ALEX THE ARTIST

A new musical for young audiences making its world premiere at STF

ALEX THE ARTIST

ABOUT THE SHOW

A shy young girl who feels lost in the world discovers a
magical secret that reveals her true purpose in life. As Alex sets out on a quest to stand up to the evil King and bring freedom back to all the artists in the land she realizes the true power of her voice and the value of her creativity.

Alex The Artist aims to inspire and remind the younger generation that
everyone has a voice and the potential to change the world: Empathy and creativity trump hate and fear every single time.

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ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Alycia attended Sheridan College for their Musical Theatre Performing Arts program where she received the George Young Award for Acting. Alycia wrote SUNDAY DINNER and HELLO, two 10-minute plays that premiered on stage at Thunder Bays 10x10 showcase.
After college, she spent time travelling as the Nanny for Come From Away while they made their move to Broadway. While travelling around the USA, Alycia wrote the musical ALEX THE ARTIST.

ALEX THE ARTIST was a smash hit at the 2017 Toronto Fringe KidsFest and Alycia is beyond thrilled to be adapting it with Superior Theatre Festival for a larger company of actors and to bring this extraordinary piece of theatre to her hometown.

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BUY TICKETS

TICKETS WILL ALSO BE SOLD IN PERSON AT THE DOOR.

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2023 CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Molly Forneri

Dancer/Puppeteer(butterfly)/Citizen:Francine (dance teacher)/Guard #1/Construction Worker

Molly is a grade 11 student at Westgate CVI. She started dancing at the Fay Gleeson Dance Centre at the age of 3 and is currently a member of the Senior Performing Company. She started competing in local dance competitions when she was 7 and has since travelled to Winnipeg and Chicago multiple times with her group. Training in all genres of dance, her favourites are Musical Theatre and Tap. This is her second summer performing with the Superior Theatre Festival.

Sam Giardino

Puppeteer (Butterfly) David/King

Samuel has had a love for all things involving drama and music since the age of 6. Despite this, he has only recently begun getting involved within musical theater. After debuting in St. Patrick high school's Mamma Mia, Samuel has continued to star in musicals. He has played a part in All the DAZE’s Into the Woods and is currently also in Applauze Production’s Mean Girls. This musical will be the 3rd that he has had the pleasure of being in and his first time performing with the Superior Theatre Festival. He’ll put all his heart and soul into putting on as good of a performance as he can!

Izabel Jankowski

Dancer/Puppeteer(butterfly)/Citizen: Designer/Construction Worker/Danny

Izzy is excited to be performing in Alex the Artist with Superior Theatre Festival. An avid performer, Izzy enjoys acting, singing, and dancing. She has appeared in A Little Mermaid and Once Upon a Mattress with All The Daze Productions. Izzy sings with her school Glee club and has performed Oh Canada solo at Thunderwolves games. Izabel loves to dance and is a competitive dancer with Fay Gleeson Dance Company. Izzy also enjoys playing the piano with Kathleen Moore at Vibe Music. To relax, Izzy enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Delilah!

Owen Lemoine

Dancer/Puppeteer(fish)/Citizen: Billy/Guard #2/Construction Worker

Owen will be a grade 9 student at St. Patrick’s High School in the Fall. He is a music lover through and through and has always felt the power of music and what it brings to himself and others makes him happy. Owen been involved in musical theatre and performing since 2019. He is currently a vocal student at Vibe Performing Arts Academy and will be on stage this August in the Applauze production of “Mean Girls”. He has appeared in multiple plays with All The Daze Productions, most recently “Into the Woods”. Owen enjoys competing at the Lakehead Music Festival (vocal categories) and has been recommended to compete at the Ontario Music Festival for two years in a row. He has also, been involved in the “Entre the Den” competition through Thunder Bay Ventures, placing 1st this year with his social media commercial company for small businesses, using his exprience in theatre to give him an edge. In Owens spare time he likes to write short films and brings them to life with friends and family.

Addison Peckford

Dancer/Puppeteer (Frogs)/Knitter/Guard #3/Construction Worker

From making home made short films to working on stage, Addison has been enjoying theatre for as long as she could annoy everyone about it. When she’s not rehearsing in the green room, you can find her studying at home, reading a book or playing a myriad of instruments. This is Addisons first show with Superior Theatre Festival, but this certainly won’t be her last! Addison practically lives at Paramount Live, and you will always find her doing shows there. Loving all things theatre, if you know a musical she can name it! After asking for help on her bio from her little sister, she replied with “smart but could be stronger.” Addison is super excited to be apart of Alex and The Artist!

