Keanu Uchida is a Toronto-based dancer and performer whose career has spanned commercial, concert and musical theatre stages. His work is deeply influenced by improvisation, musicality, and the joy of movement. Keanu took his first dance steps at a small studio in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of four—never imagining that his passion would one day lead him to tour internationally with Lorde and Muse, dance at the Academy Awards, and appear in blockbuster movies such as M. Night Shyamalan’s Trap. Recent highlights include dancing on Netflix’ hit series Ginny and Georgia, and serving as body double and movement reference for the viral Peloton ad “Let Yourself Go” starring Hudson Williams. Dancer (A Musical in Ten Furlongs) has been a part of Keanu’s life for over a decade and he is honoured to be revisiting the role of Northern Dancer alongside such a special team of Canadian artists.

Barbara Barsky is an award-winning actor/producer. Selected credits include: Berthe/Boeing, Boeing, Miss Andrew/Mary Poppins/SATAward nomination (Persephone Theatre), Mme Thenardier/Les Misérables (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 Mavor Moore 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 with 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.

Tyler Murree is thrilled to be working with this world class team to tell this great Canadian story. He hails from Glengarry, ON but has called Toronto home for 25 years. He is fortunate enough to be able to do what he loves most because of the support of his caring wife, brilliant son, and very attentive dog and two cats. He also has the best agents in the city, so thank you Shari, Noëlle, Tim and Ariel at AMI for everything you do to help me do what I love. Selected theatre credits: Les Misérables (Mirvish Productions and Broadway); The D’Ysquith Family in A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder (Drayton Ent. and *Stage West Calgary [*Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical or Comedy]); Timon in Disney’s: The Lion King (North American Tour); Stan in Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage (Mirvish); ensemble in The Lord of the Rings: The Musical (Mirvish); Little Big Man in A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (WTC, 1000 Islands, and Capitol); Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Smile Theatre and Brown Dog Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (Capitol). Selected film/TV: Law & Order: Toronto; Neagley; Vought Rising; The Institute; FUBAR; Blue’s Clues & You; The Love Club; Hardy Boys; Murdoch Mysteries, and many more.

When he’s not acting, Tyler is an acting coach and an elementary/middle school teacher. This show is dedicated to his colleagues and pupils. Thank you for making the teacher the student.

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. 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. Most recently he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Montrellous in the Canadian Stage production of Clyde’s. 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.

Kent Sheridan is thrilled to be celebrating this important moment in Canadian History. Growing up near the Windfield Farms property in Willowdale, he now passes the Oshawa farm location (where Northern Dancer is buried) whenever travelling into the city. This is not his first rodeo in the entertainment biz. A few decades of musical theatre under his belt both onstage (Chicago, Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, Grease, 9 to 5, Starlight Express, Kiss Me Kate, Chorus Line, Rock of Ages, Les Miz in Concert, Will Rogers Follies would be but a small sampling), and directing (Chicago, Oklahoma, Grease, Will Rogers Follies, South Pacific, Into the Woods). He can also be seen in a bunch of those Christmas movies we binge on, and other film/television (Something Very Bad is going to Happen, Vought Rising, Hudson and Rex, Terminal List, and two seasons of Chesapeake Shores). He performs with acoustic blues/vocal group Yazoo Delta. Instagram: @kentsheridan

Sam Rosenthal has been involved with the musical Dancer since its 2016 workshop at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre and most recently performed in it at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2023. A storyteller with over 35 years in theatre, television, and film, his selected stage credits include Caroline, or Change (Musical Stage Company) and The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (Segal Centre). Screen credits include The Apprentice (dir. Ali Abbasi), Hanukkah on Rye (Hallmark), Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Escaping the NXIVM Cult, and a recent Canadian Heritage project about The Honourable Bora Laskin, where he served as co-writer and actor. He is Artistic Director of The Hogtown Experience, a Toronto based theatre company creating powerful immersive historical experiences, and an audiobook narrator.  Sam credits his passion for horse race calling to his late father Joe, who took him to the track for many years — highlighted by a $12,000 triactor win on the Kentucky Derby. Sam lives in Toronto with his wife Michelle and beagle Kismet. He is thrilled to bring Dancer to life.

