BIOGRAPHIES:

THIS NIGHT

THE CHOSEN

HOME OF THE BRAVE

THE TENTH MAN

THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO

THE GOD OF ISAAC

CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER

CHAIM’S LOVE SONG Feb 27 to March 9, 2008

CHAIM’s cast in order of appearance

 Julie Holdsworth* - KELLY BURKE

This is Julie's début with TEATRON Theatre.  She is excited to be working with such a talented group of artists. Some of Julie’s credits:  FLOOD-A PLAY IN TEN ACTS, PERFECT STRANGERS and GROUND ZERO, M.O.W. AMERICA'S PRINCE, her television credits include: GOOSEBUMPS, DEAR AMERICA and THE FAMOUS JETT JACKSON.

 

 Irving Dobbs – CHAIM SHOTSKY

Irving returns to TEATRON for his fourth production after appearing as Hellman in THIS NIGHT, Schlissel in THE TENTH MAN and Adolph Freitag in THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO.  Born in Toronto, he is a graduate of Columbia University Theatre Arts Dept.  Irving wrote, directed and performed in the variety show ROYAL BLUES in the RCAF between flying duties as a pilot.  In New York he appeared in productions of COFFEE HOUSE, YELLOW JACKET, GOLD IN THE HILLS, EVANGELINE, THE LITTLE CLAY CART, and OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY.  He adapted the book and stage managed the production of BELLE OF NEW YORK and directed and appeared in the Off-Broadway original musical TEXAS IS TOPS.  In Toronto Irving has appeared as Gordon in DANGEROUS CORNER, Phil in JITTERS, Ben (lead) in NORMAN IS THAT YOU?, Doc in the TV movie TRANSPLANT and Merr in the short movie ROCK GARDEN that recently won the Global Audience Award for best short Film at the Slamdance Film Festival. He has also written several musicals and had many of his songs recorded by various artists and used in a movie. 

 

 Jack Berke – OSCAR BIRNBAUM

CHAIM’S LOVE SONG is Jack’s third appearance in a TEATRON Theatre production.  His previous TEATRON Theatre productions include Hassid in THE CHOSEN and Alper in THE TENTH MAN.  He has also appeared in DEPARTURES AND ARRIVAL, THE DREAMERS, THE MAD WOMAN OF CHAILLOT, and “NO BIG DEAL?” (Act II Studio); RUDDIGORE, H.M.S. PINAFORE, IOLANTHE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and MERRY WIDOW (Alexander Singers); JENUFA (C.O.C.); WAITING FOR WOLFGANG (Toronto Symphonietta); STIR FRY (2005 Toronto Fringe Festival); BRIGADOON (E.M.P.); INSANE UNCLE LEROY (Alumnae Theatre); and THE ACHING HEART OF SAMUEL KLEINERMAN (Medina Theatre).

Jack thanks his wonderfully supportive wife and best friend, Madeline, who got him into this crazy business

 

 Reva Lawry* – TZAWRAH SHOTSKY

This is Reva’s second appearance with TEATRON Theatre, having appeared last

season in the LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO.  Her career spans over 40 years.  She appeared in the Wayne & Shuster shows, in numerous commercials and

studied with Michael Shurtleff in California during which time she appeared

in the daytime series CAPITAL.  Reva also toured for nine years with Theatre

on the Move.  She produced and directed Neil Simon’s COME BLOW YOUR

HORN in Yiddish and English at the Limelight Dinner Theatre.  Reva is pleased

to be back working with Ari once again. 

 

 Kivi Shapiro – REUBEN SHOTSKY

Kivi recently moved to Toronto from London, Ontario, where he had the
pleasure of working with groups including the London Community Players
and the Or Shalom Theatre Troupe.  Recent shows include THE PETRIFIED
FOREST (Alan Squier), A ROSEN BY ANY OTHER NAME (Manny Boxbaum),
SHADOWLANDS (Christopher Riley), THE GOD OF ISAAC (Isaac Adams), and
VILLAGE OF IDIOTS (Yosef).

