Canadian Cast & Creatives

Meet the Canadian Cast & Creatives!

Synopsis & Photos

About the Cast

Alison J. Palmer ★ Linda

Alison is thrilled to be returning to Stage West after appearing in Move Over Mrs. Markham (Miss. Wilkinson) here last fall. After taking a leave of absence for a number of years, she is very grateful to be back in the theatre. Alison has performed across Canada: dance captain/swing – The Producer’s (S. Stroman), Hunyak/US Velma – Chicago (R.Ulrich), dance captain – Evita (T. Flye), DC & US to Jennifer Dale – Aladdin (T. Dykstra), Ruby – Dames at Sea (dir., D. Savoy), Pam – The Full Monty (STC), and, this past summer, as Frances Marion in the world premiere of Queen Marie (4th Line Theatre). Heartfelt thanks to Jay, Mark, Cat, Fay, Anthony, Jeff rey, Jeannie, Jonathan, Bruce, Alan, and her parents for their invaluable support.

Jody Butler ★ Courtney

Jody is ecstatic to return to Stage West with the powerhouse cast of Divorce Party the Musical! Theatre highlights
include: Sheila in A Chorus Line (Rose Theatre), She Loves Me (Rose Theatre), Demeter in CATS (CCP), Don’t Tell Mama (Buddies in Bad Times), Alison in That’s Debatable (Living Arts Centre), Dancer in Viva Las Vegas (Stage West), I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change (Theatre Muskoka), Patty in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Red Barn Theatre), Ballroom dancer with Sunquest Cruise Lines, Lead Vocalist in Twist & Shout and Island Celebration (Canada’s Wonderland). Jody is grateful for the encouragement from her extraordinary family, friends and hubby Chris to pursue her passion for the performing arts. Jody dedicates this performance to all of the strong women in her life that are a constant source of love and inspiration.

Alison Somerville ★ Carolyn ~ Dance Captain

Alison is excited and grateful to be a part of Divorce Party The Musical’s first Canadian company. She makes her return
to Stage West after performing in the musical, Cabaret. Most recently, Alison played Bagheera in The Junglebook at Neptune Theatre in Halifax. Other selected credits: Mamma Mia -Toronto Company, Rocky Horror Show – CanStage/MTC, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels -Theatre Calgary. Many thanks to her family, friends, agents at The Talent House, everyone at
Stage West, Jay and Mark, and her puppy dog, Molly!

Jewelle Blackman ★ Sheila

Jewelle is excited to be a part of the Canadian Premiere of Divorce Party The Musical at Stage West Mississauga. Most recently Jewelle was in the Dora Award winning musical Caroline or Change (Acting Up Stage). Select theatre credits include Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, As You Like It, Cabaret (Stratford Shakespeare Festival); We Will Rock You, The Lion King (Mirvish Productions); Dreamgirls (The Grand Theatre/StageWest) The Wizard of Oz (The Grand Theatre) and Crowns (Canadian Stage/Manitoba Theatre Centre/National Arts Centre). Jewelle has also been busy in the world of television guest starring in episodes of Copper, The Listener, Wingin’ It, Degrassi , The Border, and starring in the CW pilot Awakening. Jewelle is a graduate of Queen’s University and Berklee College of Music Summer Performance Program. “Love to Danny, my baby boy Zion, Janay and the Blackman’s…for now and always.”

Scott Ahearn ★ Boy Toy

Scott Ahearn is honored to be part of this amazing cast and creative team. He comes to Stage West from the original company of Divorce Party the Musical in West Palm Beach, Florida. Other theatre credits include Chicago with Sally Struthers (Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine), where he received a BroadwayWorld Best Actor Nomination, Best Little Whorehouse (Phoenix Theatre, Arizona), Keno in The Full Monty, Sparky in Forever Plaid, and Trevor Graydon in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Arvada Center, Denver), as well as a season at the Texas Shakespeare Festival. He also toured Europe as Kenickie in Grease. TV/Film credits include Zoolander and Sex and the City. Most recently, he can be seen as a French-speaking, communist-fi ghting kickboxer in Live Till You Die. He sends thanks and love to Jen, the queen of Canadian road trips, who never doubted for a second. He’s thrilled about returning to fall foliage – and spelling it “colourful.” scottahearn.net

About the Creatives

MARK SCHWARTZ

Conceiver/Author/Producer

Mark Schwartz has a 22-year career in Broadway and professional theater. He began his Broadway career with Nine, directed by Tommy Tune and starring Raul Julia (five Tony Awards). He co- produced Zorba starring Anthony Quinn, My One and Only (three Tony Awards), starring Tommy Tune and Twiggy and La Cage Aux Folles (six Tony Awards including Best Musical). Recent projects include the Tony nominated Broadway production of Dream; Jackie: An American Life (Broadway and London’s West End productions); the Broadway production of Epic Proportions directed by Jerry Zaks and starring Kristin Chenoweth; the London West End production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the long-running Off-Broadway production of Menopause the Musical and the Off-Broadway and US & UK touring productions of Shout! The Mod Musical.

