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Home , Dora Mavor Moore, Mirvish Productions, Moments in the Woods, Ragtime (musical)

PRESENTS INTO THE WOODSIN CONCERT Book by Music and Lyrics by

Directed by Michael Torontow NOVEMBER 14 -16, 2019 Georgian Theatre, Barrie | 705-792-1949 www.tift.ca Presented by | Season Partner

Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak

Book by James Lapine Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Director Michael Torontow Music Director Wayne Gwillim Choreographer Lori Watson Set and Lighting Designer Joe Pagnan Costume Designer Laura Delchiaro Production Manager Jeff Braunstein Stage Manager Dustyn Wales Assistant Stage Manager Sam Hale Sound Designer Joshua Doerksen Props Master Vera Oleynikova

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Cast Baker------Aidan deSalaiz Cinderella’s Prince, Wolf, Lucinda------Griffin Hewitt Witch------Alana Hibbert Rapunzel’s Prince, Florinda, Milky White------Richard Lam Baker’s Wife------Jamie McRoberts Jack’s Mother, Stepmother, Granny, Giant------Charlotte Moore Jack, Steward------Justin Stadnyk Little Red, Rapunzel------Amy Swift Narrator, Mysterious Man, Cinderella’s Father------Kristian Truelsen Cinderella------Kimberly-Ann Truong Young ------Claire Allen, Adam Ashby, Ellie Atton, Sail Croker, Griffin Dauphinee, Arianna Goarley, Emily Harvalik, Abigail Lelievre, Matthew MacQuarrie-Cottle, Mary Jo Marshall, Gaby Mirafuentes, Korol Pikulik, Charlee Rochon, Jarod Tessier, Mary Witlib

Band Conductor, Piano------Wayne Gwillim Piccolo, , ------Peter Voisey ------Valerie Selander ------Alyssa Wright Percussion------Justin Han DIRECTOR’S NOTES While engulfed in blankets and pillows and a certain level of depression one day in the not-too-distant past, I stumbled upon a meme on social media that struck a chord with me. It read, “Be who you needed when you were younger.” I began wondering what it would be like to talk to my younger self; what I, Michael at 41, would tell Michael at... wait... what age would I choose? What would I tell “Mikey” at 5 years of age? Or “Mike” at 13, or “Michael” at 22? Or—what the heck—even Michael at 39?

Children possess a sort of magic which adults have a very difficult time accessing as they grow older. Their boundless creativi- ty and curiosity, their unconditional love and acceptance of others... All things they are born with, until we adults slowly take it all away from them. It isn’t necessarily our fault—we just do the best we can with what we learned from our parents, who also did the best they could based on what their parents learned from their parents. We want to protect our children from dangerous realities, of course. There is absolutely danger out there in the woods. But we also inadvertently teach them things they don’t need to know. And we disappoint them in ways we don’t know, or worse, don’t think will really matter in the long run.

When I learned I would be directing “Into the Woods” and would be incorporating the TIFT Young Company into the show, I decided to focus my direction on a certain lyric Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine actually cut from the show during pre-Broadway tryouts in San Diego. The Witch was meant to have a song in which she said, “You know what’s evil? Nice peoples’ lies.” The song was cut for good reason, but I find that lyric immensely poignant.

Many of our characters in “Into the Woods” deceive or tell lies in Act One to achieve their goals, and they pay for those deceptions in Act Two. We all tell little lies, but just as a director does when deciding how to present a show, we have to remember our audience. The impressions you make on young people will last.

But I don’t have to remind you of that. After all, you, yourself, are a young person inside a body that is aging at a rate you are probably not comfortable with. So have a conversation with your younger self, and see what you’ll say.

If you ask me today, I would have several fairy tales I would tell my 12-year-old self about his future. I would teach him about forgiveness, about honesty, and about the importance of loving yourself for who you are and who you can be. That grown-ups may sometimes be TOO grown-up. And to believe in magic.

Children will listen.

Michael Torontow Into the Woods

Design Statement

Prepared by Joe Pagnan for Talk is Free Theatre Into The Woods in concert.

