According to the Chorus is presented through special arrangement with TRW PLAYS 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.trwplays.com
Walterdale Theatre acknowledges that our theatre is located on Treaty 6, a traditional territory of the Cree and has been an important trading place of the Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Dene, and Métis peoples of western Canada for many thousands of years. We also recognize and honour that we are Treaty people and therefore seek to uphold the spirit and intent of this Treaty.
We are an Edmonton-based community theatre committed to the production of engaging and vibrant works and providing our member volunteers opportunities to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Want to get involved with Walterdale?
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at stage management, acting, directing, or even media relations in theatre?
Walterdale Theatre has been successfully run by its volunteers for more than 60 years now, and we invite you to join our team. Whether you can donate a few hours or a few seasons, we are always looking for new volunteers to help grow our theatre.
The best way to get involved at Walterdale is to become a member today! You will receive news about shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer or audition, and discounts on tickets.
For more information about joining Walterdale, go to our website at www.walterdaletheatre.com, e-mail us at walterph@telus.net, or call us at 780-439-3058. We will get back to you!
Dramatis Personae
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| KJ | Jenn Bewick |
| Linda | Miranda Broumas |
| Brenda | Leslie Caffaro |
| Joyce | Keighla Dawn |
| Mallory | Nicole English |
| Jessica | Mariam Gill |
| Monica | Lisa Hennig |
| Stacie | Lexi House |
| Nicki | Monica Lefurgey |
| Audrey | Anglia Redding |
| Peter | Justin Pitt |
| Vander | Josh Young |
Production Team
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Directors | Mary Jane Kreisel and Barbara Mah |
| Costume Designer | Karin Lauderdale |
| Lighting Designer | Rebecca Cave |
| Set Designer | Leland Stelck |
| Sound Designer | Matthew Baker |
| Production Manager | Lauren Gagnon |
| Stage Manager | Sam Tyson |
| Master Builder | Richard Hatfield |
| Master Painter | Brooke Emberly |
| Properties Master | Debbie Tyson |
| Assistant Master Painter | Afrah Collier-Potts |
| Assistant Stage Managers | Ian Hicks and Rachel Whipple |
| Assistant Costume Designer | Cathy Dragon |
| Lighting Operator | Kari McQueen |
| Sound Operator | Sharon Adebisi |
| Build Crew | Ian Hicks, Richard Magel, Ken New, Andrew Selwood, Leland Stelck, Pierre Valois, Harmen de Vries |
| Special Effects Makeup Artist | Katia Huellstrung |
| Paint Crew | Lauren Gagnon, Joan Heys Hawkins, Angela James-Findlay, MJ Kreisel, Krysten Lofts, Kendra Nordstrom |
| Stitchers | Geri Dittrich, Joan Heys Hawkins, Hermina Joldersma, Julieanna Lazowski, Ava Wood |
| Poster/Cover Art Design | Afrah Collier-Potts |
| Technical Advisor | Richard Hatfield |
| Publicity Team | Stephanie Swensrude, Kristen M. Finlay, Dalton Bryce Terhorst, Afrah Collier-Potts |
| Captioner | Shannon Wiebe |
Co-Director’s Notes
I’ve been involved in theatre for over 35 years. I’ve been in plays, musicals, minor roles, leads, directed, choreographed, built costumes, painted sets, even tried playwriting. But in my heart, I was and forever am, a chorus dancer.
This play has all the elements that excite me: a backstage story, costumes and chorus dancers. It’s set in 1984 — when I was in full swing as a dancer. And yes, even in Edmonton, we also had boys that got sick. This dramedy is dedicated to those I danced with. Chest up, arms high!
~ Barbara Mah
Theatre is a truly collaborative art form. It takes the talents of a variety of performers and a team of backstage running crew to maintain a long-running show night after night and year after year. This play depicts a year in the lives of some of the unsung roles of the stage – the chorus, the dressers, and the stage manager. The setting is the basement quick-change room with the AIDS epidemic simmering in the background and already taking its toll on Broadway. On behalf of our own talented cast and production team, we hope you enjoy this glimpse into people who devote their lives to making theatre magic.
