The Cast
Ian Hopkins as Norman Davenport
Ian Hopkins has recently acted in the past two Theatre Wellesley shows, The Curious Savage and Blood Relations. Previous work includes Tony in Dial M For Murder and Juror #8 in 12 Angry Men, both with TCP in New Hamburg. In his role as Norman Davenport, Hopkins plays a man who feels his tastes, aesthetic and mannered demeanour are more of the 19th century than the 21st.
“In constructing an insular world that he feels is more befitting his sensibilities, Norman has, perhaps unknowingly, also distanced himself emotionally from the people around him,” Hopkins says. “I love exploring how the sudden arrival of three strangers forces him to grapple with feelings he has both suppressed and longed for.”
Mädchen Funk as Alisha Sparrow
Mädchen Funk loves jumping into new roles and being part of the Theatre Wellesley community, where last spring she played Lizzie Borden in Blood Relations. This time, she steps into the world of Alisha, a woman whose polished exterior masks the constraints and complex feelings she carries with her.
“I love the way Alicia is equally refined and real,” Funk says, “her honesty and pursuit of connection are on full display, even when these traits come with a side of humour.”
Stephanie Kraus as Sophie Temesko
Treading the boards with groups like KWLT and COS and playing violin in pit bands across the region, Stephanie Kraus joins the Theatre Wellesley community for the first time with great honour and pride in portraying the feisty Sophie Tomesko.
“Exploring the facets of this character, whose identity (and even existence) is so drastically shifted across time and society’s lens, is truly a thrilling opportunity,” Kraus says. “As a performer, I find it a unique responsibility and privilege to do her justice, representing both her integrity and vulnerability with care.”
Anton Wąsowicz as Patrick Markham
Delighted to be making his third appearance with Theatre Wellesley, Anton Wąsowicz is playing yet another Patrick, but this time a mysteriously friendly fellow who carries a darkness with him...
“Without giving too much away,” Wąsowicz says, “I’m enjoying the surgical complexity that Patrick brings to every scene, while his fate hangs desperately onto the choices of a local Tailor…”
Production
Al Cook Director
Al Cook has been acting and directing with Theatre Wellesley for more than a decade, with his last appearance in a Norm Foster play back in 2018’s production of Old Love. The Gentleman Clothier is his first time directing one of the beloved Canadian playwright’s works, and he is loving every minute of it.
“This is possibly Foster’s best play, full of the of wit, repartee, and charm he’s known for but one where he takes an honest look at the cost of our deeper desires and how what we wish for affects those we care about most,” Cook says. “Our amazing cast and incredible creative team have brought Foster’s tale to life in a way that is a joy to behold.”
Ciara Crozier Producer
Ciara is delighted to be back working on another Norm Foster production, this time as the producer, with such a talented cast and crew. Her very first show in community theatre was Norm Foster’s The Ladies Foursome with Scarborough Players in 2019, and she’s done many since. “I always find his humour dry and witty, and the shows are always fun to work on”.
This is Ciara’s first foray into producing for Theatre Wellesley, having previously held the role of Production Manager for KWMP’s Wizard of Oz, as well as Stage Manager for previous Theatre Wellesley and Scarborough Players productions.
Mary Beth Jantzi Stage Manager
Mary Beth has been part of Theatre Wellesley for about 7 years. During her time here she has acted, directed, produced and stage managed and managed to have fun on every show!
“The Gentleman Clothier is a beautiful, whimsical and funny script. What a joy to see these talented actors and our gifted directors bring it to life,” Jantzi says. “Thanks to an excellent production team for such a rewarding experience. I want to especially thank our producer, Ciara, for teaching me so much about stage management and always being supportive.”
Stephanie Niescier - Assistant Director
Nicole Larocque - Assistant Producer
Erica Tessier - Assistant Stage Manager
Rhonda Caldwell - Set Design and Assistant Set Decorator
Renee Murray - Set Decorator
Adian Tessier - Lighting Desgin
Al Strong - Sound Design
Wendy Seguin - Costume Designer