ABSTRACT

Michael Torontow approached me with text by Sondheim in his book Look, I Made a Hat that reads – “What interested James [Lapine] were the little dishonesties that enabled the characters to reach their happy endings”. .. [he] was also skeptical about “happily ever after” in real life and wary of the danger that fairy tales may give children false expectation. … he was drawn … to Carl Jung’s theory that fairy tales are an indication of collective unconsciousness”.

Stemming on this, I endeavour to create a space that is highly critical of the little dishonesties that have rather large ramifications to the adult consciousness. Fixing on the emotionality of the woods by waning light, add a carnal danger we see repeated throughout in lust or gluttony. The natural order punishes moral quandary, akin to a childlike law, it is fixed and holds no court. Innocence, as lied to, is as dangerous as the adults twisting the truth. Through the trees, through the doorways of parent’s bedrooms, through pages in a book, through windows on a screen. The power of imagination is unbridled the deeper into the primordial we seek, be it in a metaphorical and/or literal wood. Imagination can kill. I lament on the impossible trees, representative of our own self. Standing amid a clear cut? Balancing threatened ecosystems as fragile as human consciousness.

Consider this upon a time from the perspective of the tree the story was writ on and how a kid left to figure it all out watched the woods of their childhood, disappear.

SONG LIST

Act I Act II Prologue: Into The Woods So Happy Hello, Little Girl Agony (Reprise) I Guess This Is Goodbye Witches Lament Maybe They’re Magic Moments In The Woods A Very Nice Prince Your Fault Giants In The Sky Last Midnight Agony No More It Takes Two No One Is Alone Stay With Me Finale: Into The Woods On The Steps Of The Palace Finale: Ever After

LIGHTLY STAGED? What does “Lightly-Staged” mean?

The history of musicals being presented with limited staging, costumes, and sets date back to the 17th century with the earliest operas and has become an increasingly popular platform in the 21 st century.

Lightly-staged and concert series productions allow rarely-staged musicals the opportunity to be experienced again and for works of greater size to be produced that our traditional staging would not allow.

This performance style puts the music and lyrics centre-stage and allows the very essence of the work to shine through in a unique way for the audience.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We acknowledge that this theatre and our beautiful city are situated on the traditional lands of the Anishnaabe people, including the Odawa, Ojibwe and Potawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land. CAST BIOGRAPHIES AIDAN DESALAIZ (Baker) TIFT: Pal Joey.

Recently: Beauty and the Beast (Drayton); A Christmas Carol (Grand Theatre); The Best Brothers (Western Canada/TNW). Elsewhere: Red, , Legally Blonde (Theatre Aquarius); Having Hope At Home (Neptune); The Wedding Singer (Stage West, Critter nomination: Best Actor in a Musical); Lies My Father Told Me (Segal Centre); Visiting Mr Green (Harold Green); Altar Boyz (Angelwalk); three seasons with (Guthrie Apprenticeship Award).

Upcoming: The Last Five Years (Neptune); , Wendy and Peter Pan (Stratford).

Other: Graduate of Ryerson University, Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training (Stratford). Love and thanks to my family and Billy.

GRIFFIN HEWITT (Cinderella’s Prince, Wolf, Lucinda)

TIFT: Debut. Recently: Beside Myself (Foster Festival); Bethune (Neil Bartram and Brian Hill Workshop). Elsewhere: The House of Martin Guerre, My Bonnie Lass, The Phantom of the Opera (Theatre Sheridan); Kelly V. Kelly (First worksop, Canadian Project). Other: When not onstage Griffin is a musician, songwriter, and book writer of new musicals, and is passionate about the creation of new Canadian works of all kinds. He’s so grateful to be a part of this brilliant show as his first production with TIFT.

-www.tift.ca- ALANA HIBBERT (Witch)

TIFT: The Gamblers, Sunday in the Park with George, The Music Man and Amadeus. Recently: Kronborg: The Hamlet Rock Musical (Charlottetown festival). Elsewhere: Mary and Max (Theatre Calgary); Carousel and (Stratford Festival); The Mountaintop, , Major Barbara, Trouble in Tahiti, Guys and Dolls (); Mamma Mia! (Theatre Aquarius); Bittergirl (RMTC); The Wizard of Oz (YPT); , Caroline or Change, (Acting Up Stage); Anne of Green Gables, Buddy Holly Story, (Charlottetown Festival); Doubt, All Shook Up (Theatre North West); (Western Canada Theatre); Hair (Canadian Stage).