Danny Cannis is a versatile vocalist, actor, and producer whose career spans musical theatre, cruise entertainment, concerts, and television. A graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, he has performed across North America and internationally. His notable credits include Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Neptune Theatre), Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story: The Musical (Disney Cruise Line), Captain Viz in The Effectors, and John in The Beautiful Dream (Royal Caribbean), Sir Lionel in Camelot (U.S. National Tour/Drayton Entertainment), Guido Contini in Nine, and Manny Munoz in City of Angels. Beyond the stage, Danny creates and produces original headline shows for cruise audiences, blending Broadway favorites, jazz standards, and cinematic classics into engaging entertainment experiences that showcase his dynamic vocal style and passion for storytelling. 

Madison Foley began her dance training at the age of two and a half and has grown into a passionate, versatile, and highly trained performer at the start of her professional career. In 2022, Madison completed the Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver. Since then, she has appeared in television series including Riverdale, Backstage, and The Next Step, along with several nationwide commercial campaigns. In 2023, Madison was part of Dancer at the Toronto Fringe Festival, directed and choreographed by Stacey Tookey. In addition to performing, Madison has also had the opportunity to choreograph and assist alongside many talented teachers and industry professionals, further expanding her experience and passion for the creative process.

From the vibrant, magical landscapes of Equestria to the high-stakes world of Cybertron, JJ Gerber is a voice that brings wonder to life. Known to fans of My Little Pony G5 and Transformers: BotBots, he specializes in infusing every character with a spark of heart and a dash of mischief. His screen credits stretch from the whimsical charm of Nickelodeon’s Ollie’s Pack and Blue’s Clues to traveling the world in Hello Luna, proving that whether the scene calls for a song or a story JJ is ready to deliver. This mastery of the mic is built on a powerhouse foundation in the theatre. A veteran of the prestigious Shaw and Stratford Festivals, JJ has commanded the stage across North America in legendary productions like Chicago, A Chorus Line, Hairspray, Parade, and The Wizard of Oz. And when the cameras aren’t rolling, the music doesn’t stop. You can find his original sounds—a fusion of rhythm and soul—under @JonoJosh on all streaming platforms.

Jackson Lee is a passionate young Toronto based dancer and aspiring choreographer. He has been dancing since the age of four and has trained in a wide variety of styles including jazz, acrobatics, contemporary, ballet, and hip hop. Since then, Jackson has become an extremely well rounded and sought after dancer, teacher and choreographer. Currently, Jackson is a company member with Conteur Dance, a contemporary dance company based in Toronto. He works in the city as a multifaceted artist with multiple credits in both the commercial and contemporary world. He is extremely excited to return to the world of Dancer, having previously been part of the Toronto Fringe production in 2023.

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Lexi Lehr spent the early years of her career training at Shelley’s Dance Company. Since then, her career has taken her to New Jersey and New York City. In New Jersey, Lexi completed The Bridge Movement program under the direction of Stacey Tookey. During her time there, she dove deep into her craft and continues to cultivate an authentic career. She has performed in the short film Funky Town, was the assistant choreographer for a production of Elf The Musical, and on weekends works as an assistant at Nuvo Dance Convention. Lexi finds connection to herself and her community through movement, and she is on a constant journey to connect more deeply with the world around her.

