OVATION! AWARD FOR LONGTIME CONTRIBUTION
The Longtime Contribution Award is presented annually at the OVATION! Awards by APPLAUSE! Musicals Society to recognize individuals whose 30+ years of dedication have had a lasting impact on the musical theatre community in the Lower Mainland. This award honours people whose work didn’t just create shows, but have helped build communities, foster opportunities, and inspire generations of show people. We are deeply grateful for the time, talent, and heart they have shared. These are not just names, they are artists, teachers, directors, music directors, choreographers, administrators, mentors, and collaborators who, over decades, have encouraged, trained, created opportunities, and helped shape the Lower Mainland's musical theatre community we know today.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Gillian Barber
Gillian's career as a performer and director has spanned more than 50 productions at companies including the Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, the National Arts Centre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Alberta Theatre Projects. Education has always been at the heart of this artist’s work. In 2001, they began teaching at Capilano University, helping to shape generations of performers. In 2004, she developed and launched the Musical Theatre Program, followed by the Acting for Stage and Screen program in 2005 — programs that continue to strengthen and sustain our local community.
Gillian's career as a performer and director has spanned more than 50 productions at companies including the Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver Playhouse, the National Arts Centre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Alberta Theatre Projects. Education has always been at the heart of this artist’s work. In 2001, they began teaching at Capilano University, helping to shape generations of performers. In 2004, she developed and launched the Musical Theatre Program, followed by the Acting for Stage and Screen program in 2005 — programs that continue to strengthen and sustain our local community.
James Bryson
James Bryson is a well-known Musical Director in the lower mainland. He is also well known for holding the title of the Musical Director for Royal City Musical Theatre Company (RCMT). RCMT was hatched in 1990 around a kitchen table in New Westminster. The famous show ‘Annie’ is one of his choral and instrumental music productions. He has been nominated many times for an Ovation Award. His students have won many honours in festivals. He has led a Pit Choir made up entirely of trained singers who volunteer their talents to non-profit community theatre. In 1998, he formed James Production with his musical friends to bring his show to the lower mainland’s community, in which his dedication continues on with his very special show JUST BROADWAY.
James Bryson is a well-known Musical Director in the lower mainland. He is also well known for holding the title of the Musical Director for Royal City Musical Theatre Company (RCMT). RCMT was hatched in 1990 around a kitchen table in New Westminster. The famous show ‘Annie’ is one of his choral and instrumental music productions. He has been nominated many times for an Ovation Award. His students have won many honours in festivals. He has led a Pit Choir made up entirely of trained singers who volunteer their talents to non-profit community theatre. In 1998, he formed James Production with his musical friends to bring his show to the lower mainland’s community, in which his dedication continues on with his very special show JUST BROADWAY.
Johnny Duncan (1930-2022)
Johnny Duncan was a director, writer, producer, fundraiser and volunteer. He has directed numerous musicals over the years, including the western Canadian premiere of Blood Brothers. Much of his involvement has been with Metro Theatre, where he as also written their annual panto for numerous years. He also directed Seesaw, My Fair Lady, I Do I Do, Paint Your Wagon and Oh Coward with Metro. Other companies he has been associated with are Richmond Musical Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars and Dunbar Musical Theatre.
Johnny Duncan was a director, writer, producer, fundraiser and volunteer. He has directed numerous musicals over the years, including the western Canadian premiere of Blood Brothers. Much of his involvement has been with Metro Theatre, where he as also written their annual panto for numerous years. He also directed Seesaw, My Fair Lady, I Do I Do, Paint Your Wagon and Oh Coward with Metro. Other companies he has been associated with are Richmond Musical Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars and Dunbar Musical Theatre.
