Hudson Players Club
Entertaining the Community Since 1948
1976 – Village Wooing
Vickie Kuchlein discovered her passion for community theatre at age 16 through early roles with the Lakeshore Players Dorval and Hudson Music Club. After relocating off-island, she continued her theatrical involvement in Hudson, contributing to fundraising events such as Renovations for Six and Skin Flick, and The Full Monty with Hudson Players Club. She is also active in the yearly holiday pantomimes. Vickie is thrilled to return to the beautiful gardens of Greenwood after performing there last summer in The Diaries of Adam and Eve.
Dawn Hartigan is delighted to be a part of Hudson Players Club – Charley’s Aunt – in the role of Kitty.
Dawn has been involved in several of Hudson Players Club, Fun-Filled Pantomime’s, in the role of chorus – The Wizard of Oz, Treasure Island, Red Riding Hood Strikes Back and Puss in Boots.
Other productions that Dawn has participated in are The Full Monty, Dancing at Lughnasa and Encore Musical Theatre’s– Curtains and 9-5.
Dawn has a love of all things theatre and is thrilled to be a part of this talented cast and crew for the hilarious play – Charley’s Aunt.
Chris is a long-time member of the Hudson Players Club and over the years has been involved in many of our productions as producer, playwright, director, and actor. He has also been seen in eight Hudson Village Theatre pantomimes since 2010. Lately his busy day job has prevented him from doing much acting, so he is thrilled to return to the stage in this production of Charley’s Aunt. Thanks to HPC and Taras Stasiuk for the opportunity to play with this excellent cast in this great Victorian farce!
Stage Manager
James Berryman
Taras made his main stage community theatre debut in Pointe Claire in 1991, playing Charley in Iona Theatre’s production of this very same play. The following year he made his directing debut in The Vermouth Ruby, a one-act play he also co-wrote. After many subsequent productions onstage, offstage, and on radio, with Iona, Lakeshore Players, Pegasus Performing Arts, Lakeshore Light Opera, and many others in Montreal, he moved just over the border, where in 2011 he appreared in Vagabond Theatre Cornwall’s production of Noises Off, as none other than Lloyd the director. Hudson theatregoers might recognise him from recent appearances in HPC’s Much Ado About Nothing and The Full Monty, as well as Encore Musical Theatre’s Curtains. Taras would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to Shelley Walters for this wonderful opportunity to revisit an old favourite, and his talented and dedicated cast for making it come to life.
Phil has performed in a number of Hudson Players Club productions over the years, The Great Gatsby, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, a number of Shakespeare by the Lake productions, and many Hudson Village Theatre pantomimes (often, appropriately, as the dame!), as well as backstage roles. He is very happy to be involved with this, his first, rehearsed reading. It is a funny script and it has been a pleasure working with the wonderful cast and crew to bring it to life. If you enjoyed this performance, please consider joining HPC and getting involved, new members are always welcome!
Since 2001, Diana has regularly performed in Hudson Players Club productions her most recent as “Martha” in The Games Afoot April 2025. She has also performed in numerous Hudson Players Club Shakespeare by the Lake shows, including “Titania” A Midsummer’s Night Dream 2015; “Prospera” The Tempest 2018, and “Rev. Evans” The Merry Wives of Windsor 2022. As well as performances in Hudson Village Theatre shows “Billie” in “Renovations for Six” 2021; and annual Pantomimes as “Pernicia” Puss in Boots 2023 and “Baroness, Queen, Fairy Godmother” Cinderella 2024. She is very pleased to be performing in Greenwoods Theatre on the Lawn.