Sarah Ponder

Dancer/Puppeteer (bees/caterpillar/butterfly)/Citizen: Florist/Baker/Child #2 & #3

Sarah Ponder is a talented and passionate young performer, born on July 3rd, 2011, in the Philippines. Since 2020, she has been dedicating herself to the art of ballet, honing her skills and grace on the stage. Although she is only 12 years old, Sarah has already accumulated an impressive performance portfolio, showcasing her talents at weddings and birthday celebrations.

In addition to her ballet training, Sarah has explored a diverse range of dance styles, including pole and aerial dance, hiphop, jazz, and Kpop. Every summer, she embraces new challenges and opportunities, perfecting her craft and captivating audiences with her dynamic dance performances since 2017.

Sarah's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. While participating in dance sport competitions against schools from across her city, she has achieved multiple awards, earning recognition for her exceptional talent and commitment to her art.

Her theatrical journey took an exciting turn when she was offered the major role in a play scheduled for August. However, Sarah made a difficult but ultimately rewarding decision to travel to Canada instead. Despite missing out on the lead role, she was delighted to discover another opportunity in Thunder Bay, where she embraced the chance to play multiple roles in the play titled "Alex the Artist."

Though relatively new to the theater scene, Sarah is no stranger to performing. Her background in singing and dancing has prepared her well, and she dreams of pursuing a career in musical theater. With the support of her family and friends, she aspires to continue exploring the world of performing arts, leaving a lasting impact on the stage with her talent and infectious enthusiasm.

Sarah Ponder is an emerging star with a bright future ahead, and her journey in the world of entertainment has only just begun

Ciara Raposo

Dancer/Puppeteer(Bees)/Painter/Mom

Chloe Rowe, 11, began studying musical theatre with All the Daze Productions at age seven, and vocal lessons with Vibe Music Performance Academy in 2018. In 2022, Chloe was cast as Annie in the Annie Junior production, delivering three packed performances at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. This fall she will join competitive dance at the International Dance Academy where she continues to learn ballet, tap and jazz. Her love of musical theatre is rooted in her first experiences as a cast member with All the Daze Productions in Aladdin Jr. (2019), Peter Pan Jr. (2020), and The Grunch (2023). With Vibe, she’s had the opportunity to compete at the Lakehead Festival of Music and Arts and the Ontario Music Festival. Off stage, she loves singing with her friends at the Glee Club at Nor’wester View Public School. She says her time with Superior Theatre and Applause Productions is by far, “the best thing I could do this summer.”

After singing in the car led to Emma’s musical debut, she began testing new waters. At just three years old she began dance (Studio One and Legacy) and singing lessons (Avila Music School). She took a prolonged break from vocal lessons & joined back with Applauze. She also switched activities up from dance into hockey. Emma is now 18 and attending Lakehead University. She has enjoyed participating in musicals since she was a child “Secret Santa” (Applauze Productions) (Slightly off Broadway) and eagerly looked forward to & attended drama classes all throughout high school “The Perils of Modern Education”, “The Enchanted Bookshop” and “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” (Superior CVI) . She aspires to keep doing so in the future.

Emma Raposo

Mother Nature

After singing in the car led to Emma’s musical debut, she began testing new waters. At just three years old she began dance (Studio One and Legacy) and singing lessons (Avila Music School). She took a prolonged break from vocal lessons & joined back with Applauze. She also switched activities up from dance into hockey. Emma is now 18 and attending Lakehead University. She has enjoyed participating in musicals since she was a child “Secret Santa” (Applauze Productions) (Slightly off Broadway) and eagerly looked forward to & attended drama classes all throughout high school “The Perils of Modern Education”, “The Enchanted Bookshop” and “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” (Superior CVI) . She aspires to keep doing so in the future.

Chloe Rowe

Dancer/Puppeteer (Blue Jay)/Poet/Alex

Chloe Rowe, 11, began studying musical theatre with All the Daze Productions at age seven, and vocal lessons with Vibe Music Performance Academy in 2018. In 2022, Chloe was cast as Annie in the Annie Junior production, delivering three packed performances at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. This fall she will join competitive dance at the International Dance Academy where she continues to learn ballet, tap and jazz. Her love of musical theatre is rooted in her first experiences as a cast member with All the Daze Productions in Aladdin Jr. (2019), Peter Pan Jr. (2020), and The Grunch (2023). With Vibe, she’s had the opportunity to compete at the Lakehead Festival of Music and Arts and the Ontario Music Festival. Off stage, she loves singing with her friends at the Glee Club at Nor’wester View Public School. She says her time with Superior Theatre and Applause Productions is by far, “the best thing I could do this summer.”