Valerie Easton
Valerie Easton is a well known director/choreographer and performer who has worked across the country. She celebrated her 10th year as Artistic Director of Royal City Musical Theatre, and in 2017, she was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame for her lifelong contribution to the Arts in BC. Selected credits for RCMT: Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Will Rogers Follies, Anything Goes, Annie, Oklahoma. Selected credits for the Arts Club Theatre: Mamma Mia, Bittergirl, A Christmas Story, Billie Elliot, West Side Story, Les Miserable, Red Rock Diner, and 15 others. Valerie has directed and choreographed for Arts Club Theatre Company, Bard on the Beach, Studio 58, Theatre Under The Stars, Gateway Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Neptune Theatre (Halifax), APPLAUSE! Musicals In Concert, and many other companies across the country. She is a multiple OVATION!/Jessie nominee and winner, and is considered one of Canada’s premiere director/choreographers.
Valerie Easton is a well known director/choreographer and performer who has worked across the country. She celebrated her 10th year as Artistic Director of Royal City Musical Theatre, and in 2017, she was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame for her lifelong contribution to the Arts in BC. Selected credits for RCMT: Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Will Rogers Follies, Anything Goes, Annie, Oklahoma. Selected credits for the Arts Club Theatre: Mamma Mia, Bittergirl, A Christmas Story, Billie Elliot, West Side Story, Les Miserable, Red Rock Diner, and 15 others. Valerie has directed and choreographed for Arts Club Theatre Company, Bard on the Beach, Studio 58, Theatre Under The Stars, Gateway Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Neptune Theatre (Halifax), APPLAUSE! Musicals In Concert, and many other companies across the country. She is a multiple OVATION!/Jessie nominee and winner, and is considered one of Canada’s premiere director/choreographers.
Perry Ehrlich
Perry Ehrlich has been the director and founder of Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! for over ten years, which has attracted hundreds of enthusiastic and talented participants from throughout BC and as far away as Israel. He combines a busy legal career with his love of musical theatre working with children. Perry is a composer, pianist, teacher, arranger, producer, adjudicator, writer and talent coordinator. He is also the director of ShowStoppers, a teenage performance troupe. His programs have provided the training grounds for many of Vancouver's most successful musical theatre performers.
Perry Ehrlich has been the director and founder of Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! for over ten years, which has attracted hundreds of enthusiastic and talented participants from throughout BC and as far away as Israel. He combines a busy legal career with his love of musical theatre working with children. Perry is a composer, pianist, teacher, arranger, producer, adjudicator, writer and talent coordinator. He is also the director of ShowStoppers, a teenage performance troupe. His programs have provided the training grounds for many of Vancouver's most successful musical theatre performers.
Ed Harrington (1933-2013)
Retired teacher and director of high school musicals, Ed was the founding Artistic Director of Royal City Musical Theatre in New Westminster. He has directed and acted with such diverse Lower Mainland groups as UBC, Metro Theatre, Vagabond Players, and the Vancouver International Festival.
Retired teacher and director of high school musicals, Ed was the founding Artistic Director of Royal City Musical Theatre in New Westminster. He has directed and acted with such diverse Lower Mainland groups as UBC, Metro Theatre, Vagabond Players, and the Vancouver International Festival.
Earl Hobson (1936-2015)
Earl Hobson was a long-time music director for a range of musical theatre companies over the years including Dunbar Musical Theatre, TUTS, and the Greater Vancouver Operetta Society. Earl's life revolved around music. He was a talented, much-loved musician and music educator. In his roles as teacher, conductor and concert band member, he touched the lives of many, many people. He conducted the Richmond Singers, the Royal City Alumni Band, the Kitsilano Boy's Band and approximately 50 musical theatre productions.
Earl Hobson was a long-time music director for a range of musical theatre companies over the years including Dunbar Musical Theatre, TUTS, and the Greater Vancouver Operetta Society. Earl's life revolved around music. He was a talented, much-loved musician and music educator. In his roles as teacher, conductor and concert band member, he touched the lives of many, many people. He conducted the Richmond Singers, the Royal City Alumni Band, the Kitsilano Boy's Band and approximately 50 musical theatre productions.
