orchestra guitarist in many, many musicals, including The Last Ship, Bat out of Hell, Beautiful, The Book of Mormon, Matilda, Kinky Boots, Dirty Dancing, Billy Elliot, Toxic Avenger,mRocky Horror Picture Show, Hair, Mamma Mia, Rent,Tommy, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Steve Heathcote
Drummer
Steve Heathcote
Drummer
Being voted “Drummer of the Year” at the 2009 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards is one of the many highlights of Steve’s 40-year career. In addition to being in demand for his creative versatility in a studio environment, he is often called upon to work in theatre productions. Most recently Steve had the pleasure of working with Sting in the Toronto production of The Last Ship. Other credits include Singing in the Rain, Come from Away, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and Billy Elliot. Tours with The Tenors, Anne Murray, Colm Wilkinson, Holly Cole, and David Clayton Thomas have taken him all over the world.Steve has also performed with Elton John, Janelle Monae, Chantal Kreviazuk, Manhattan Transfer, Petula Clark, Rich Little, Shirley Bassey, Bob Newhart, Measha Brueggergosman, Colin James, Henry Cuesta, Guido Basso, and the TSO.
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Jim Betts
Executive Producer
Jim Betts
Executive Producer
Jim Betts is an award-winning playwright and composer who loves writing, and celebrating, Canadian Musical Theatre. His Canadian themed musicals include Colours In The Storm (about Tom Thomson), The Shooting Of Dan McGrew, Lucy Maude & Anne, Extraordinary (The Extraordinary Life Of An Ordinary Woman), The Fabulous Kelley, and the upcoming Bluenose (written with composer John Estacio). He has also produced Stan Rogers • A Matter Of Heart, and published the Canadian Musical Theatre song collections, Field Of Stars. He is a former Artistic Director of Smile Theatre, Theatre Orangeville and ScriptLab, and started the Canadian Musical Theatre course at Sheridan College. Jim is both proud and excited that he and his wife Kate Barris have finally managed to bring this new Canadian Musical - Dancer (A Musical In Ten Furlongs) – to audiences here at The Toronto Fringe.
Kate Barris
Executive Producer
Kate Barris
Executive Producer
Kate is a television writer who married into the theatre and became an executive producer. Primarily a writer and executive story editor of children’s TV series, Kate has been responsible for entertaining your kids with shows like Max & Ruby, Mr. Dressup, Canadian Sesame Street, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, and if you’re old enough, Today’s Special. Recently, she’s been branching out into other genres and older audiences. She’s writing a novel for young adults and she’s co-written a comedic play for adults, about “end of life choices”, called Dead Right (coming soon, we hope, to a theatre near somebody). She’s delighted to be working with her husband, Jim Betts, to bring this spectacular show to the Toronto Fringe stage.
Paul Shaw
Production Manager
Paul Shaw
Production Manager
Paul has spent 35 years behind the curtains of Canadian theatres. He began as an actor at The Stratford Shakespearean Festival at age 10 and worked there for fifteen seasons as a Dresser, Stage Manager, Production Stage Manager and Director of Production. “Pshaw” has company managed tours of major Broadway musicals and stage-managed for the National Arts Centre, Vancouver Playhouse, Theatre New Brunswick and the Neptune Theatre. For Livent Inc. he was Company Manager of Harold Prince’s Show Boat and the world premiere of Ragtime (Toronto). He was a Producer for The Canadian Stage Company on over 70 productions. Paul produced and stage-managed the 2002 Papal Visit and World Youth Day Celebrations in Toronto, Expo 86 in Vancouver and the annual Gilda’s Club of Toronto gala to fight Cancer. A theatre ambassador and mentor, Paul is Chairman for the Professional Theatre Training Program for Theatre Ontario and a member of the York University Faculty of Fine Arts Advisory Council.
Briane Nasimok
Co-Producer
Briane Nasimok
Co-Producer
Bio: Briane wears a number of hats in the world of entertainment - storyteller, writer, producer, Operatic Mute and theatre director. At this year's Fringe, he is directing Michael Posner’s mystery, Dead End, also playing at the Al Green Theatre. He has worked, played and collaborated with both Kate and Jim for many years and is thrilled to see Dancer get this chance to soar.
Larry Copeland
Stage Manager
Larry Copeland
Stage Manager
Larry is very excited to be a part of this wonderful production. Larry has been on Stage Management teams in Canada, the US, the UK and China. Favourite shows: Canada - The Lion King, I am My Own Wife, Larry’s Party, US - Leap of Faith, Exit Strategy. Belle of Amherst.