 

 Andria Siegler – OLD LADY, PEARL BRISISTSKY, RAIZEL BOKASH

Andria is delighted to return to TEATRON Theatre after playing "Ma" in THE GOD OF ISAAC last season. Selected credits include "Karen" in JAKE'S WOMEN, "Aida" in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, "Judith" in MY DARLING JUDITH, and "Mrs. Margolin" in FORTY CARATS. She has also directed and performed in short pieces for the Cabbagetown Theatre Company over the years. In her real life, Andria's favorite roles are wife, mom and grandma, and she dedicates this performance to her loving husband, Neil, in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary.

 Leah Chwaiewsky – RACHEL SHOTSKY, SHANA SHOTSKY, FLIGHT ATTENDANT, SIMA SHERTOK

This is Leah’s first production with TEATRON Theatre.  Leah grew up in Winnipeg where she trained extensively in all forms of dance.  She performed in several Rainbow Stage productions including: MY FAIR LADY, ANYTHING GOES, CAROUSEL, PETER PAN, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Leah also assisted in choreographing the opening and closing ceremonies for the Pan Am Games.  She moved to Toronto about 5 years ago and enrolled in the professional program at Second City, specializing in improvisation.  Leah is currently in pre-production for an evening of music and dance with all proceeds going to support women suffering from abuse.  Enjoy the show!

 Carmi Yonah Sienna – YOUNG REUBEN

This is Carmi’s TEATRON Theatre début. He has been in CharActors, and Toronto Youth Musical Theatre Company. And most recently played Ren McCormack in FOOTLOOSE with Avenue Road Arts School. Carmi is a grade 11 student at the Dragon Academy. During the year he takes voice and movement classes and sings in the award-winning Jewish community choir, Renanim. Carmi's family and Jewish heritage are central in his life.  He enjoys roller blading, skiing, playing piano, and traveling with his family. Coming from musical theatre background, Carmi is thrilled to explore a new genre with TEATRON Theatre.

 

 Andrea Helfant (Andy) – YOUNG RACHEL

This is Andy’s TEATRON Theatre’s début. She was highly acclaimed for her role as Ms. Hannigan in the production of ANNIE. Andy has always enjoyed drama and participated in different school and camp plays. She is in Grade 7 at USDS Bathurst Campus.

 

* appearing with the permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

 

 Ari Weisberg - DIRECTOR / PRODUCER

Ari’s directorship and design credits include EDMOND, THE MELVILLE BOYS, THE AFFECTIONS OF MAY, MURDER AMONG FRIENDS, THIS NIGHT, THE CHOSEN, THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG, HOME OF THE BRAVE, THE TENTH MAN, THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, THE GOD OF ISAAC, CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER and CHAIM’S LOVE SONG. Ari is the founder and artistic director of TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre. He worked for 18 years as a director and a producer for television in Kingston, Ontario. Later he was able to come back to his first love, live theatre. Ari loves the theatre because it gives him the opportunity and the time to explore the subtexts of plays and their messages.  Ari is a graduate of Queen’s University where he studied drama. Ari also studied at the Theatre Department of York University, and at Equity Show Case Theatre where he studied directing with Tarragon’s artistic director, Richard Rose.

 

 

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CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER November 21 – December 2, 2007

MARK ALBERT - Charlie

For TEATRON Theatre - Arthur in THE TENTH MAN. Mark has had the pleasure of working with a number of different theatre groups including Encore Entertainment in which he was well received as Sam "the pickle man" in CROSSING DELANCEY and Arnold in A THOUSAND CLOWNS (also by Herb Gardner).  Mark enjoyed being cast in a double role in Sabrina Noble's Fringe Festival play WHIMPERING LODGE. 

 

JORDAN COHEN - Josh, Joey

Jordan has been acting since age 10. His passion for the arts grows with each new production. Now, at the age of 21, Jordan runs his own online radio station, is the lead character in the new upcoming independent film DEFINING INSTINCTS, and also has done modeling for JC MAC denim and jackets. Expect great things in the coming years from this young man.

