Richard's Blog

Meet Mariann Sawyer, the Sound Design/Board Operator, and self-proclaimed #1 cheerleader, for The Artful Players’ May 15th Groovin’ For Good variety show and London Food Bank Fundraiser at the Palace Theatre.

Mariann’s earliest theatrical experience was her annual visits to the Stratford Festival with her father, which gave her the theatre bug early on. Her first roles on stage were skits and improv in elementary school, and she eventually joined the Stratford community as a high school student.

“Since moving to London in 2014, I have been an active participant in many different production companies where my roles have typically been in stage management, costume design, producing, directing, sound, and video design,” says Mariann.

Mariann is a graduate from Fanshawe’s Theatre Production program.

Mariann thanks Toni Wilson for asking her to join Silver Spotlight Theatre and Stage Manage for Grease. “It’s been so wonderful to see the wonderful folks in SST and The Artful Players shine!” she s

Media Release

May 9, 2025

The Artful Players’ Groovin’ for Good London Food Bank Fundraiser SOLD OUT

LONDON, ONTARIO – The Artful Players’ Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at London’s historic Palace Theatre is officially SOLD OUT.

The seniors’ musical theatre group is ready to present a captivating family-friendly evening of retro live performances covering three decades: the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The show will feature vintage musical performances, skits, trivia, dances, and memorable TV commercials.

The ticketed event will feature a Silent Auction prior to the show and during intermission with a wide array of items generously donated by local businesses, arts organizations, and artisans. A donation box will also be set up in the theatre’s Lobby for non-perishable food items.

The London Food Bank has seen an increased demand for its services in recent years, making this fundraiser more important than ever. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Food Bank, enabling it to continue its crucial work of providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The evening is expected to raise thousands of dollars for the London Food Bank.

The Artful Players Present Groovin’ for Good: A Fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm.

Location: The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON. 519-432-1029

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Publicity, Social Media and Program Head, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Media Release

May 7, 2025

The Artful Players present Groovin’ for Good, a London Food Bank Fundraiser

LONDON, ONTARIO – One week from today, The Artful Players Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank will take the stage at the historic Palace Theatre.

The seniors’ musical theatre group is ready to present a captivating family-friendly evening of retro live performances covering three decades: the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The show will feature vintage musical performances, skits, trivia, dances, and memorable TV commercials.

The ticketed event will feature a Silent Auction prior to the show and during intermission with a wide array of items generously donated by local businesses, arts organizations, and artisans. A donation box will also be set up in the theatre’s Lobby for non-perishable food items.

The London Food Bank has seen an increased demand for its services in recent years, making this fundraiser more important than ever. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Food Bank, enabling it to continue its crucial work of providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

The Artful Players Present Groovin’ for Good: A Fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm.

Location: The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON. 519-432-1029

Tickets: $30 Online https://palacetheatre.ca or at the Palace Theatre Box Office

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Publicity, Social Media and Program Head, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Meet Frank Almeida, Lighting Designer for The Artful Players Groovin’ for Good variety show and London Food Bank Fundraiser on May 15th at the Palace Theatre.

Frank’s earliest theatrical experience goes back to 2018 when he did the Lighting Design for 1949, a play about Newfoundland joining Confederation, directed by Sue Perkins. In 2024, he was asked to do the Lighting Design for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s third production, Into The Woods, where he worked alongside his wife, Cindi Armer Almeida, who produced the show.

Frank is doing the Lighting Design for Groovin’ for Good and helping build the show’s set. Tickets for the May 15th London Food Bank 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 Jerome Thomas, Soloist for The Artful Players May 15th Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at the Palace Theatre.

Well known throughout the greater London area, Jerome has provided a lifetime of singing covering a range of entertainment including calypso, reggae, blues, light rock, and easy listening. He is a popular choice for music festivals, corporate events, and private engagements.

Jerome’s earliest theatrical experience was playing the undertaker in the Elgin Theatre Guild’s 1997 production of Scrooge. After seeing Silver Spotlight Theatre’s 2003 production of Babes In Arms, he auditioned for Grease that fall, winning the role of Doody.

“For the Groovin’ for Good variety show, I’ll be singing Elton John’s 1973 hit Crocodile Rock and Neil Diamond’s 1969 chart-topper, Sweet Caroline,” says Jerome. “I invite all my family and friends to help us raise some funds for the London Food Bank on May 15th at the Palace Theatre.”

Tickets for the May 15th London Food Bank fundraiser at the Palace Theatre 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. (Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)

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