Thanks for joining us for our production of Murder on the Orient Express!

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Adapted by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Miles Lavkulich
Produced by Claire Pinkett

Synopsis
The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a train full of remarkable suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot. So wax your mustache and hold onto your passport for what has now become the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world.

**Claire Pinkett** (*Stage 43 President and Show Producer)*
Claire has been on the Board of Directors of Stage 43 for more than 20 years. She is passionate about keeping community theatre in the community and making it accessible for all. She is a producer, a stage manager, a set builder/painter, a set dec artist, a props mistress, an actress, and anything else a production requires. She is most likely to be seen in the lobby, greeting patrons or selling 50/50 tickets, or onstage before the show telling everyone to turn off their mobile devices…lol!

Message from the President:

Stage 43 survived two years of arts venues closures and public health restrictions during the pandemic to return to the theatre in 2022 for our 40th Anniversary Season. And what a season: Footloose the Musical, Calendar Girls, and God of Carnage. We saw record numbers come out to see live theatre performances again. This was so exciting.

But now, rising costs due to inflation and supply chain issues means people have less disposable income and have to choose wisely how to spend money. That’s why we want to say a huge thank you to you, our audience, for deciding to spend your time and money with us. We promise to work hard to entertain you this season with three great shows: Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express humorously adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig: the clever and witty modern School for Scandal; and the show that never made the stage in 2020 due to the pandemic shutdowns, The Elephant Man.

We are a small, not-for-profit, community theatre group who pride ourselves on being friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. If you are looking for a new hobby, why not check us out? Our AGM, which will be held virtually via Zoom, is coming up on Tuesday, October 24. Everyone is welcome. Details on the meeting and how to get the Zoom link will be posted soon on our website. Areas in which we could use extra assistance are: carpentry and construction, marketing and promotion, book keeping and finance, and backstage crew. Sound like something you’d like to do? Talk to one of our volunteers in the lobby to find out how to get involved.

Ok, my pitch for additional volunteer help is over. Now, sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh at the most highly produced comedy-mystery in the world. Enjoy!

**Miles Lavkulich** (Director)
Miles’ last time with Stage 43 was in *The Lion in Winter* playing King Henry the Second, and then theatres shut down for a while. He has not taken this personally. Most recently he had the pleasure to direct *Laughter on the 23rd Floor* for Vagabond Players, but right now he is enjoying working with this hard-working cast and crew.

Message from the Director:

I remember being young and receiving a book as a gift: The Secret of the Old Mill, a Hardy Boys story, and I was immediately taken with mysteries and started reading all I could, including Agatha Christie. I loved the characters, trying to follow along with the clues and the detective to see what they see, or don’t. I’ve moved on from Christie and Doyle to local authors such as Sam Wiebe and A.J. Devlin who base their detectives here in the Lower Mainland, but at least once a year I find myself back reading my big collection of Christie, and Murder on the Orient Express is one of my favourites. What Ken Ludwig has done with this script is amazing, being able to take a travelling story and keep what makes it a great story at heart, while not letting it get bogged down in long set changes. The cast and crew for this show are what everyone who works with Stage 43 has come to expect, fearless and creative. So let them know after the show. But be warned about other comments, because we all love mysteries, and so we know how to deal with bodies…

Enjoy

OUR CAST:

**Grant Vlahovic** as *Hercule Poirot*
Grant is thrilled to be taking to the stage once again, after a five-year absence (thanks in part to the U.S. writers and actors strike), to take on the iconic role of Hercule Poirot. This is Grant's first time working with Stage 43, and he is truly honored to be working with such a talented cast and crew, and to work under the phenomenal directorial leadership of Miles Lavkulic. Some of Grant's work over the last five years can be found on The Hallmark Channel (*Long Lost Christmas*, *A Lot Like Christmas* and *Butlers in Love*), Lifetime (*Merry Liddle Christmas Baby*), and APTN (*Shadow of the Rougarou*).

**Chris Gursche** as *Mousieur Bouc*
Chris’ last time on stage was as Frank Burns in Stage 43’s production of *M*A*S*H*. He is delighted to return under the direction of Miles Lavkulich, who gave him his start in community theatre oh those many years ago at the Bernie Legge Theatre in New West. When Chris’ MIL heard he was in another play, she asked, “Are you playing the dead guy?” Apparently he has a type—but not this time. Chris has thoroughly enjoyed the role of Constantine Bouc, and hopes you have as much fun watching as Chris did in finding him.

