WELCOME TO - The Wonder of it All
WELCOME TO - The Wonder of it All
From the desk of Mark Weatherley:
The Grand Canyon is a wonder. The pyramids at Giza are a wonder. A spider web is a wonder. But I think love, that exhilarating and frustrating Aladdin's cave of emotional agglomerations is the greatest wonder of all. The trouble with romantic love though, is also it's greatest strength. It involves another person. And that's where the problems usually begin. Because love never fails to get that other person to surprise you, and teach you and frustrate you and reveal your cowardice and your pettiness and your shallowness, but also your nobility and generosity. A lover is a mirror, and let's face it, we don't always like what we see reflected.
But I wrote The Wonder of it All to go on record that I contend that the journey of love through a long relationship is the greatest wonder of it all. It's not always going to protect you from the blows and buffets of an indifferent world, and, let's face it, probably causes a few of them, but it's real, and it's wonderful and, well, so very human, and the incredible journey you go on together is your own unique creation. I wrote this play to say that the journey is worth it.
All of it. Every single second of it.
Thank you so much for coming. It means the world to me. And may your life and loves be filled always with wonder.
From the desk of Jennifer Stewart:
Welcome to YOUR theatre! You made it. You have arrived in the wonderous world of Kingsley and Charmaine. A world full of love, laughter, music and miscommunication.
For Kingsley and Charmaine, who have been married for the past 25 years, the connection is broken. They are struggling to communicate, to listen to one another and ultimately, to understand the person that they have become over the years.
Maybe you can relate?
At this moment in time, we all have access to the technology to communicate with anyone, in an instant, right at our fingertips. However, real and true communication and connection are at an all-time low. With this in mind, I congratulate you for coming to the theatre. For putting down your phone (and turning it off during this performance). For stepping away from your computer and television and engaging in a live event, together.
Here at Theatre Orangeville we are so thrilled to welcome you to the World Premiere of The Wonder of it All, starring real-life married couple, Mark Weatherly and Monique Lund. This story of wonder will hopefully inspire you to take some time out of your busy day to “cultivate your own garden” and create lasting relationships with friends and family alike, that are both rewarding and worthwhile.
Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting live theatre!
Mark is delighted to be making his debut at Theatre Orangeville, both as an actor and as a playwright. Mark has appeared on stages across North America and the British Isles over his long career. His many TV credits include Murdoch Mysteries (of course), Accused, Rabbit Hole, Y the Last Man, and recurring roles in Cross and the upcoming The Greatest both for Paramount Plus. His plays include the critically acclaimed Whack!, the musical Fitz Happens for which he wrote the book and the score and the metaphysical thriller Framed. Mark wishes to give his deepest thanks to the director Ms. Stewart for her great guidance, support, and expertise in guiding this show from page to stage.
Jennifer is the Artistic Director for Theatre Orangeville and most recently directed Hadestown: Teen Edition and The Writer. She has spent nine seasons with the Stratford Festival as both an actor and an assistant director and holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from East 15/University of Essex in London, UK. She played the role of Penny Pingleton in the original production of Hairspray in Toronto as well as performing and directing all over Canada and in the USA, the UK, Germany and Spain. She is a graduate of the Music Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Thank you for supporting LIVE theatre! Love to Daniel and Luka. www.jenniferlstewart.com
Monique Lund is an actress, singer, dancer and director who has enjoyed a busy career in the performing arts spanning over 35 years. Originally from Charlottetown PEI, she started step dancing at the age of 7 and hasn’t looked back! She has spent 14 seasons at the prestigious Stratford Festival where she played lead roles in plays and musicals- most notably as Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, Mrs. Fodor in Crazy for You, as well as appearances in Julius Caesar, The Music Man, Elektra, The Sound of Music, The Merry Wives of Windsor and many more. Most recently she has been the associate director of the Stratford musicals (Something Rotten, Annie and the upcoming Guys and Dolls) working alongside the great Donna Feore. Another career highlight for Monique was playing the lead role of Donna Sheridan in the U.S. Broadway touring production of Mamma Mia! for a 2 year, 52 city run. During her time with Mamma Mia! she met and worked with Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson of Abba. She has performed with the original Canadian productions of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donnie Osmond, Crazy For You, The Who’s Tommy where she met and worked with Pete Townsend, The Lord of The Rings and many others. She calls Stratford, Ontario her home now and she couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be appearing in the world premiere of The Wonder Of It All.