 

ARNIE ZWEIG - Eddie

For TEATRON Theatre - Hirshman, the cabalist in Paddy Chayefsky's THE TENTH MAN. Arnie has been involved in theatre for over 35 years playing both dramatic and comedy roles. He has written and performed at community events and has composed a song sung by the Varsity Jews, a Jewish a cappella group.  In his comedy roles he has played a Texas boyfriend in a murder mystery and a forlorn husband in MIXED DOUBLES. His dramatic roles have included Otto Frank in The DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

 

EDITH ACKER - Gusta

Edith Acker is very happy to be taking part in a TEATRON Theatre production for the first time. Her most recent roles include Mrs. Gibbs in OUR TOWN (Village Players) and Louise the maid in PRIVATE LIVES (Village Players). She has studied at Equity Showcase Theatre in Toronto and the Acting Studio in New York.

 

JACK OSSOF - Zaretsky

Jack is a veteran actor of The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre in Montreal (Saidye Bronfman Centre For The Arts).  Since 1997, he has performed in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE APPRENTICESHIP OF DUDDY KRAVITZ, ON GOLDEN LAND, DOUBLE IDENTITY, THREE PENNY OPERA, ON SECOND AVENUE and THE DYBBUK.

 

SAM GODFREY - Young Joey

Sam is a seventh grade student at Bialik Hebrew Day School. Sam has performed in numerous school productions and has trained at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, The Randolph Academy and Second City. He has performed as David in THE BOOK OF RUTH by Deborah Lynn Frockt (The Jewish Children's Theatre) as part of Holocaust Education Week. Sam looks forward to playing Young Joey in Teatron Theatre's production of CONVERSATIONS WITH MY FATHER.

 

JULIE GRIESDORF - Hannah Di Blindeh

Julie's past productions have included THE SECOND TIME AROUND, THE SUN IN MY EYES, SOCIAL SECURITY (Medina Theatre Ensemble) and AMADEUS (Stage Centre Productions). She is very excited about her debut with TEATRON Theatre.

 

JULIAN NICHOLSON - Finney the Book

This is Julian's first show with TEATRON Theatre and he is pleased to be working with such a fine director, cast, and crew. Some of his recent credits include Luddy Beddoes in ELIZABETH REX with the Picton Summer Festival Theatre, and Montague in ROMEO AND JULIET with ACT productions in Brampton. He has appeared on CBC Radio, performed as a voice actor for video games, and has had principal roles in the movies HEARTLAND SON, TURNS, and HOME SPIN.  He is currently a member of the Urban Spine theatre company here in Toronto.  Julian thanks his wife Alison, children Shannon, Gavin, and Morgan, and granddaughter Shaune for their love and support.

 

PHIL SOIFFER - Nick

Phil is pleased to perform his Toronto debut with such a talented and professional group of actors. His recent roles include Rabbi in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Imperial Musical Theatre), Charlie in TAKING MY TURN (Theatre Intrigue) and Bruno Fruferelli in WHO'S UNDER WHERE? (Theatre Sarnia). Phil would like to thank Ari for this opportunity.

 

DAVID REGO - Jimmy Scalso

'98 graduate of the Ryerson Theatre program. He appeared in BOLLY DOUBLE this year (winner of an Audience Choice Award at Reelworld Film Festival, and a Golden Remi at the Houston World Fest). BOLLY DOUBLE recently showcased at Albion, Woodside and Carlton cinemas. Dave has also appeared in ZERO HOUR and MASTERMINDS. Latest theatre credits: various roles for UNI's ensemble production of CLOCKWORK ORANGE in Mississauga, and as Tito Morelli in LEND ME A TENOR for Oakville's West End Studio Theatre.

 

ALLAN SOBERMAN- Blue

For TEATRON Theatre - The Rabbi in THE TENTH MAN. Allen started his career as a singer/songwriter/musician based in Toronto in the early 1970's.  He has accompanied people such as  Dan Hill, Ben Mink, Stringband, Brent Titcomb, Nancy White, Marie-Lynn Hammond, Bill Hughes and others and appeared with Billy Crystal, Billy Joel, Maria Muldaur, Sonny Terry and Brownie Mcghee, Steve Goodman, J.J. Cale and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. He has appeared as a vocalist on TV and radio commercials and recordings (Sylvia Tyson, Brent Titcomb, and Nancy White). Allen compiled a musical dedication CD to his late father, Cantor Morris Soberman, and has produced a world music CD (Hebrew) "Searching for my Voice" and just released a new CD of original English material entitled  "Hold Tight".

