Cast – Walterdale Theatre

Meet the Cast of KING OF THE YEES – Hymns Chu is a Lion Dancer and part of the Ensemble!

What is your name? Hymns (Tsz Him) Chu

What is your role in the show? I’m part of the ensemble and also play the role of the Lion Dancer. Sometimes, I’m fully immersed in the vibrant, dynamic movement of the Lion Dance, which requires a lot of physical energy and coordination. Other times, I take on the role of an FBI agent, bringing a completely different energy to the stage.

Why should audiences come to see King of the Yees? King of the Yees is not just a heartfelt and engaging exploration of identity & family experience, and what it means to be part of the Chinese-Canadian community. The play delves into the unique challenges and joys of maintaining cultural traditions in a modern, North American setting, something many in the Chinese diaspora can relate to.

As my first theatre performance in this vibrant city, I’m especially excited to bring this story to life for the Edmonton audience. With its rich cultural elements like the Lion Dance and its humor and emotion, King of the Yees offers a fresh perspective on the connections between past and present, tradition and innovation. It’s a celebration of family and community that will resonate with everyone, whether you share this cultural heritage or simply love a great story.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on King of the Yees so far? A highlight of working on King of the Yees so far has definitely been the Lion Dance. It’s such a dynamic and visually stunning part of the play, but it also requires an incredible amount of practice and physical coordination. For someone like me, who doesn’t naturally have great body coordination, it was a real challenge to adapt to the movements and perform them convincingly on stage. It took time, patience, and a lot of repetition, but seeing it come together as part of the performance was truly rewarding. It’s been an amazing experience to immerse myself in this traditional art form and bring it to life for the audience.

Many characters in King of the Yees struggle with different elements of their identity. What is an element of your identity that you discovered, rediscovered, or started to appreciate as you got older? As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the creative growth within myself, much like Lauren in King of the Yees. Her courage to chase her dreams, craft a story, and share it with the world is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me to value my own journey of expression and to embrace the creative sparks that shape who I am.

Lauren’s effort to preserve her cultural heritage, even as she prepares to marry into a different culture in Germany, also resonates with me. It highlights the importance of honoring traditions while forging a path of your own into different countries. This balance between staying rooted in one’s culture and evolving with new experiences is something I deeply relate to as I continue to discover who I am.

What was the best birthday party you attended? My 30th birthday was the best birthday party I’ve ever attended! It was my first Canadian birthday, which made it extra special. The Pastors at a local Chinese church invited me out for yum cha, a traditional Chinese meal that I love. Sharing this milestone with such warm and welcoming people made me feel at home, even though I was in a new country. The mix of delicious food and heartfelt company was the perfect way to celebrate this big day.

Meet the Cast of KING OF THE YEES – Rupert Gomez is Danny Ma, Lion Dancer and an Ensemble member!

Who are you and what is your role in the show? I am Rupert Gomez, and I play a number of characters in the show.

One of the characters I am playing is Danny Ma. He is this charismatic and playful young man that gets sucked into the play and is met with a riveting experience. For me, he represents the young and naive counterpart to the older characters providing the audience humour in his awkward enthusiasm.

I also play one of the Lion Dancers. Lion Dancers are a very important symbolic figure in Chinese culture representing tradition. In Act 2, when Lauren encounters the Lion dancers, this figure becomes an obstacle for Lauren, ultimately helping her understand her heritage better.

Lastly, I am also one of the Lum Elders. In contrast to the role of young Danny, the Lum elders serve as the symbol for the older generation and gatekeepers of tradition. They also became an obstacle for Lauren in preserving the culture of Chinatown.

Why should audiences come to see King of the Yees? King of the Yees is a one of a kind play that explores cultural identity and generational experience and is told with comical humour that everyone can relate to.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on King of the Yees so far? The highlight for me is definitely learning how to do the lion dance from actual professional dancers! I found a new appreciation for the art just by seeing the amount of effort and training the dancers go through, many of them starting from a very young age.

Meet the Cast of KING OF THE YEES! Kingsley Leung is Actor 1 & Shrimp Boy!