Beckie Morris has been an integral part of the Theatre Orangeville family for over 20 years, serving as the resident set designer for more than a decade. In her dual role as both designer and production manager, Beckie thrives on the unique opportunities to engage with every facet of live entertainment and visual arts. This dynamic balance, combined with the chance to collaborate with a talented and creative team both on and off the stage, has made Dufferin County the perfect place for Beckie to call home. Her recent set designs have graced the stages of theatres such as Drayton Entertainment, Lighthouse Festival, Foster Festival, and, of course, Theatre Orangeville. Beyond the stage, Beckie's artistry is woven into the fabric of the local community, with her designs featured in murals throughout Orangeville and at the Storyland entrance of the Orangeville Public Library.
Lyss is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist interested in all things production. She is a recent graduate of the Dramatic Arts Honours Bachelor's program at Brock University. She is delighted to be entering her third season with Theatre Orangeville and The Wonder of it All marks her first time as Lighting Designer for a mainstage production. Previous credits for Lighting Design for Hadestown: Teen Edition, The Neverending Story, Mean Girls, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for the Theatre Orangeville Young Company, as well as for Welcome Home by Laser Shark Productions. Many thanks to friends and family for the never-ending support, the Theatre Orangeville production team for their guidance throughout the process, and Louise Guinand for her mentorship.
Select theatre credits include: Caroline or Change, The Wild Party (Dora Nominee), Grey Gardens (Dora Nominee), Onegin, and Next To Normal, (Dora Nominee); Musical Stage Co., To Life, The Jazz Singer and Brighton Beach Memoirs; The Harold Green Jewish Theatre, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia and Beauty and the Beast; Port Hope Capitol Theatre.
“As always, thanks to Carmen for saving my life."
Brian has joined Theatre Orangeville after a long career in Film and Television production.
His roots lie in theatre, and he is very excited to be part of the Theatre Orangeville team.
TOV: The Beaver Club, The Darktown Strutters Ball, Doris and Ivy in the Home, Cinderella... If the Shoe Fits, Little Women and many more! Other: Yesterday Once More, Country Roads: the Songs of John Denver, White Christmas, Evita, Dear Jack Dead Louise, Shear Madness. Thank you to the Theatre Orangeville team for all the lessons in gardening, music, and life. She would like to dedicate this show to her partner, who makes all of it a wonder.
Ava is thrilled to be joining the Theatre Orangeville team! As an emerging stage manager, she is grateful to be receiving mentorship from the incredible artists at Theatre Orangeville.
Proud graduate of Brock University’s dramatic arts program. Recent work includes: stage manager for Into The Woods Jr (Yellow Door Theatre Project) & The Tempest (Tottering Biped Theatre), production assistant of the Avon Theatre (Stratford Festival), assistant stage manager for Welcome Home (Brock University) & A Midsummer Nights Dream (Tottering Biped Theatre), Brock/DART Intern (Shaw Festival).
Lisa is a Technical Director, Creator and Educator. From carpentry, to scenic art, to wardrobe, if there is something that needs doing, she’ll get it done (even if she doesn’t know how to yet). Lisa is also the Artistic Coordinator of Theatre Orangeville’s Summer Arts Fest, bringing in diverse and engaging programming to the community. Beyond her love for her craft, Lisa is most passionate about education and mentorship in the arts. Currently teaching at York University, she is humbled by the work of emerging artists and inspired by the next generation of creators.
Dan has fulfilled many roles with Theatre Orangeville over the last eight seasons. From the Opera House, to the shop floor, and now to the video office where his work takes us online to share our stage with a global audience. Dan has a keen interest in further developing his skills and keeps a pulse on advancing technologies which further supports the magic you see on stage. Away from the stage he also freelances as an AV Technician for large scale events.
Casey is joining the team after finishing her second program in post-secondary. Casey is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelors Degree in drama, and Sheridan College where she studied Technical Production for the Performing Arts.
Casey worked on Sheridan’s 2023 productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Urinetown as a scenic Carpenter, as well as many club productions at Queen’s.
Casey would like to thank Lara, Kevin, Jessica, Josh, and all of my teachers who believed in her!
Back at her home away from home is the talented force Candice Jeromkin. A true creative, her skills range beyond her talent with a paintbrush. From design, and props building, to modeling and photography, she lives in the creative now.
This Jane-of-all-trades advertises herself as a "Professional Collaborator and Creative Muse".
This season marks her 21st year in entertainment.
You can check in on her newest works by following her on TikTok and Instagram @beansandbubblegum.
Theatre Orangeville respectfully acknowledges that we live and create art on the treaty lands and territory of the Williams Treaty Nations and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
We recognize that Dufferin County is the traditional territory of the Wendat and the Haudenosaunee.
We honour and respect the connection of Indigenous peoples, both past and present, with this land, its waterways and resources.
Visit this link to learn more about The Brave Canoe, a local Indigenous organization who is working to raise awareness around Indigenous initiatives, and provide education on Indigenous culture and history.
Theatre Orangeville is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional Artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.