Richard Young

Who Are The Artful Players?: Chris Hoffer

April 26, 2025 by Richard Young

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

Who Are The Artful Players?: Lesley Andrew

April 23, 2025 by Richard Young

Meet LESLEY ANDREW, Music Director and Soloist (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”) for the May 15^th Groovin’ for Good Fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre. Lesley performs everything from opera to jazz, oratorio to musical theatre, and has performed as a soloist with orchestras throughout the world.

“When I was a little bitty thing, I did an episode of ‘The Treehouse’ as the special guest with all my pets. I remember being crushed that the show wasn’t filmed in an actual treehouse,” recalls Lesley. “I didn’t really know a lot about Silver Spotlight Theatre until I was asked to play Rapunzel for Into The Woods. Now, I’m hooked! I love being out in our community, meeting new people and having fun!”

When she’s not performing with SST and The Artful Players, Lesley operates Dream In Progress Productions Voice & Drama Studios and with the El Sistema after-school program for kids. She is also the conductor for The Ausable Singers, a community choir based in Ailsa Craig.

Who Are The Artful Players? – Kelly Holbrough

April 22, 2025April 22, 2025 by 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.

Who Are The Artful Players?

April 17, 2025 by Richard Young

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.

Who Are The Artful Players?

April 16, 2025 by Richard Young

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.