 

MENACHEM SIFEN - Young Charlie

Menachem has recently moved to Toronto from Naples, FL, where he performed in numerous shows in children's and adult theatre. Selected credits include Oberon in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Little Jake in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Bert in ALL MY SONS, Fagin Kid in OLIVER! and Warbucks in ANNIE. Acting since the age of 5, Menachem is excited to be a part of Jewish theatre. He is homeschooled and enjoys playing the drums.

 

Ari Weisberg - DIRECTOR / PRODUCER

 

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THE GOD OF ISAAC March 21-25, 2007

 Miles Cohen Actor l

Miles trained with the Vancouver Playhouse and Bishop’s University. He has worked with various theatres including Second City, The Grand and Graphic Mime. Miles also taught in schools all over Canada and hope to spend most of his life on stage. He would like to thank Shakespeare in Action, Janet and The B Hat”.

 

 

 Lorn Eisen - Actor: Isaac Adams

Lorn is pleased to return to TEATRON after being Joe in THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO.  He was also seen on stage at the Toronto Centre For The Performing Arts as the lead role in Neil Simon's Come Blow Your Horn.   He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows including Owning Mahowney, The Associates, Leap Years, and The 11th Hour. He is even Google-able. Lorn is excited to be part of this talented cast and he thanks them for putting up with him. Much thanks to his friends and family for the years of support, especially his Baba.  His eye is still on the prize, but is the prize eyeing him?

 

 Limor Markovzki - Actress I: Chaya

Limor is very happy to be working on "The God of Isaac" in her first production as "Chaya" with Teatron. Her most recent accomplishments include 2 short films "Red Balloon and" Clara Before we Met". She is also in a comedic ipod show called "Team Leader" which will be airing in the near future. Limor would like to thank all the wonderful teachers, friends and family who have inspired her as an actress and supported her to follow her dreams. Limor would also like to thank the cast, crew and Ari for opening there hearts to a wonderful production. 

 

 Tova McCall – Head of Wardrobe

Tova has always been drawn to her creative side and although she is a full-time student at the University of Toronto double-majoring in psychology and sociology, she fills her free time with acting professionally for television and theatre, taking sewing lessons, dancing and travelling. Her love for fashion and design drew her to this position as the wardrobe person. Later, she hopes to continue sewing more professionally.

 

 Jason Poynton – Stage Manager

Jason is very pleased to be a part of this wonderful production and back in the theatre world after having taken a year off to teach English in Japan. Jason is a graduate of Brock University with a major in theatre and has Stage Managed over 15 productions. Previous productions include: Norm Foster's Mending Fences (Theatre in Port), Waiting for Godot (Niagara Arts),
Groundwater (Suitcase in Point), Etc. Jason was also the Stage/Production Manager for two consecutive years for the Niagara benefit production of The Vagina Monologues. He would like to thank everyone associated with this production for the hard work and friendship.

 

 Andria Siegler - Actor: Mrs. Joseph Adams

This is Andria's first show with Teatron and she is pleased and humbled to be working with such a fine director and a gifted cast and crew. Some of her recent credits include Jakes Women with Encore Entertainment and Over the River and Through the Woods, My Darling Judith, Yesterday the Children Were Dancing and Forty Carats all at the Village Playhouse. She has also directed short pieces for the Slaw Festival, as well as performed in Ghost Lore and No Sweetheart Required II and III with the Cabbagetown Theatre Company. In her real life, Andria's favorite roles are wife, mom and grandma, and as always she is grateful to her family and friends for their undying love and support.

 

 Daniel Sonenberg BFA – Lighting Designer

For Teatron, Dan designed the lighting for HOME OF THE BRAVE, and THE TENTH MAN.  Dan’s other theatre credits include Urinetown, Les Miserables, and the original production of Little Shop of Horrors Junior. Daniel, a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School, is a lighting designer based in Toronto.  Over the course of his 12 years in the industry, he has designed lighting for over 300 events and shows.  Currently, Dan is the National Lighting Director at AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions. 