RICHARD LAM (Rapunzel’s Prince, Florinda, Milky White)

TIFT: Debut. Recently: The New Canadian Curling Club (Thousand Islands Playhouse); Measure For Measure, Much Ado About Nothing (Canadian Stage); The Little Prince: Reimagined (Puzzle Piece) Elsewhere: Peter Pan (Bad Hats/Soulpepper); Once (Citadel); Lulu v.7 (Buddies In Bad Times); Spoon River, Of Human Bondage, Incident At Vichy, Marat/ Sade, The Crucible, The Dybbuk, Idiot’s Delight, Blood Wedding (Soulpepper). Other: Dora Award Nominee for The Little Prince: Reimagined (Outstanding New Play/Outstanding Performance). Proud CAEA Councillor for Ontario. Graduate of the BFA in Acting Program at the University of Alberta and the Soulpepper Academy. Love to Mom, Dad, and Crystal! Instagram: @rickyslams.

JAMIE MCROBERTS (Baker’s Wife)

TIFT: Debut. Recently: Anne of Green Gables (Thousand Islands Playhouse); King Arthur the Panto (The Capitol Theatre). Elsewhere: Rock of Ages (Stage West Calgary); , Beauty and the Beast, Robin Hood the Panto (The Capitol Theatre); The Wizard of Oz, I Think I Can (YPT); Drinking Alone, The Melville Boys, Barefoot in the Park, Blood Brothers, The Full Monty, Cabaret, The War Show, and Christmas Carol (The Rose Theatre); All Shook Up (Stage West Mississauga); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (The Empire Theatre).

Other: Jamie is a Dora Award winner for the production of The Wizard of Oz at Young People’s Theatre in .

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- CHARLOTTE MOORE (Jack’s Mother, Stepmother, Giant, Granny)

TIFT: Harvest Moon Rising and Kiss of The Spider Woman. Recently: Cabaret (The Grand Theatre); Hairspray, Honk, , Damn Yankees, Marathon of Hope, Footloose, , Blood Brothers (Drayton Entertainment). Elsewhere: In Jerusalem, Israel - Soul Doctor. In Charlottetown PEI - Singalong Jubilee, Anne of Green Gables. For Mirvish Productions, Toronto - Les Miserables (and National Tour), Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz (and National/US Tour). Other: Charlotte has 2 solo CD’s “Friends of Mine - Songs From Canadian Musicals” and “Long Road Back” (all original material), both available on itunes. charlottemooore.ca

JUSTIN STADNYK (Jack, Steward)

TIFT: Pal Joey, The Music Man, Emily, In Gabriel’s Kitchen (reading). Recently: Matilda (RMTC, The Citadel, Arts Club); Hairspray (Drayton); (Winnipeg Jewish Theatre). Elsewhere: , Boys in the Photograph (Mirvish); Mamma Mia!, Legally Blonde (Theatre Aquarius); Grumpy Old Men, White Christmas, (RMTC); , Wonderful Town (Shaw Festival); Cinderella, Robin Hood (Ross Petty Panto); Joseph and the…, (Rainbow Stage); Anne of Green Gables, Ring of Fire, Full Monty (Charlottetown Festival); Saturday Night Fever (National Tour). Other: Thank you for supporting live theatre in Barrie! Mr. Stadnyk is proud to be a Merited Artist of Manitoba. Visit Justin online @j_stadnyk & www. justinstadnyk.com

AMY SWIFT (Little Red, Rapunzel)

TIFT: Debut. Recently: (We Are Here Productions). Elsewhere: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Into the Woods (Hart House Theatre); Harvest Moon Rising (WOMTF); Sister Act (Randolph Theatre); Downtown Jay (Toronto Fringe Festival); The Stone Princess, The Snow Queen (Solar Stage). Other: Amy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from AMDA College and Conservatory. Thank you to Arkady and team for the warm welcome! Love to all the folks who support me on the daily.