Raymond Yust brings over 25 years of experience as a director, acting coach, and producer to this summer’s Hudson Players Club production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Jack Layton Park. His past roles include Artistic Director of the Montgomery Theatre in North Carolina, where he directed productions such as Crimes of the Heart, The Sound of Music, and Nunsense. His regional theatre credits span New York, Chicago, and Kansas City, with projects ranging from Shakespearean classics to contemporary drama. He has taught acting and voice in both high school and private studio settings, and served as a Shakespeare text and dialogue coach at Royal West Academy. Raymond has trained under renowned directors including Patrick Tucker (UK), John Basil (American Globe Theatre), and Barbara Gaines (Chicago Shakespeare). He previously directed Twelfth Night in 2024 with the Hudson Players Club and is thrilled to bring new life to Shakespeare’s magical comedy in the heart of Hudson this July.
Always a theatre lover starting in drama class at school. Years as a stage Mom, fashion model and minor performances in local plays in Montreal. Enthusiasticly joining the summer theatre group for a new experience.
This is my first experience in theatre, and I decided to audition out of curiosity after hearing about the production from a friend at work who had participated before. I’m currently a CEGEP student preparing to head to university, and I saw this as a fun chance to explore some hidden interests and try something new.
Tamara is stoked to be doing Shakespeare again, after having had a blast as Margaret in Hudson Players’ productions of Much Ado About Nothing, Anne Page in Merry Wives of Windsor, and Marina/Lychorida in the staged reading of Pericles: Prince of Tyre. Other recent theatre adventures include Jethro in Puss in Boots and Little Red Riding Hood in Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back (Hudson Village Theatre), Candy Starr in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Hudson Player’s Club), and Penelope Ann in Bye Bye Birdie (WISTA). As an English Literature graduate, she’s thrilled to have a chance to geek out over the Bard’s work again, and hopes you enjoy this magical show!
Lexie Wood is a 12-year-old with a passion for the stage and a love for storytelling. She has been involved in theatre for the past two years through her school’s drama program, where she recently took on her biggest role yet. Lexie decided to audition for Shakespeare in the Park after being encouraged by her inspiring drama teacher, and she’s thrilled to be part of this production. When she’s not rehearsing lines, Lexie enjoys swimming, playing water polo, and spending time with friends. She’s known for her kind heart, outgoing spirit, and enthusiasm for all things drama.
Polina Lopotova (she/her) is a Ukrainian-born interdisciplinary storyteller who has a
background in acting, dancing, choreographing, and singing. She is a graduate of the
Professional Theatre Acting program at John Abbott College with acting credits such as
Grease (Cha Cha DiGregorio), Heathers (Heather Duke), The Crucible (Mrs. Ann
Putnam/Susanna), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia/Mustardseed), The
Madwoman of Chaillot (Irma/The Mute/Press Agent), and others. Polina has
choreographed for multiple productions and has acted in a variety of short films. Most
recently, she participated in the St-Ambroise Montreal Fringe Festival playing Zombie
Odd in Better Off Dead (TwistedGifts Productions). Polina is passionate about bringing
people together through her art, and she is very excited to be a part of this year’s
production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Hudson Players Club.
Jean-Frédéric has had the chance and privilege to take part in a
number of the HPC’s productions such as in The Game’s Afoot (Felix),
One Flew Over the Coo Coo’s Nest (Scanlon), META award winning
Balconville(Gaetan Bolduc), Shakespeare’s, Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew),
Much Ado About Nothing (The Priest), The Tempest (Antonio) and a
multitude of HVT’s Holiday Pantomimes, most recently as Drizella in
Cinderella, so it is with utmost pleasure that Jean-Frédéric embraces
the challenge and opportunity of taking on the role of Oberon King of
the Fairies in this HPC production of A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.
It’s with utmost pleasure that Ash takes on the role of Puck in
this year’s HPC production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Theatre has
been part of Ash’s life for many years, having made their debut in
HVTs Holiday Panto production of Wizard of Oz back in 2016. Since then
they have performed in several productions at John Abbott College such
as Find Me (Multiple Roles), Tuck Everlasting (Constable), Richard the
III will not take place (Zenaida) and in HPC’s SBTL such as Twelfth
Night (Antonio), Much Ado (Hero), The Tempest (Spirit) and For the
Love of Shakespeare, and many other Pantos such as Little Red Ridding
Hood Strikes Back, Puss in Boots among many others.
