Stars Come Out — A Broadway Cabaret

Theatre (Select): Lauren in Kinky Boots (Mirvish, Dora Award Nominee and Theatre Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress), Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages (Elgin Theatre, Dora Award Nominee), Anne Shirley in Anne Of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival), Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia, Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz and Buttons in Cinderella: The Panto (Drayton Entertainment), several Ross Petty Pantomimes including Sleeping Beauty in Sleeping Beauty: The Panto and Maid Marion in Little Red Riding Hood: The Panto. You can catch AJ as Anna in Frozen at Drayton Ent. until Dec 27th but you can also hear her voice work in such hit animations as Blues Clues, Caillou and My Little Pony (Pipp Petals) and follow her music at @ItsAmandaJean on Instagram.

Born in Toronto to Jamaican parents, Divine Brown is a powerhouse of Canadian R&B and soul. With a five-octave vocal range and a sound that blends classic soul with modern energy, she's carved out a space that is uniquely hers. From her timeless hit "Old Skool Love" to her Juno-winning album The Love Chronicles, Divine's music is rooted in love, memory, and legacy. She's toured with Canadian icon Bryan Adams and the Backstreet Boys, has collaborated with Kardinal Offishall, and paid tribute to legends like Dennis Brown — all while staying true to the sounds that shaped her. More than a singer, she's a vocalist, a storyteller, and a trailblazer whose voice uplifts, connects, and heals. In the world of theatre, Divine's documentary-style concert Billie, Sarah and Ella: Revolutionary Women in Jazz was presented during Soulpepper Theatre's 2023 and 2024 seasons in Toronto's historic Distillery District.

Kyle Brown is a Toronto-based actor and singer working across Canada. Selected theatre credits include Come From Away (Mirvish Productions/Australian Tour), Jesus Christ Superstar (Talk Is Free Theatre), Grow (Segal Centre), Tyson's Song (Pleiades Theatre — Dora Award nomination), and Stag & Doe (Thousand Islands Playhouse). He is delighted to be at Stars Come Out in support of Theatre by the Bay. @thekyleofkyles

Mariah grew up in Barrie, Ontario, where her love of the performing arts began at an early age and quickly grew into a lifelong passion. She went on to train at Sheridan College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre Performance. Her selected theatre credits include & Juliet (Lucy & Anne understudy, Mirvish Productions), Titanique (Rose, Mirvish Productions & The Segal Centre), Crazy for You (Polly Baker), Evita (Eva Perón), Rock of Ages (Sherrie Christian), and The Buddy Holly Story (María Elena) with Drayton Entertainment. Additional credits include Peter's Final Flight, Lil Red Robin Hood, and A Christmas Carol with Ross Petty Productions, as well as The Music Man (Swing) at the Stratford Festival. On screen, Mariah has appeared in Cruel Intentions (Amazon), Take Note (Peacock/Family Channel), and Ginny & Georgia (Netflix). Mariah is the proud recipient of the 2023 Terry Doyle Memorial Award from Drayton Entertainment and the Jean A. Chalmers Training Award from the Stratford Festival, recognizing both her artistry and dedication to her craft.

Alyssa Curto is thrilled to be part of this fabulous night! Selected theatre credits include First Date (TheatreTO), It's a Good Life If You Don't Weaken, Frozen, and Grease (Theatre Aquarius), Crazy for You, Beehive, Evita, Kinky Boots, and The Prom (Drayton Entertainment), and Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Stage West). Film and television credits include Whip Cream (TLN Studios), The Dessert Presents: St. Bulges Day (Crave), and Triple Sensation (CBC). Alyssa holds music degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa.