DR. AMY BOTWINICK

Conceiver/Author/Producer

Dr. Amy Botwinick is the author of Congratulations on Your Divorce -The Road to Finding Your Happily Ever After (published worldwide by Health Communications, well known for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series). After a successful 18 year practice as a chiropractor, Amy broadened the scope of her practice to help women powerfully manage life transitions. Through her writing and private coaching at womenmovingon.com, Dr. Botwinick has taken what she learned from her own divorce experience to support thousands of women and help them to powerfully manage the life transition of divorce. Dr. Botwinick has appeared on national television to offer her expert advice on The Tyra Banks Show, as well as the CBS News produced show Nasty Divorces for WeTV. Dr. Botwinick has teamed up with Tony award-winning Broadway Producer Mark Schwartz and the talented playwright Jay Falzone to create this hilarious and heartfelt musical everyone can relate to.

JAY FALZONE

Book/Lyrics/Director/Choreographer

Jay is Rochester native and Syracuse University alum. Writing credits include book and additional lyrics for Cooking with the Calamari Sisters and Christmas with the Calamari Sisters, both selling out across the country; Parenting 101 (Co-writer/ Director/ Choreographer), and You Don’t Know Jack (Book/ Lyrics), an adult retelling of the Jack & Jill nursery rhyme. Directing/ Choreographing credits: Bush Wars (Off-Broadway), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (National Tour), Snoopy! (50th Anniversary National Tour), Shout! The Mod Musical (Chicago; National Tour), 42nd Street (Naples, FL), and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Rochester, NY – 9-year run).

VICTORIA LANG

Consulting Producer

Victoria Lang (Producer) is the President of Lang Entertainment Group. Theatre credits include the current Off Broadway hit Silence! The Musical! (Best Musical: Off Broadway Alliance & Obie Awards; Top 10 Plays/Musicals, Time Magazine), Matt & Ben in NY & LA (Top 5 Plays, Time Magazine), Johnny Guitar (Best Off-Broadway Musical, Outer Critics Circle Award), Listen To My Heart: The Songs of David Friedman (Drama Desk nomination), Bat Boy (London), SHOUT! The Mod Musical (Off-Broadway, West End, Chicago, 1st National Tour, UK Tour) and Girls Night! The Musical (LA). She has been associated with the Broadway productions of Private Lives starring Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton, Peg starring Peggy Lee, A View From The Bridge, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Little Foxes starring Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Pan starring Sandy Duncan, Oklahoma!, West Side Story and Brigadoon. She has produced the independent films Macbeth In Manhattan (Best Feature, South Beach & L.I. Film Festivals), Dark Tides (Showtime), The Last Lie and Chaos Theory. For television Victoria produced the popular “Live With Regis & Kathie Lee” (3 Emmy nominations), “Joy Philbin’s Haven” and Specials for A&E and PBS. She is currently developing the new musical for Broadway Found, based on Davy Rothbart’s popular books and magazines, by Hunter Bell, Eli Bolin and the Story Pirates.

LOUISE AND STEPHEN KORNFELD

Associate ProducersProduced Passion Play at the Minetta Lane Theatre. The Kornfeld’s were partners in the group that developed and built the West 37th Street Art’s Theaters which is now the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Mr. Kornfeld, a builder and developer, was previously co-chairman for several years at a European music TV station. Ms. Kornfeld produced a short documentary entitled Postponement.

JONATHAN COLLINS

Scenic DesignJonathan Collins designed the premiere production of Divorce Party in Palm Beach Florida, also directed by Jay Falzone. He has recently designed I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and The Sunshine Boys at the Engeman Theater, directed by BT McNicholl. Additionally he has recently designed The Sound of Music and Greenwood, both directed by Paul Stancato. He will soon be designing A Christmas Carol directed by Mark Adam Rampmeyer and Motherboard, directed by Will Fulton. He has recently assistant/associate designed the Broadway productions of Lysistrata Jones, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, The Merchant Of Venice, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” and Next to Normal. MFA NYU. jonwcollins.com

ANTHONY BASTIANON

Musical Director

This is Anthony’s 12th season at Stage West. A two-time Dora Award Nominee, Anthony enjoys a variety of work as a musical director, composer, educator and pianist. Other theatre credits include: Songs For A New World, Title of Show (Angelwalk Theatre), Myths And Hymns (Talk Is Free Theatre), Seussical (Theatre Aquarius), Joseph (Drayton Entertainment), Man of La Mancha, Fiddler On The Roof (Port Hope). Anthony’s compositions (performed in Canada and the U.S.) include musicals: Nursery School Musical, The Decameron, and Creation. He is currently arranging and recording the debut album of “Bravura”, the new Canadian baritone trio and his latest musical, Not In My Backyard, is being workshopped this September at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre. His versatility has brought him opportunities to work with music theatre icons such
as Andrea Martin and Michael Burgess as well as pop celebrities Chantal Kreviazuk and Dan Hill. As co-founder of the Mississauga Youth Theatre and faculty member of Sheridan College, Anthony keeps close ties to working with young people. He received his B.Mus. and M.Ed from Queen’s University.