CAST

Molly Forneri

Dancer/Puppeteer(butterfly)/Citizen:Francine (dance teacher)/Guard #1/Construction Worker (Dance Captain)

Sam Giardino

Puppeteer (Butterfly) David/King

Izabel Jankowski

Dancer/Puppeteer(butterfly)/Citizen: Designer/Construction Worker/Danny

Owen Lemoine

Dancer/Puppeteer(fish)/Citizen: Billy/Guard #2/Construction Worker

Addison Peckford

Dancer/Puppeteer (Frogs)/Knitter/Guard #3/Construction Worker

Sarah Ponder

Dancer/Puppeteer (bees/caterpillar/butterfly)/Citizen: Florist/Baker/Child #2 & #3

Ciara Raposo

Dancer/Puppeteer(Bees)/Painter/Mom

Emma Raposo

Mother Nature

Chloe Rowe

Dancer/Puppeteer (Blue Jay)/Poet/Alex

Christopher Wilson

Voice over of the King's Father

Donna Marie Baratta

Director/Choreographer/Producer

Donna Marie Baratta is a Director, Choreographer, Producer, Dramaturg, Educator and Per-former who makes Toronto and Thunder Bay her home. She is the Founder and Artistic and Managing Director of Superior Theatre Festival (STF).
Donna Marie’s career has taken her right across Canada, the United States and to Europe (Paris, Belgium and Luxembourg) working in dance, theatre, musical theatre, industrials, opera, and film. She has performed in various mega-musicals: Crazy For You (Mirvish Productions), Sunset Boulevard (Live Entertainment) and in other productions at the Charlottetown Festival and Magnus Theatre.
She is a graduate of the MFA Directing program at the University of Alberta. She is a proud in-augural member, of and on the Steering Committee, of the Directors Lab North, a member of Directors Lab West and the Lincoln Theater Directing Lab. She has trained with SITI Company and Anne Bogart in Saratoga Springs, NY learning Viewpoints and Suzuki Methods and with multiple award winning theatre practitioners from around the world.

Nancy Anne Perrin

Set/Props/Puppetry Designer

Nancy Anne Perrin (she/they) is a Windsor-based set & costume designer. They love working on new and collaborative pieces and is excited to be back in the Bay with the Superior Theatre Festival. Select design credits include: Niizh (Native Earth, Dora Nominated), Three Sisters, Punk Rock (The Howland Company, Dora Nominated), Alice in Wonderland (Guild Festival, Dora Nominated), Goodnight Bird (Festival Antigonish), C'mon Angie! (Leroy Street), Othello (Driftwood), Of Human Bondage (Magnus), Deceitful Above All Things (Storefront), Hamlet (Hart House). Nancy also enjoys building the next generation of theatre practitioners through her teaching and design work with University of Windsor, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Mount Allison University. She is the recipient of the Ian and Molly Lindsay Young Design Fellowship, a Tom Patterson Guthrie Award and is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada.

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Denise Krawczuk

Musical Director

Denise Krawczuk has been teaching for almost 28 years , her prime focus has been on Pop and Broadway disciplines. Denise’s students have received many accolades, from provincial competition wins to national levels as well . She has also coached students to further their education in post secondary performance schools. Many are still in the entertainment field and performing around the world. Denise has consistently been upgrading herself with ceritificate accrediations for the past three years from MTI Broadway Teachers Workshops. Denise believes that its important to celebrate the authenticity of her students, to provide opportunities to perform as well as evolving into an all round performer. Being a performer herself, she still performs around the community.

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Lisa Macchione

Costume Designer

Lisa is a passionate devotee of the performing arts and all things adornment. In 1999 she graduated from Seneca College’s Fashion Arts program and has had the opportunity to use her skills in costuming to work onset of local films, historical reenactments as well as her own performance art. Researching characters, creating one of kind pieces, and the spark of a thrift store treasure hunt are what she enjoys most.

Alexa Belgrave

Music/Musical Arrangements/ Editing of Tracks

Alexa Belgrave is a pianist, musical director, educator and community member based in Toronto with a B.Mus in Jazz Piano from UofT. With a background in classical studies (completed her ARCT), an interest in composition and an interactive and rhythmic ‘comping style, Alexa has created and collaborated with multiple projects in different idioms, from jazz to disco - with groups such as TUSH and Queer Songbook Orchestra - and musical theatre. She was featured in Jazz Fms ‘Women in Jazz’ 2022 summer series, which you can find on YouTube with her band Moodset playing mostly originals. Her musical director experience includes working with Obsidian’s Playwright’s Unit, Musical Stage Company’s One Song Glory program and Stratfords Directors workshop program. Most recently Alexa was the assistant music director to Bad Hat Theatre’s Narnia workshop in fall 2022, Musical Director for Nightwood Theatre’s 2022 Lawyer show The World Goes Round’ and their 2023 production ‘Urinetown’. Alexa currently teaches at Sheridan College, and Mayfield Secondary School of the Arts as well as freelancing around the GTA in various musical roles.

