Cast & Creative Team Bios
Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.
Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.
He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and achieved great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honourably served his country in the U.S. Army.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humour endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.
Edith Andler (Ensemble) Edith has been a part of Spotlight since the early 80s. She was involved in such shows as Oklahoma and Anne of Green Gables. Inspired by her involvement in musical theatre, she joined the TCDSB Staff Arts and performed in many productions like Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, and Footloose. She also enjoys assisting backstage in various capacities. She is very excited to be a part of the cast of All Shook Up. Thanks to all involved for making this a wonderful production.
Catherine Bertin (Natalie/Ed) A huge fan of Elvis Presley, Catherine is thrilled to be sharing the stage with her Spotlight family in her tenth show with this awesome group! In those ten years, Catherine has played the Ingénue (How to Succeed in Business), the Bride (The Drowsy Chaperone), the Lyricist (Curtains), the Good Witch (Musical Theatre 101), the Older Sister (Fiddler on the Roof), the Fiancé (Young Frankenstein), the Narrator (Joseph) the Professor (Musical Theatre 201) and the Rock Concert Producer (The No-Frills Revue). She is excited to add “the Female Mechanic” to this list of amazing roles.To the dreamers, and for Tanya, always.
Dave Brandow (Jim) Dave is excited to be back performing with his Spotlight family. Past credits with Spotlight include Musical Theatre 201 (Seymour Shows), Joseph (Asher), Young Frankenstein (The Monster), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), Musical Theatre 101 (Seymour Shows). All my love to my biggest fans, Melanie, James, and Thomas.
Bruce Charlton (Sheriff Earl) Bruce is excited to be back for his sixth show with Spotlight as Sheriff Earl, and his second show as Producer. Past roles included Lazar Wolf in Fiddler, Blind Hermit in Young Frankenstein and Pharaoh in Joseph. A big shout out to the Spotlight family for all their support and help. Also couldn’t do it without the love and support of Eric and all our families.
Ambyr Cosgrove (Statue/Ensemble) Ambyr is a first-year member of Spotlight Musical Productions. In the past, she has performed in many church musicals during her teenage years. She is looking forward to gracing the stage once again after a long hiatus. She wants to thank her family and friends for all the support throughout these last few months. She dedicates this show to her Uncle Ralph and Aunt Barb, who will be watching from above. You both are dearly missed.
Marylou David (Dean) Marylou is thrilled to be back for her fourth show with Spotlight as Dean. Past shows include one of the Narrators in Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat, Toby in Sweeney Todd, Lucinda in Into the Woods, Mona in The No Frills Revue and co-music director for Musical Theatre: 2O1. A huge thanks to the creative team Nik, Ethan, Jeff for your patience and vision, the Spotlight board, all Spotlight members and volunteers. Marylou would like to dedicate her performances to her loving and supportive family, David, Hannah and Charlotte as well as our new and returning Spotlight audience members. Thank you for your support!
Nancy Dill (Mayor Matilda) This is Nancy’s 3rd production with Spotlight. Prior to joining Spotlight, she danced at Arabesque Dance for 16 years, and was a member of the Allspice and Folklore troupes. She is so happy to be back this year amongst such talented (and awfully nice) folks at Spotlight. After all, “there’s no people like show people!” Nancy thanks her still supportive family here and in Alabama, and especially thanks her mother, who made her take piano and voice lessons. Kathryn, here is still another one for you!
Amy Emes (Barfly/Statue//Ensemble) Don’t let the bad knees and perpetual blushing fool you—Amy is ready to rock the stage in her debut performance with Spotlight Musical Productions in “All Shook Up”! Despite being slightly old, Amy radiates youthful energy and enthusiasm that could power a small country (or at least a disco ball). As a first-time performer with Spotlight Musical Productions, Amy is equal parts excited and terrified—a potent combination that’s sure to result in a performance for the ages (or at least a few memorable bloopers for the blooper reel).So, grab your blue suede shoes and get ready to be all shook up with laughter, tears, and maybe a few sympathetic nods for Amy—the actress who proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Carolyn Esau (Barfly/Ensemble) Carolyn (“Cares”) is ecstatic to be back for her 6th show with Spotlight. She couldn’t be happier to be back on stage with her Spotlight family. Carolyn would also like to thank her family and friends for all of the love, encouragement and support.
Elyse Hartmann (Henrietta) Elyse is so excited to finally bring this fantastic show to the stage with her chosen Spotlight family. Past Spotlight roles include Inga Young Frankenstein, Narrator Joseph…Dreamcoat, Hodel Fiddler on the Roof, and Real-life bride Musical Theatre 201. Love to B for agreeing to join her on this crazy journey called life
Zizi Indra (Ensemble) Zizi is thrilled to join the ensemble of All Shook Up with Spotlight Musical Productions. With training from Canadore College and The Second City, Zizi has developed a rich foundation in acting, from Shakespeare to musical theatre. A budding autoharp enthusiast, Zizi also brings skills in singing, stage combat, and comedy to his performances. He has previously been part of the ensemble cast in The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Doctor Bird Productions and is a proud member of the Forte Gay Men's Choir. Zizi is deeply honoured to be part of this production and excited to share the stage with such a talented cast!
