Billy Elliot The Musical

Theatre Calgary debut. Rhett has been training and dancing competitively since the age of seven. Most recently, he trained at H/W School of Ballet in preparation for the role of Billy. He is currently in his third year of training as a singer and dancer with The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. Rhett has been fortunate to perform in London, England, in two Calgary Stampede Grandstand Shows, on the WEDAY stage, and with the Dave Kelly Live Christmas Show. Additionally, Rhett is a classically trained pianist and will be attending Central Memorial High School in the fall to further his arts training. He is excited to be playing the role of Billy Elliot!

For Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol (2016). Elsewhere: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cinderella Kids as well as junior productions of Peter Pan and Singin’ in the Rain. Having previously played Tiny Tim at Theatre Calgary, Dex is honoured and excited for the opportunity to play Billy alongside this amazing cast! He is in Grade five at École Percy Pegler, Okotoks, and is proud to play for the Atom AA Green in the Okotoks Minor Hockey League. He has received his dance training at Drewitz Dance Productions and has achieved the title of ‘Mini Overall Dancer’ at competition for the past two years. He thanks his family for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!

Theatre Calgary debut. Performance Faves: Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, 80’s Solid Gold I and II (Stage West); Hair, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Mayfield); The Scent of Compulsion, The Euphorians (Teatro la Quindicina), Mack and Mabel (Plain Janes); Featuring Loretta, End of Civilization (Punctuate!); The Leisure Society (Theatre Network); Boy’s Own Jedi Handbook, Evil Dead (H&M/GZT); Company (Storybook). Choreography Faves: [title of show] (Birnton Theatricals); Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid (Zurich International School); Rent, Spelling Bee (Citadel/Robbins Academy); Gruesome Playground Injuries, Evil Dead (H&M/GZT); Little Red Riding Hood (Storybook); The Toxic Avenger (Broadway West); Putting it Together, Andrews Brothers, Life Could be a Dream (Cornerstone); Seasons 4 & 5 of Caution: May Contain Nuts (Mosaic Entertainment). Amber is grateful to share her first Theatre Calgary show with her husband, Jeff Fafard, who is the heartbeat of the Billy Elliot orchestra and the heartbeat of her life.

Theatre Calgary debut. Jaya was born in Toronto and moved to Calgary in 2017. She is very excited about her first appearance with Theatre Calgary. Jaya has been dancing competitively for the past four years and has a keen interest in the arts. When not at her dance classes, Jaya likes to draw, sing, and spend time with her dog, friends, and family. She hopes you enjoy the show!

For Theatre Calgary: Camelot, Evita (1993). Elsewhere: Les Misérables (First National Tour), Man Of La Mancha (Edmonton, Toronto), Miss Saigon (Toronto, Germany), The Who’s Tommy (Toronto, National Tour), Passion (Toronto), Crazy For You (Montreal), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Calgary). High-lights: Dennis was given the honour of being the first caucasian in Germany, and 6th in the world to play the role of “John”, in Miss Saigon. Dennis then went on to play the iconic role of “Jean Valjean” in Les Misérables, also in Germany. After traveling to all seven continents at least three times on a luxury cruise ship, I’m ecstatic to be back in Calgary with my family and friends, to work on this incredible piece of theatre. In Honour of 1088. My Dad, My Hero. Hi Ma!!!

Theatre Calgary debut. Marc-Émile (Marc) was born in Montreal and moved to Alberta at the age of six. As a huge fan of Michael Jackson, he started dancing in a studio and attending dance competitions. He has taken music lessons since he was very young and most recently discovered an interest for singing as well. Marc has developed a passion for musicals as he likes to perform combining voice and dance while acting. He has performed in Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr, Peter Pan Jr, and Singing In The Rain Jr. Marc is a student at Calgary Arts Academy and is training as an Intermediate Singer and Dancer with The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts. He feels honoured to play this exceptional role.