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Caleb Klager

Music/Musical Arrangements/ Editing of Tracks

Caleb Klager is a sound designer, electroacoustic composer, and bassist currently based in Toronto, Canada. He holds a BMus (Jazz Performance) from the University of Toronto, where he studied under Dave Young, Andrew Downing, and Geoff Young. His performances span across many different platforms and spaces such as the MOCA, Drake Underground, Aga Khan Museum, the Tranzac, and the Rex Hotel. He’s performed, toured, recorded, and composed for a variety of different projects and artists including JC3, Spectrum Music, Erez Zobary, Jason Martin, Nomadic Family, Nicole Chambers, and Harry Bartlett.

Chris Tsujiuchi

Music/Musical Arrangements/ Editing of Tracks

Chris Tsujiuchi's performance credits include An Incomplete List (Toronto Fringe), Box 4901, Recurring John (Summerworks Festival), Little Shop of Horrors (Capitol Theatre Port Hope), and The Rocky Horror Show (Hart House Theatre). Musical Direction credits include Escape to Margaritaville (Theatre Calgary), Alice in Wonderland (Bad Hats / MTYP), Into the Woods (Talk is Free Theatre / Winter Garden Theatre), Parade (Toronto Musical Concerts) The Last Five Years (YRG Productions), Onegin (Musical Stage Company/National Arts Centre/Arts Club Western Canada Tour), Any Dream Will Do (Angelwalk Theatre & Theatre Collingwood), and bare (Canadian Premiere/WatersEdge Productions). Chris has worked as an accompanist and teacher at Sheridan College, TMU (formerly Ryerson), Randolph Academy, and George Brown College. He has toured extensively with Sharron Matthews, and can also be seen performing in Asian Riffing Trio (aka ART) and his own "Chris-terical" series of Cabarets.

Stef Haynes

Music/Musical Arrangements/ Editing of Tracks

Stef Haynes is a musician, audio engineer, and music producer living in Toronto, Canada. He is best known for his work with Toronto-based R&B/Jazz/NeoSoul collective Moodset, as well as his own recent release, titled Gradualism.

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Russell Krawczuk

Lighting/Sound Design

Russell has been a lighting technician for over 50 years. He started when he was in high school . He has done many musical and plays over the years. It then evolved to sound technician, it takes a special eye and ear to do both and he had received many accolades through the years for his work. He has been the technical director for Live from the Rock for over 10 years. He is the staple technician for the northwestern Ontario Sports hall of Fame for about 15 years. He currently has been working along side his wife Denise as Applauze Production’s technical director for 28 years. He has been hired by many organizations to do sound and lights and is the integral part of revitalizing the Trinity hall in upgrading the electrical requirements to bring theatre back to the hall. He takes great joy to enhance the production needs to make it look good and sound good.

CREATIVE TEAM

Alycia Novak

Playwright, Lyricist, Co-Composer

Donna Marie Baratta

Director/Choreographer/Producer

Dramaturg

Emil Sher

Nancy Anne Perrin

Set/Props/Puppetry Designer

Denise Krawczuk

Musical Director

Lisa Macchione

Costume Designer

Alexa Belgrave, Chris Tsujiuchi, Stef Haynes, Caleb Kalger

Music/Musical Arrangements/ Editing of Tracks

Russel Krawczuk

Lighting/Sound Design

Stage Manager

Cheryl Silen

Chloe Rabachuk

Spotlight Operator

Jorga Bryenton

Projection Operator

Sophie Bergamo, Katie Ficek

Assistant Stage Managers

Ramon Verardo

Set Construction

Becca Start

Associate Producer

Katherine Winter

Communications Manager

Carly Martin

Outreach Manager

Miranda van den Berg

Graphic Designer

ALEX THE ARTIST 2020

From February 2020- May 2020, Emil Sher, Alycia Novak and Donna Marie Baratta worked together on multiple new drafts of Alex the Artist. The changes in each draft were discussed and questioned in person but then quickly moved to online meetings only due to the pandemic.

Each meeting yielded more excitement with each new big change. Alycia worked very hard at making the story clearer for an audience and the story continued to inspire and delight all of us.

During that same time, Alycia was working with Chris Tsujiuchi on the compositions for the music. The story has come alive in the most exciting ways and we are so proud of Alycia for all her hard work!

We cannot wait until we are able to share this inspiring story with all of you