Judy Luo is a Chinese-Canadian dancer, actor, writer, and dumpling party connoisseur based in Toronto. Her artistry is shaped by a love of bridging communities that inspire and challenge each other. Judy holds her BFA in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University and is a laureate of the Hnatyshyn Foundation’s Developing Artist Grant. She is a former member of touring company Rambert 2 (London, UK); she performed new works by Micaela Taylor, Benoit Swan Pouffer, and Megan Lawson, and restaged works by Andrea Miller, Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar. As an independent artist, Judy has collaborated alongside Anne Plamondon Productions (Montreal), Liam Francis Dance Company (UK), and Dreamwalker Dance Company (Toronto/Vancouver). Known for her stage presence and versatility, her commercial credits include Nike, SportChek, Tim Hortons, Hallmark Channel, Jessie Reyez and Feist. Wherever her curiosities might take her, she delights in sharing her fascinations with those around her. Follow along Judy’s creative endeavours on her Substack publication, mindthemoves. 

Kieran Macdonald is a New York City-based artist, choreographer, and creative, represented by MSA Talent Agency. Originally from Paisley, Scotland and Edmonton, Alberta, Kieran’s dance background includes an International Baccalaureate Dance Diploma and mentorship from industry leaders Ray Leeper, Dana Foglia, and Stacey Tookey. Macdonald’s creative roles include assistant choreographer for Alanis Morissette’s Las Vegas Residency (Caesars Palace), associate choreographer for Grease (MGM Beau Rivage), and creative director for Christmas In The Air. His performance credits include dance captain/swing on the national tour of Cats, performing with best-selling recording artists Alessia Cara and Shawn Hook, and workshopping material for The Prince of Egypt on London’s West End. Kieran’s commercial credits include a global campaign with Gucci and a performance at Paleyfest with the Amazon Prime Original, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, at the Dolby Theatre. His artistic achievements have been featured in publications like Dance Teacher Magazine and DanceLife Australia.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Suzanne McKenney has been a professional actress for 36 years.  Highlights of her career include studying with master acting teachers Charles Nelson-Reilly (at Burt Reynold’s Jupiter Theatre in the late 80’s!) and Uta Hagen in New York, as well as singing and dancing through the Panama Canal on a cruise ship in her mid-twenties.  She met her husband-to-be Canadian actor Allan Royal in L.A. in the early 90’s, before eventually moving to Toronto where she’s had the good fortune to enjoy a variety of challenging pursuits. From regional theatre to Hallmark movies and a recurring role on Suits… to the late-night, L.A. theatre experience of Zombie Attack, she can often be found ‘playing’ a rock star in the Toronto cover band Rock-It Science.  Thanks to her early theatre mentors, Suzanne’s worlds of musical theatre, comedy, drama, cabaret, and live music have collided in the most creative and satisfying ways. 

Shelby Patterson is an Orange County, California native whose diverse dance training includes OCPAA, Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy, Westside Dance Project, and Orange County School of the Arts, where she graduated as Valedictorian of the Commercial Dance Conservatory. After high school, she launched her professional career in Los Angeles, performing in two contracts with Royal Caribbean International while also teaching at competitive studios, mentorship programs, and high schools. In 2021, Shelby moved to New York to train under Stacey Tookey through The Bridge Movement, an experience that strengthened both her artistry and personal growth. She currently works as a professional assistant with NUVO Dance Convention and contributes to The Protégé and The Bridge Movement in various roles. Shelby remains passionate about pursuing meaningful opportunities within the dance industry.

Eva Petris couldn’t be more excited to be part of the cast of Dancer! Theatre credits include: Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (Stage West Calgary); Life After (Ed Mirvish Theatre); Ali in Mamma Mia! (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Ascalaphus/Greek Chorus in Mythic: An Immortal Rock Musical (Segal Centre); Rogers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing, and Mrs. Phelps in Matilda (North Stage); Nerva in Fatal Charade (Elkabong Theatre); two seasons as Philippa Gordon in Anne & Gilbert: The Musical (The Guild, PEI); the title role in Captain Aurora: A Superhero Musical (Montreal Fringe & Wildside Festivals); Divine Intervention (Atlantic Fringe); Val in A Chorus Line: In Concert; and Godspell (BCT). She also co-founded In Harmony Productions, the team behind Millennial Mixtape and Christmas Clichés: A Sisterly Cabaret.