Catherine Jenkins (Bus Driver/Ensemble) Catherine is thrilled to be making her Canadian debut in this year's Spotlight production of 'All Shook Up'. She previously performed in school productions as Aunt Em in 'The Wiz', and Alice's nanny in 'Alice in Wonderland' .Catherine's love of all things musical started from a young age when her mother sat her down in front of the classics such as 'South Pacific' and 'Carousel'. She would like to thank her family and friends, both at home in Ireland and here in Toronto for the continual encouragement and support, and to the Spotlight cast for welcoming her into their midst!
Daniel Jose (Chad) Daniel is extremely excited for his debut show with Spotlight Productions as Chad, the rovin' roustabout in All Shook Up! He has always loved performing musical theatre and has previously appeared in productions of Once Upon a Mattress as The Minstrel and The Pirates of Penzance as Frederick. Daniel would like to extend a huge thank you to music director, Ethan, for introducing him to this role as well as to the entire Spotlight team for being so welcoming and supportive in preparation for his first musical theatre role in over ten years - hopefully, the first of many more!
Nikolaos Katsiou (Director) Nikolaos is thrilled to be back in the director's chair with All Shook Up. After many years of, and a deep love of being on stage, directiing continues to be a new passion and interest he is pursuing. Creating a vision and watching it come to life with this incredible group, seeing their dedication and drive, is something he is truly grateful for. Previous directiing credits include The No-Frills Revue, Disney's The Lion King Jr., Disney's Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz. Nikolaos would like to thank his family and friends, and most of all DaVinci and Moo, for their continued love and support.
Lexi Kniznik (Barfly/Statue/Ensemble) Lexi is thrilled to be in her sixth show with her Spotlight family ! Past credits include Jewish cousin, Russian man #4, ( Fiddler on the Roof), Kate monster , Paulette the beautician ( 201 ), Potipher's wife , Townsperson, Hoedown hoe ( Joseph ) , Decker the horse, Dancer #4 ( Young Frankenstein), Ugly stepsister, Tap dance lead ( The No-Frills Revue) amongst others. Lexi started with Spotlight with a song and a dream in her heart ... to Be THE STAR....ahem- - to have a blast and shine on the stage ! Big thanks to her two budding-triple threats, Aidan and Ruby, and hubs Jason who cheers her on every step of the way! Thanks to her fam and friends for coming out year after year and for her sis Keri and Pops Stan on babysitting duty so she could make rehearsals ! ! SEE YOU ON THE STAGE!
Kerry LoBianco (Barfly/Statue/Ensemble) Kerry is thrilled to be performing with Spotlight Musical Productions in her first ever Musical. Kerry has been dancing in some form or another most of her teen/adult life. She has been thankful for this challenging opportunity to perform in a different genre with this talented cast and crew. Thanks to her family for surviving like champs while she practised her “squawking” and “strutting” at home. Special thanks to Nik, Jeff and Ethan for their hard work, guidance and patience. “Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit.”-William Shakespeare
Eric Longbotham (Warden/Ensemble) Eric is happy to be back on stage for another show with his Spotlight family in this year's hilarious production of All Shook Up. His past roles include Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, Frank Cioffi in Curtains and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls. Eric would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support and for keeping the dream alive.
Benjamin Massey (Dennis) Benjamin "Ben" Massey is an actor who has received training from St. Lawrence College. He has a love of life, his nerdy pursuits, and an adventurous spirit. This is his first production with Spotlight and he has loved working the process with the cast and artistic team. Some previous credits include: Goldirocks (Edu. Arts Canada), Site # 420 (Black Cat), Honk! (SLC), Acadia Workshop (Black Cat), The Little Mermaid (SLC) and 2020 (short film coming soon).
Jeffrey Mayne (Choreographer) Jeff is thrilled to be All Shook Up 's choreographer. The music and dance from this era have always brought him much inspiration and joy. He would like to thank the cast and creative team for such a rewarding post-career experience. .." you look like James Dean entering a retirement home".
Maria Morelli (Statue/Ensemble) Maria is delighted to join the Spotlight family for her stage debut!! Now that her kids are teenagers and the obligations of mommy duty have somewhat subsided, she is able to fulfil a lifelong dream of performing. As a first timer with a musical stage production her experience has been filled with laughter, new friendships, guidance and learning. She feels extremely privileged to be working with such a diverse group of talented musicians and actors. She can confidently “check” this off her bucket list. Shout out to Jade for introducing me to the incredible Spotlight family!! Thank you to all my friends and family who have joined me on this adventure.
