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Director's Message

“Rehearsal for Murder” was originally an award-winning television play starring Richard Preston and Lynn Redgrave. It was then adapted for the stage and enjoyed a successful run. When I first read it, I was struck by its cinematic style, with flash-backs and re-enactments. As it is set in the 1950’s, Jennifer and I decided that we would stage it like a 'film noir' of the period.

We are grateful to our splendid cast and crew for all their hard work on this and we hope that you enjoy our show, but please, don’t tell anyone 'who dunnit'!

Alex Kanarek, Director

Board Message

Welcome to the 3rd production of Guelph Little Theatre's 90th season! We are thrilled to present a lineup filled with comedy, mystery, and pageantry that we believe will captivate and entertain our audiences. 

Our productions and the day-to-day operations of the theatre would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. To those who devote countless hours of their time and energy out of a love for GLT, we extend our deepest gratitude. 

We hope you thoroughly enjoy tonight's performance. Now, let's raise the curtain and begin the show. 

Diane Montgomery

President, Guelph Little Theatre

Setting

Place: An empty Broadway theatre

Time: An afternoon in April in the 1950's

Cast

Creative Team

Our thanks to...

Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington ReStore - Guelph

Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington ReStore - Fergus

Steve Allen 

Meet the Company

Aaron Gorlick

Alex Dennison

Aaron is an actor and musician in the Southern Ontario area, having moved from Toronto to Woodstock in 2018. Recent credits include “The President’s Under Where?” at GLT, “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Haunted Chateau” radio play with Playful Fox, and Theatre Woodstock’s “A Snow White Christmas”.

Stephen O'Connell

Ernie

Stephen is no stranger to local theatre. He began a long relationship with RCMPI with "Oliver" in 1979. Stephen was awarded Outstanding Supportive Actor for his role in the 2012 production of "Seussical". His association with GLT began in 2019 on stage in "'Twas". Since then Stephen has appeared in two other productions. He has volunteered as well in front of house and theatre rep. capacities. Thanks to his friends for their ongoing support.

Abbygail Vanderstarre

Sally Bean

This is Abbygail's second production with Guelph Little Theatre and she couldn't be more thrilled to take the stage once again. With Barbra Streisand as her guide, no one will EVER rain on her parade.

Diem Morriswala

Lawrence

Diem (they/he) is thrilled to debut with Guelph Little Theatre as Lawrence in Rehearsal for Murder. While this is their first role outside of staged readings and voice acting, Diem is no stranger to the stage as a musician and songwriter. "Thank you to Mom, Dad, and Uma for supporting my dive into the theatre world." Also look out for Diem in GLT's upcoming production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)!"

Stacey England

Monica Welles

Stacey is no stranger to theatre. It is definitely where she feels most alive! She has been involved in several productions with the Elora Community Theatre over the past few years. Her latest role was Doris Walker in A "Miracle on 34th Street". A newbie to Guelph Little Theatre, she is both honoured and grateful to work alongside the talented directors, cast, and crew for this exciting play. When she isn’t on stage she enjoys spending time with her two wonderful sons and her pets. Enjoy the show!

Tushar Sood

Lloyd Andrews

Since the age of 7, Tushar has dreamed of becoming an actor. Despite his parents steering him toward engineering, he completed a degree in Mechatronics and a Master’s in Robotics while never letting go of his passion. Now, he works as a Robotics Control Engineer while pursuing acting, with credits in “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Back to the Future”, “Unexpected Killer”, a Disney movie, and theater plays like “Knock Knock” and “Are We Done Yet?” His ultimate dream is to win an Oscar, not for fame but to live countless lives through art, touch hearts, and leave a legacy. Life is a one-time opportunity, and Tushar is determined to make it count.

Christena Jackson

Bella Lamb

Christena is an actor, director, and painter. Her roles have included the murderous wife Dora in comedy-thriller “When the Reaper Calls” and Ines Garcia in "The President's Under Where?", Celia in "Calendar Girls" at CCP, the pregnant ex-nun Jeri Neal in "The Dixie Swim Club" at ECT. She performed ‘A Game of Inches’ at the Guelph Fringe Festival, directed "Romeo & Rosaline" at GLT, and "Jam" and "The Theory of Accelerated Hotness" for the Ward One Acts.