For Theatre Calgary: The Secret Garden. Jillian is thrilled to be returning to Theatre Calgary to be a part of this incredible production. Since graduating with her BFA in Music Theatre, Jillian has been performing professionally across Canada, as well as the United States. Past credits include: The Rocky Horror Show (Ovation Productions), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, White Christmas (Mill Mountain Theatre), A Little Night Music, Design For Living (Berkshire Theatre Group). A proud member of Elon MT16. Huge thanks to Mom, Dad and Cassie for always supporting me, and all my love to my dog, Harper!

For Theatre Calgary: Enron, A Christmas Carol (2006-2010). Elsewhere (selected): Vertigo Theatre: Spider’s Web, Snake in the Grass, The Hollow (Betty Mitchell Award), Sherlock Holmes and The American Problem (Betty Mitchell Award Nomination); Chemainus Theatre Festival: Anything Goes, Murder on the Nile, Harvey, Glorious!, Outside Mullingar; Alberta Theatre Projects: Who Has Seen the Wind, Half Life, Shakespeare’s Dog, The Penelopiad, Wizard of Oz; Theatre Northwest: A Joyful Noise; Stage West: Grease, Deathtrap, Shear Madness; Lunchbox Theatre: Book Club (Betty Mitchell Award, Calgary Critic’s Award, Ensemble), Flight Risk. Of interest: Kathryn and her partner, Hal, are co-recipients of the Harry and Martha Cohen Award for significant and sustained contribution to theatre in Calgary. Kathryn is a proud mom and grandma.

For Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol (2017, 2012-15). Elsewhere: Mamma Mia! (Central Memorial PVA); Julius Caesar (The Shakespeare Company and Ground Zero Theatre); Macbeth, Richard III (The Shake-speare Company and Hit & Myth); ATB Financial ‘Pass the Puck’ Commercial (Joe Media Group); Let’s Talk Science PSA (Shaw Communications). Fionn is thrilled to tread the boards again on the Max Bell Stage for Theatre Calgary. He is a student in the Centre of Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial High School where in addition to studying Theatre Arts, he plays the trumpet in the Symphonic Band and is a member of the Concert Choir. @fn.laird

For Theatre Calgary: The Crucible, A Christmas Carol (2001, 2002). Selected Theatre: Becky’s New Car, Picking Up Chekhov (ATP); Seussical the Musical, Charlie Brown, Pinkalicious! - Director (StoryBook); A Christmas Carol (Persephone); Pinkalicious! (Vital Canada); I Ought to be in Pictures (Globus Theatre); Film/TV: Fargo 3, The Detour, Hell On Wheels, Wynona Earp, Out With Dad, Arthur, Total Drama, Dragon Ball Z/GT. Awards: Best Break Out Performance, Indie Series Awards NYC (Out With Dad), Canadian Screen Award Nominee (Out With Dad). Caitlynne is the Creator and Co-Owner of YYC PRINCESS, and a player in Calgary’s completely improvised soap opera - Dirty Laundry. She is so grateful for the people who support her! Mom, Dad, Matt, Jordan, Sara, Brianna, Peejay and Todd, just to name a few.

Theatre Calgary debut. Select credits include: Bare: A Pop Opera (The Honest Collective), Canada the Musical (Carter Ryan Productions), Rudolph (Birnton Theatricals), Junie B Jones the Musical (StoryBook), The Hits Reimagined (Broadway Dreams), Rapunzel (Birnton Theatricals), Madagascar the Musical, Seussical the Musical, In The Heights, A New Brain (StoryBook). Sending a heartfelt thank you to my wonderful family for always supporting me in my passion.

Theatre Calgary debut. Elsewhere: Titanic, In the Heights, Company, Mary Poppins (StoryBook); Wonderful Town, The Light in the Piazza, Les Misérables (Lethbridge Symphony); Will Todd’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – North American Premiere, Opera Disrupted! (Cowtown Opera); The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado (Okanagan Vocal Arts Festival); Cosi Fan Tutte, Le Nozze di Figaro (Lyric Opera Studio Weimar). Steven received his BMus in voice from the University of Lethbridge – cum lauda. He also works as a music instructor, choral director, church soloist and graphic designer. In addition to music ask him about hand-lettering, movement culture, or the word ‘facetiously.’ He has never been in a coal mine.