 

 Erin Tancock - Actress Il: Shelly

Erin is thrilled to be in this production of The God of Isaac. Theatre credits include: Patience (Toronto Operetta Theatre), Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Heidi Chronicles, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Grease. Erin is a recent graduate from the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and would like to thank her teachers and peers who have helped her become the performer she is today! Special love and thanks to Ryan and her family.

 

Alesya Volchyk - Wardrobe and makeup apprentice
Alesya is a new immigrant from the Ukraine where she worked as a fashion and beauty editor, and a photo-shoot stylist for a number of glossy fashion magazines. This is her debut as a make-up artist, stylist, image consultant and personal shopping assistant, and she thinks that this is a great start for a new-immigrant in Toronto.

 

  Sam Walters – Actor ll

Sam Walters is a self-acclaimed thespian-at-heart and is thrilled to mark his stage debut with TEATRON and The God of Isaac. Honing his craft over many years as a retail consultant, sales trainer, writer and shopping channel co-host, Sam has always found pleasure with performing and enlightening audiences. He, along with his amazingly supportive wife, Linda, and the family are greatly indebted to the director, Ari Weisberg, for his remarkable courage and empathic recognition of the need to channel Sam’s unbounded, artistic aspirations into a structured, co-operative endeavour!

Sam would also like to acknowledge and thank his many friends for their unconditional support, and especially, Jack Berke, for his encouragement, inspiring tenacity and determined example of living the dream.

 

Ari Weisberg - DIRECTOR / PRODUCER

 

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THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO (January 2007)

  Michael Close – Set design

For TEATRON: THE TENTH MAN. Michael has worked in the area of scenographics since 1979 and has a broad range of experience from scenic art to production design. Michael Close is also a professional artist who has had well over 70 solo and numerous group exhibitions with many shows at international levels. Toronto born and raised Michael Close is married to a former public art gallery curator; he has two young daughters who have already won many international art awards.

 IRVING DOBBS - Actor: Adolph Freitag

Irving is delighted to return to TEATRON Theatre after playing Hellman in This Night and Schlissel in THE TENTH MAN. Born in Toronto, he is a graduate of Columbia University Theatre Arts Dept.  Irving preformed wrote and directed “Royal Blues” variety show in the R.C.A.F. between flying duties as a pilot. In New York he appeared in productions of Coffee House, Yellow Jacket, Gold In The Hills, Evangeline, The Little Clay Cart, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay. He adapted the book and stage managed the revival of the musical Belle Of New York and directed and appeared in the original musical Texas Is Tops.  In Toronto Irving has appeared as Gordon in Dangerous Corner, Phil in Jitters, Ben (lead) in Norman Is That You?, and a principal role in the TV movie Transplant.  He has written several musicals and had many of his songs recorded by various artists and used in a movie.

 

LORN EISEN – Actor: Joe Farkas

 

Tamar Ehrlich Photo Tamar Ehrlich - Properties

Tamar Ehrlich is delighted to be once more part of a Teatron production after being Props Mistress for THE CHOSEN & SISTERS ROSENSWEIG.  Born in Poland, educated in France, Israel, England and Canada, Her interest in Theatrical "props" is an extension of work in sculpture, design and painting.

 Jenna Harris Actor: Sunny Freitag

Jenna is thrilled to be joining Teatron Theatre for the first time in this wonderfully touching ensemble piece. Originally from Kingston, Jenna moved to New York to study acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some of her favourite NY theatre credits include: Top Girls, Rock Out (NYC International Fringe Festival), Women of Twilight, Ring Round the Moon and Much Ado About Nothing. Most recently, she performed in the Alumnae Theatre's production of Baby with the Bathwater, and on screen in the international feature film, Rainbow Raani.  She gives much love and thanks to her family for their unwavering support, and to her brother Brent, who is, as you are watching this play, out traveling the world.  Enjoy!