Stephen Walters is an ACTRA‑affiliated actor (Blackburn Talents, Montréal) from Kimpton, Hertfordshire, now based in Hudson, Quebec A long‑time member of The Kimpton Players, he honed his craft in UK community theatre before joining the Hudson Players Club. He portrayed Stephano in Shakespeare’s The Tempest (Hudson Players Club, 2018) and embodied the famously pompous Malvolio in Twelfth Night (Shakespeare by the Lake, summer 2024). Stephen brings strong comedic timing, classical training, and ensemble spirit to every performance, blending UK and Canadian stage experience with dedication and warmth. He is very excited to be in this show.
Kelsey’s first love of theatre started at 16, where her first role was in her high school production of “Grease” as Sandy. She took Theatre Workshop at John Abbott College where she starred in Kiss Me Kate, Flowers for Algernon and The Penelopiad. Since then, she has starred in HPC’s productions such as The Full Monty and Alice In Wonderland and Encore Musical Theatre’s Curtains and 9 to 5. She was thrilled to be in her first Shakespeare Play as Cobweb! She is delighted to star in HPC’s reading of Charley’s Aunt at Greenwood Center for Living History.
Sage Clahane is a multi disciplinary artist based in Montreal who loves nuanced and layered art, which is what she aims to create. She has a love for all forms of art, but actively practices acting, movement/ dancing, writing, and dramaturgy. They are a recent graduate of John Abbott College from the Professional Theatre Program, and she is so grateful for everything they learned. They plan to put all of it to use with this production and can’t wait to hit the stage as Quince. Some of her other roles include Abraham Slender (Merry Wives of Windsor), Professor (Pity), and Judge Richard Enfield (Jekyll and Hyde). She hopes that this show will be one to remember, despite the poison ivy and mosquitoes.
Alexandra is a Hudson Players Club board member whose contributions have included the 75th Anniversary celebration, a murder mystery night at Cardinal, and producing Dancing At Lughnasa. While a fan of daylight and reality, it’s been awfully nice to spend time with fairies and dreams in the Elizabethan moonlight.
Jennifer is a graduate of the John Abbott Professional Theatre Program. Most recently Jen had the pleasure of playing ‘Janine’ in Hudson Village Theatre’s production of Halfway There. Previous to that she played ‘Missy Hart’ in Encore Musical Theatre’s production of 9 to 5 – the Musical and ‘Big Jule’ in Lakeshore Players Guys and Dolls. Previous Shakespeare by the Lake credits include: Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, Merry Wives of Windsor & Macbeth.
Performing in Midsummer Night’s Dream holds a special place in Jen’s heart and she hopes tonight’s dream lingers with you long after the final bow.
Past credits include Feste in Twelfth Night, Macbeth in Macbeth, Thibault in Balconville (Hudson Players Club), Colonel Arthbutnot in Murder on the Orient-Express (Lakeshore Players), The Ghost and Player King in Hamlet (Shakespeare Project), Strephon in Iolanthe, the Mikado in The Mikado, Luiz in Gondoliers (Lakeshore Light Opera), Judd in Oklahoma!, Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone (Hudson Music Club)
This production marks Alexandra’s return to the stage after 20 years. A theatre buff in her younger years, Alex hails from Richmond BC where she got her start at the Richmond Gateway Theatre. Acting credits include: Jane – The Chronicles of Jane Book 7; Titania – A Midsummer Night’s Dream; site-specific theatre with Miscellaneous Productions: The Reena Project & What You Carry With You; Wife #3– The King & I. Alex moved to Montreal in 2012, and to St-Lazare in 2019, and has been enjoying many a production at the HVT. She is thrilled to be in this production with its beautiful cast and crew. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of her favourite Shakespearean pieces – having first seen it in 1995 at Shakespeare on the Lake in Niagara.