ALLAN MCMILLAN

Lighting Design, Technical Director

Allan has designed lighting for Stage West Calgary, Drayton Entertainment, Gryphon Theatre, Skylight Theatre, Eclectic Theatre, Art Theatre Productions at Leah Posluns Theatre, Theatre Pleiades, Equity Showcase.Technical Director for Leah Posluns Theatre, Skylight Theatre, Crows Nest Theatre tour of Human Remains and the True Nature of Love, Danforth Music Hall production of A Rose for Mr. Tango, Production Manager Gryphon Theatre, Assistant Technical Director Brockville Arts Centre. Allan just completed 8 lighting themes for the buildings surrounding Celebration Square in Mississauga. Divorce Party will be Al’s 65th lighting design for Stage West Mississauga. Allan thanks Alex and crew for keeping the lights working, Special thanks to family, Samantha, Nicholas, Ryan.

MARISA FALCONE

Assistant to the Director

Marisa is thrilled to be back at Stage West with this incredible cast! She recently took on the role of Associate Choreographer for Drayton Entertainment’s production of Wizard of Oz. Other Theatre: Dance Captain in All Shook Up (Stage West); Grace in Annie (Niagara Theatre); Blood Brothers (Drayton Ent.); All Shook Up (Stage West Calgary); Joseph and the Amazing… (Stage West); Featured dancer and Aerialist (Disney Cruise Line); High School Musical 2 (SilverMist Prod); Footloose (Paradox). Film/TV: Rich Bride, Poor Bride (Slice TV); Thank You; Molly: An American Girl on the Homefront. Marisa is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Theatre Dance Program under the direction of Nadia Potts. Thanks to Cat and Jay for putting their trust in me! Enjoy the show! xo

SARAH PLATER FINDLAY

Costume Coordination, Head of Wardrobe

After working in theatre for over 13 years, Sarah is happy to be a part of Divorce Party The Musical at Stage West. Through her career Sarah has held many positions including Costume designer, Milliner, Buyer, Wardrobe Mistress, Dresser and the position she now holds as Head of Wardrobe. Memorable credits include Cabaret, The Fiddler on the Roof, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, (Stage West); The Merchant of Venice, Three Penny Opera, The Sound of Music (The Stratford Festival); A Phoenix to Frequent (Touchmark Theatre); Threesome (Tribal Productions). Thank you to my crew; Elaine, Monique, Anne and Lexie, it would not have happened without you! To my amazing & supportive family, I love you!

CATRIONA MACFARLANE

Production Stage Manager

Catriona is happy to be part of her 14th season with Stage West! Previous to her time at Stage West, Cat worked as a Stage Manager at
various venues throughout Toronto. She completed her Masters Degree in Theatre from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Graduate
Studies. Cat resides in Milton with her beautiful daughters Alyson, Fiona and husband Jon Alex.

FAY WEIR

Assistant Stage Manager

Fay is thrilled to be on her 14th season with the gang here at Stage West. Some of her past favourites include: All Shook Up, The RockyHorror Show; Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Leader Of The Pack. Fay would like to thank her family for all their love and support. And a special thanks to my hubby, I love you.

KIM BROWN

Replacement Stage Manager

Kimberly is thrilled to be working at Stage West with Divorce Party the Musical. Previous past favorites include Cabaret, The Wedding Singer and All Shook Up. Kimberly would like to thank her family for all their love and support and Alex for always believing in her.

DEREK BROWN

Head of Sound

Derek is excited for this fun new show here at Stage West. Derek graduated from Fanshawe College’s music industry arts program for Audio Engineering. Derek would like to thank family and friends for the support during all the long hours!

ALEX BOXALL

Assistant Technical Director, Head Electrician

Alex is thrilled to be in his ninth season here at Stage West and overjoyed to be working on Divorce Party the Musical Prior to joining the family here at Stage West, Alex studied in Sheridan College’s Technical Theatre program, focusing heavily on Lighting. Past favourites include: The Rocky Horror Show, California Dreaming 2, and British Invasion (2008). Alex would like to extend the biggest thanks possible to his better half, Kim, for always being there, as well as his crew(s), who work round the clock to prepare the show you see on stage before you.

JON-ALEX MACFFARLANE

Props Master

Jon-Alex MacFarlane is back again at Stage West in the capacity head of props. He has been an actor for over 20 years, having performed in numerous shows at Stage West and across Canada, most recently in Last Resort and Race Day, two shows by Norm Foster. Putting the props together for this show is a reminder of the many facets and tangents of theatre his career has taken and enjoys the challenge. Thanks to Cat, the love of his life and the most amazing woman, and to Alyson and Fiona who keep life interesting.

ANNE MAY

Wig Design

Anne is very pleased to be a part of Divorce Party the Musical and a wonderful cast and crew. With a Masters Wig Builders Certifi cate, Hair License and Makeup experience she has worked for many Theatres, Opera and fi lm across Ontario. Thank you to all who support me.