Canadian-Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Adanya Dunn was highlighted in The Globe & Mail as a performer "turning opera on its head and making the future bright for the art form," and was subsequently named one of Canada's "Top 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30" by the CBC. Career highlights for Adanya include her American debut as Hermia in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream at Santa Fe Opera, her European operatic debut as Sesto in Mozart's La clemenza di Tito with the Warsaw Chamber Opera as part of their 34th Annual Mozart Festival, her company debut with City Opera Vancouver in the Canadian premiere Sophia's Forest, and starring in the world premiere of Marshall's Pomegranate with the Canadian Opera Company. In past seasons, she has performed with Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France, the Kingston Symphony, Bergen Symphony Orkest, and Belgium's New European Ensemble, among others. Through ongoing collaborations with FAWN Chamber Creative, Soundstreams, The Happenstancers, and the Canadian Music Centre, Adanya has premiered over 200 new works. Additional opera credits include appearances with Manitoba Opera, Edmonton Opera, Against the Grain Theatre, and Tapestry Opera, for Bizet's Carmen, Rossini's La cenerentola, Mozart's Così fan tutte, Wagner's Das Rheingold, and more. Adanya is an alumna of the prestigious Music Academy of the West, the Rebanks Family Fellowship (Glenn Gould School), and the University of Toronto. She won the 2021 Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award, and Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant, alongside achievements in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Concours international de Montreal, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Graham Scott Fleming is a Canadian country artist and award-nominated stage performer whose career spans Broadway, national tours, and the country music stage. A former Broadway cast member and Tony Award Nominee for Miss Saigon and Dora Award nominee for Kinky Boots, Graham combines theatrical showmanship with authentic country storytelling. His self-written Top 40 single Better Man and dynamic live performances have earned him opportunities to share the stage with artists including Keith Urban and High Valley. Whether performing solo or with a full band, Graham is known for powerful vocals, genuine audience connection, and unforgettable live shows.

Selected Theatre: & Juliet (Mirvish), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Mirvish, Crow's Theatre; Toronto Theatre Critics' Award), Bright Star (Mirvish/GTP), Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors (The Old Globe San Diego), The Rocky Horror Show, The Music Man (Stratford Festival), The Horse and His Boy, Brigadoon (Shaw Festival), West Side Story (Citadel; Sterling Award), Million Dollar Quartet (Segal Centre). Film/television: The Holiday Sitter (Hallmark, GLAAD Award nomination), Road Trip Romance (Hallmark), A Killer Behind Closed Doors (Lifetime), 11h11, Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), Coroner (CBC/CW), The Dwelling (Breakthrough Entertainment), The Social (CTV). georgekrissa.com, @georgekrissa on Instagram.

Laura is an actor, singer, comedian. Born and raised in Montreal she studied at The Dome Theatre before moving to her now home base of Toronto. She has received world-wide attention for her spot-on portrayal of Celine Dion. Her short films have appeared on television shows, including Entertainment Tonight, across North America and Europe, and have extensive world-wide viewership online. She has been a Celine fan for over 3 decades and has been performing her impression for over 25 years. Laura has written & performed 3 solo Celine Dion tribute shows (Celine Speaks, A New Gay & Being Celine). A fourth is currently in the works! Laura has appeared as Celine on television shows including Video on Trial (Much Music) & The Hour (CBC). Comedy credits include The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Yuk Yuk's Toronto, The Debaters (CBC), and Just for Laughs (Montreal). Her elbow was also prominently featured in The Love Guru. You might also recognize her from Bathroom Divas (Bravo/Ovation), and ODD SQUAD (PBS/TVO) where she plays the evil Shapeshifter & her twin sister Form Changer. Laura loves cats, coffee & crocheting.

The winner of the 2025 Elizabeth Connell Prize International Singing Competition and a 2024 Sullivan Award Winner, soprano Lauren Margison is marking her mark as an exciting emerging artist to watch. Next season's performance highlights include Brahms' Requiem with Orchestre symphonique de Québec, and her debut with Orchestre symphonique de Montréal for Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, under the baton of Rafael Payare. Her performance of Verdi's Requiem with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra marked Lauren's American debut, which she reprised with the Billings Symphony Orchestra later in the same season. In past seasons, Lauren revisited the roles of Nedda (Leoncavallo's Pagliacci) and Anna (Puccini's Le villi), and debuted the role of Desdemona (Verdi's Otello), all with Staatstheater Mainz. Her additional operatic engagements include Mimi in Puccini's La bohème (Opéra de Montréal, Canadian Opera Company), Micaëla in Bizet's Carmen (Pacific Opera Victoria, Brott Music Festival), and the titular roles of Gluck's Alceste and Barber's Vanessa with VoiceBox: Opera in Concert. On the concert stage, she has performed Mahler's Symphony No. 2 (Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony), Strauss' Four Last Songs (PRISMA Festival), Beethoven's Missa Solemnis (Chœur de Laval), and appeared as the headlining artist for the 2025 International Congress of Voice Teachers. In 2016, Lauren was the youngest finalist to appear in the prestigious Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Vocal Competition. A finalist and prizewinner in the 2017 George London Foundation Awards, Margison went on to take first prize in 2018. She has garnered recognition in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, the Concours International Musical de Montréal, and the Paris Opera Competition.