 Vanessa Kobran Actor: Lala Levy

After living in the United States for several years, Vanessa has returned to Canada and plans to stay.  Theatre credits include: 2006 Toronto Fringe Festival Broken Record, Stage Won Miranda in The Tempest, ShakespeareWorks Romeo & Juliet, Rhubarb! Festival Medusa Moves, Alumnae Theatre New Works Festival Spadina Monologues, Alchemy Theatre Merry Wives of Windsor. Shakespeare Alive! in New York Thaisa in Pericles; Isabella in Measure for Measure; and Conrnelius in Cybleline. In Massachusetts: Shakespeare & Company, Mixed Company A Night at the Theater and Barrington Stage Company Grease; Dancing on Thin Ice.  Her film credits include: Queen of the Zombie Punks, Dinner and a Movie.  Vanessa is a certified actor-combatant.  She has received acting training, from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Shakespeare & Company, and York University.  Vanessa has had a fabulous time working with this cast!

Reva Lawry*- Actor: Reba Freitag

This is Reva’s debut performance with Teatron Theatre.  Her career spans over thirty years.  She appeared on the Wayne and Shuster shows, in numerous commercials, and studied with Michael Shurtleff in California.  While in California she appeared in the day time series Capital.  Reva also toured for nine years with Theatre on the Move, a children’s theatre.  She produced and directed Neil Simon’s Come Blow Your Horn in Yiddish and English at the Limelight Dinner Theatre.  A very special thanks to Ari and the cast and crew of Ballyhoo for this wonderful experience.  I love you all.

 

Jason Morneau – Stage Manager

Jason grew up in Windsor, ON, until he moved to Toronto four years ago.

After going to film school, Jason went into theatre staging managing productions such as, Biography the Game, fringe festival 06 Attack of the Intergalactic Middle Manager which won best of Fringe in NOW. The last two years he has been Technical Director of the Toronto Sketch comedy festival. Jason now works at the Gladstone Hotel and has put his own production on called, Yuk Jr. vs. the Olive Trio, a veggie tale of a radish avenging his father’s death against the olive trio who are made up of Pitt, Poke and their leader Poe. He now in production of his newest tale called Beautiful Days which will be present at the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom in late April. He was pleased to work on this project and looks for to working on The God of Issac.

 Daniel Sagavoy – Actor: Peachy Weil
Daniel has been acting since the age of 12, when he appeared in Me Myself & I, a collective creation about growing up. Daniel hasn't stopped since then, performing in such critically acclaimed Toronto and London Fringe productions as Joemosomo, and Blow This Popsicle Stand. More recently, he's been seen in the local Carribean sketch comedy show Carironto, where he plays the sole white visitor. When asked about his role as "the white guy", Daniel responded "it's the part I was born to play."

 Candi Zell – Actor: Beulah "Boo" Levy

 Acting is Candi's passion in life and she enjoys performing for film, television and voice recordings as well as theatre.  Candi was privileged to play the rewarding and memorable role of Hanna in The Book of Ruth (Jewish Children's Theatre). Some of her other favourite theatre roles include The Dame in Snow White and the Several Dwarfs, Fifi Fluff in Morning of a Private Eye, and Pauline in the Prisoner of Second Avenue.  Candi has performed five times in plays at the Toronto Fringe Festival.   She played Pete’s Mom in YTV’s System Crash and has been in numerous films and recordings.  She is delighted to be playing Boo and to be part of the talented cast of this award winning play.  Candi thanks Ari for giving her this wonderful opportunity and everyone involved in the production for their help and support.

* appearing with the permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

 

Ari Weisberg - DIRECTOR / PRODUCER

 

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THE TENTH MAN (March 2006):

 Mark Albert – Actor: Arthur

Mark has had the pleasure of working with a number of different theatre groups including Encore Entertainment in which he was well received as  Sam,” the pickle man", in Crossing Delancey and Arnold in A Thousand Clowns.  Most recently, adding to the experience of performance art, Mark enjoyed being cast in a double role in Sabrina Noble's Fringe Festival play Whipering Lodge.  This is Mark's debut performance with TEATRON Theatre, but has come to know and respect the work of those involved in this relatively new venture. Thanks to the continued support of friends and family for occupying some of the seats and making some of the noise - at the right times.