Theatre Calgary debut. Robyn has been dancing for eleven years and attends the Alberta Ballet School where she trains in their professional division. She is also a member of the elite dance team, YYC Dance Project. Robyn has performed alongside the Alberta Ballet Company in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Our Canada. She placed third at the World Ballet Arts Competition Grand Prix Semi-Finals. Robyn also has an interest in musical theatre. She was cast in lead roles in her school’s productions of Shrek, The Lion King, and Annie. Robyn’s musical interests also include the violin, where she is the assistant principal second violinist with Mount Royal University Conservatory Sinfonia.

For Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol (2010, 2009, 2006). Scott was last seen with Forte in Naughty but Nice: The Big V, and before that in [Title of Show]. He has been active in the theatre community, including productions in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, and Los Angeles. Some of his favourites include: Fiddler on the Roof, Gameshow (Stage West); Sweeney Todd, Mystery of Edwin Drood (Vertigo); Seussical the Musical (ATP); Twelfth Night (Globe Theatre); Goodness (Downstage); Measure for Measure (Citadel); The Big League (Quest Theatre). Select film/tv: The Revenant; Mystery, Alaska; iCarly; Mentors; Honey I Shrunk The Kids; Noah; Intern Academy. Awards: Betty Mitchell Award Musical Production (Naughty but Nice), Betty Mitchell nomination for Outstanding Ensemble (Naughty but Nice), Calgary Critics Choice nomination for Best Actor in a Musical (Naughty but Nice).

Theatre Calgary debut. Michelle is originally from the southern coast of England and graduated at the London School of Musical Theatre. Since leaving the UK, Michelle has circled the globe performing in a variety of shows with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Select performing theatre credits include: Featured Singer (International Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines); Hope (a new musical, Bridewell Theatre); Alice In Wonderland (LSMT Studios); Sweeney Todd, Carmen, Les Misérables, We Will Rock You (Workshop Theatre); Elegies for Angels, Punks, Raging Queens (Churchill Theatre); Rodgers & Hammerstein (Chichester Festival); “L of a Night” (Nuffield Theatre). Michelle would like to thank her family and husband for their constant love and support.

Theatre Calgary debut. Select credits include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [Joseph], Madagascar [Alex the Lion], Urban Jungle Book [Connor], Willy Wonka [Mike Teavee] (StoryBook); West Side Story, The Music Man, Children of Eden (U of C); Stranger Soaps (Dirty Laundry); Mamma Mia (The Muny, St. Louis). Film/TV: Heartland (CBC); The Reckoning (Hallmark); The Next Star: Supergroup (YTV). In 2017 Alex was a recipient of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Young Artist Award. He sends thanks to his family, friends, and mentors for all of their love and support.

For Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol (2017-18). Elsewhere: Miscast, Mary Poppins (StoryBook). Julianne is a grade eight student at Nickle School. She studies voice at Serpas Vocal Arts. In 2018, Julianne represented Calgary at the Alberta Music Festival and was awarded the provincial championship in classical voice. She dances at The Dance Factory where she trains in all disciplines. Julianne is thrilled to be back on stage at Theatre Calgary. Thanks to her family and friends for always cheering her on.

For Theatre Calgary: The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare by the Bow). Connor Suart is a performer from Calgary. After graduating from the University of Alberta - BFA Acting program, he is happy to be back in his hometown! Select credits include: School For Scandal, The Lower Depths, Doll House (Studio Theatre/University of Alberta); As You Like It, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, The Cerebral Soiree (University of Alberta); Doll and Oats and Unedited Footage of a Ghost (Play The Fool Clown Festival). He would like to thank his mentors, family and friends for their enormous support over the years!