Dr. Mark Masri is a Grammy and JUNO Award–nominated Canadian tenor, songwriter, and producer whose genre-blending style spans classical, theatrical pop, soul, and worship. Currently serving as Dean of Music at Canada Christian College, he merges a passion for ministry with decades of experience as a global performer and recording artist. Originally studying to become a doctor, Mark felt an early calling to pursue music — a decision rooted in the belief that "music is kind of like medicine; it heals the body and soothes the soul." This guiding philosophy is evident in the haunting lyrics and moving melodies that have become his artistic signature. Mark's career has taken him to stages around the world, from performances with the Vivaldi Orchestra in Moscow to appearances on David Foster's Hitman Returns television special. In 2022, he joined the internationally celebrated vocal group The Tenors, expanding his influence in both sacred and mainstream music circles. Whether headlining a North American tour or releasing award-winning albums, Mark's dynamic tenor and theatrical pop sensibility have captivated global audiences. His discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as La Voce, which features songs in six languages and collaborations with Jon Secada and Jim Brickman, and Intimo, a tribute to classic Italian love songs. Duets with Olivia Newton-John and Delta Goodrem have become fan favourites across adult contemporary radio. Mark also co-hosts 100 Huntley Street, Canada's longest-running Christian talk show, using his platform to inspire audiences through faith, music, and storytelling. He holds an honorary doctorate in recognition of his lifelong contributions to music and ministry. Whether in concert, in the classroom, or on television, Dr. Masri opens hearts with a sensuous voice, authentic artistry, and unwavering commitment to the healing power of music. "Canada's next rising star!" — David 'The Hitman' Foster.

David has trained since the age of 15 in Opera and classical vocal, and is an accomplished director, producer, singer, actor, writer and recording artist. He is honoured and blessed to have performed across North America and internationally for the last 29 years in stage, film and Television. Some of his favourite credits include: Mirvish Toronto: And Juliet, Come from Away, Les Misérables, Kinky Boots. Stratford: 42nd St. / Pirates of Penzance. Shrek the Musical, Neil Simon's Chapter 2, Come from Away Australian National Tour, Guys and Dolls, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Fiddler on the Roof, Blood Brothers, Broadway Concert Series (Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd), Of Mice and Men, Noises Off, Death of a Salesman, The Odd Couple, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, City of Angels, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Hercules the Musical, Toy Story the Musical, Amadeus, A Little Night Music, Company, and Too Many Cooks. David has also written and performed his own cabaret series across Canada, containing Jazz, opera, and contemporary music. Much love to family and friends, who have supported him throughout the years.

Tiera Lee Watts is a Winnipeg-born triple-threat performer. Selected credits include Eleanor and U/S Anne/Angélique in & Juliet (Mirvish Productions, First Canadian Company), Elsa in Frozen and Sherrie in Rock of Ages (Rainbow Stage), Marcy in Dogfight (Dry Cold Productions), Principal Vocalist in The Seabourn Six (Seabourn Cruises), Yellow in Shout! The Mod Musical (Magnus Theatre), Diva in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Norwegian Cruise Line), Ensemble in Legends of Rock and Soloist in Hollywood Hits (Stage West), and Angie in Dee Snider's Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Renvoy Productions). Tiera is a proud graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. When she's not performing, she enjoys immersing herself in travel and culture, having visited 56 countries across six continents. She is thrilled to continue sharing stories through music and theatre.