Now Amy returns to John Abbott to complete the Acting side of the Professional Theatre program, and is currently making huge strides within their Acting career. Amy strives to become a jack of all trades within the theatre world, to truly broaden their horizons and opportunities.
Sebastian Legault is an actor making his debut in the Hudson Players Club With a strong foundation in both classic and contemporary theater, he has worked on a diverse range of material, from Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Checkov, Ibsen and even occasionally dabbles in the realm of musical theater.
Sebastian trained at John Abbott College’s theatre program, where he developed an understanding of performance techniques and a passion for stage work. He’s also been in productions with Orion’s Belt Productions playing as Bill in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (2024) and more recently playing Hector Macqueen in Lakeshore Players Club’s production of Murder On The Orient Express (2025).
He is eager to further develop his skills and make lasting connections and major impacts in the world of theatre.
McKenna Hayden’s love for theatre began at age nine when she took the stage in her first Hudson Village Theatre Panto. Since then, she has performed in several of the theatre’s annual pantomimes, as well as multiple Hudson Players Club Shakespeare productions and continues to find joy in performing whenever she can. When she’s not on stage, McKenna is pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine in Scotland. She’s thrilled to be playing Moth in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and to be part of such a team.
Having spanned over 15 years, Sharon’s passion for performing has taken her to quite a few
great stages. A study of the world of comedy at MSOPA took her to the stage of “Comedy
Works”, favorite credits include “Female Domination”, “A Song from a Bridge to Your Heart”,
“The question is Why” (MSOPA) & “You Can’t Take it With You”, “Sabrina Fair” (Lakeshore
Players). Sharon is thrilled to be making her Shakespeare debut in Hudson Players’ production
of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Sharon would like to thank Raymond, Shelley, Alexandra,
Karen, her fellow cast mates and crew, Mom, Dad, family and friends for all their love and
support. Now without further ado, enjoy the show!
David is a familiar figure on the Hudson Players Club stages in various roles onstage and backstage, whether building sets, designing and printing 3D props, pulling scenery up and down or acting.
Most recently seen as Egeus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Jack Layton Park, he returns to a role he played thirty-five years ago with Iona Players in Dorval.
Granted, he then had to spray some gray into his hair at the time, but this time around, he comes better prepared.
Jean-Frédéric would like to take the time to thank the cast & crew and all patrons of the theatre, for their love and dedication to the arts! Having had the chance to take part in a number of the Hudson Players Club productions such as One Flew Over the Coo Coo’s Nest (Scanlon), META award winning Balconville (Gaetan Bolduc), Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew), Much Ado About Nothing (The Priest), The Tempest (Antonio) and a multitude of Hudson Village Theatre’s Holiday Pantomimes, most recently as Drizella in Cinderella, it is with utmost pleasure that Jean-Frédéric embraces the challenge and opportunity of taking on the role of Felix Geisel.
Tommy is thrilled to be back in this fun and exciting play. He was last seen as Alex Tratt in Skin Flick. He has had the great pleasure of being in many plays and doing something he truly loves. Some of his plays include, I Am Yours (Toilane), Featuring Loretta (Dave), Twelfth Night (Sir Toby Belch & Sebastian), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius & Francis Flute), Not Now Darling (Harry McMichael), Lost in Yonkers (Louie Kurnitz) and The Full Monty (Dave). Tommy thanks the cast and crew for making this so much fun. Tommy thanks all of you for supporting this great art and now, The Game’s Afoot!
John has been involved in theatre for over 30 years as an actor, and more recently, as a director and writer. Acting credits include Renovations for Six by Norm Foster, Rumours by Neil Simon, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night Dream and The Tempest (HPC’s Shakespeare by the Lake). He has also done a lot (or maybe too much?) of improv comedy (performing and teaching). Directing credits include The Full Monty by Simon Beaufoy, Skin Flick by Norm Foster and writer & director of Cinderella the Panto and Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back the Panto. He is delighted and honoured to be working with this talented cast and production team. Enjoy the coming insanity. Merci MJT.
