Author: Richard Young

Meet DAN SURMAN, Music Director for The Artful Players May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre.

As a teenager, Dan spent time with the On Cue Players in Toronto under director Rod Maxwell, who made his name as the head of the Sheridan College Musical Theatre program.

Dan retired from London’s Pearson School for the Arts after teaching music in many different schools for forty-two years. “I conducted choirs of all ages in this area for thirty-five years, and as a tenor, I have sung solo or supported that section in many local choirs over the years,” says Dan.

After retiring, Dan and his wife, Margo, were looking for something fun to do when they learned of Art Fidler’s new theatre company, Silver Spotlight Theatre, for people aged 55+. “We were sold,” says Dan.

Margo and Dan played the leads Billie Smith and Val Lamar, respectively, in Silver Spotlight Theatre’s inaugural production of Babes In Arms in 2023.

For Groovin’ for Good, Dan conducts the opening number, I Could Have Danced All Night, and the closer, If I Ruled The World. He also performs in two Ensemble pieces.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029. #theartfulplayers#groovinforgood#londonfoodbank#atthepalace

Meet CHRIS HOFFER, Sing-Along Leader and Duet singer for The Artful Players May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre.

Chris’s earliest theatrical experience was in 1979 when he played the role of Jack in his school’s production of an operetta called The Magic Beanstalk.

“I have been playing guitar and singing with my brothers Patrick and Keith around campfires for years until we decided to put a set list together around fifteen years ago, come up with a cool name, Whiskey Soaked Beavers, and play for anyone intrepid enough to hire us,” jokes Chris.

Chris knew about Silver Spotlight Theatre because his brother Patrick had been involved in MTP for years. “He said that I should audition for a role because it was a lot of fun and you get to meet and hang out with some great people,” says Chris. “Finally, I auditioned for Silver Spotlight’s production of Grease and landed the role of Danny Zuko.”

In Groovin’ for Good, Chris will lead the audience in some sing-along tunes and perform a duet from Grease with his castmate Kelly Holbrough.

“The Groovin’ for Good show gives the Artful Players the opportunity to use our talents to lighten some hearts, raise some spirits, and especially some funds for a great cause,” says Chris.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029. #theartfulplayers#groovinforgood#londonfoodbank#atthepalace

Meet KELLY HOLBROUGH, Music Director for the May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre. Kelly has always been involved with Music, whether it be piano lessons, competing at a festival, or being in the choir, band, or orchestra in school. Her earliest theatre experiences were in high school, where she was part of the choruses in My Fair Lady and South Pacific.

“When Silver Spotlight was at conception, Art Fidler and Rick Smith approached me to produce Babes in Arms. It was such a rewarding experience to see such a wonderful group come together and form a community who were there to learn, entertain others, and truly support one another,” says Kelly. “The Artful Players is an offshoot of this community. We are a group of individuals excited to give back to the community, while enjoying sharing our artistic talents with others.”

For Groovin’ for Good, Kelly is musically directing and choreographing one of the Ensemble numbers, “Both Sides Now.” In addition, she is reprising “You’re the One that I Want,” a duet she performed with Chris Hoffer in Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Grease. Kelly is also participating in the Ensemble for a few other choral numbers.

“I am looking forward to seeing everyone come out and support the London Food Bank on May 15th, while supporting The Artful Players,” says Kelly.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029. #theartfulplayers #groovinforgood #londonfoodbank #attheplace #grease #ensemble

Meet CHAD PURCHELL, Soloist (“At Last”) and Ensemble for the May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre.

Music has always been a part of Chad’s life, even though he never learned how to read it or play an instrument. After taking Drama in high school, he finally got the courage to go out for the annual production. It turned out to be My Fair Lady and was performed at Centre In The Square in Kitchener.

“I was fortunate enough to be in the ensemble once again at Centre In The Square for St. Jerome’s High’s final show, Jesus Christ Superstar,” says Chad. “I didn’t do anything else until years later when my wife encouraged me to get back out. Since then, I have played The Narrator in Rocky Horror, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, Jimmy in Sean Brennan’s Now and Then, and The Baker in Into The Woods.”

“I found Silver Spotlight and The Artful Players through a friend,” says Chad. “I really appreciate the possibility of playing any role as we tend to age out and doors are closed to us. This incredible supportive group is great.”

Chad invites his family and friends to see Groovin’ for Good.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029. #theartfulplayers#groovinforgood#londonfoodbank#atthepalace