Kevin Wong is a composer-lyricist, singer/musician, and dramaturg. His musicals include: Recurring John: A Song Cycle; STAR!(ving): A Collection of Songs; Polly Peel (with Julie Tepperman); Out of Stock; Drama 101 (with Steven Gallagher); In Real Life (with Nick Green); Believers (with Ali Joy Richardson), Take Me Back (with Amir Haidar); Soft Magical Tofu Boy(s), and A Moment for Frayed Nerves. Kevin streams online concerts weekly on the streaming service Twitch (twitch.tv/kevinywong). He is the only three-time winner of the Playwrights Guild of Canada's Tom Hendry Dan School of Drama & Music Award for New Musical. He is the current Creative Lead for the Musical Stage Company's UnCovered concert series, and was the third Crescendo artist at the company. Most recently, he can be heard on his albums Small Ways to Move and Covers (on streaming services everywhere).

Jade Hesson is THRILLED to be back working with Theatre by the Bay! Former Young Company Alum (Aladdin and Jasmine's Summer Adventure, Treasure Island, Much Ado About Nothing & Jacob Two-Two Meets The Hooded Fang), Jade's passion for the arts has led her on many an adventure! After graduating from Queen's University, Jade took to the seven seas working as a Cruise Director for Princess. From Alaska to Taiwan, and many trips through the Panama Canal, she had the pleasure of being paid to travel and entertain! After the pandemic, Jade transitioned to a life on land and began her pursuit in the Film and Television industry. Reuniting with her mentor, Larissa Mair (Theatre by the Bay co-founder), Jade has been very fortunate to now work as a Casting Associate under Larissa's direction for the past 6 years. The experience has been full circle, and she is very thankful for the opportunity to help cast a plethora of Canadian content. This past year they even brought home a win from the Canadian Screen Awards for their achievement in casting fiction on the series Late Bloomer (Crave). Jade is excited for audiences to witness tonight's very special performances. Jade would like to thank Larissa for her endless passion for the community in Barrie. Enjoy the show!

Larissa Mair co-founded Theatre by the Bay in 2001. She wanted to bring high-quality, professional, and affordable theatre to Barrie. Larissa works as a Casting Director in the film and television industry. With over 25 years in the business, her resume includes films, television series, commercials, audiobooks, animation, and of course, theatre. She's built her career on being committed to inclusion and diversity in the casting process, and has loved discovering many fresh faces in the industry who have launched to great success. She feels humbled to have won Best Achievement in Casting Fiction for her work on Late Bloomer (Crave) at the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards. Some of her more recent resume includes Hate The Player: The Ben Johnson Story (Paramount), BET (Netflix), Mistletoe Murders (Hallmark), The Office Movers (Bell Media), Paw Patrol (Nickelodeon) and features Nika & Madison (Game Theory), Youngblood (Photon), and Little Lorraine (WANGO films) who are all featured in TIFF's 2025 season! Larissa would like to thank all the incredible volunteers for their dedication to Theatre by the Bay, and to the many sponsors of tonight's event. Their generosity is unmatched and deeply appreciated. She is thankful for the performers being showcased tonight and cannot wait for their talents to inspire the community!

Music-Directing is fun! Just ask Edwina Douglas! For years, Edwina has loved performing and inspiring others to do the same…at the highest level. With ARCT's in both teaching & performance, Edwina was the founder of the show choir Bravado! and followed it up as band leader, keyboardist & lead singer in the high-energy vocal group, "Marmalade". Beside her professional theatre music-direction, her impact on community theatre and specifically those on the upward path, has been truly appreciated by those under her tutelage, and certainly the audiences alike. Edwina's students have consistently won major awards at their local festivals and she has successfully prepared numerous students for their University Vocal Performance Auditions. Many of her students have continued on to successful professional performance careers, including some in tonight's lineup for Stars Come Out and others whose careers are just starting to take shape. Cheer them on!