 

 Jack Berke – Actor: Alper

Jack Berke is please to return to TEATRON Theatre for THE TENTH MAN after appearing in THE CHOSEN last season.  He has been a member of ACT II STUDIO since 1994, and has appeared in various productions including Departures and Arrivals, The Dreamers, The Residence, and The Mad Woman Of Chaillot.  Jack was in the cast of No Big Deal? a dramatic presentation dealing with prostate cancer and its impact on family relationships.  He has also performed in the Alexander Singers’ productions of Ruddigore, H.M.S. Pinafore, & Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan, Fiddler on the Roof and The Merry Widow.  He appeared as the village priest in the C.O.C. production of Jenufa, as well as with the Toronto Symphionetta as Leopold Mozart in their presentation of Waiting for Wolfgang.  Last summer he was featured in the Toronto Fringe Festival production of Stir Fry.  Jack would like to take this opportunity to thank his wonderful wife Madeline for her unstinting support and encouragement.

 

Marvin BlierActor: Bleyer, the shamus

Marvin has thus far performed in the following plays:  The Diary of Anne Frank; Norman, Is That You?; The Cemetery Club; It Runs In The Family; Not Now, Darling; All My Sons and The Book of RuthHe is also an avid player with the Entertainers of the Wagman Centre, since 1998, and is the schoolmaster at Black Creek Pioneer Village.  In addition to his work with the Knights of Pythias, Marvin and his beloved wife Gloria also enjoy square dancing.  He also continues to teach on an occasional basis.  Marvin would like to thank Ari for including him in this fantastic cast of comedic characters. The one word that seems to escape Marvin's comprehension is "retirement".

 

 Norman Bornstein – Actor: Harris

 

His first interest in Theatre started at age 9 in Public School. He wrote, produced,

directed and starred in a play about Richard the Lion Hearted.. the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot and Guinevere. Very ambitious and much too long. Here he learned a very important lesson. Do not cast a beauty before talent. He chose for his  Queen, the most beautiful girl in the class instead of the one who would have been perfect for the part.. His interest in show biz never waned and he spent most of his  business life in and around the arts, in broadcasting and music.

He studied seriously with Basha Hunter, Ted Kotcheff and Ray Lawlor, and began to find work in TV. He was in the very first international CBC telecast and onto an American network, Live in those days. He has appeared in many CBC plays and series including SEEING THINGS in which he won a Gemini Award.

Norman’s career In theatre include Joe Keller in All MY SONS as well as principal parts in Mornings at Seven, The Iceman Cometh and The Curious Savage.

 

Charlene Carroll – Production Manager

Charlene Carroll studied theatre at York University in the Creative Ensemble program – a collective creation course designed for students interested in all aspects of theatre, with a focus on devising new works in alternative ways.  In 2004 she was involved with the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival as the co-creator of the movement-based play, Nice Guy.  In 2005 she was the Festival Director of the Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre for Toronto Arts Week.  She is currently a co-owner and performer with Tinderbox Theatre – a Toronto-based touring children’s theatre company.  In April Charlene will be performing in Rosemary Paniccia’s one-woman show entitled Being Maria at Speak: a verbal and visual storytelling series.  Charlene is thrilled to be working with Teatron Theatre on The Tenth Man. 

 

Miron Deca Z”LSound designer

For TEATRON Theatre, HOME OF THE BRAVE. Miron is a producer and DJ. Miron enjoys his work with Teatron Theatre, and is looking forward to more productions. You can contact him at mgdeca3000@yahoo.ca if you have any sound design needs. Enjoy the show!

 

IRVING DOBBS - Actor: Adolph Freitag

 

Nancy Grossman - Properties

A librarian by profession, Nancy now works in the publishing industry.  This is her first foray into the theatre world, apart from a small part (as a dumb blonde in Ancient Rome) in the University of Toronto Medical Faculty’s annual Daffydil production in 1972.

