Author: Richard Young

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

Meet MARY-ELLEN WILLARD, Soloist (“Jolene”) and Ensemble member for the May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre. Mary-Ellen’s earliest theatrical experience was performing in Wish You Were Here at Oakridge Secondary School under the direction of Art Fidler. When she saw that Art and Rick Smith were looking for a name for their new unique theatre company, Mary-Ellen had her team at adHOME Creative (the advertising agency she owns) create the name and logo, Silver Spotlight Theatre. Inspired by the group’s passion, she auditioned for their first production. Mary-Ellen joined the ensemble of Babes in Arms and then earned the role of Rizzo in their next production of Grease: The Musical. adHOME Creative has produced all creative design for every Silver Spotlight show, including Babes in Arms, Grease, and Into the Woods. “It’s been very rewarding to contribute to the success of Silver Spotlight Theatre and The Artful Players. And reconnecting with Art Fidler after all these years has been an absolute honour,” says Mary-Ellen.

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 TOM SMYTH, Production Manager for the May 15^th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre. Tom brings thirty-three years of musical theatre experience to The Artful Players. His roles have included production manager, set designer, head carpenter/set construction coordinator, and assistant stage manager. The challenge of coordinating different teams with the ultimate goal of presenting nothing but the best to an audience is what addicted him to musical theatre. In 2024, Tom received Musical Theatre Productions’ annual Lifetime Membership honour. 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.

Meet Teri May, Stage Manager for the May 15^th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre. Like many other members of The Artful Players, Teri first experiences with theatre go back to her English and Drama classes with Art Fidler at Oakridge Secondary School. She has been involved in all three of Silver Spotlight Theatre’s three productions – as the Choreographer and a Reporter in Babes In Arms, Cha Cha in Grease, and backstage as Assistant Stage Manager and the voice of The Giant in Into The Woods. Teri invites all Londoners to help The Artful Players in this great cause. 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.