Bruce Kellett
Bruce has been associated with most professional theatres in Canada as a musical director, pianist, and composer. He has worked with the Arts Club Theatre Company for over 38 seasons. He composed the scores for Only in Vancouver, Easy Money, and, in workshop, A Little Princess. Kellett is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. He is known for giving back to the artistic community and is celebrated as a source of encouragement for young performers as they work their way up to professional theatre.
Bruce has been associated with most professional theatres in Canada as a musical director, pianist, and composer. He has worked with the Arts Club Theatre Company for over 38 seasons. He composed the scores for Only in Vancouver, Easy Money, and, in workshop, A Little Princess. Kellett is a graduate of the University of British Columbia. He is known for giving back to the artistic community and is celebrated as a source of encouragement for young performers as they work their way up to professional theatre.
Delores Kirkwood
Dolores has contributed significantly to the dance community as a dancer, choreographer, adjudicator and teacher. Her credits include dancing with Theatre Under the Stars, Vancouver International Festival, Western Canada Theatre Company in Kamloops, University of Oregon and UBC and highlights such as performing with Chita Rivera in Sweet Charity and with Jerry Orach in Most Happy Fella. Founder and Artistic Director of Royal City Youth Ballet, Ms. Kirkwood’s choreography has been hailed as one of the major reasons for the success of the Royal City Musical Theatre Company, of which she is also a founder.
Dolores has contributed significantly to the dance community as a dancer, choreographer, adjudicator and teacher. Her credits include dancing with Theatre Under the Stars, Vancouver International Festival, Western Canada Theatre Company in Kamloops, University of Oregon and UBC and highlights such as performing with Chita Rivera in Sweet Charity and with Jerry Orach in Most Happy Fella. Founder and Artistic Director of Royal City Youth Ballet, Ms. Kirkwood’s choreography has been hailed as one of the major reasons for the success of the Royal City Musical Theatre Company, of which she is also a founder.
Ashley Lambert Maberly
Ashley is a performer, director, music director, composer, and lyricist. He has written and produced five of his own works but writing and producing his own work was just one aspect of his talent. As a gifted performer, he’s been part of memorable Vancouver productions of Into the Woods, Lucky Stiff, and in the Western Canadian premiere of Blood Brothers. In 1999, he founded The Broadway Chorus. The Broadway Chorus is unique among Vancouver theatrical troupes: we mount fully-staged musicals where the script is new but the songs have been heard before. Their specialty is of course songs from the Broadway stage: old songs, new songs, songs you've never heard before, and songs you want to sing again and again. Since its founding, he has conceived and produced over 30 Broadway Chorus shows, providing hundreds of local performers with their debut, a chance in the spotlight, opportunities to refine their musical skills, learn new techniques, and collaborate on large-scale productions. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact this community group has had, and for the incredible opportunities it has given so many.
Ashley is a performer, director, music director, composer, and lyricist. He has written and produced five of his own works but writing and producing his own work was just one aspect of his talent. As a gifted performer, he’s been part of memorable Vancouver productions of Into the Woods, Lucky Stiff, and in the Western Canadian premiere of Blood Brothers. In 1999, he founded The Broadway Chorus. The Broadway Chorus is unique among Vancouver theatrical troupes: we mount fully-staged musicals where the script is new but the songs have been heard before. Their specialty is of course songs from the Broadway stage: old songs, new songs, songs you've never heard before, and songs you want to sing again and again. Since its founding, he has conceived and produced over 30 Broadway Chorus shows, providing hundreds of local performers with their debut, a chance in the spotlight, opportunities to refine their musical skills, learn new techniques, and collaborate on large-scale productions. We are deeply grateful for the lasting impact this community group has had, and for the incredible opportunities it has given so many.