Sam Rosenthal
Co-Producer
Sam Rosenthal
Co-Producer
Sam is an actor, voice-over artist (samrosenthalnarrator.com), director, writer, and producer. Currently he is the Artistic Director of a Toronto based theatre company called The Hogtown Collective (hogtownexperience.com) which recently presented an immersive production of The Christie Pits Riot in Christie Pits Park. Now it’s also available as a 4-part audio drama which can be downloaded at the company website. Selected acting credits include Caroline or Change (Musical Stage Company), The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz (Segal Centre), Beauty and The Beast (Neptune Theatre), Forever Plaid, Suds (Tribal Productions), Time Stands StilI (Eclectic Theatre). TV/ Film Credits include, Hannukah On Rye (Hallmark), The Mohel (Short Film), Diggstown (CBC) and Escaping NXIVM (Nominated for an ACTRA Best Supporting Role). Sam lives in Toronto with his wife Michelle and their Beagle Kismet.
Tom Diamond
Director Mentor
Tom Diamond
Director Mentor
Tom Diamond has directed acclaimed productions for all major Canadian opera companies, as well as prominent opera companies in the United States. Career highlights include the world premiere of Florence, The Lady With The Lamp (Elora Festival /Chalmers Award). His production of Squonk was an off-Broadway hit. When transferred to Broadway, Squonk won the American Theatre Wing’s Hewes Award. His many stagings for the COC include Canadian premieres of Giasone and La Calisto (Cavalli), and the Dora-winning production of Handel’s Julius Caesar. He was the Resident Director/Dramaturg at Tapestry Opera for a decade where he staged premieres of Iron Road (Dora Award as Outstanding New Musical), Oksana G. (7 Dora Nominations), The Shadow and the short film The Perfect Match, which has played at film festivals across North American. Mr. Diamond is a renowned operatic acting coach, perhaps most often recognized for his participation in both seasons of the Gemini Award-winning television series Bathroom Divas.
Anna Marchisello
Associate Director/Choreographer
Sam & Joe Rosenthal
VIPs
Faye Rauw
Rehearsal Host
Faye Rauw
Rehearsal Host
Originally from Humboldt, Sask, Faye has many years of experience performing, choreographing, adjudicating, producing and now owning a dance studio, Fayez1 Dance Academy in downtown Toronto. Faye has been in movies, including Chicago, Hairspray and Amelia and has performed for such major sports franchises as the NBA & in-game host of the CFL Toronto Argonauts. She’s also taught at various workshops and conventions at national and international dance events as well as at Sheridan College, Randolph College for Performing Arts and Toronto Metropolitan University. She has choreographed for Schitt’s Creek and various charitable fundraising events. For her business, Sprouts-Growing Bodies & Minds in Leslieville, Faye designs movement classes for moms and babies. Currently, she is focused on sharing all her dance experience with dance students at her studio, and creating a positive dance environment for them to learn & grow in. Faye is also a very proud mother of a talented young dancer named Brooklyn.
Jenny Pfanenstiel
Milliner
Jenny Pfanenstiel
Milliner
According to Jenny Pfanenstiel," A hat can not only change your day, but it can also change your life!" The world-renowned Milliner has been awarded for her skill in creating and sculpting hats by hand. Using the highest quality and rare materials from across the globe and techniques that date back centuries, she molds straw and felt over wooden hat forms. She also has a unique process of sculpting hats on a braid machine from the 1800s. Jenny has crafted hats for some of the world's most well-known dignitaries and celebrities, including Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, Neil Diamond, and Barbara Corcoran from the TV show "Shark Tank”. She has created exclusive hat collections for the Goodman Theatre, and the Joffrey Ballet and has been the featured Milliner for the Kentucky Derby numerous times. For Dancer, A Musical in Ten Furlongs, she has crafted a hat to be worn on Derby Day by Winnie Taylor (Barbara Barsky).
Muriel Lennox
Consultant/ Northern Dancer Biographer
Josh Alcantara
Videographer
Josh Alcantara
Videographer
Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Josh is a professionally trained ballet dancer, independent songwriter/ producer (JPA), and content creator/ videographer (JPA Studios). A graduate from Sheridan for Musical Theatre, select credits include Neil Sedaka in Righteous Brother, Lou Adler in Beautiful (Drayton), Soldier in Sunday in the Park with George (Eclipse Theatre), Helga in Cabaret (Theatre Sheridan), Davey in Newsies (Theatre Sheridan). He would like to thank his friends and family for their love and support, and for the opportunity to continuously work with stellar artists. Instagram & TikTok: @joshpalcantara Website: jpa-studios.com
Northern Dancer
The Horse Himself
This Production Would Not Have Been Possible Without
The Generous Support Of Nona Macdonald Heaslip
and her fellow Stakeholders
Jefferson & Sally Mappin
Adrian Merchant Macdonald
Ted Barris & Jayne MacAulay
Alan Gotlib & Michael Piper
Jan Armstrong
Briane Nasimok
Katherine Siminovitch
Dean Turner
Special Thanks To
This show is dedicated to Joe Rosenthal. He was one of Dancer's biggest fans, partly because his talented son Sam plays a pivotal role in the show, but also because he loved the horses, and he believed this show had tremendous potential. Just like Northern Dancer. Sadly Joe didn't make it long enough to see Dancer break through the starting gate. But Joe will always be along for the ride.