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- KRISTIAN TRUELSEN (Narrator, Mysterious Man, Cinderella’s Father)

TIFT: Floyd Collins. Recently: Prairie Nurse (Lighthouse); Fiddler on the Roof (Persephone). Elsewhere: Out of Order, Marathon of Hope, Singin’ in the Rain (Drayton); Rumspringa Break! (Next Stage); James Tyrone in Long Day’s Journey into Night; A Delicate Balance (Mad Cow); Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (Sudbury); The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (Segal Centre); Laughter on the 23rd Floor (American Stage); The Light in the Piazza (Persephone); The Sound of Music (Citadel); Matthew in Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown); Kiss Me, Kate; (Stratford); My Fair Lady (Western Canada).

Other: Film/TV: The Patriot, Suits, Murdoch Mysteries. www.kristiantruelsen.com

KIMMY TRUONG (Cinderella)

TIFT: Debut. Recently: Kronborg: The Hamlet Rock Musical, Mamma Mia and Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival). Elsewhere: Miss Saigon (Broadway); The Rocky Horror Show, The Music Man, A Little Night Music, (Stratford Festival); Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Aladdin: The Panto, Les Miserables (Drayton Entertainment). Other: Kimmy is so excited to be crossing Into The Woods off her bucket list. “Thanks for having me TIFT!”

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- CAST BIOGRAPHIES - YOUNG COMPANY Claire Allen

Claire Allen has been involved in numerous theatre productions over the past several years. She has very much enjoyed being a part of this performance and is thankful to TIFT for the unique and enriching opportunity.

Adam Ashby

Adam is a performer and choreographer whose recent choreographic credits include; Madagascar Jr, The Wedding Singer, Annie Jr and Aladdin Jr! Adam has appeared in a number of shows including; , Rent and Urinetown! Enjoy The show!

Ellie Atton

Ellie is a local high school student that is passionate about music and theatre. She has really enjoyed her time with TIFT and hopes you enjoy the show!

Sail Croker

Sail has grown up surrounded by a wide variety of performing arts and they hope to move forward in the arts after graduating from Bear Creek this spring. Sail hopes you enjoy the show and thanks TIFT for allowing them to be apart of it.

Griffin Dauphinee

This is Griffin’s first theatrical performance. He has really enjoyed working with the other actors, and finds the play very humorous. Arianna Goarley

Arianna is grateful for the opportunity to be part of TIFT’s Young Company. She has loved learning from the talented actors and creative team and is excited for you to see the show!

Emily Harvalik

Emily is a grade 10 student at Eastview Secondary School. She hopes you enjoy watching the show as much as she enjoys performing in it.

Abigail Lelievre

Abby is a Simcoe County Rising Star finalist for 2 years running. She loves to perform and can often be found singing karaoke all over Barrie!

Matthew MacQuarrie-Cottle

Matthew is in his final year of high school and is excited to pursue an artistic career. He has participated in the Eastview Secondary School Choir and starred in a production of Aladdin Jr. He is currently enjoying his co-op with Talk is Free Theatre and is delighted to be a part of Into The Woods!

Mary Jo Marshall

Mary Jo has loved being involved in the Youth Mentorship Program for the production of Into The Woods! MJ has been acting/modelling since she was 10! She is going to Disney next month to attend Premiere Program’s Demo Reel Production. MJ wants to thank Aidan & Jamie for their amazing mentorship! Gaby Mirafuentes

Gaby is a Grade 9 student who loves to perform. Acting, singing and playing the ukulele are her favourite past times.

Korol Pikulik

Korol Pikulik has been involved in theater since she was seven years old and she hopes to one day make her a career! She wants to thank TIFT for this opportunity and hope you enjoy the show.

Charlee Rochon

Charlee Rochon is a multi musican who enjoys acting as well as music. She would like you to enjoy the show.

Jarod Tessier

Jarod is a senior at Eastview Secondary School, and enjoys acting as well as working with a great ensemble cast. He hopes you enjoy viewing the show as much as he did helping to create it.

Mary Witlib

Mary is proud and excited to be working with TIFT again on this production!