**Kate du Crôs** as *Helen Hubbard*
Kate is thrilled to be back on stage with Stage 43 and the very talented cast and crew of *Murder on the Orient Express*. Kate gained an honours degree in drama at Manchester Metropolitan University and has been in many community theatre performances. Acting credits include in Annie in Stage 43’s *Calendar Girls*, John McGie’s *Chair Lab Series* and roles in *Find Me*, *The Dangerous Game*, *Hotel Paradiso,* *Top Girls* and ‘*The Scottish Play’*. Kate has also directed Alan Ayckbourn’s *Absent Friends*. Kate would like to thank everyone at Stage 43 and *Orient* for making this a memorable experience again and to her beautiful family, Chris, Hermione and Emilia, and her wonderful friends for their continued support.

**Katrina Lashmar** as *Mary Debenham*
Katrina, local to Port Coquitlam, is embarking on her first ever theatrical experience. She is excited to be making her debut as Mary Debenham in Stage 43’s production of *Murder on the Orient Express*. Katrina completed a visual design degree at Capilano University in 2022 and has been working as a graphic designer ever since. She loves to try new forms of art, and acting was next on her list to tackle. Shout out to Kristian for being the best acting mentor. Thank you to Miles and the Stage 43 team for taking a chance on a new actor.

**Jesse Redmond** as *Hector MacQueen*
Jesse is excited to be back on the stage, with another incredible cast and crew in Stage 43’s production of Agatha Christie’s *Murder on the Orient Express*. Prior to this, Jesse was the lead role in Stage 43’s production of *Footloose* where he played Reverend Shaw Moore. Other roles included: Reverend Henry T Dobson in *Anything Goes*, and the blue fairy in *Sleeping Beauty Pantomime* with Fraser Valley Musical Theatre Society. Jesse is also an alumnus of the Bachelors of Performance Arts Degree in collaboration between Douglas College and Capilano University.

**Mandeep Singh Dhalla** as *Michel the Conductor* / *Head Waiter*
Mandeep is very thrilled to commence his acting career with this great and exciting production. His immense love for murder mysteries paid off when he was offered to be a part of Agatha Christie’s *Murder on the Orient Express*. Don’t go with his beard; he is 23 years old (South Asian genes), making him the youngest of all the cast members. Shifting his focus from his full-time accounting job to acting in expectation of seeing more numbers in the entertainment industry (LOL). A recent VFS graduate with ambition in his eyes is grateful to you all for your support of the local theatre and the art itself.

**Joyce Gillespie** as *Princess Dragomiroff*
This is Joyce’s first play with Stage 43 and she is delighted to perform with this fun group of people. Recent credits include Ouiser in *Steel Magnolias* (TIC), Princess Dragomiroff in *Murder on the Orient Express* (TIC) and Mrs. Peacock in *Clue* (TIC). She has performed on various stages in Langley, White Rock and Maple Ridge. Some of her favourite roles include those in *Hunchback of Notre Dame*, *Clue*, *Little Women: The Musical* (TIC) and *Drop Dead* (LLT) (Nominee Best Supporting Actress.) Joyce would like to thank Miles for the opportunity to revisit this play.

**Katrina Ovans** as *Greta Ohlsson*
Katrina is delighted to return to the stage in *Murder on the Orient Express* as Greta Ohlsson. She apologizes in advance to all the people of Sweden! This is Katrina’s second time on stage, her first performance was Stage 43’s 2019 production *The Creature Creeps!.* She has volunteered as backstage crew in a number of Stage 43 productions. She extends her gratitude to the incredible cast, crew, Producer Claire Pinkett and Director Miles Lavkulich for their commitment to make this production possible. She thanks her boyfriend Gaelen and her work family at Centurion Contracting for their unwavering support.

**Ryan Johnson** as *Colonel Artbuthnot* / *Ratchett*
Welcome to the nature of thing....er theatres. Let’s jump right in, shall we? Here we have the infamous Ryan Johnson. Taller than your average nerd, the Ryan has been recently seen amongst the players at Metro’s: *Slyvia*, or North Van’s: *Terms of Endearment*. In fact, the Ryan was last seen here in Stage 43’s: *The 39 Steps.* Though not traditionally educated in acting, the Ryan continues to be cast in shows due to dumb luck and dumb casting agents. After being cast in this murder mystery, but before knowing his role, the Ryan took to method acting in case he was given the role as the murderer.