Lily Zubis-Tanona has been in the theatre scene from a young age. Whether performing ancient Greek mythology plays with her homeschool drama group—Perseus (2009) and What’s Up, Icarus? (2013) at the Hudson Village Theatre—taking many hours of improv classes, or working behind the scenes, she’s always loved the stage. During her time in the ALC program and professional theatre at John Abbott, she built set pieces, worked as an ASM, and performed as a magician in Pippin (2017). Other ASM work includes Almost, Maine (2018) and ANON(ymous) (2019). Lily wears many hats as a performer, set builder, and backstage hand—balancing it all with a bit of magic!
Christine is thrilled to play Inspector Goring in A Game’s Afoot alongside a very talented cast. Her love for theater began in high school and continued through college, with roles in several major productions. After a long hiatus, Christine reignited her passion with performances in two pantomimes—Red Riding Strikes Back and Puss in Boots. She also performed in a teaser of The Penelopiad with The Hudson and Area Women’s Arts Collective and most recently appeared in the Lakeshore Players’ One Act Wonders. She is ecstatic to be part of the Hudson Players Club and hopes you enjoy the show!
Genevieve rekindled her love for performing last summer in Twelfth Night (Fabian) during HPC’s Theatre by the Lake and is delighted to join the troop this year as Snout/Wall – such fun! Recently, Genevieve had the opportunity to play Madge on the HVT stage in HCP’s production of The Game’s Afoot – a most marvelous experience! Previous appearances from a lifetime ago include Lakeshore Players’ Club’s My Three Angels (Marie-Louise), Stepping Out (Andy) and Twelfth Night (Olivia) and 20 years dancing with Ballet Ouest. Genevieve has lived in Hudson for 23 years and participates in many arts and culture initiatives.
Robin Glance is thrilled to make her stage debut in “The Game’s Afoot”! While new to the world of drama, she’s spent years perfecting the art of over-acting at Halloween and murder mystery parties and couldn’t resist the opportunity to take it to a real stage. Big thanks to the amazing and talented cast and crew for making this journey unforgettable.
Since 2001, Diana has regularly performed in Hudson Players Club productions and Hudson Village Theatre’s fundraising productions. She has also performed in numerous Hudson Players Club Shakespeare by the Lake shows, including “Titania” A Midsummer’s Night Dream 2015; “Prospera” The Tempest 2018, and “Reverend Evans” The Merry Wives of Windsor 2022. She was “Billie” in Hudson Village Theatres “Renovations for Six” in 2021. Her most recent annual Pantomimes were as “Pernicia” Puss in Boots 2023 and “Baroness, Queen, Fairy Godmother” Cinderella 2024. She is very pleased to participate in this production with such a wonderful team, and to support the Hudson Players Club in continuing to provide opportunities for the community to become involved in theatre, either on or off stage.
Fiona’s first venture into acting began 15 years ago in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Sorcerer after which she started performing in Shakespeare by the Lake with the Hudson Players Club and various productions at Hudson Village Theatre. It has been an exciting challenge to prepare for the role of Daria Chase, getting in touch with her glamorous and vicious side! In real life, Fiona teaches grade 5 students Math and English and everything they could possibly want to know about life. She is currently directing Disneypalooza, an original elementary school musical, teaching kids to appreciate the joys of theatre.
Heidi Hawkins is a passionate theatre director, actor, and voice artist with over two decades of professional experience. She has directed a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works, with an extra special love for comedy. Known for her hands-on approach, Heidi loves working with actors, designers, and producers to bring creative visions to life. She’s thrilled to be back in Montreal after 12 years away, rejoining the theatre community with Hudson Players Club. Heidi also has extensive experience as a voice artist and holds a Professional Theatre Diploma from John Abbott College. She gets most of her creative inspiration from her 9 year old son.