-www.tift.ca- CREATIVE TEAM

MICHAEL TORONTOW (Director) TIFT: Every Brilliant Thing, , , The Music Man and Floyd Collins. Recently: Anne of Green Gables, Kronborg: The Hamlet Rock Musical, Mamma Mia! (Charlottetown). Elsewhere: Mamma Mia! (The Grand, Arts Club); Beauty and the Beast (Capitol Theatre Port Hope); Children of God (Urban Ink/ NAC); Bittergirl (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); The Light in the Piazza (Theatre Calgary, Acting Up Stage Company); Forever Plaid, Jesus Christ Superstar (StageWest); Side By Side By Sondheim (The Grand); The Full Monty (The Rose); The Last 5 Years (Theatre St. Johns); Lies My Father Told Me (Segal Centre); Dirty Dancing, Hairspray (Mirvish); Mamma Mia! (US National Tour). Other: Mr. T in “Lost and Found Music Studios” (Netflix/Family). Love and thanks to my family, The Talent House, and to Matej. www.michaeltorontow.com

WAYNE GWILLIM (Music Director)

TIFT: Stagefright, Anyone Can Whistle, Bye Bye Birdie, Inspector General and Dani Girl. Recently: If Love Were All: A Coward Cabaret (Stratford Festival); Cabaret (Grand Theatre, London). Elsewhere: (Young People’s Theatre, Toronto); Strictly Ballroom, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables (Mirvish Productions, Toronto); ten seasons with the Shaw Festival, five seasons with the Stratford Festival. Wayne will be Music Supervisor/ Orchestrator for the premiere of Grow at the Grand Theatre in London, ON in 2020. Other: Originally from Saskatchewan, Wayne is a graduate of ’s Faculty of Music. @wayneofgwillimbury

-www.tift.ca- LORI WATSON (Choreographer) TIFT: Debut. Elsewhere: Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Smokey Joes Café, Good News (Rainbow Stage); Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Disney Canada, Ford Motors, Harley Davidson, Hellcats (CW); Shall we Dance (Miramax); Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (Space). Other: Lori is the Co-Owner of Kickit Dance Studio in Winnipeg, MB and is proud to be training the next generation of dancers and artists.

JOE PAGNAN (Set and Lighting Designer) TIFT: Design: Pal Joey, Newfie Electra & Music for The Changing Voice, The Gamblers, Every Brilliant Thing, Amadeus, Candide, Offline, Darling of the Day, Sunday in the Park With George, Gotcha!, Stop The World, Prince of Homburg, I, Claudia, Vigil, and The Wakowski Brothers. Directing: Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Elsewhere: Shout! The Mod Musical, We Will Rock You (Magnus), My Bonnie Lass (Theatre Sheridan); Theory (Tarragon Theatre); Beauty and the Beast, Shrek: The Musical (Globe Theatre); Northern Lights (Theatre by the Bay); Crazy for You and Grand Hotel (Theatre Sheridan); Venus’ Daughter (Obsidian); and Pearle Harbour: Chautauqua. Upcoming: Newsies! (Theatre Sheridan) Other: He is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada. Nominated for the 2017 Pauline McGibbon Award, and recipient of the F. J. Anderson Award. More at joepagnan.ca

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- LAURA DELCHIARO (Costume Designer) TIFT: Debut. Recently: Assistant Costume Designer for The Crucible (Stratford). Elsewhere: Costume Design: Poison (Coal Mine Theatre); Romeo and Juliet (Lost & Gone); Photographic Evidence, Spring Moon (Mixed Company Theatre); Little Thing, Big Thing, Don’t Misunderstand Me (Festival Antigonish); The Wild Duck Project (Re:Current Theatre). Assistant costume design: Copenhagen (Soulpepper), Coriolanus, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Tartuffe (Stratford). Laura has worked as a costume coordinator/head of wardrobe and stitcher for theatres all across Toronto.

JOSHUA DOERKSEN (Sound Designer) TIFT: The Gamblers and Amadeus. Recently: The Cenotaph Project & Caribou Cave - Composer/Sound Designer (Theatre By The Bay). Elsewhere: Northern Lights - Composer/ Sound Designer (Theatre By The Bay); Samantha - Composer (Greenlight Theatre); The Five Points - Composer/Sound Designer (Theatre By The Bay); We Must Have More Men - Composer/Sound Designer (Theatre By The Bay) MECA 3010 - Composer/ Sound Designer (Film); Maccabees - Sound Designer (Film); Turkey Shoot - Composer (Single Thread); Solicitor - Sound Designer/ Audio Recordist (Film); Quitter - Composer (Film); Quarter Life - Composer (Film); Deep 5h1t -Sound Designer (TV); Four Aces - Songwriter/Sound Designer (Film); Zombie Prom - Actor/Singer (Theatre); Urinetown - Actor/ Singer (Theatre); Grease - Actor/Singer (Musical); Les Miserables - Actor/ Singer “Marius” (Musical). Other: Music Artist Residency (Banff Centre), Emerging Artist Award 2016 (City of Barrie).

