The 8 PM Sept. 13 presentation in Toronto will boast celebrities and members of arts service and funding organizations. The show will play the Jane Mallett Theatre, produced by Talk is Free Theatre of Barrrie,ON.
In addition to Toronto Star critic Ouzounian (who is also a director, playwright and lyricist in Canada), The Producers will feature Globe and Mail theatre critic Kelly J. Nestruck as Leo Bloom and the National Post theatre critic Robert Cushman as Franz Liebkind. There will be a surprise appearance for the role of Ulla. Cynthia Dale and Camilla Scott will play the Usherettes. Other roles will be tackled by "Xtra!" arts and entertainment writer Serafin LaRiviere (Roger deBris), theatre producer Mitchell Marcus (Carmen Ghia), theatre producer Marlene Smith (Touch-Me-Feel-Me), theatre producer Joan Mathers (Lick-Me-Bite-Me), theatre producer John McKellar (Judge) and theatre producer Aubrey Dan (Marks).
The following dignitaries are welcomed as members of the Nazi Chorus: Pat Bradley (Ontario Arts Council), local politician Ken Chan, Tim Chapman (Theatre Ontario), Margo Charlton (Toronto Arts Council), arts supporter Mario Giampietri, Mallory Gilbert (arts consultant), John Goddard (Theatre Ontario), Sally Han (City of Toronto), Michael Jones (the Metcalf Foundation), Jacoba Knaapen (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts), Jane Marsland (arts consultant), Mathieu Maslard (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund), William Moore (arts consultant), Kim Selody (Canada Council for the Arts), Kathleen Sharpe (Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund), Jini Stolk (The Creative Trust) and Lucy White (Professional Association of Canadian Theatres).
Other cast members include Gabi Epstein, Justin Goodhand, Parris Greaves, Julie Lennick, Jono Logan, Andrew McAllister and Alicia Toner.
The Producers concert will be directed by Adam Brazier. The production team includes musical director Mark Camilleri, designers Akiva Romer Segal, Erika Conner, Gareth Crew and Emily Porter, production stage manager Larry Westlake, associate producers Luke Brown and Mark Selby. The show is produced by Talk Is Free Theatre artistic producer Arkady Spivak. "We're grateful for all the hard work that Arkady Spivak and Talk Is Free Theatre have put into organizing this tremendous fundraiser, as well as for everybody who has committed their time and energy to make this a great event," Actors' Fund executive director David Hope said in a statement. "The spirit of community that this fundraiser embodies is at the heart of the Actors' Fund, the community stepping up to help its most vulnerable members during their time of need. We're excited for this unique show that is sure to be remembered for years."
Tickets are $27, $50 and $125 (this category qualifies for VIP seating and admission to pre-performance reception starting at 6:30 PM). Tickets are available at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts box office by phone (416) 366-7723, website www.stlc.com.