Grace MacDonald (1916-1987)
Remembered as a dance teacher, choreographer and an inspiration to young performers in Vancouver. She holds a special place in the history of musical theatre in this city with her contributions to many theatre companies. She taught and encourage students who went on to have successful careers in dance, theatre, television and movies. She choreographed for the Vancouver Opera and was best known for her tireless work and dedication to MUSSOC (Musical Society of the University of British Columbia) and Theatre Under the Stars. Each summer The Grace MacDonald Award continues to be given to the Most Promising Dancer(s) from the shows presented by Theatre Under The Stars in Vancouver.
Remembered as a dance teacher, choreographer and an inspiration to young performers in Vancouver. She holds a special place in the history of musical theatre in this city with her contributions to many theatre companies. She taught and encourage students who went on to have successful careers in dance, theatre, television and movies. She choreographed for the Vancouver Opera and was best known for her tireless work and dedication to MUSSOC (Musical Society of the University of British Columbia) and Theatre Under the Stars. Each summer The Grace MacDonald Award continues to be given to the Most Promising Dancer(s) from the shows presented by Theatre Under The Stars in Vancouver.
Alex McLeod (1935-2016)
In the early 1960s Alex moved to Vancouver where he taught elementary school. He then worked for the Vancouver School Board before becoming a Senior Instructor in the department of Music Education at UBC. A born entertainer, Alex was always very active in local theatre, performing with Dunbar Musical Theatre, MUSSOC (UBC Musical Theatre Society), Theatre Under the Stars, Metro Theatre, the North Shore Light Opera, and APPLAUSE! Musicals. He was also a long-time member of the Vancouver Opera chorus. He served on the boards of the Vancouver Youth Symphony and Theatre Under the Stars and was active in the Vancouver Opera Guild.
In the early 1960s Alex moved to Vancouver where he taught elementary school. He then worked for the Vancouver School Board before becoming a Senior Instructor in the department of Music Education at UBC. A born entertainer, Alex was always very active in local theatre, performing with Dunbar Musical Theatre, MUSSOC (UBC Musical Theatre Society), Theatre Under the Stars, Metro Theatre, the North Shore Light Opera, and APPLAUSE! Musicals. He was also a long-time member of the Vancouver Opera chorus. He served on the boards of the Vancouver Youth Symphony and Theatre Under the Stars and was active in the Vancouver Opera Guild.
Bill Millerd
As the former Artistic Managing Director of the Arts Club Theatre Company, Bill Millerd made a significant contribution to the musical theatre community, especially with the presentation of more professional musicals than any other company in the Lower Mainland. He has demonstrated a real desire to attend and support other productions often scouting out new talent and ideas for possible co-productions or show transfers.
As the former Artistic Managing Director of the Arts Club Theatre Company, Bill Millerd made a significant contribution to the musical theatre community, especially with the presentation of more professional musicals than any other company in the Lower Mainland. He has demonstrated a real desire to attend and support other productions often scouting out new talent and ideas for possible co-productions or show transfers.
Roger & Nancy Nelson
Roger and Nancy Nelson have a combined service of over 50 years with the North Shore Light Opera Society. In addition to performing with the North Shore Light Opera, the two of them have volunteered many hours of their time to the organization, serving on the board of directors, building sets, sewing costumes, and everything else it has taken over the years to ensure that the show will go on, helping keep the company moving forward.
Roger and Nancy Nelson have a combined service of over 50 years with the North Shore Light Opera Society. In addition to performing with the North Shore Light Opera, the two of them have volunteered many hours of their time to the organization, serving on the board of directors, building sets, sewing costumes, and everything else it has taken over the years to ensure that the show will go on, helping keep the company moving forward.
Lloyd Nicholson (1952-2009)
An esteemed musical theatre figure who grew up in Jasper, Alta., and studied theatre at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Lloyd Nicholson was the long time artistic director of Royal City Music Theatre and an instructor at Studio 58, and had worked across the country in a career that spanned more than three decades. "Lloyd was the personification of musical theatre in Vancouver," Max Reimer (former Artistic Director, Vancouver Playhouse).