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- JEFF BRAUNSTEIN (Production Manager) TIFT: Pal Joey, Newfie Electra & Music for The Changing Voice, The Gamblers, Tales of an Urban Indian (2019 tour), Every Brilliant Thing, Hedwig and The Angry Inch and Tales of an Urban Indian (2018). Recently: Director: Kalamazoo (Gravenhurst Opera House) and The Ladies Foursome (Dot the T Productions). Elsewhere: Worked as an actor and director, including at Toronto Workshop Productions, Theatre Passe Muraille, Canadian Stage Company, Tarragon, and Manitoba Theatre Centre. Other: Jeff has been working as a theatre professional for over 45 years in Canada and in the U.S. as a performer and director. He was VP and then President of Canadian Actors Equity for 12 years. Jeff is also the founder and Artistic Producer of Asterix Productions, a corporate communication company producing live Musical Theatre and videos for major corporations across the world.

DUSTYN WALES (Stage Manager) TIFT: Debut. Elsewhere: Over 70 productions across Canada including: Disney’s Newsies (Drayton); The Gigli Concert, Billy Bishop Goes to War, Glengarry Glen Ross, Faith Healer, Travesties, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Soulpepper); Light in The Piazza, RePrint, Craigslist Cantata (Musical Stage); Rocky Horror, The Tempest, Jesus Christ Superstar (Hart House), You Dance (National Ballet), A Man A Fish (Persephone); Musical of Musicals (Mirvish); I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Angelwalk); i Think i Can, The Great Mountain, Blue Planet (YPT); Pan Am Games Ceremonies. Upcoming: Legally Blonde (Hart House), Kinky Boots, 42nd Street, Evita (Drayton).

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- SAM HALE (Assistant Stage Manager)

TIFT: Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Recently: Little Shop of Horrors (Stratford Festival); Fall For Dance North (FFDN/TO Live). Elsewhere: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Picture This, Parfumerie, Riverboat (Soulpepper); The Wolves, Lemons…, 52 Pick-Up, The Glass Menagerie (The Howland Company); Jerusalem, Mr. Burns (Outside the March); Disgraced (Mirvish/Citadel/ Hope & Hell); Hilda’s Yard, Here On The Flight Path (Foster Festival); The Realistic Joneses, An Enemy of the People (Tarragon); Body Politic (Buddies in Bad Times/lemonTree Creations); The 39 Steps (3P Productions); My Fair Lady (Capitol Theatre). Other: Sam has also worked for dance: made in canada, Hot Docs, TIFF and Ryerson University.

ASHLEY FREDERICK (Production Assistant)

TIFT: Summer Producer for 3 years, Associate Producer for The Curious Voyage, Production Assistant for Darling of the Day. Recent: As You Like It: A Puppet Epic (Shakey-Shake and Friends), This Is War (York University), Rent (York University) Other: Ashley has just completed her BA in Theatre Studies at York University. She is grateful to Arkady and all TIFT members for supporting her journey into the professional theatre world, her mentor Elizabeth Bennett for all the inspiration, the cast and crew of this production for welcoming her, and her family, for the unconditional love, and fahita nights.

VERA OLEYNIKOVA (Props Master)

TIFT: As costume designer: Newfie Electra; as props master: The Gamblers, Newfie Electra and For Both Resting and Breeding. Recent: As set designer: Lend Me a Tenor, Dancing at Lughnasa (South Simcoe Theatre). Elsewhere: Props master at Theater By The Bay 2017- 2018. Other: Vera is thrilled to be returning to TIFT and doing what she loves best. She is currently pursuing studies in Theatre Production and Design and York University.