~ Mary Jane Kreisel
| Synopsis |
|---|
| In the backstage of a Broadway theatre in the mid-1980s, the chorus girls and their dressers are waging a turf battle. Who is the mysterious new dresser, and will she be able to find her way? This show is a funny, touching, behind-the-scenes glimpse at everyday lives, set against a period in history where women’s issues and the AIDS crisis play out in the background. |
| Setting |
|---|
| Quick-change room in the basement of a Broadway theatre for a long-running production. The timeline is July 1984 to September 1985. |
| Run Time |
|---|
| Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. |
| Acknowledgements |
|---|
| Scott Henderson, Henderson Images; HI Edmonton; and Betty Kolodziej |
| Audience Advisory |
|---|
| Mildly offensive language, domestic violence, eating disorders, strobe lighting. |
Cast Biographies
KJ – Jen Bewick
Jenn would like to celebrate all those who make the magic happen backstage. A show is not a show without you. Highlights include: Chip in Beauty and the Beast, Gloria in Boeing Boeing, and Diana in Lend Me a Tenor. Much love to my boys (for the love of play), my family, and friends!
Linda – Miranda Broumas
Welcome to our show, where backstage hijinks unfold amidst a pivotal and tragic chapter in history. Miranda brings you the cheeky, charming, unabashed chorus girl Linda. Miranda’s Walterdale Theatre credits include Lady Windermere in Lady Windermere’s Fan (2016) and Guenevere in From Cradle to Stage (2017).
Brenda – Leslie Caffaro
Leslie is old enough to remember the 1980’s, when this show was set. Sometimes good things happen, like finding a treatment for AIDS. In these interesting times, let’s remind ourselves of these bright spots, and be grateful for all the unsung, backstage heroes in the world.
Joyce – Keighla Dawn
Keighla is thrilled to be making her Walterdale debut! While hasn’t been onstage since high school, she has acted on film and at events over the years. She thanks the cast and crew for making her return to theatre a joy, and her partner, Chris, for constantly cheering her on.
Mallory – Nicole English
Recent performance credits: Krampus a New Musical (Straight Edge Theatre), Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike, Austentatious (both for Walterdale Theatre), Into the Woods (Foote in the Door). Training: Birmingham School of Speech and Drama (UK). Many thanks to her family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!
Jessica – Mariam Gill
When Mariam is not forcing friends and family to come to her shows, she is in voice lessons, dance classes, or cuddling her cats (Draco & Orion). In this show Mariam is living her childhood dream of being a chorus girl on Broadway in the mid-80’s.
Monica – Lisa Hennig
Lisa Hennig plays the role of Monica. She is a fundraiser at the Winspear Centre. She thanks those who champion the arts in Edmonton and see the value of creativity during trying times. Lisa is grateful to her family for their love and encouragement, which continues to inspire her.
Stacie – Lexi House
My name is Lexi House. I am a Mi’kmaq student and artist from nistawâyâw (Fort McMurray) pursuing my BA in Native Studies at the University of Alberta. I hope you enjoy the show!
Nicki – Monica Lefurgey
Monica is very pleased to be returning for her 2nd production with the Walterdale Theatre, her 1st being Blue Stockings back in 2018. When she’s not on stage, she enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her 2 young boys and husband.
Peter – Justin Pitt
Justin is thrilled to join his first mainstage show at the Walterdale. A Second City graduate, he’s performed in everything from Hamlet to Footloose. He feels proud to tell this story, which is a reminder of just how powerful another person’s support can be. Speaking of, thank you Christian for everything.
Audrey – Anglia Redding
Anglia was last onstage in Walterdale’s production of Shakespeare in Love as Nurse. She has 25 years of acting experience and 47 years of life experience and wants to remind you to breathe, laugh, and find the joy in the little things. Love to Jeff and her sweet angel, Hitch.
Vander – Josh Young
Born and raised in North Edmonton, Josh Young, a government public servant moonlighting as an actor, enthusiastically returns to the stage after a long break. With a passion for storytelling and a charismatic stage presence, Josh is thrilled to share dynamic performances and characters with audiences again.
Production Team Biographies
Sharon Adebisi – Sound Operator
Sharon is a student at the University of Waterloo majoring in geoscience and collecting rocks like Pokémon. She crochets, knits, and bakes (basically a grandma trapped in a teenager’s body). She enjoys strong tea, a good book, and doom scrolling.
Matthew Baker – Sound Designer
Matthew is extremely excited to be serving as Sound Designer for this production! Come see the amazing show that this talented cast and crew has put on. He hopes you enjoy! Recent Sound Design Credits: “FC2S 2025” (Walterdale Theatre) and Last Call At Chez Mort (MoxyB Studios).
Rebecca Cave – Lighting Designer
Rebecca Cave has been working with Walterdale for nearly eight years. Most recently, she’s staged managed for Stag and Doe and designed the lighting for King of the Yees, and provided support for It’s A Wonderful Life. They hope you enjoy this show.
Cathy Dragon – Assistant Costume Designer
Cathy is excited to become part of the team for According to the Chorus. She has designed costumes for several shows, but her proudest accomplishment is the recent Walterdale Theatre production of Shakespeare in Love.