**Skye Carter** (she/her) as *Countess Andrenyi*
Skye is a multidisciplinary artist who works in voice-over, theatre, film, and visual arts. Skye trained and studied acting at Vancouver Film School. Since graduating, Skye has made her official theatre debut with Deep Cove Stage Society in *Diamond Girls* this past June, and continues to work with VFS as an alumna on projects. Skye is very excited for her first experience working with the lovely cast and crew of Stage 43’s *Murder on the Orient Express*! When not in a recording booth, onstage, or on set, Skye can be found sketching, singing, or in an audience somewhere, where she is most content. (Instagram: @es_cargoes)

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGERS:

PRODUCTION DESIGNERS:

**Shannon Dumas** (*Stage Manager*)
Shannon joined Stage 43 as an assistant stage manager for *The Creature Creeps!* and for the unfortunately canceled (at the time) *The Elephant Man*. Shannon had previously been a member of Royal Canadian Musical Theatre’s crew and board, and was part of the Millennium Theatre Group. Shannon was thrilled to be an assistant stage manager again for *The 39 Steps* and a stage manager for *Skin Flick*. Her favourite place to watch any show is from the wings! She is looking forward to many more productions with Stage 43.

**Sue Davey** (*Asst Stage Manager*)
Pantomime was Sue’s first introduction to stage management many years ago in England. Since then, she has honed her skills on a variety of shows in various theatres. Recent shows include *God of Carnage*, *Skin Flick,* and *The 39 Steps* with Stage 43, and *Sondheim & Schwartz* and *Lullaby to Broadway* with the Ioco Players.

**Darryl Strohan** (*Lighting & Projection Design*)
With a diploma in Stagecraft and Event Technology from Douglas College, Darryl is an emerging lighting and video designer in the lower mainland. With productions ranging from musicals (*Madagascar*, *Peter Pan*, *Beauty and the Beast Jr.*, *Bah Humbug*), to stage plays (*Orlando*, *Strange Joy*, *7 Stories*, *Jekyll*, *The 39 Steps*), and even dance (*It’s Just a Tiny Dot*, *Tenacious*). Apart for lighting and video design, Darryl also works professionally as a resident theatre technician and Simon Fraser University, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employee, and with various theatre around the lower mainland. www.darrylrstrohan.ca

**Colleen Bignel**l (*Sound Design*)
Colleen enjoys working both sides of the stage Either she is on stage as in her last two shows Kate in *Sylvia* at Metro and Irene Adler in *Sherlock’s Veiled Secret* at Vagabond or doing sound design as in *Stag and Doe* at Metro Theatre. Where ever she winds up, she always finds it an enjoyable challenge

Acknowledgements:

Stage 43 would like to express sincere thanks to the following:

The staff and volunteers of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their support of community theatre and always making it a fun place to play.
Krista Pavane and the technical operations staff of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their technical expertise and mentorship.
Jessica Fowlis and the marketing staff of the Evergreen Cultural Centre for their assistance in promotion.
Vagabond Players at Bernie Legge Theatre for the use of chairs.
Heritage Woods Secondary School for the use of tables.
The management team at Aspira Astoria Retirement Living for the use of rollaway beds.
David Berrouard for transportation and signage assistance.
And, of course, YOU - our patrons - for your kind support of community theatre!

Production Team:

Producer – Claire Pinkett
Director – Miles Lavkulich
Stage Manager – Shannon Dumas
Assistant Stage Manager – Sue Davey
Projection Designer & Operator – Darryl Strohan
Lighting Designer – Darryl Strohan
Lighting Operator – Kelvin Bear
Sound Designer & Operator – Colleen Bignell
Costumers – Joy-Ann Lee & Jennifer Strazhnik
Properties – Sue Davey & team
Backstage Crew – Pat Prigge, Susanne Hale, Sue Davey & Mandeep Singh Dhalla
Set Designer – Miles Lavkulich
Set Decoration – Sue Davey & team
Poster Design – Katrina Lashmar
Virtual Program Design – Sharon Notarrigo
Social Media & Publicity – Claire Pinkett & Sharon Notarrigo
Front-of-House Coordinator – Claire Pinkett & Sharon Notarrigo