Who are you? Kingsley Leung

What is your role in the show? What does that involve? I play Actor 1 & Shrimp Boy. Being an actor can be challenging. Being an actor playing an actor is intense (memories of Tropic Thunder…). I love the dynamic between my character and Helen who plays “Actor 2”. As a polar opposite character, Ha Jai (aka Shrimp Boy), I love getting into the mind of a real-life gangster and pulling out my worst over-the-top Chinese accent.

Why should audiences come to see King of the Yees? Definitely stay away from this one. Unless you like to laugh out loud and have fun watching a heartfelt story being told. There’s too much of that. And if you’re Asian, or non-Asian, or undecided – there’s a part of you in this show that you’ll be able to relate to.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on King of the Yees so far? I’m reunited with past cast members and our director from previous productions, who have always created a safe space for me to express myself on stage, made me fall in love with theatre over and over again, and whose friendships have left an indelible mark on my life.

Many characters in King of the Yees struggle with different elements of their identity. What is an element of your identity that you discovered, rediscovered, or started to appreciate as you got older? I’m so old. I feel it sometimes, but I keep young by acting young (maybe I’m just that immature?). Doing King of the Yees has also made me realize that there hasn’t been much in terms of Asian representation on stage, and hopefully this is one of many to come. Representation matters! Also, I hope my friends and family enjoy the show and if it’s not perfect… It’s an Asian F.

What was the best birthday party you attended? Talk to me in person for all the details, but it’s a 2-way tie for the best birthday party: January 19, 2005 and April 11, 2009 (doubly as cool).

Meet the Cast of HARVEY! Lucas Anders is Dr Lyman Sanderson!

Tell us about the character you play in HARVEY! Dr Lyman Sanderson is an individual who likes being in a position of authority but will toe the line when he needs to. He will own up to his mistakes and is loyal to the people he cares about. His relationship with Miss Kelly can be volatile, but there’s something more beneath the surface.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? Last season at Walterdale, I was an Assistant Director on The Penelopiad. In the season before that I was in The 39 Steps playing Richard Hannay.

What brought you out for Harvey? Why did you want to do the show? It’s really fun show! Although it’s from the past it has some themes that resonate with me including the importance of family, acceptance and love.

Why do you think audiences should come see Harvey? If you’re looking to step back in time and share some laughter with friends this is the perfect show!

Have you ever had an imaginary friend? I’ve never had any imaginary friends, but if I did they would be kind, caring and mischievous!

Meet the Cast of HARVEY! E Unland Spencer is the Cab Driver, EJ Lofgren!

What is your role in Harvey? I play the cab driver. I drive a cab. Except for on Tuesday nights. I have those off.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve done high school and university theatre here and there. This is my first Walterdale show.

What brought you out for Harvey? I auditioned on a whim, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s worked out.

Why do you think audiences should come and see Harvey? It’s such a warm story, perfect for the beginning of winter.

Have you ever had an imaginary friend? I was more of a monsters under the bed kid. And monsters in the closet. And outside the window. And on the ceiling. Monsters everywhere, really.

Meet the Cast of HARVEY! Thomas Usher is Elwood P. Dowd!

What is your role in Harvey? I play Elwood P. Dowd. He is the calm centre of a world that whirls around him. In his personal philosophy he has learned to accept that the best way to live one’s life is look after those you encounter with genuine kindness. After 40 years of living up to what others expected of him, he has now chosen to restore a sense of balance to his life; to treat others with the kindness and attention they deserve. Elwood now practices how to put away the distractions of the big problems and cares, and to focus on the simple joy of living in the moment, and in pleasant company. The fact that he happens to enjoy sharing his time with a mischievous 6 foot rabbit he see as no impediment, but rather a beneficial distraction. To his credit, Elwood’s simple and pure heart allows him to see Harvey, and to welcome him as a keen observer of human behaviour, and a faithful companion on his journey.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale?

Last directed Jake and the Kid at Walterdale in January, 1988.
Founder and Artistic Director of Red Deer’s Prime Stock Theatre for 27 years, Great West Summer Theatre for 5 seasons and BARD on BOWER for 11 seasons.
Has taught post-secondary theatre across the province, including 17 years at Red Deer College (now Polytechnic), and is a certified fight instructor with Fight Directors Canada. Also an actor, Thomas spends his summer acting as a theatre interpreter with Parks Canada in Banff and Jasper.