Liv Gray

Karen Daniels

Liv is excited to be returning to the GLT stage as Karen in "Rehearsal For Murder". You may have seen her last season in "Bare Bear Bones" and "Five Alarm", or this season in the One Act Festival as Gracie in "Gracie and The Goddess". Liv has had so much fun being a part of this cast and creating Karen! Big thanks to all her friends and family for their support. Enjoy the show!!

Robert Free

Leo Gibbs

Rob is happy to be back on stage after recently stage managing "The President's Under Where?". He enjoys both sides of the stage but is happiest on stage. He wants to thank Alex and Jei for this wonderful opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show.

William Feinman

David Mathews

William Feinman, facial hair experimenter and clothing possessor, is pleased as punch to be performing at the Guelph Little Theatre for his first time about the premises. His previous roles include some ten years of on-and-off community-and-improvisational theatre experience playing southern priests, speaking mimes, British tennis adulterers, and murder suspects. Not necessarily in that order.

Dan Rachfalowski

Frank Heller

Daniel Raff has been creating and acting in videos for over 10 years, sharing his passion for storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. As an actor, educator, and creator, Daniel has inspired others to bring their ideas to life through film and performance. "Rehearsal for Murder" marks Daniel’s debut on stage and he is excited to embrace this new creative endeavour!

Kevin Solie

Mr. Santoro & Detective

Kevin first took the stage in 2014 and this is his 8th GLT production. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Ron VanDerZwaag

Officer #1

Ron last performed at GLT in "Romeo and Roslyn" and is pleased to make a return visit as a Policeman in "Rehearsal for Murder". He was last seen as Brooksie in "Shawshank Redemption". Ron is retired and has acted in several short films and volunteered at Rogers TV and CKWR. Ron would like to thank the cast and crew of this great production for their encouragement and support. He is grateful for the support of his wife Martine and actor friend Mark.

Connie McTaggart

Officer #2

Connie has enjoyed many years on stage with various theatre groups playing many different characters. This is Connie's second performance at GLT. Her first was in "Splittsville" (2023). Her recent theatre performances include 2024's Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at the Wellington County Museum, "Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses" at Century Church Theatre and "Miracle on 34th Street" at Elora Community Theatre.

Alex Kanarek

Director, Producer, Sound Design

Since coming to Rockwood in 2007, Alex has acted, directed and worked backstage with the Georgetown and Guelph Little Theatres and has acted in eight of Elora Community Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park” series, as well as several of their shows at the Fergus Grand. Off-stage he has specialized in sound design and operation and has received awards for this. This is the first GLT play he has directed and he wants to thank Jei Tiffin for her support as co-director and his highly talented cast for all their hard work.

Jennifer Tiffin

Co-Director, Producer

Jennifer is delighted to be returning for her third production with GLT. She directed “Gracie and the Goddess” for the Ward One Acts festival and was the Assistant Producer for “Five Alarm”. Jennifer holds a bachelor of Fine Arts (hons) degree in Photography from TMU and has a Master of Arts education in Communication and Culture. She has been enjoying her journey from visual artist to the performing arts world while on her way to becoming a filmmaker. Jennifer wishes to thank Alex for his superb directorial mentorship, the wonderful cast and crew for all their hard work and heart, and everyone in the community who has supported the show. Sincere gratitude to all.

Alex Bayliss

Stage Manager

Alex grew up in rural Wasaga Beach before moving to Guelph to pursue his love for film and writing in school. He is currently a student at the University of Guelph studying English and Film. He joined the Guelph Little Theatre during the Summer of 2024 as a Stage Manager. Since then he has continued to volunteer with GLT to build upon his experience on the stage.

Eve Arnold

Assistant Stage Manager

Eve is a student at GCVI, and has always enjoyed the arts. This is her second time working as an ASM at Guelph Little Theatre. She does drama in high school and wants to pursue a career in drama in the future.