Theatre Calgary debut. Kelsey has danced for the past 10 years and is currently in the Youth Training Program at DJD. Kelsey plays grade five RCM piano and studies acting and improvisation with Ania Danylo. As a member of Tri Tone Rhythm Tap Ensemble, Kelsey had the opportunity to work with tap master Brenda Bufalino from NYC during the Rhythm, Body and Soul Tap Festival in Calgary. A student at Simon Fraser School, Kelsey enjoys writing, photography, and math. A big shout out to Mum and Dad for everything they do! @nicole.kelsey.yyc

Theatre Calgary debut. Nicole began dancing at the age of four, competing at the age of nine, and is currently in the Youth Training Program at DJD. She studies acting and improvisation with Ania Danylo and will take her RCM grade five piano exam this spring. A member of Tri Tone Rhythm Tap Ensemble, Nicole had the opportunity to work with NYC tap master Lisa La Touche during the Rhythm, Body and Soul Tap Festival in Calgary. A student at Simon Fraser School, Nicole enjoys French, math and skiing. She would like to thank her mum, dad, family and friends for their support, and for the opportunity to share the stage with her twin sister! @nicole.kelsey.yyc

For Theatre Calgary: A Christmas Carol (2015-18). Elsewhere: 2026 Calgary Olympic Bid (commercial), Break on Through (movie), Rock Bottom (Independent short film), The Paper Bag Princess (Calgary Young People’s Theatre), Pumphouse Theatre Drama Camp. School Productions: Beauty and The Beast, Oliver Twist, Narnia, Aladdin, Broadway Santa. Siena is in grade nine, and she dances for YouTube artists and Dance Explosions. She also loves to swim, model, play various instruments (piano, zither, and flute), dance (modern, ballet, jazz and acrobatic), and sing (folk and pop). Siena is thrilled to be part of Billy Elliot and would like to thank her family and friends for their support!

Theatre Calgary debut. Yukichi Hattori was a principal dancer with the Hamburg Ballet and then with Alberta Ballet. His career as a choreographer started in 2001, when he received the encouragement prize for his solo Piece at the Prix Dom Perignon choreographic competition in Hamburg, Germany. Since then he has been choreographing internationally from Tokyo to Hamburg to Calgary. Some of the pieces that he created for Alberta Ballet include Tubular Bells, Seven Deadly Sins, Pomp Without Circumstance, Temple, Carmen, and Rite. Yukichi continues pushing the boundaries of performing arts, bringing dance to any venue, mixing styles, and working with other artists and collaborators. His wish is to make dance a part of life for everyone. Yukichi is a founder and the Artistic Director of H/W School of Ballet in Calgary.

For Theatre Calgary: The Secret Garden, Crazy for You (Citadel co-pro), Mary Poppins (Citadel co-pro), Next to Normal (Citadel co-pro), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Citadel co-pro), Guys and Dolls (Citadel/MTC co-pro), West Side Story (Citadel co-pro), Into the Woods, Anne of Green Gables (1994), Fire (1989), Pal Joey. Elsewhere: Mamma Mia, West Side Story, Evangeline, Avenue Q, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Penelopiad, The Sound of Music, The Rocky Horror Show, Little Women, Hunchback, Citadel; The Threepenny Opera, Stratford; Hairspray, White Christmas, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, MTC; Into the Woods, A Little Night Music, Once On This Island, Canadian Stage; The Sound of Music and Aspects of Love, North American tours. Don has also provided original music for Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Penelopiad, August: Osage County, Pride and Prejudice, Blithe Spirit, and The Constant Wife. Awards: Recipient of five Dora Awards, two Betty Mitchell Awards, and three Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards.