Brooke Emberly – Master Painter
Brooke is the Walterdale’s Head of Paint, and has acted as Master Painter on 18 other Walterdale shows since 2016. Brooke is thrilled to continue her passions and act as Master Painter on According to the Chorus! She is proud to call Walterdale her home.
Lauren Gagnon – Production Manager
Lauren (she/her) is thrilled to be back for her sixth Walterdale production! Recent credits include King of the Yees (Production Manager, Walterdale Theatre) and The Valiant (Stage Manager, Shaggy Dog Productions (Stage Struck! 2025)). Thank you for supporting live theatre, and enjoy the show!
Richard Hatfield – Master Builder and Technical Advisor
Richard has been performing many roles at Walterdale since 1991. Some of these roles include Set Builder, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, and many more. Some of the recent shows Richard has built are, King of the Yees, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and Shakespeare In Love.
Ian Hicks – Assistant Stage Manager
Ian recently appeared as Henslowe in the Walterdale production of Shakespeare In Love and was Assistant Stage Manager for It’s A Wonderful Life in 2024. He is delighted to be returning behind the scenes as part of the amazing “Chorus” team.
Katia Huellstrung – Special Effects Makeup Artist
Katia is a professional Makeup Artist in Fashion, Stage, TV, and Film after completing a diploma in Vancouver. Currently working in Edmonton’s Independent Film Industry, she aspires to continue working with musicians, artists, and actors alike! She is passionate about music, self-expression, and film and is honoured to join Walterdale Theatre!
Mary Jane Kreisel – Co-Director
M. J. is delighted to be working alongside Barb with this talented cast, crew, and production team. Selected directing credits include: Perfect Pie and Albertine in Five Times with Walterdale Theatre, as well as, Into the Woods at the Winspear Centre with Two One Way Tickets to Broadway.
Karin Lauderdale – Costume Designer
Karin has loved sequins, rhinestones, and feathers since her mother taught her how to sew. Since her grown-up children will no longer let themselves be dressed up, and sequins on the grandsons seems excessive, she has turned to theatre to get her bling on.
Barbara Mah – Co-Director
Barbara is excited to share this play with so much to offer: a backstage broadway drama, costumes for days and the quiet heartache that lies beneath the day-to-day doings of this dramedy set in the early 1980s. Recent Walterdale: King of the Yees, Austentatious.
Kari McQueen – Lighting Operator
Kari McQueen is a visual and media artist with over twenty years in the cultural sector, including Artist-Run-Culture, media arts, film, public galleries, and art education. Her current project explores the symbolic relationship between felines through Sharpie Marker drawings. She volunteers with Little Cats Lost TNR Society, and Walterdale Theatre.
Leland Stelck – Set Designer
Leland’s first design was Taming of the Shrew (Walterdale). Here are a few of his favourites: Amigo’s Blue Guitar, The Women, Austentatious (Walterdale) Kiss Me Kate, and Company! (Foote in the Door) and Singing in the Rain (Festival Place). Upcoming: Guys and Dolls (Foote in the Door).
Sam Tyson – Stage Manager
Sam is so pleased to be back at Walterdale for According to the Chorus! Past stage management credits include Shakespeare in Love (Walterdale), RENT (ELOPE), and The Penelopiad (U of A). When not in the theatre, Sam is a junior high English teacher. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Debbie Tyson – Properties Master
Debbie Caseburg Tyson is thrilled to be part of another Walterdale production. Being of the vintage that lived through big hair and leg warmers the first time, there are many special moments in this show. Thanks to all her teammates and her wonderful family!
Rachel Whipple – Assistant Stage Manager
Rachel is excited to be one of the backstage dressers for this show! Her recent credits include stage management for Pair of Guys Lost, Some Sweet Day, and It’s a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play. Enjoy the show!
Advertisements / Acknowledgements
Donors and Sponsors (August 2023 – February 2025)
Walterdale Theatre extends thanks to the generous support of local business, government grants, partners, and our patrons and members for their donations of time and funding. Without your support we could not continue.
Public Funders and Partners
Community Facility Enhancement Program—Government of Alberta
Artistic Sponsor
Gorilla Property Services Edmonton
Community Partners
Valtone Cleaners
Champions ($500+)
AbleIT Inc.