What brought you out for Harvey? Why did you want to do the show? I met a charming 6 foot tall rabbit on the street corner one day. . . .who could resist?

Why do you think audiences should come see Harvey? To believe in Harvey is to see the goodness in humanity; to discern the sanity amidst the madness that confronts us each day; to share a pleasant time with whoever you’re with, wherever you are at the moment, for as long as they allow. To listen intently, and refrain from undue judgement. To treat all with respect and decency. . . .we could all use a little more careful listening these days, it seems.

Meet the Cast of ALL MY SONS – Catherine Krause is Bertie!

What is your role in All My Sons? What are they like? Role – Bertie. Bertie is a young girl who has a big imagination and loves playing games as a police officer.

Why should audiences come to All My Sons at Walterdale Theatre? Audiences can experience a range of emotions and learn about life in the 40s.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? Meeting the rest of the cast was great, and I loved rehearsing on stage.

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: I don’t necessarily believe 100% but it’s still fun to see what they predict for you!

Meet the Cast of ALL MY SONS – Jasmine Hopfe is Ann Deever!

What is your role in All My Sons? What is she like? I play the role of Ann Deever! Ann is in many ways a gentle, sweet woman, but it’s the times that we see her speak up and take control of her life that she is the most captivating.

Why do you think audiences should come see All My Sons at Walterdale Theatre? Despite being set in the 1940s, the value of Miller’s script truly transcends one particular moment in time. The play highlights the personal responsibility every individual carries for their larger communities and world, a concept that is vigorously debated by the characters and remains an incredibly important conversation to this day.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? A highlight of working on this production has definitely been the people. I went into this process only knowing one face in the room, and I have been accepted with such open arms into this little Walterdale family. I’m so grateful to be part of such a fun, talented, and welcoming team!

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: I don’t think any system of belief should be entirely prescriptive of one’s identity or truth. That being said, I love astrology. I find the practice of exploring one’s intrinsic connection to the universe and looking for resonance in what the stars have to offer a beautiful and fun one! (And yet, I think Frank is a bit of a goon about it.)

Meet the Team of ALL MY SONS – Brooke Emberly is Assistant Master Painter!

What is your role on this production? What does it entail? I am acting as Assistant Master Painter on this production. I work under the Master Painter to ensure that the painting on this production is scheduled, organized and run smoothly. I also assist in realizing the design elements asked of us for the set.

Why do you think audiences should come see All My Sons? Its a touching play that plays on the complexities of family expectations, and the balance between loyalty and self care.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? Getting to work so closely with the designer! Being able to discuss and change or improve things on the fly is invaluable for a detail-oriented design such as this.

Many of the characters in All My Sons have secrets that they keep from each other, or things in their past that people would not expect. What is something people wouldn’t guess about you? I come from a camping and hunting family so I have a deep respect and understanding of the value and responsibilities of hunting for your own food and how to live in the wild without leaving your footprint behind.

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: Horoscopes are designed to appeal to the masses, and are often written in a vague way that can apply to anyone. In my experience, it also gives others the excuse to bully you based on these silly writings…so needless to say I do not think highly of them.

Meet the Team of ALL MY SONS – Afrah Collier-Potts is our ASM

What is your role on this production? What does it entail? I’m the Assistant Stage Manager, personally I like to call it the back stage ninja role. My job is to assist the cast in all behind the scenes movements, and prop management.

Why do you think audiences should come to see All My Sons? There are many reasons to see All My Sons, from the cast to the crew it is labour of love. Who doesn’t love a good functionally dis-functional family full of secrets.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? The entire cast and crew. Everyone is delightful and so passionate about bringing this delightful period piece to life.

Many of the characters in All My Sons have secrets that they keep from each other, or things in their past that people would not expect. What is something people wouldn’t guess about you? I don’t know how to dougie. (We invite people to come forward to teach Afrah how to dougie…)

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: Well, I’m a Taurus sun, Scorpio moon, and a Cancer rising. Which I think says all you need to know.