For Theatre Calgary: The Light in the Piazza, Major Barbara, The Great Gatsby, Beyond Eden, 7 Stories, Vigil, The Overcoat, Glorious!, Humble Boy, The Miracle Worker, Romeo and Juliet, Rough Crossing. Alan Brodie is a Vancouver-based lighting designer and stage director. He has designed for English-language theatres and opera companies across Canada, as well as for numerous theatre and dance companies in the USA and Europe. Recent design credits include The Shoplifters for The Centaur Theatre, Mustard at the Belfry and Arts Club, Hir for Pi Theatre and The Hound of the Baskervilles for the Shaw Festival. Recent directing credits include Wit for Peninsula Productions, The Open House for Sticks and Stones Theatre, and A Few Good Men for Ensemble Theatre Company. Upcoming productions include lighting La Cenerentola for Vancouver Opera and All’s Well That Ends Well and Coriolanus for Bard on the Beach. Alan received his training at UBC (BFA-design) and UVic (MFA-directing).

For Theatre Calgary: The Secret Garden. Elsewhere: Recent designs include Girlfriend (TheatreWorks Hartford), A Christmas Carol (Geffen Playhouse, LA Drama Critics Circle Nomination), NOEL (National Tour), The Royal Family of Broadway (Barrington Stage), Jerry Springer: The Opera (The New Group), A Time Like This (Carnegie Hall), The New World (Bucks County Playhouse), The Pride (Wallis Annenberg PAC, LA Ovation nomination), Beardo (Hewes Design nomination) and resident designer for Eugene O’Neill Cabaret Festival. Broadway Associate Design Credit selections include: Iceman Cometh, Falsettos, The Color Purple, American Psycho, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Visit, Act One, House of Blue Leaves, and Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. Additional credits listed at ReidSoundDesign.com

For Theatre Calgary: Musician – Mary and Max – A New Musical, The Secret Garden, The Great Gatsby, Anne of Green Gables. Mark Limacher is an active member of the Calgary music community, performing regularly as a pianist and keyboardist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Calgary, and many other ensembles. He is a graduate of The New School University in New York City, has studied composition privately with Linda Catlin Smith (Toronto), Laurence Crane (London), and served as apprentice to composer Bunita Marcus in Brooklyn, NY. His music has been performed in the United States and Canada. He co-founded the weekly radio program Unprocessed on CJSW, 90.9 FM with Laura Reid. marklimacher.com

Theatre Calgary debut. Brock grew up in his mother’s dance studio in the small town of Fort St John. He began teaching at the age of 11 and by the age of 12, he began choreographing competitive tap pieces. After high school, Brock toured throughout the US with the hit show Tap Dogs. He later started his own dance/production company, Ruckus Company Productions. He wrote, composed, designed, choreographed, and performed in original shows, including 77 Minutes, Ricochet, and Blue. Brock was the Lead Tap Choreographer and Featured Tap Soloist for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies as well as a featured soloist for the 2014 Calgary Stampede Grand Stand Show. He is currently in the pre-production phase of his next full-length production, Red Umbrella Girl. His longtime presence is known and felt throughout the tap, theatre and music world.

For Theatre Calgary: Guys and Dolls. Nicole Olson Grant-Suttie is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada who works as a lighting designer and stage manager in Calgary. She is excited to be a member of the Billy Elliot crew, and grateful for this opportunity to expand her skills as part of the stage management team. Nicole would like to thank her husband Miles, her family, and her friends for their continued support.

Theatre Calgary debut. Julie is grateful for the opportunity to be working with and learning from Stafford! She lives in Toronto and works as a director and choreographer across Canada and the US. Recent directing credits: On The Town and Crazy For You at Theatre Sheridan, Hair at Hart House Theatre, and Marvelous Wonderettes at Cortland Rep. Recent choreography credits: Buddy Holly (The Globe), Once (Citadel), We Will Rock You and The Rocky Horror Show (Magnus), Grease and Footloose (Chemainus), and Sleeping Beauty (Ross Petty Panto). She also occasionally choreographs for film and TV, most recently working with Idina Menzel on the Beaches remake. Julie is a former Radio City Rockette and winner of the 2015 Jessie Award for significant artistic achievement in choreography for her work on Crazy For You at The Gateway Theatre in Vancouver. www.julietomaino.com