 

 Rein Kartna – Actor: Foreman   

Rein hails from Estonia.  He studied Film and Theatre at York University and holds graduate degrees in Abnormal Psychology and Mass Communications.   Rein has produced documentary films in Africa and has taught Radio Broadcasting and  Film Production at the University of Windsor.  Rein has written chapters on The Counselling and Supervision Of Hostile, Resistant Clients for a University Social Work Text Book published in Eastern Europe.   He has previously performed with Stage Centre Productions, Weston Little Theatre, The Oakville Players, The Toronto Irish Players, East Side Players, and The Graduate Centre For Drama, The University of Toronto.  This is his first outing with Teatron. 

 

 Paul Mineo  - Actor: Zitorsky

Paul, born and raised in New York City came to Canada  via Montreal in 1956 and arrived in Toronto in 1982.  His last Stage appearance was as “Doc” in a 2004 production of West Side Story.  He was also in the Cast of “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” as Uncle Luigi.  He has trained with Act II Studio at Ryerson University and completed an improvisation program at Second City, Toronto.  An Actra apprentice, he has appeared In a number of Commercials and short student films and Indie films made for film festivals and T. V. He specializes in both serious and comedic characterizations and a variety of accents.

Paul is also a script analyst and acting coach for grade school children productions and Community Theatre groups. 

 

Nicole Myers – Assistant Stage Manager

Nicole is a recent graduate of the University of Windsor’s BFA Acting Program. There she performed in both musicals and plays such as, Once Upon a Mattress, Les Belles Soeurs, and Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. In December she finally took the plunge and moved to the Big T-dot, O-dot. Her utterly abnormal obsession with organizing is what led her to the other side of the stage- Assistant Stage Managing. She has already been asked to stage manage this summer for a new theatre company, Theatre Distilled in the Distillery District! She’d like to thank Teatron for increasing her Jewish vocabulary from two words; draddle and menorah to four; draddle, menorah, dybbuk and torah!

 

 Emily Newell - Stage Manager
Although, Emily works mostly in video and film, she is thrilled to be back at her first love theatre. Emily graduated from the National Theatre school technical production program in 2002, where she stage managed Macbeth, directed by Diana LeBlanc.  While there she worked a variety of roles, including lighting designer, stage manager, and production manager. She has since worked on Crave, (Sarah Kane) and Le Songe/The Dreamplay, (August Strindberg and adapted by Kate Bligh), both with director Kate Bligh, and her company Temenos Theatre.  For the past four years, Emily has been working with a video production company called Productions Eclipse, with whom she directed her first short film, Impotency.  She is in the process of editing and will have it finished by June.  While in Montreal, she has production managed the short films Life of Smiley, Is Anybody Home, and Impotency.  In September she moved to Toronto, which gave her the opportunity to production manage a feature film called Hush, directed by Brett Sullivan, and produced by Doug Patterson.

 

S. Jonah Pressman – Actor: first Kessler brother

Jonah's acting career began a quarter of a century ago in NY when he was cast as George Washington's father in a first grade production
highlighting the legends of the first President's life.  Theatre Arts classes in junior high and high school were for enjoyment as is his
involvement in this production.  In his day job, Jonah is a computer consultant specializing in data security.

 

 Shira Schwartz – Actor: Evelyn

Shira is delighted to be a part of Teatron's production of The Tenth Man. She is equally delighted to have been given the chance to work so closely with a dybbuk. As a current student in the Creative Ensemble program in York University's Theatre Department, she is given very little opportunity to work with demons, let alone Jewish ones. Outside York, Shira has played Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, and Mrs. Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie - she is thrilled to finally be playing a role under the age of sixty-five. Thanks to my instructors, Mark and Michael, for all they have taught me, my siblings and good friends for their encouragement, and special thanks to my folks for all of their support.

 

 

 Jonathan Siegel - Actor: Second Kessler Brother

Jonathan found a new freedom in acting last year with his Teatron debut in The Chosen. For TEATRON he played Doctor, Captain Bitterger in HOME OF THE BRAVE. For the Jewish Children's Theatre he played the `Cook' in The Book of Ruth.  A psychologist in private practice, Jonathan continues to gravitate to the thrill of live theatre and the opportunity to memorize lines as a prophylatic measure to halt cognitive decline with the passage of years.