Alexander Family in Memory of Shelley Superstein Alexander
Anne Marie Szucs
Dale and Syrell Wilson
Karin Lauderdale
Harmony Fund at ECF
Supporters ($100-$499)
Joan & Alex Hawkins, Kristen M. Finlay, Michael Buhr, Mike Harding & Don Zeman, Moira Walker,
Philip & M.J. Kreisel, Richard Hatfield, Sol Sigurdson, Margaret Booker, Julie Sinclair, David Wolkowski, Genevieve Carolan, Vivien Bosley, Anonymous
Friends ($50-$99)
Brent Christopherson, Jean Guertin, Gerry and Barbara Sinn, Sally Hunt, Ruby Swekla
Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema, Isabel Cave, Andrew Marriott, Roberta Rolf, Trish Mallet, Louise Mallory, Teresa Cartmell
Player’s Endowment Fund ($200 plus)
A Party to Murder – The Cast and Production Team
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – The Cast and Production Team
King of the Yees – The Cast and Production Team
Stag and Doe – The Cast and Production Team
Shakespeare in Love – The Cast and Production Team
If you would like to be a part of the Walterdale Theatre family of sponsors, contact our Administrator by e-mail or phone the theatre at 780-439-3058.
| WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES Is a Canadian Registered Charity, and will provide you with an income tax receipt for any donation over $20.00 you wish to make.Thank you to everyone who supports our theatre! |
A Brief History of Walterdale Theatre and Building
Walterdale is one of the longest running community theatres in Canada.
Walterdale Theatre Associates traces its beginnings to Theatre Associates, who produced their first plays (Lady Audley’s Secret and Out of the Frying Pan) in August 1958, playing in the Jubilee Auditorium social room. Before finding its home in the current Fire Hall, there have been two other Walterdale Theatres. The first was an old school on the Walterdale flats (Kinsmen Fieldhouse area), hence our name. The second was a former service men’s club house, which was later demolished for Kingsway Garden Mall.
Our current building was built in 1910 and was Strathcona Fire Hall #1. In 1912 it was re-numbered Edmonton #6 when the City of Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton. The bell tower houses the Strathcona “Town Bell”. It is topped by an octagonal belfry, covered by an octagonal roof. The tower was used to dry hoses (by hanging them up) after use. The stable (now set-building workshop) was designed to house nine horses.
The building ceased to be a working Fire Hall in 1954 and was used to store furniture. In 1974 Walterdale Theatre Associates took over the building and lovingly restored it, and converted the inside to a 145-seat theatre. The first play produced in this theatre was What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, which opened November 12, 1974.
Major renovations were again carried out in 1993 (raising the roof and tying the building together with new beams) and in 2011 (new main floor washrooms, renewing the bricks and other major outside work).
Walterdale continues to keep our building updated and efficient, and has replaced the lighting instruments with LED lights, and the the aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems throughout the building with modern efficient HVAC systems.
Walterdale Theatre Board of Directors 2025 – 2026
Executive
Artistic Director – Barbara Mah
President – Richard Hatfield
Vice-President – Anne Marie Szucs
Treasurer – Martin Stout
Secretary – Kristen M. Finlay
Past-President – Sally Hunt
Directors
Building Co-Directors – Doug Verdin and dale Wilson
Front-of-House Director – Rachel Whipple & Vacant
Membership Co-Directors – Laura Eschak & Christine Gold
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Afrah Collier-Potts
Public Relations Co-Directors – Stephanie Swensrude & Dalton Bryce Terhorst
Technical Co-Directors – Rebecca Cave & Matthew Baker
Directors at Large – Tracy Wyman & Jennifer Robinson
Front of House Volunteers
Front of House Committee Members
Volunteer Coordinator
Box Office Manager
Anne Marie Szucs
Bar & Concession Manager
Cassandra Duval
A special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for Front of House positions during the run of Shakespeare in Love.
ALICE OSCAR, AMY JEAN, ANDREA NEWMAN, ANDREW KWAN, ANNELIESE COUTU,
BOB KLAKOWICH, BRIAN AULT, CASEY POWLIK, CHRISTINE GOLD, CINNAMON STACEY, DALTON BRYCE TERHORST, DAVE WOLKOWSKI, DAVID SELWOOD, DORAN WERNER, DOUG VERDIN, GLORIA CARR, HARMEN DE VRIES, HEIDI RYLL, JACKIE LOTERY,
JIHANE ZEIDAN, JOHN DOLPHIN, KARLY BROADSTOCK, KEVIN SCHULTZ, KRISTEN FINLAY,
LAURA DEDORIW, LAUREN GAGNON, LLOYD BRUCE BROWN, LOUISE MALLORY,
NICOLLE LEMAY, NISHA SHARMA, PHIL ZYP, SARAH CHAMP, SHABAB KHAN,
SHAUNA REBUS
