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Cast and Crew of The Sorceress

BRENT BARKLEY (Hershel Hay)  Brent was born in Tupelo Mississippi.  When he was two years old he moved to Canada, by himself.  For his 9th birthday, he asked for a musical instrument... he got a guitar instead and he's been out of tune ever since.  A devoted method actor, Brent has been sleeping in a barn for several weeks and might not go back!  Brent's Fringe credits include George Ryga's Indian (91 - Ottawa, Montreal, Sudbury); Alfred Rushton's Ice Shack (92 - Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax); Stage Manager and Music Director for Those Four Fat Guys, (95) Sudbury Fringe; and, last year he was the musician and songwriter for Pseudolus in the Toronto Fringe.  Brent lives in Kensington Market with his really good looking wife.
SEAN BROWNING (Doc Claybank) Sean moved from the small town of Madoc, Ontario to study screenwriting at York University.  Now, years later, he is the lead singer of the band Schroeder, and a member of the comedy troupes The Insomniacs (a.k.a. The Asbestos Brothers), and 'Gainst The World.  Other stage roles include Fagan in Oliver!, Romeo and Lysander in a recent Shakespeare Review, the Puppeteer in Life Lands Down, the Executioner in Not I (Beckett), and Caliban in Shakespeare in the Pond.  Recent screenplays include the yet-to-be produced dark comedies The Porcupine and The Unlikely Rosewoods.  He currently lives in Toronto where he studies under Andrew Currie in the Second City Conservatory.  He would like to thank his wife Kim for selflessly giving him way more support than he deserves.

LIAM DOHERTY (DarienThis is Liam's second appearance in the Toronto Fringe Festival. Last year you may have seen him in the smash hit Pseudolus with the Cabbagetown Theatre Company.   Liam has performed in several amateur theatre productions throughout the GTA. As well as being an accomplished actor, Liam is also a stand-up comic.  He has been performing on the comedy circuit for the last 2 years.  His most recent appearance was on a Comedy Channel production Elvira Kurt, Adventures in Comedy.  

ROB DOWNES  (Production Stage Manager)  Rob was one of the first members involved in the inception of Triple Take Productions and was for several years, one of the producers until he decided to dedicate himself to writing.  He has written several plays.  Rob has had his poetry published and was an assistant drama teacher for one semester at Henry Street High School.  Currently, his radio play Crime and Etiquette is being recorded.  Judgment has also been converted into a radio play.  Rob continues to study English Literature and Creative Writing to advance his skills as a writer.  He is Writer in Residence for Triple Take Productions and contributed his most recent works, Music and and Homesick to the November, 1999 production slate.  Rob also lent his writing and acting talents to Triple Take's most recent video sketch, The Scary Bitch Project. He is a co-writer and will be performing in Triple Take's new pilot, Sketch TV, which is currently in production. [Go to Rob's interview in 20 Questions.]

BONNIE GRAY  (Lila McGrath)  Most recently seen as Portia, Lucilius, Trebonius & Lepidus at The Poor Alex in Julius Caesar in April, is happy to be in a show where no one dies (or do they…..?) Fringing last year as Rose in Joseph Moore’s Kanadian Kerouac, she’s been Maria in Twelfth Night (On Kew), Kathleen in Daniel Minsky’s version of The Seagull (Upstart Crow), Titania & Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Abigail (and others!) in a rather unconventional staging of that other great “witch-hunt classic”, The Crucible.  George Washington Slept Here and The Elephant Man were other favourites.  Forays into musicals include Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, The Wizard of Oz, The Music Man, Really Rosie, and more! Thanks to the gang that put this one together, my friends and my family(ies!). [Go to Bonnie's interview in 20 Questions.]

KERRY GRIFFIN  (Jake Carruthers)   As an actor and improviser, Kerry performs frequently at comedy venues across the city.  He has appeared with the Second City Touring Company, Theatresports and with Slap Happy, who performed at this years Chicago Improv Festival.  Kerry's  recent forays into theatre include Co-Ed Prison Sluts at the Tim Sims Playhouse and The Fabulous Smokey Topaz Multi-Media Extravaganza! at last year's Fringe.  Kerry is thankful that this show has a much shorter title.  If you think his mug looks familiar, you may have seen him in one of a dozen tv commercials.  [Go to Kerry's interview in 20 Questions.]