An esteemed musical theatre figure who grew up in Jasper, Alta., and studied theatre at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Lloyd Nicholson was the long time artistic director of Royal City Music Theatre and an instructor at Studio 58, and had worked across the country in a career that spanned more than three decades. "Lloyd was the personification of musical theatre in Vancouver," Max Reimer (former Artistic Director, Vancouver Playhouse).
Suzanne Oullette
For more than three decades, Suzanne has been a respected and familiar presence in Canadian musical theatre and dance, performing as a dancer, actor, and singer. Locally, she has played a vital role as an assistant director, choreographer, rehearsal director, and educator with companies including Royal City Musical Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Gateway Theatre, Metro Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre, UBC Opera, and CTORA Theatre. Her work continues to shape performers and productions through teaching, choreography, and adjudication across ballet, contemporary, and musical theatre.
For more than three decades, Suzanne has been a respected and familiar presence in Canadian musical theatre and dance, performing as a dancer, actor, and singer. Locally, she has played a vital role as an assistant director, choreographer, rehearsal director, and educator with companies including Royal City Musical Theatre, Vancouver Opera, Gateway Theatre, Metro Theatre, the Arts Club Theatre, UBC Opera, and CTORA Theatre. Her work continues to shape performers and productions through teaching, choreography, and adjudication across ballet, contemporary, and musical theatre.
Shel Piercy
Shel Piercy has been writing, directing, and producing theatrical plays, musical TV specials, documentaries and feature films for over 35 years. He has worked with and continues to work with a number of theatre companies throughout the lower mainland; however, he is most widely known for his incredible involvement with Theatre Under the Stars. When not directing and producing, he serves as president of the company.
Shel Piercy has been writing, directing, and producing theatrical plays, musical TV specials, documentaries and feature films for over 35 years. He has worked with and continues to work with a number of theatre companies throughout the lower mainland; however, he is most widely known for his incredible involvement with Theatre Under the Stars. When not directing and producing, he serves as president of the company.
Cecilia Smith
A long time performer, and volunteer with many organizations in the lower mainland, Cecilia Smith's forte is accents: at Metro Theatre she used her talents in Stop The World with Russian, German, Bronx and terrible English. She has worked in feature films, commercials, radio plays, taped books and dinner theatre and teaching. She is remembered for her role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at Centennial Theatre and Malkin Bowl. Cecilia has won Best Actress & Supporting Actress in Dominion Drama Festival, the EV Young Award (TUTS). She has also spent countless volunteer hours as the archivist for Theatre Under The Stars
A long time performer, and volunteer with many organizations in the lower mainland, Cecilia Smith's forte is accents: at Metro Theatre she used her talents in Stop The World with Russian, German, Bronx and terrible English. She has worked in feature films, commercials, radio plays, taped books and dinner theatre and teaching. She is remembered for her role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady at Centennial Theatre and Malkin Bowl. Cecilia has won Best Actress & Supporting Actress in Dominion Drama Festival, the EV Young Award (TUTS). She has also spent countless volunteer hours as the archivist for Theatre Under The Stars
Roger Smith
Roger Smith was instrumental in working with a dedicated and driven group to resurrect Theatre Under The Stars after the demise of the professional company in the 60's. Roger applied his knowledge of all aspects of production including stage management, lighting design etc. to build the society as well as conduct many seminars teaching the principles of stage management. Roger sat in the board with TUTS for many years and in 2004, the board recognized his and his wife Cecilia's many years of service and dedication with the creation of a new volunteer award named in their honour. Roger has also worked with numerous other companies in the lower mainland including Dunbar Musical Theatre, North Shore Light Opera, Ophidian Theatre, and Royal City Musical Theatre.
