| DJP Productions Presents | ||
Prescription: Murder |
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| by William Link & Richard Levinson | ||
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| March 19 - 29, 2026 | ||
| The Auburn Stage, Grand Theatre | ||
| Directed by Stephen Mitchell | ||
| Starring | ||
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André Cormier |
Sam Didi |
David Pasquino |
| “Prescription: Murder” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com | ||
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Director's Note
Prescription: Murder, opened as a play on Jan 20, 1962, with Thomas Mitchell (not a relation of mine) playing Columbo, Joseph Cotton playing Dr. Flemming and Agnes Moorehead playing Claire Flemming. The 1968 Columbo TV pilot used this script as a base for the show.
Peter Falk’s Columbo captivated audiences for more than 10 seasons, following a seemingly rumpled detective who outsmarted murderers convinced they had committed the perfect crime. As Columbo himself likes to point out, police investigate murders every day—while the killer only gets one chance to get it right. That basic outline began right here with this play.
The audience witnesses the crime, they know whodunit - then Columbo enters the scene and we see him slowly, methodically expose the murderer. With his crumpled trench coat, ever-present cigar, and constant references to “my wife,” Columbo’s signature style is already fully formed in this original stage play.
The Columbo TV movies became famous for attracting some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as guest villains, many returning again and again to try their luck against television’s most deceptively brilliant detective (Patrick McGoohan was the most frequent killer, appearing 4 times).
David Pasquino, the show's producer, found this script and decided London needed to see this play. I joined him and we then cast the other players and found great designers and a fantastic crew for this show. London is blessed with a plethora of talented people who love to present theatre, so we just cast the show from the best of the best.
One more thing, many people smoked in the sixties, we removed that from the show except for Columbo carrying his cigar.
Stephen Mitchell
Producer's Note
A couple of years ago I came across a headline in one of my email newsletters that said “Pat Sajak’s next gig is… Community Theatre?” As I've been doing community theatre for the past 13 years or so, I immediately clicked the link. Sure enough, Pat was doing a fundraising community theatre play in Hawaii, and the play was Prescription: Murder, the very first Columbo story.
I grew up watching the Columbo TV series with my family and absolutely loved the show. To this day, I still do my “Columbo routine” of checking all my pockets before heading out the door, and I often catch myself thinking about him. So when I found out there was a Columbo play, I had to read it. And once I read it, I knew I had to bring it to the stage here in London. And, well… I really wanted to play Columbo.
I talked to my wife Diana, and she told me very succinctly that she thought I should produce it. We talked through it some more, I crunched some numbers (I’m an accountant by day, so number crunching is kinda my thing), talked about it some more with Diana and then started the ball rolling.
Fast forward a couple of years. The venue is booked (you’re sitting in it). The royalties and insurance are paid (so please don’t get into any fights). Posters, coasters, and postcards have been printed (please let me know where you heard about the show). We’ve been posting on Facebook and Instagram and I’ve been on the radio and have recorded a TV spot. It’s been a whirlwind of fun, excitement , and occasionally some stress..
And now, you’re here.
To witness the culmination of months (and years) of planning, meetings, rehearsals, phone calls, emails, conversations and far to many late nights and early mornings than I care to think about. This has been, from the very start, a passion project. I did this because I wanted to share with you the joy of this wonderful play.
What you will see on stage is the combined work of over a dozen Londoners, distilled into the performance of six people, who are all here for the love of this art form. Theatre is, by nature, a community event. It only exists if there are performers and an audience; without one, the other is nothing. So thank you. Thank you for giving us your time, your attention, your trust.
I hope you enjoy the show.
Oh… one more thing. Diana created all the artwork for our marketing materials – I think she’s awesome.
Cast
Crew
Rob Coles
Nancy Daoust
Tannis Daoust
Steven Mitchell
Jessica Norrie
Barbara Rand
Mariann Sawyer
Ross Davidson
Meet the Company
Makayla Ashenden
Makayla is a local actor from London and is very excited to be apart of this production. Some of Makayla’s previous shows include The Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, The Odd Couple (London Community Players), and Steel Magnolias (Elgin Theatre Guild). Makayla also studied theatre at the University of Windsor.
Tameka Brown
For Allswell Productions: Miss Mahoney - 25 th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, Witch – Big Fish, Mama –Children of Eden, Soloist – The Beauty Underneath, Trix - The Drowsy Chaperone (Co-Pro w/Allswell Productions), Ensemble – Cinderella (Co-Pro w/LCP). Other Theatre: Trish – Kinky Boots (LCP), Daria Chase – The Game’s Afoot (LCP). She sends a huge thanks to David Pasquino for allowing her to be a part of this fun show! She also thanks her husband, sons, family, and friends for all their love and constant support!
Eve Cohen
Eve Cohen is very excited to be part of this murderous ensemble. She has been active in the London theatre community since moving here 4 years ago. Past roles include Chloe in My Old Lady with Theatre Woodstock (WODL Best Supporting Actor Winner, 2025), Elvira in Medical Wonder (AlvegoRoot), Louise in Geez Louise (Theatre Aezir), Mother in Hey Lauren (King Black Box Theater, Toronto), Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing (Western Shakespeare), and Viola Howe in Lawrence Station (Alvego Root). She also works in local film, television, and commercials. Kudos to Dave for making his dream come true. Just one more thing…
André Cormier
André Cormier, the actor, has only killed one other person on stage (Spoilers! Geez…). He’s also been killed on stage once before so it all sort of evens out. Of note: that death spanned two acts (!) so in a way, he’s playing with house money. When not acting in independent theatrical productions here in London, Ontario, he’s a professor at Fanshawe College, a backyard ice rink technician, and at least the 600th best curler in the city. He’s a proud husband to his wife, Alicia, and a beaming father to his daughters, Evelyn and Eleanor. Huge thank yous to his family for their patience and encouragement. Major props to this stellar cast and crew. Andre will return in Prescription Murder II: Roy Flemming Gets Off on a Technicality. It’s the courtroom drama for which everyone’s been pining!