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- CHAIR’S GREETINGS We are thrilled to welcome you to Talk Is Free Theatre’s special production of “Into the Woods”, where magic still exists, and the only things really Grimm are the brothers upon whose tales this story is based. Under the direction of the oh so talented Michael Torontow, and in partnership with TIFT’s Young Company, an incredibly talented cast and crew, and the enthralling sounds of Sondheim, this whimsical journey is sure to enchant. On behalf of the TIFT’s Board of Directors I would like to thank Arkady Spivak and Cara McRae for their continued collective genius, the wonderful Richard Varty, and all of our enthusiastic, seemingly tireless volunteers for their incredible contributions to this amazing organization, including our illuminating “Illuminating Conversations” producers. Also, this non-profit organization is eternally grateful to all of our donors, sponsors, supporters and patrons, without whom such productions would not occur. So come, riding hoods and forest patrons, don your red capes, squeeze into those glass slippers and let yourself be swept away. Enjoy!

Kathryn Talbot Chair

TIFT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe Anderson - Founding Chair Peter Koetsier - Treasurer Kathryn Talbot - Chair Betony Main Terry Coughlin Jody Patfield Glenn Coulson Jennifer Podemski Casey Farley Shaun Sauve Beth Foster Anna Small Pauline Stevenson TIFT STAFF Arkady Spivak, Artistic Producer Jeff Braunstein, Production Manager Cara McRae, Administrator Richard Varty, Director of Outreach Ziiigwen Mixemong, Director of Education Matthew MacQuarrie-Cottle, Co-op Student

Talk Is Free Theatre engages under the terms of the Independent Theatre Agreement professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. Talk Is Free Theatre is an active member of PACT.

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- THANK YOU AND WELCOME TO OUR PRODUCER’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Michael and Marilyn Abrams Liz Allen van der Wal Tracey Baker Sharon and Eric Ball David and Doris Blevins Kelly Brooks Rod Burns and Glenda Kasza Evelyn Calder Tom Coon and Jeanette Heywood Terry Coughlin and Marlene Storry Gregory Damas and Maria Vieira Theresa and Dominic de Castris Jenivieve de Vries Sheila and Jim Delaney Sally Elston Casey Farley Steve and Michele Farley Richard and Judi Fenton Beth Foster and Robin James Joan Gallagher-Main Joan and Robert Gilroy Jim Graszat and Joanne McPhail Janey and Barry Green Michael and Carol Harpur Beth and Dwight Hesson Flora Hutton Kim Kieller and Fred Strangway Jean Koetsier-Adams Peter Koetsier and Wendy Wingfelder Joan and Bob Lehman George and Janet Lougheed Kathleen Martin Mary Macdonald Cam and Jane McKenzie Anne Menzies Susan and Liam Morrison Dawn Mucci – Lice Squad Marjorie Paterson Jody and Sheri Patfield Barry Peacock and Elizabeth Anderson-Peacock Joyce Purdy Sandra Roberts Diane Rowat-Walton Judy Salnek - Salnek Window Fashions & Accessories Shaun Sauve and Suzanne Legue Doug and Lisa Shipley Anna Small Bernetta Starkey and Bill McLellan Paul and Pauline Stevenson Charles and Kathryn Talbot Eric Taves and Nancy Quinn

This year’s Producer’s Circle is full. To join the waiting list, please : Arkady Spivak Artistic Producer (705) 792-1949 ext 122 or [email protected]

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Theatre Angel ($10,000 and up) • Anonymous Producing Partner ($5,000-$9,999) • Anonymous (2) • Gayle Brock • Joan and Robert Gilroy • Steve Sperling Superstar ($2,000-$4,999) • Joe Anderson and Wesley Yargus • Anonymous • Wilma Crabtree • Terry Coughlin & Marlene Storry Starring Role ($1,000-$1,999) • Anonymous (2) • Anita Green • Robert Sirman and Denis Lefebvre • Arkady Spivak Leading Role ($450-$999) • Sheri Elliott • LaRea Moody • Optimist Club of Barrie • Aline Revoy • The Party Store Feature Role ($250-$449) • Anonymous • Paula Blitstein • Ian Epstein and Kathy Kacer • Ada Kallio • Alex MacDonald and Karen Brown • Larissa Mair Casting • Robin Milani • Anthony and Monica Peckham • Louise Pope • Powell Jones LLP • Diane and Peter Richards • Jean and Ronald Stevens • Marian Stuparick • Marek Szelag Understudy ($100-$249) • Beth Allen • Anonymous • Chris Beggs • Marc and Pat Brenner • Nancy Hardy • James Harkness • Elena Krakopolskaya • Barbara McCahery • Robin Milani • Patricia Rowland • Barbara Wilson