Roger Smith was instrumental in working with a dedicated and driven group to resurrect Theatre Under The Stars after the demise of the professional company in the 60's. Roger applied his knowledge of all aspects of production including stage management, lighting design etc. to build the society as well as conduct many seminars teaching the principles of stage management. Roger sat in the board with TUTS for many years and in 2004, the board recognized his and his wife Cecilia's many years of service and dedication with the creation of a new volunteer award named in their honour. Roger has also worked with numerous other companies in the lower mainland including Dunbar Musical Theatre, North Shore Light Opera, Ophidian Theatre, and Royal City Musical Theatre.
Wendy Bross Stuart
Born and raised in New York, Wendy holds degrees from McGill University & UBC. She is a vocal coach, an ethnomusicologist, a music director, composer, arranger, and piano accompanist. Experience in theatre, includes as a music director for 10 years with Theatre Under the Stars and with many other companies such as Electric Company, Touchstone Theatre, and the Arts Club. She co-founded the Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance! Summer musical theatre program, working with over 2000 young and talented kids through 20 summers.
Born and raised in New York, Wendy holds degrees from McGill University & UBC. She is a vocal coach, an ethnomusicologist, a music director, composer, arranger, and piano accompanist. Experience in theatre, includes as a music director for 10 years with Theatre Under the Stars and with many other companies such as Electric Company, Touchstone Theatre, and the Arts Club. She co-founded the Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance! Summer musical theatre program, working with over 2000 young and talented kids through 20 summers.
Pat Waldron (1937-2023)
Pat Waldron's theatre career spans over many years in some 37 musicals and plays. Highlights include Chicago (Vancouver Playhouse), Anne of Green Gables (Charlotterown), Showboat (LiveEnt), Sweeney Todd (Arts Club). Pat established the "Singin' Dancin' Actin' Studio" and saw many students go through the courses to become professionals across the country. Pat produced the first four family musicals at Gateway Theatre including Annie Wizard of Oz, and Anne of Green Gables. In 1987, Pat was the executive producer of Peter Pan, the musical for SDA productions starring Cathy Rigby and Long John Baldry which toured to Seattle and Spokane and received four Jessie Awards including Best Musical and Outstanding Production of the Year. Pat was also the founder and producer of the former Dunbar Musical Theatre.
Pat Waldron's theatre career spans over many years in some 37 musicals and plays. Highlights include Chicago (Vancouver Playhouse), Anne of Green Gables (Charlotterown), Showboat (LiveEnt), Sweeney Todd (Arts Club). Pat established the "Singin' Dancin' Actin' Studio" and saw many students go through the courses to become professionals across the country. Pat produced the first four family musicals at Gateway Theatre including Annie Wizard of Oz, and Anne of Green Gables. In 1987, Pat was the executive producer of Peter Pan, the musical for SDA productions starring Cathy Rigby and Long John Baldry which toured to Seattle and Spokane and received four Jessie Awards including Best Musical and Outstanding Production of the Year. Pat was also the founder and producer of the former Dunbar Musical Theatre.
OVATION! AWARD FOR LONGTIME PERFORMANCE
The following individuals are recipients of the Longtime Musical Theatre Performance Award, presented to performers who have dedicated 30+ or more years to musical theatre performance in the Lower Mainland.
Jeff Hyslop
Jeff Hyslop is a musical theatre actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director. His performing arts training in Vancouver at a young age, initially focusing on gymnastics before transitioning to dance under the guidance of renowned local instructor Grace MacDonald. Hyslop's theatre credits include lead roles in acclaimed productions such as The Phantom of the Opera (Canadian national tour and Toronto premiere, 1989–1991), where he played the title role, as well as A Chorus Line on Broadway and the West End, Pippin, Godspell, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Pirates of Penzance. His non-musical stage work encompasses Shakespearean roles like Hamlet and Love's Labour's Lost. As a choreographer and director, he has contributed to shows including On Tap (for which he won a 1984 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Musical), Peter Pan, and Irma La Douce, earning three Vancouver Jessie Richardson Awards for best director and best choreography.
