Programme: It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Full Length Version)

Rob Beeston – Freddie Filmore / Radio Announcer / Man of Many Voices

In his Walterdale debut, Rob is proud to be sending Freddy Fillmore (and others) out on our 1940’s radio broadcast airwaves. Rob has recently appeared as Saunders in Lend Me A Tenor, and as Felix in The Odd Couple, which he also directed. What does Rob want for 1940’s Christmas? He’ll take a double Scotch, neat.

Josh Young – Jake Laurents / George Bailey

Born and raised in North Edmonton, Josh Young, a government public servant moonlighting as an actor, enthusiastically returns to the stage after a long break. With a passion for storytelling and a charismatic stage presence, Josh is thrilled to share dynamic performances and characters with audiences again.

Jamielinn Marvelous – Sally Applewhite / Mary Hatch Bailey

Jamielinn is having a blast with this cast from the past! This is Jamielinn’s third theatre production, her first with Walterdale. She has appeared in film and commercials and models for magazines and runway. Jamielinn hopes you have a wonderful time watching It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.

Lacey Edwards – Lana Sherwood / Woman of Many Voices

This marks Lacey’s Edmonton Theatre debut, and she is thrilled to be part of this wonderful group of people! She is also a recent graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts. For Rosebud Theatre: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Sound of Music, and Chariots of Fire. Love to Travis, and my family.

Ethan Handford – Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood / Man of Many Voices

Ethan Handford can do a sick backflip, but only when you look away. He’s elated to have an outlet for his many voices young and old to shine and bring a little Christmas magic to your December. Was on tour last year with AMTC’s production of Cinderella, he finds no small joy in engaging with another beloved classic.

Liam McKinnon – Andrew “Angel” Anderson / Clarence

Liam McKinnon is an Edmonton Actor & Improviser with Sorry, Not Sorry Improv. He has performed on stage, in film, tv, & animation projects in Calgary & Edmonton & directed at Walterdale Theatre’s 2024 From Cradle to Stage Festival. Liam is also the founder & Game Master for Novice DMing.

Dustin Berube – Stan “the sound man” Striker / Foley Artist

Do you hear that? It’s Dustin Berube playing Stan Striker, the resident Foley artist. Known for his talkative characters in other Walterdale productions, Dustin takes the same enthusiasm and skill to masterfully create the soundscapes that bring It’s a Wonderful Life to life, enhancing the audience’s immersive experience.

Casey Powlik – Stella “the apprentice” / Foley Artist

Always apt to flex her artistic range Casey Powlik is returning for the third time to the Walterdale stage bringing her star power to the role of Stella, the Foley Artist Assistant. Casey is so excited to be back acting doing what she loves. When she’s not acting she’s coaching gymnastics, hiking, reading, and is in the process of writing her own script. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Gary Gilham – Milton the Maestro / Musical Director

Gary Gilham plays the maestro Milton, a 1940’s model of a radio station pianist, with many cheerful jingles, he’s Bedford’s best accompanist. He’s versatile in any style, from melodramas to G&S. At jazz he’s the cat’s pajamas, and what comes next? Just take a guess. He’s heading off to Broadway soon, learning Lerner’s Brigadoon. But for now, he’s heaven-sent, worth every cent for time well spent, no accident he earned his RENT!

Rachel Whipple – Stage Manager / Understudy

Rachel’s love for radio plays started at an early age when her elementary school teacher played them for her class. Her recent stage management credits include Crane Creation Theatre Company’s Summer Ensemble and Bathroom Humor. Usually one to hide backstage, she hopes you enjoy her debut performance at Walterdale!

John Anderson – Mentor Director and Mentor Production Manager

John is happy to be back in the theatre, working with his fellow theatre lovers and volunteers. This is his first time in a mentorship role on a show, but Tracy and Christine have made the role easy for him. Previous Walterdale credits include: A Party to Murder (Sound Design) and All My Sons (Director). Happy holidays!

Matthew Baker – Sound Designer

Matthew is thrilled to be back behind the booth, co – designing the soundscape for this festive “Radio Show” alongside the brilliant Foley Artists! He hopes you enjoy the show this amazing team has put together! Recent Walterdale credits include: The Swearing Jar (Sound Op) and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Sound Designer).

Rebecca Cave – Mentor Lighting Designer

Rebecca Cave is coming up on their eighth year in community theatre. They are delighted to be part of this production of It’s a Wonderful Life. She hopes audiences have a suitably festive evening with this story.

Brooke Emberly – Assistant Master Painter

Brooke became Walterdale’s Paint Head in January 2021. Having previously been a Master Painter on 14 other Walterdale shows since 2016, and on various shows outside of the theatre, Brooke is thrilled to add It’s a Wonderful Life to her ever growing roster! She is proud to call Walterdale her home.

Laura Eschak – Assistant Stage Manager and Sound Operator

Laura can be found involved in many theatre and film groups. Laura enjoys storytelling through stage crew roles, singing, performing on stage, sewing costumes, painting sets… Laura thanks Walterdale for this experience of It’s A Wonderful Life and her family for their support.

Christine Gold – Production Manager and Lighting Operator

This is Christine’s first time as a production manager, under the careful watch of John Anderson, and she is having a wonderful time! She is currently a Board member at Walterdale and enjoys all aspects of theatre.

Deb Gunning – Costume Designer

Inspired by her Mom, a talented dressmaker in Ireland and here, she discovered her passion for sewing outfits at a very young age. Continued designing and sewing and has had the privilege of owning her own business and working on many productions. Thrilled to be a part of It’s a Wonderful Life!

Richard Hatfield – Master Builder and Technical Advisor

Richard has been performing many roles at Walterdale since 1991. Some of these roles include Set Builder, Technical Director, Lighting Designer, and many more. Some of the recent shows Richard has built are, A Party To Murder, Austentatious, and The Mouse Trap.

Ian Hicks – Assistant Stage Manager

Although familiar with backstage roles at music festivals and concerts in recent years, 2024 marks Ian’s return to theatre after 35+ years. Thanks to our amazing cast and crew, everyone at Walterdale for the warm welcome, and to my wonderful wife Jan for the constant support and encouragement.

Anthony Hunchak – Set Designer

Anthony is a multidisciplinary artist whose work includes production design, puppetry, and a recent foray into playwriting. His Walterdale credits include set design for Harvey and The Mousetrap, and prop design for The Realistic Joneses. Anthony graduated from the UofA’s Theatre Production program, and is a board member for the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective.

Kyrsten Lofts – Master Painter

Kyrsten is an interdisciplinary artist from Edmonton, AB. With a BFA majoring in painting, she continues to pursue avenues that inspire artistic growth. She has worked professionally in the film industry for two years, and dabbled in theatre, focusing on set decorating and props.

Maya Ramsahoye – Hair and Makeup Artist

Maya is thrilled to make the cast fit right into the 1940s. Victory rolls, red luscious lips, and sleek, slick hair. Maya, a professional makeup artist, model trainer, creative director, and international titleholder: Miss Queen of the World 2024, is stoked to be back to the stage to inspire beauty.

Pat Sirant – Lighting Designer

Pat is a University of Alberta alumnus who has been involved in theatre in roles both onstage and backstage for the last 7 years. Some shows they’ve worked on include Feast at the Edmonton Fringe Festival, The 39 Steps at the Walterdale Theatre, and Stranger Sings with Darkstage Productions.

Tracy Wyman – Director

It seems Tracy is determined to act in or direct a show from every decade. She’s missing a couple, maybe the 1970s is next? Tracy thinks it’s just Wonderful that you are visiting the 1940s with her. She hopes you have a swell time and think it’s a real humdinger!