Geoff Price (Stage Manager) Geoff is thrilled to bits to be Spotlight's Stage Manager for the very sixth time. Past Spotlight credits include: Joseph, Young Frankenstein, and Fiddler. Future credits hopefully include: Some Like it Hot in Space, SEVEN: The Husbands of Elizabeth Taylor, and Kimberly's Guns Akimbo.
Ethan Rothenberg (Musical Director/Rehearsal and Show Pianist) Ethan is delighted to be returning to Spotlight MP for his 2nd year as music director! He is a Toronto-based music director and collaborative pianist known for his sensitive, emotive sound and dedicated work ethic. He is also a proud co-founder of the Impromptu Concert Series, a platform dedicated to promoting emerging talent through their annual Front-Lawn Concerts each summer. Under the mentorship of world-renowned concert pianist Dmitri Levkovich, he frequently collaborates with opera and musical theatre singers on productions, concerts, open mics, holding several musical director posts across the GTA. Previous credits include: Merrily We Roll Along (Shifting Ground Collective), Sweeney Todd, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Doctor Bird Productions), Falsettos (Bowtie Productions), Songbook VI, Songbook XII (Tapestry Opera), Dr. Silver (Musical Stage Co.), Legally Blonde, The Drowsy Chaperone, Mamma Mia (Nightwood Theatre), Masterclass (Oshawa Little Theatre), Ragtime (Encores). Upcoming credits: The Front-Lawn Series (Impromptu Concert Series), Jekyll and Hyde (Doctor Bird Productions). Thank you to Nik, Jeff, the Spotlight Board, the cast, band, and production crew for their tireless efforts to mount the production - enjoy the show!
Lara Sampaio (Barfly/Statue/Ensemble) Lara is very excited to be part of her first Canadian show with Spotlight Musical Productions! Being the first community that opened the doors for her, Lara feels thrilled to be part of the “All Shook Up” Ensemble. Her shows include Voldemort in “A Very Potter Musical” Brazilian 2023 version, and more extended work in the Film Industry; creator and presenter of Quarentena Online Film Festival; Writer, having her first book published in 2023, “Eu Poemo”; also a producer and director of nominated projects. She’s extremely grateful for all the people around her, especially her husband, Mateus, for always pushing her to follow her dreams.
Megan Slater (Lorranie) Megan has performed in a few Spotlight productions, with notable roles as “Chava” in “Fiddler on the Roof” and one of the “Narrator” roles in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” She has also performed in the ensemble in Spotlight’s “Curtains,” and “Musical Theatre 201.” Megan has a degree in theatre and vocal music and currently works as a Grade 2 teacher at a school in downtown Toronto. She enjoys directing musicals in her school community and also participating in the TCDSB Staff Arts Musicals and comedies with her colleagues. She is grateful for the opportunity to perform on stage with her Spotlight friends!
Julianna Ozorio (Sylvia) Julianna is so excited to be able to finally bring this show to life on stage with this incredible company she has known and loved her entire life. Past favourite roles include Olive in The Odd Couple (Staff Arts), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (Dreamtheatre), Carmen in Curtains (Spotlight) and Dr. Miranda Lloyd Bernstein in Musical Theatre 201 (Spotlight). This performance is dedicated to everyone who has worked to keep Spotlight alive and thriving, and to everyone who gave so much heart to "All Shook Up" the first time, before the apocalypse made other plans for us. Julianna would like to especially thank her Milo for being her inspiration every day, in every way. This show, and everyone from now on, is for you.
Joe Sholtes (Ensemble) Joseph was once overheard in a seedy bar saying, “I keep telling my agent, please, no more scripts from Spotlight! and yet, here I am, once again, singing backup in the chorus!” This will be Joseph’s second run with Spotlight and he is once again thrilled to lend his lip-synching talents to this production.
Sally Tellis (Warden/Ensemble) Sally is excited to take this trip back time for her 7th show with her Spotlight family. She has had a fantastic time working with this amazing cast. Sally would like to thank her family and friends for all their support.
Eleni Trialonis (Miss Sandra) Lights, camera, and hopefully no wardrobe malfunctions - here comes Eleni Trialonis, returning for her second act with Spotlight Musical Productions. Eleni is back and more determined than ever to remember her blocking, hit her cues and find the nearest snack table during intermission. When she's not perfecting her pelvic thrusts, you can find Eleni serenading her dog or passionately reenacting classic movie scenes at the dinner table. In her spare time, Eleni enjoys practising her Oscars acceptance speech in the bathroom mirror (complete with tears and dramatic pauses) and attempting to convince her friends and family that her off-key rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" is worthy of a Vegas residency. When she's not perfecting her jazz hands or trying to remember which side of the stage she's supposed to exit from, you might find Eleni indulging in her not-so-secret passion for shower concerts or brainstorming new and innovative ways to incorporate pizza into her character's backstory. So, sit back, grab your blue suede shoes and prepare to be all shook up with laughter for what is sure to be a great show!