Jeff Hyslop is a musical theatre actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director. His performing arts training in Vancouver at a young age, initially focusing on gymnastics before transitioning to dance under the guidance of renowned local instructor Grace MacDonald. Hyslop's theatre credits include lead roles in acclaimed productions such as The Phantom of the Opera (Canadian national tour and Toronto premiere, 1989–1991), where he played the title role, as well as A Chorus Line on Broadway and the West End, Pippin, Godspell, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Pirates of Penzance. His non-musical stage work encompasses Shakespearean roles like Hamlet and Love's Labour's Lost. As a choreographer and director, he has contributed to shows including On Tap (for which he won a 1984 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Musical), Peter Pan, and Irma La Douce, earning three Vancouver Jessie Richardson Awards for best director and best choreography.
Ruth Nicol
A longtime favourite performer with Vancouver audiences, Ruth started at U.B.C. performing with MUSSOC (UBC Musical Theatre Society). Significant roles over the years at the Arts Club Theatre Company include Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Pippin and Company. She has appeared on most of the major stages across Canada including the Stratford Charlottetown Festivals, and continues to teach and direct.
A longtime favourite performer with Vancouver audiences, Ruth started at U.B.C. performing with MUSSOC (UBC Musical Theatre Society). Significant roles over the years at the Arts Club Theatre Company include Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Pippin and Company. She has appeared on most of the major stages across Canada including the Stratford Charlottetown Festivals, and continues to teach and direct.
Denis Simpson (1950-2010)
Dennis was a respected Canadian actor and singer whose career was deeply rooted in musical theatre performance. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Simpson trained in music, theatre, and dance, building a versatile stage career that spanned decades. He appeared in numerous major musical theatre productions, including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Godspell (as Jesus), Five Guys Named Moe, Urinetown, Dames at Sea, The Full Monty, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Thoroughly Modern Millie, From Berlin to Broadway, and Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway. Known for his powerful voice, charisma, and range, Simpson was equally at home in classic and contemporary musicals. His theatre work earned him multiple Jessie Award nominations, including a win for his acclaimed one-man show Denis, Anyone?. A beloved presence on Vancouver stages, Dennis made a lasting contribution to musical theatre in Canada and remains remembered for both his artistry and generosity of spirit. An award named in Denis's honour, The Denis Simpson Fund is awarded by the Arts Club Theatre Company every year supporting equality, diversity, and Inclusion.
Dennis was a respected Canadian actor and singer whose career was deeply rooted in musical theatre performance. Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Simpson trained in music, theatre, and dance, building a versatile stage career that spanned decades. He appeared in numerous major musical theatre productions, including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Godspell (as Jesus), Five Guys Named Moe, Urinetown, Dames at Sea, The Full Monty, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Thoroughly Modern Millie, From Berlin to Broadway, and Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway. Known for his powerful voice, charisma, and range, Simpson was equally at home in classic and contemporary musicals. His theatre work earned him multiple Jessie Award nominations, including a win for his acclaimed one-man show Denis, Anyone?. A beloved presence on Vancouver stages, Dennis made a lasting contribution to musical theatre in Canada and remains remembered for both his artistry and generosity of spirit. An award named in Denis's honour, The Denis Simpson Fund is awarded by the Arts Club Theatre Company every year supporting equality, diversity, and Inclusion.
Sibel Thrasher (1953-2020)Sibel is a celebrated performer whose career in musical theatre has had a lasting impact on Vancouver’s arts community. After relocating to Vancouver in the early 1980s, she continued her performance career and, in 1984, auditioned for and won a leading role in Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’. The production became a major success, extending far beyond its original six-week run to play for two years and tour nationally to sold-out houses across Canada. Her theatrical work earned her multiple nominations for Best Performer, and she was named Performer of the Year by the Vancouver Sun . Renowned for her powerful stage presence and vocal artistry, Sibel’s contributions have made her a respected and influential figure in musical theatre performance in the Lower Mainland.