Eva is deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support of her mother Helen, fiancé Reilly, Thea D, and her entire family. She also sends a heartfelt thank you to Rick Gerrits and the entire NCA team! Follow her at @evapetris & @inharmonyproductions.

Lucas Popowich 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 Lincoln Center, 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 stared 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!

Jude Richardson is a 21-year-old Toronto-based performer with a professional and passionate dedication to dance. Having trained extensively in contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, and acro, he has built a strong foundation through competitive dance, specialized training programs, and professional performance opportunities, including as a mainstage dancer aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wish.

Known for his discipline, athleticism, and commanding stage presence, Jude approaches every opportunity with focus and enthusiasm. As he expands into acting, he brings the same commitment, work ethic, and love of storytelling that have defined his dance career. Excited to explore new creative challenges, Jude is eager to continue growing as a versatile performer in film, television, theatre, and commercial projects.

Lara Angela Roda is a proud Filipina performing artist, currently based in Toronto. As a recent graduate from Sheridan’s Honours Bachelor in Music Theatre program, she is absolutely thrilled to work alongside an incredible cast, creative team, and crew! Select theatre credits: Heathers: The Musical, Something Rotten! (Theatre Sheridan), Incomplete List… (TO Fringe), Vibrant Waveforms (Mythos Musicals).

Mason Smitheram is a highly versatile performer trained in jazz, commercial, hip-hop, contemporary, acrobatics, ballet, musical theatre, lyrical, vogue, dancehall and partnering/pas de deus. A graduate of the Centennial College Dance Performance Program and Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, he has built a career across live entertainment, theatre, commercial and sports entertainment.

Exploring the artistry of dance since she was two, Mélodie Suganami’s passion has led her on her current path, completing her second year at Marymount Manhattan College in New York pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a Modern concentration.  Melodie has worked with numerous choreographers: Stephanie Rutherford, Adam Barruch, Jamal White, Savanah Spratt, as a soloist in MMC’s staging of José Limón’s A Choreographic Offering, and most recently, Keerati Jinakunwiphat. Furthermore, Mélodie attended multiple prestigious Intensives – Ballet Jazz Montreal, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and The Rutherford Movement Exchange where Mélodie is now serving in a Mentorship role. Most recently, she appeared in the musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, produced by Rainbow Stage and choreographed by Stephanie Rutherford. Mélodie continues to spread her love and passion through dance as she follows her path as a dancer.

SELECT THEATRE: Tell Tale Harbour (Charlottetown/Mirvish), The Full Monty (Mayfield/Capitol), Into The Woods (Ovation), Once (Grand Theatre/RMTC/TiP) Robin Hood, Lil’ Red Robin Hood, Wizard of Oz (Ross Petty Productions), Ring of Fire (Citadel, Aquarius), Kinky Boots (Mirvish, Australian Tour), Shrek The Musical (Globe Theatre/Capitol Theatre), Spoon River, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Barber of Seville, The Crucible, Death of a Salesman (Soulpepper) Evil Dead: The Musical (Starvox). Film and Television: V/H/S 94 (Shudder), Odd Squad (PBS), Good Witch (Hallmark), Jupiter’s Legacy (Netflix), Dark Matter (SYFY/Bell Media), Heroes Reborn and Dark Matters (NBC), Gangland Undercover (The History Channel) Simulant (Mongrel Media), 1UP (Lionsgate), Murdoch Mysteries (CBC/UKTV), Most Dangerous Game 2 (Roku), Trust Me, I’m a Doctor (Park Cities Film), I, Object (Scythia Films). Daniel would like to thank his parents and Debbie for their support and encouragement. Follow him @danielwilliston on Instagram and @thedanielchronicles on TikTok.

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 in Toronto.

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 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. 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.