Stuart Steinhart has been playing music from the age of 7. He is an award-winning professional Bass player, Recording Engineer, Composer, producer, Arranger and educator. Graduate of the prestigious Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA during what is now referred to as “the golden years” where he studied with many of the world's top musicians. Owner of Lydian Sound Recording Studios, Richmond Hill, ON. Stuart has worked on countless recordings, TV and Film projects with many Juno & Grammy award winning musicians. Personal recordings have received numerous awards and are sold worldwide. A veteran of years of recording, club, concerts, theatre and touring dates he has recorded and performed with many of the top musicians in the world. Musical Director of the Orillia, ON Jazz Festival for 4 years. Writer of “The Program” a method book for Bass and Guitar. A small sample of musicians he has worked with include: Tom Scott (George Harrison, Joni Mitchell), Don Grusin (Quincy Jones, Lee Ritenour), Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa), Luis Conte (Phil Collins, James Taylor), David Blamires (Pat Metheny), Randy Cook (Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr) and many more…. To hear some of his work go to: http://stuartsteinhart.bandcamp.com

Allan has been playing drums since he was 5 years old. At 18 he joined the Musicians’ Union, and after successful auditions began working on the British Cabaret Circuit with celebrities from radio, TV, recording and motion pictures including Matt Munro (who recorded the theme song for the James Bond movie, From Russia With Love), John Pertwee (Doctor Who) and the list goes on. In Canada, he has been active with numerous musical endeavors including Stage Shows, Jazz groups and Big Bands. In 2002 he represented Canada as a member of the Canadian Forces Symphonic Concert Band in Europe.

Polish-Canadian cellist Dr. Dobrochna Zubek has established herself as a versatile artist dedicated to a wide-ranging musical repertoire and to exploring boundaries between artistic disciplines. In her own words: “The bridge between the arts found in interdisciplinary performances fascinates me. Through improvisation I find that I can make a strong connection and create a dynamic and integrative performance.” A soloist, chamber musician, orchestral cellist and educator, Zubek’s multi-faceted career has taken her to cities across Europe, Asia and North America. Along the way, she has collaborated with some of music’s most distinguished artists, including Peter Gabriel, José Carreras, Shauna Rolston and Gioconda Barbuto. Based in Toronto, Zubek is currently the newest member of Quartetto Gelato. In 2024 she served as principal cellist of Symphony New Brunswick and as a member of the Saint John String Quartet. From 2017–2023, she served as principal cellist of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and from 2017–2023, as principal cellist of the Ontario Philharmonic. From 2016–2017, she was a cello instructor at University of Toronto (her alma mater). From 2009–2012, Zubek held an orchestra position with the Orquesta Sinfonica del Estado de Mexico. As a soloist, she has appeared on many festival stages, including the Geneé International Ballet Competition (2019), Banff Center for Arts and Creativity (2019) and Ottawa Chamberfest (2016). She has taught masterclasses in Poland, Canada and the United States, as well as in China as part of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of New Music Festival held in universities in Guiyang, Chengdu, and Hong Kong. Zubek made her New York debut at La MaMa, an Off Broadway experimental theatre where she appeared in an all-female production of This is Why We Live. Written for cello and two actors, Zubek’s performance was hailed by critics as that of a virtuoso whose playing is soulful and wonderful. As a member of Thin Edge New Music Collective in her hometown of Toronto, she has made a mark as a vibrant artist premiering works in the Canadian new music scene. As a recording artist, Zubek’s repertoire includes Mexico-Voyage solo CD, Hymns of Heavens and Earth, composed by Peter-Anthony Togni for string quartet and soprano. Most recent CD recording From Dusk Till Dawn (2025) is a collaboration with violist Cailtin Boyle (recording highly reviewed by The Strad). Zubek’s awards include first place in the Peggy Friedman Gordon Music Competition (2002), the Sidney Liebermann Competition (2004) and the 2007 Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Competition in the United States. Zubek was offered a full scholarship to study cello performance at Baltimore's Towson University where she earned her B.A. and M.A. with Professor Cecylia Barczyk. She continued her studies with Professor Barbara Marcinkowska at the Conservatoire de Versailles in France where she received the Prix de Perfectionnement. In 2016, Zubek completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Cello Performance at the University of Toronto, studying with Professor Shauna Rolston. Her doctoral thesis is one of the first researched and documented works on contemporary Mexican music for solo cello. From 2012 to 2017 Zubek was a teaching assistant for Professor Shauna Rolston, a recipient of the Yo-Yo Ma Fellowship. https://www.dobrochnazubek.com