VICTORIA PEARCE  (Trixie JusticeA graduate of the Performing Arts, Victoria has been performing for over 10 years in Toronto and surrounding areas in a variety of venues.  She has worked in theatre, television and film and is presently writing and working towards the release of her own CD.  Victoria spent 5 years touring with a 50's & 60's Showband and has recently returned from a 6 month singing gig on the Princess Cruise Line touring through Mexico, Hawaii and the Tahitian Islands.  She is happy to be joining the cast of The Sorceress for her first Fringe experience!
HEATHER RICHARDSON  (Ruby Quist, Choreographer, Music Director)  Heather has performed as a musician and dancer throughout Ontario, the U.S. and Europe.  Highlights in her travels have included performances in Spain, Great Britain, Cuba, Las Vegas, Kingston, Ont. and of course Toronto, baby!  She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Queen’s University and is actively involved in community music as a percussionist, music director and conductor.  She would like to thank Lorraine for believing in her and Sheila & Boyd for being her biggest supporters.  Kelly, Kathy, Taren & Udana, we definitely need to do a “cheers” after this one! [Go to Heatther's interview in 20 Questions.]

BERT STEINMANIS (Mayor Richard Justice)  Bert's back from 3 years in New York City and happy to be working for the 3rd time with this wacky bunch. His performances Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway and regionally range from A Man For All Seasons to The Jekyll And Hyde Club to Jeff Stryker Does Hard Time. Previous Fringe hits: Nice Guy!, Rounds, Strangle, House and Four Dogs And A Bone. Thanks to LS, LZ, MCT.
LORRAINE SWANSON  (Shirley Quist, Book & Lyrics, Executive Producer)  After studying screenwriting at Ryerson for the past two years, Lorraine is excited to jump back into the crazy arena of the stage.  She has been writing, directing and acting in plays for about 10 years.  The Sorceress is the 4th play she has developed for the Toronto Fringe, following Sanguine Tears, A Soul For A Soul and Lunatic Rising.  She is especially proud to work with this talented ensemble of artists.  Thanks and love to Big Jim for his passion,  love and support.  
NICK TAYLOR  (Lonny O’Mally) Nick has studied writing and directing and acting for film and theatre at Ryerson.  He has written The Mystery Dance, a feature length film/video project that he plans to direct this summer.  He is also a musician and songwriter and currently performs with the band Blackeyes.  This is his first play as an actor.

MARY CLAIRE THOMPSON (Lucinda Lalonde)  Mary Claire has always dreamed of being a witch (and some would say she’s been one all her life) or a rock star...she feels it’s apropos to be playing a singing spell-binder in The Sorceress.  As co-founder of WBTC? this will be MC’s 4th originating role in a Toronto Fringe show and she is tickled to be a part of this unique production. Fave moments on-stage have included: Finian’s Rainbow, Oliver (The Musical), Dancing at Lughnasa, The Heidi Chronicles, Departures and Arrivals and 7 Stories to name a few of Mary Claire’s 25+ stage performances. In 1999, MC wrote and performed in her first short piece Toilet Talk, as part of The 5th Annual ‘Slaw Festival (Cabbagetown Theatre).  She'd like to thank her friends and family for their encouragement and love. [Go to Mary's interview in 20 Questions.]

LYNN ZEELENBERG (Director)   Lynn is thrilled to be reunited with her WBTC? comrades, having originated roles for the group in several past Fringe productions, including Sanguine Tears, A Soul For A Soul and Lunatic Rising.  Fringers might also remember Lynn as Simo in last year’s Toronto Fringe hit Pseudolus. Previous directing credits include David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, John Lazarus’ Babel Rap and Neil Simon’s Rumors. Favorite acting roles include Feste in Twelfth Night, Cherie in Bus Stop, Charlotte in 7 Stories, Columbina in the Commedia dell’Arte piece The Imaginary Autopsee and Collette in Four Dogs and a Bone which she performed in the Sudbury and Atlantic Fringe Festivals.