Sam Didi
Sam was born and raised in London, Ontario. He graduated form Fanshawe College in the Theatre Arts program and has been involved in the world of community theatre for 13 years and has been in multiple productions such as Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Dracula, Night of the Living Dead, Pride & Prejudice, and many more. He is very excited to be working with some familiar faces again on stage for Prescription: Murder, as well as working with a new director! Sam claims that he is the biological son of music legend Weird Al Yankovic, but refuses to perform a DNA test and seems to change the subject anytime it is brought up.
David Pasquino
I grew up watching Columbo in the 70’s with my family and am beyond thrilled to be donning his trenchcoat in this inaugural show by DJP Productions! My love of theatre was re-ignited in 2013 when I was given a small role in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, and I’ve been in over 25 plays since then, most recently playing the iconic Felix Ungar in “The Old Couple” – my second Neil Simon play. I am honoured to be a part of this amazing cast and most excellent crew and have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of them. As always, I am deeply indebted to my amazing and talented wife Diana, and our wonderful daughter Rosie who both keep me young, inspired and (mostly) out of trouble; their continued love and support make all this possible.
Rob Coles
Rob is a designer who has been producing lighting designs for productions in many theatres and theatre companies in London and the surrounding area for over twenty-five years. He has over 30 nominations for awards for some of his designs and has even managed to win a few awards for his design work. Some past design credits include Steel Magnolias, Soldiers Heart, Into the Woods, Urinetown, Rocky Horror Picture Show and, Company.
Nancy Daoust
Nancy has been part of community theatre for a little over two years. She started sewing costumes with her daughter Tannis, and joined the Palace doing concession, ushering, greeting and recently House Manager. She even tried her hand at Producer. She's excited to join Prescription Murder as Props Assistant as she is a huge Columbo fan! She is thrilled to be a small part of the team.
Tannis Daoust
Tannis has been working in theatre costuming for three years. Their first experience was with Columbo/Dave Pasquino, Dave Gordon/Sam Didi and the brilliant stage manager Mariann in Speed Dating for Sperm Donors. These lovely folks showed me the joy of theatre, and this is a very welcome reunion on an incredible show!
Steven Mitchell
I’m thrilled to be involved in this Prescription: Murder production. My last two directing efforts were Proof and December Man (Palace Theatre). It’s fun being back in the Auburn Theatre, as I worked the last part of my career as a theatre technician here before retiring. Thanks to David for creating this great group of backstage and onstage artists. One more thing... thanks also to Deborah for her patience as I run off to rehearsals and shows.
Jessica Norrie
Jessica is a recent graduate of the Technical Theatre Production program at Humber College. She was Stage Manager for This Is How We Got Here and her Assistant Stage Manager credits include That Summer, Dating Games, and The Front Page: SCOOPED. On a quest to learn all aspects of theatre production she dabbles in scenic painting and will be the Sound Operator for an upcoming production of The Shark is Broken. Being a part of live theatre is a dream come true and Jessica is delighted to work with the talented cast and crew of Prescription: Murder. She is forever grateful to her family, friends, and partner for their unwavering support.
Barbara Rand
Barbara’s love of theatre started around age 8, when she saw her first live production of The Music Man. Select credits include: Associate Producer, The Laramie Project (Theatre Æzir); Props Designer, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Allswell Productions); The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and Harvey (LCP), SpongeBob Square Pants: The Musical (LYTE). She previously worked with David on LCP’s production of On a First Name Basis. Happy to be invited to work on this show.
Mariann Sawyer
Mariann is thrilled to be “back in the booth” and honoured to be a part of such a fun project. Mariann comes with a long list of beloved experiences from around London and Stratford including Producing, Directing, and Stage Management credits. She just came off Sound Designing for LCP's production of Deathtrap. Mariann stays busy with helping out around the theatre community and would not have it any other way. Mariann wishes to extend a big 'thank you' to both David and Stephen for their trust and invitation to join the team, as well as to Jack for his never-ending support. Enjoy the show!
Ross Davidson
Ross has been photographing community theatre for over 20 years and is thrilled to be involved with David's inaugural show for his new theatre company. Ross has had the pleasure to photograph many community theatre productions both in London and the surrounding area. A few of the theatre companies he has worked with are Maybles' Productions, MTP, PTAC (LCP, LYTE), ODESA Company, East Elgin Theatre Guild, St Marys Community Theatre, Pacheco Theatre, Infuse Productions, Silver Spotlight Theatre and many high school theatre and dance productions. He is certain that you will enjoy the show as much as he did photographing it.
Special Thanks
Baracoa Tobaccanist, Olaf Plotzke, Palace Theatre Arts Commons Prop House
Jamie Jardine and Jane Roy for providing the fantastic artwork for the set.
Dawn Hopper for sage advice and enthusiastic support.
Deondre and Davon Brown, Jack Barrett, Alex Mitchell, Kayleb Mitchell.
A special thank you to Alix Burbidge-Pasquino, who passed away on July 1, 2024. Without her support, this production would not have been possible.
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