Erin Raftis

Assistant Stage Manager

Erin Raftis has been involved in theatre all her life both on and off stage at the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild as well as high school and university productions. She has a love for the arts and enjoys painting and design work in her spare time. Erin is excited to be a part of this lovely cast and crew in this production as she now makes her home in Guelph.

Ryan Poxon

Assistant Stage Manager

Ryan born and raised right here in Guelph. He's had a passion for acting and the theatre ever since he was a kid. He has also received training in theatre equipment and stage management, giving him an innate knowledge of theatre; both on and off the stage. He's glad to be part of the Guelph Little Theatre team.

Kendy Sandy

Assistant Stage Manager

Kendy Sandy is brand new to the assistant stage manager role but has a penchant for art and culture, theatre and design, organization and detail. Kendy recently stepped into the world of backstage theatre as a set design volunteer in the Waterloo region. She is thrilled to be part of "Rehearsal for Murder" as an ASM and thanks the friendly, supportive, and talented cast and crew.

Margaret Oliver-Smith

Costumes

Margaret is a retired public servant who has had many volunteer rolls in the Guelph community. She is a long-time supporter of local theatre and is excited to be part of this amazing community. Margaret is very grateful for the opportunity to fill the roll of costume mistress and wants to express her gratitude to Marion Reidel for her mentorship in doing this.

Jim Hoare

Set Construction

Jim has been a community theatre set builder since 2007. He supports GLT, Elora Community Theatre, and many others. He won the 2022 GLT’s ‘People’s Choice for Outstanding Production Team Member’. Outside of the theatre world, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in construction and ReStore, plus does trail maintenance with Guelph Hiking Trail Club. He was one of five to receive the 2024 City of Guelph Mayor’s award for volunteering with all three organizations.

Judith Eden

Set Painting

Judith has been an integral part of Guelph Little Theatre for many years. She has taken on many roles that keep the theatre running smoothly. For this show she has been working hard behind the scenes on set painting to bring the creative vision of "Rehearsal for Murder" to life. "Many thanks to all!"

Steve Sherry

Props Coordinator

Steve is so pleased to be supporting this show and its talented director, Alex Kanarek. Recent productions that Steve has contributed to include "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", and "The Little Mermaid". Steve is looking forward to his next directorial project at GLT, "The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged)", coming this April.

JoAnne Ford

Lighting Design & Makeup

JoAnne has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with such a creative and talented team on this film noire concept, especially the chance to expand her experience in lighting design. "Congratulations to the cast and crew. Enjoy the show!"

Jacob Patterson

Lighting Design

Always busy with something theatre related, Jacob is currently studying for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Performance. Jacob also volunteers with the Guelph Historical Railway Association and serves on their Board of Directors. Selected Credits: Lighting Designer, Silhouettes Dance Company (2024); Lighting Designer, "Swordfish", Guelph Little Theatre (2021); Head Electrician, New Voices Festival, Ryerson School of Performance (2020); Lighting Designer, Terra, Silhouettes Dance Company (2020).

Robyn Clarke

Dresser

Robyn Clarke has extensive training in dance and recently retired from owning her own dance school. She has directed and produced fifty years of shows and is delighted to assist backstage with this production.

Ellis Miller

Sound Operator

Ellis has been helping with sound at GLT since The Ward One Acts in July 2024. Since then he has operated and done sound design for several shows at Guelph Little Theatre, and hopes to pursue a career in sound design in the future.

Steve Allen

Photographer

Along with motorcycles and snowmobiles, Steve loves the art of photography and has for many years. He is happy to be GLT’s “resident” photographer.

Chantale Bussieres

Hairstylist

Chantale has been in the beauty and and hair industry for over 40 years. She is very excited to display her talents in a theatre environment. This is a new experience for her and she is looking forward to working with other talented artists.

Laura Finlan

Poster Design

A lifelong artist of many disciplines, Laura has gotten into the world of graphic design within the past few years. She is excited to be part of the “Rehearsal for Murder” team.

David Clayworth

Lighting Operator

Elizabeth Comas

Dressmaker

Lauren Druif

Makeup Assistant

Swara Patel

Makeup Assistant