Photos by Ross Davidson
performance dates - may 1-4, 2019
lifetime membership award, john gerry - wed may 1
GUEST PERFORMERS MAY 2-4
*Please note that Sat May 4, 2pm matinee does not include dinner
The Wave, University Community Centre (2nd Floor)
University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Road
*Paid parking is available on Western campus at the Springett, Weldon Library or Social Sciences lots, with signs directing you to the University Community Centre.
“We just want to encore once more!” Musical Theatre Productions closes our 30th Anniversary Season with SHOW OFF: 30 Years of Musical Theatre, a gala celebration of our past as we launch into the future! Following in the footsteps of our sold-out benefit cabarets Dare to Dream, Night of Noir, Defying Gravity and Time Warp, SHOW OFF: 30 Years of Musical Theatre comes to steal the spotlight May 1-4, 2019, at the Wave, University Community Centre (2nd Floor), Western University.
Marking our 75th production, this dinner-theatre cabaret returns to the Wave, on the heels of last seasons smash-hit Broadway to the Max, with a dazzling night of encores featuring unforgettable numbers from MTP’s 30 years of shows including Broadway classics like Evita, Guys and Dolls, South Pacific; contemporary hits like Heathers, Seussical, The Drowsy Chaperone; and the return of Gilbert and Sullivan favourites like The Pirates of Penzance and H.M.S. Pinafore. Join us as MTP performers take the stage once more to reprise their memorable roles, along with new interpretations of old favourites and marvelous medleys that are sure to have you humming along!
Dress up in your finest cocktail attire and join us for a delicious three-course dinner before the performance.
All proceeds from this event support the continuation of MTP’s mission to nourish local talent and inspire a passion for musical theatre.
dining, drinks and silent auction information
Doors open at 5:30pm
Dinner service starts at 6:00pm
A Market Greens Salad with Honey Herb and Dijon Dressing, Heirloom Tomatoes and Local Vegetables
Your choice of entree: Braised Beef Ribs; or Cordon Bleu Stuffed Chicken served with Dauphinoise Potatoes and Season Vegetables; or a Harvest Mushroom Ravioli with Fresh Thyme and Parmiagiano Regianno
For dessert, a trio of Beignets served with Dulce De Leche sauc
Please inform your server of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Seating is general admission at banquet tables with priority seating for dinner guests
A cash bar will be available. Be sure to try one of our delicious signature drinks! (Details to follow)
Bid on one of the exciting prize packages in our silent auction. (Auction list to follow)
ARTISTIC TEAM
Producer: Sue McKone
Director & Co-Musical Director: Andrew Rethazi
Co-Musical Director: Ben Leibovitz
Choreographer: Thalia Ranjbar
videos
MEET THE CAST VIDEOS
ADAM ZESS
ANDREA FERRETT
BECKY LENKO
BRIAN WHITWHAM
BRONWYN POWELL
CERIS THOMAS
DON CRAIG
IAN BADGER
JOEL DELL
KATE DEMAN
KATE SEPI
LUCAS McHUGH
MARIA SIMOS TILMOS
MARY JANE WALZAK
MATT BUTLER
PATRICK HOFFER
RICK SMITH
TERRI THIBERT
MTP DEBUTS!
Media Coverage
LONDON FREE PRESS - Theatre group celebrates 30th anniversary with reprise of past shows
TOURISM LONDON - Celebrating humble beginnings, MTP rings in 30 years
WESTERN NEWS - Gerry honoured for lifetime in theatre spotlight
THE CAST
THE TEAM
guest performers
Curtis is an international opera singer. With MTP, Curtis appeared as Grosvenor in Patience (1990), Lt. Cable in South Pacific (1991), and as Giuseppe in The Gondoliers (1991). Since then Curtis has appeared with the San Francisco Opera, Opera Atelier, and the Vancouver Opera, as has been in Straford's The Sound of Music and Carousel as well as Drayton's Oliver! and Man of La Mancha.
MAY 2nd - CURTIS SULLIVAN
Riley is a bright young star who appeared in our 2016 cabaret Defying Gravity, and since has gone on to appear as Young Scrooge in the Grand Theatre's A Christmas Carol and will be starring in Drayton's production of Annie this season!
MAY 3rd - RILEY DeLUCA
Archie is a local social media icon and a big personality. Archie stole the show in MTP's Gyspy as Mama Rose's beloved dog Chowsie.
May 4th Matinee - ARCHIE BRINDLETON
Julie Mytka is an acclaimed dancer and choreographer, who toured internationally with renowned Canadian Magician Richard Forget and danced in the historic Diamond Tooth Gertie’s (Dawson City, Yukon). For MTP, Julie appeared in Guys and Dolls and Sweet Charity. Julie is now the owner and director of Sound in Motion.
MAY 4th Evening - JULIE MYTKA
SPECIAL EVENTS
We are thrilled to announce that John Gerry will be the next recipient of MTP’s annual Lifetime Membership honour. Each year, the MTP board selects one or two individuals whose support of MTP and contributions to the London community at large deserve recognition. Previous recipients of the award include Art Fidler, Liz Van Doorne, Stephen and Deborah Mitchell, Chris Wood, Kevin Bice, and Anne Cuthbert.
John Gerry is a theatrical force in the London Community and was the founder of London Musical Theatre, which has since become Musical Theatre Productions. In 1988, John brought together a group of passionate individuals, including past award recipients Art Fidler, Kevin Bice and Stephen and Deborah Mitchell, with the intent of forming the first community theatre group dedicated to producing musicals in London. 30 years later, that dream still stands strong as we mount our 75th production. John went on to become the first board president for LMT. In addition, John directed LMT's inaugural production - the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit EVITA, and went on to direct several more productions with LMT/MTP. To this day, John is always seen proudly supporting every MTP production as an exuberant audience member.
John has shared his incredible talent and vision with various groups and companies in the London area including London Community Players, Fountainhead Theatre, where he served as Artistic Director from 1999-2016, and most recently Calithumpian Theatre Company, founded in 2016, where he serves as Artistic Director. John's next project with Calithumpian is directing the epic masterpiece Angels in America - Parts 1 & 2 at the Palace Theatre this November. John's work in the community has received huge critical acclaim and has earned him numerous Brickenden awards.
Join us on Wednesday May 1, at the Wave on Western Campus, for a special honouring of John Gerry, at the opening night of SHOW OFF: 30 Years of Musical Theatre! After the show, join us for a reception in his honour as well as that of the talented cast and crew of this exciting anniversary cabaret celebrating our past 74 productions.