We make every effort to ensure that our donors are acknowledged accurately. In the unfortunate event of an error, please contact our office at (705) 792-1949 as soon as possible (listing updated as of October 1, 2019)

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- SEATS OF SIGNIFICANCE

You’re invited to join our unique and limited opportunity to “purchase” a seat for Tales of an Urban Indian presented on city buses around the world over the next three years.

How will we recognize your donation? To celebrate an honour your commitment to extending the reach and impact of Indigenous stories, your seat will feature a custom plaque recognizing and honouring an important indigenous person or historic event. You’ll receive an acknowledgement in the program and a stamped passport telling its own tale of the journey our production has taken over the three years. You or your guests will receive two tickets to anywhere in the world we’re presenting Tales of an Urban Indian, each of the three years of your donation. A tax receipt will also be offered, if required.

What’s involved? Your $3000 donation (in one lump sum or by installments), “buys” you one of the remaining seats.

For more information, please contact: Arkady Spivak Artistic Producer (705) 792-1949 ext 122 or [email protected]

Craig Lauzon in Ottawa, ON

Jonathan Fisher in Barrie, ON

Herbie Barnes in Barrie, ON

Darrell Dennis in Barrie, ON

-www.tift.ca- THANK YOU TO OUR SEATS OF SIGNIFICANCE CAMPAIGN DONORS

Peter Koetsier & Wendy Wingfelder - in support of clean water for First Nations communities Anna Small - in support of First Nations storytelling Lardner Nixon LLP - in support of First Nations Education Janey & Barry Green - in memoriam of Rance Moses, Pic River Anonymous - in support of equality for First Nations Children Stephen Sperling - in honour of Craig Lauzon Anonymous - in honour of Herbie Barnes Anonymous - in honour of Darrell Dennis For more information, please visit http://www.tift.ca/seats-of-significance/ or call (705) 792-1949

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- SPECIAL THANKS Talk Is Free Theatre would like to thank the following: Erica Angus Frida Ardal Sharon and Eric Ball Chad & Sandra Ballantyne Canadian Linen Supply Robin Clipshan Jonna Crone Stephen Derraugh Vicky and Rick Dvorak Beth Elliot James Everette Fabricland Bracebridge Casey Farley Steve & Michelle Farley Ferndale Trim and Doors Beth Foster Diane Frederick Gifts 4 Friends Gravenhurst Opera House Katie Green Joyce Hand Beth & Dwight Hesson Marilyn Howell Huntsville Copy Shop Huntsville Tailoring & Alterations Robin James Jeff Jocham Patricia Lancia Linda LeFeuvre Phillip Lock Liz Maguire Frank Berg and Jesse Marshall Mareka Martin Brad May Richard and Melvina McCaw Robin Milani Louise Pope Rick and Bonnie Reeve Joyce Sanford Steve Sperling Bernetta Starkey Marian Stuparick Theatre By The Bay Graeme Thomas Holly Tonkin Allan Turnbull Dan Vanderveer Peggy Williamson Alyssa Wright Chloe Yetman Gary Yetman

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca- THANK YOU TO THE VENUE STAFF

Box Office (who give you the tickets) Alicja Szal Peggy Williamson Laura Hood

Facilities (who keep the venue clean) Angelina Porter Jeff Johnson Brady Ward Evan Bates Brayden Anderson

Front of House (who welcome you and ensure your safety) Barbara Aoki Sarah Saville Peggy Williamson

Technical Team (who make the magic happen) Beth Elliot, Supervisor James Briden Matthew Dawson Aaron Grandy Mike Brandon Venue Liaison (who answers Arkady’s calls) Mischa Crossman Venue Staff (the skilled Swiss army knife of theatre staff) Richard Varty Kathryn Helmond Laura Hood Katie Robinson Noah Hollinshead Susan Tassinari-Carr Rehan Lakhani Sherry O’Leary Venue Supervisor Lauren Andrew

-www.tift.ca- -www.tift.ca-