MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
directed by Simon Cote
Jack Layton Park, Thursdays to Sundays, 7pm
JULY 20 THRU JULY 30 2023
Coming up this summer we will invite you to take in the beautiful setting of Jack Layton Park to see another in our summer productions of Shakespeare by the Lake. This year you will be delighted to know we have selected Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Simon Cote. The cast has been chosen and rehearsals are underway.
Shows are Thursdays to Sundays, July 20th to 30th, at 7pm. Entrance is by donation – suggested $10 to $20, thank you. BRING A CHAIR
Dave Fisher
DAVE FISHER PLAYS DON JUAN
Celebrating his 46th year in (and out) of theatre, David is a veteran stage performer, well-known to Hudson Players audiences. He was seen most recently as Poppa Bear in this year’s Panto, Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back. David is delighted to wallow in villainy once again, as he feels that playing nice characters too often is terrible for his reputation. What is the point in being aged and gray if you cannot be crotchety too.
Fiona Chandler
FIONA CHANDLER PLAYS BEATRICE
This is Fiona’s third appearance with Shakespeare-by-the-lake, not having been scared off yet by the bugs and the poison ivy. She has also performed at Hudson Village Theatre and several years with Lakeshore Light Opera in principal roles and in the chorus. Whether performing with an 18-piece orchestra or with the serenade of the lake lapping the shore, it is always the enthusiasm and response of the wonderful audience that is the most exciting!
Ash Samson
ASH SAMSON PLAYS HERO
It’s with utmost pleasure that Ash takes on the role of Hero in this years HPC production of Much Ado About Nothing. 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 perfomed in several productions, including HPC’s The Tempest and For the Love of Shakespeare, RWA’s Bards production of Twelfth Night and many other Pantos such as Treasure Island (2019) and Little Red Ridding Hood Strikes Back among many others.
J F Samson
J F SAMSON PLAYS FRIAR
Having had the chance to be in such HPC’s productions like Balconville, One Flew Over the Coo Coo’s Nest, For the Love of Shakespeare and The Tempest as well as in HVT Panto productions such as Camelot, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Treasure Island and the most recent, Little Red Ridding Hood Strikes Back, Jean-Frédéric embraces the challange of this new opportunity that is taking on the role of Friar Francis in this year’s production of Much Ado About Nothing!
Sage Clahane
SAGE CLAHANE PLAYS CLAUDIO
With this being Sage’s third time taking part in a Hudson Player’s Club production, they are very excited for opening night, but they can’t say the same for all the bugs and poison ivy. With them being a member of John Abbott College’s Professional Theatre Acting Program, they are excited to put what they have learned to use. They have previously appeared as Prince Malcolm in “Macbeth” and Abraham Slender in “The Merry Wives of Windsor”. This production is guaranteed to be a great one and Sage is so grateful towards the club for this oppurtunity once again.
Chris Sheppard
CHRIS SHEPPARD PLAYS ANTONIO
Chris(tine) Sheppard has been involved in theatre ever since she was 12 as she watched, and then joined, her parents with Beckett Players on the West Island. After a hiatus, she returned to the theatre, at her daughters urging, in Hudson Village Theatre’s annual Panto. She was also in Hudson Players Club’s productions of Jitter’s, The Great Gatsby, and Balconville. Most recently, Chris performed in three Shakespeare productions, For the Love of Shakespeare, MacBeth and Merry Wives of Windsor. When not performing, Chris is a full time educator. She is very grateful to the entire cast and crew, and especially her daughter, McKenna, for sharing in this experience with her first love, theatre.
Susan Cote
SUSAN COTE PLAYS LEONATO
A longtime graduate of Dawson’s Dome Theatre I have rediscovered my love of the stage at the Hudson Theatre. Never shy to a challenge you will find me in the role of Leonato, Hero’s father and Beatrice’s uncle in the Hudson Players’ production of Much Ado About Nothing. This past winter you may have seen me as Mash Wolf, Gretel and Darla the UPPS delivery person in the Hudson Village Theatre Panto ‘Red Riding Hood Strikes Back’. Last summer’s Hudson Players’ production of The Merry Wives of Windsor introduced me to Bardolph, the ever quirky drunk, thief and jokester where I staggered through as many high jinks as could be mustered. Theatre and music help keep my heart’s flame lit. We’ll see where the cinders fly next.
Scarlett Snow
SCARLETT SNOW PLAYS MESSENGER AND WATCHMAN #1
Hi I’m Scarlett, and I was Betsy in Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back and I did a few small productions in elementary school. I’m mainly a musician that writes and plays rock music but I do quite enjoy theatre. I will be playing Messenger and Watchman #1 in this production and I’m super excited to be doing this with this talented Cast and Crew!!!
Taras Stasiuk
TARAS STASIUK PLAYS BENEDICK
Taras’ lifelong passions for theatre and Shakespeare were born at Beaconsfield High School, under the loving scowl of the legendary John Whitman. From there he plunged headfirst into community theatre, primarily with IONA, but also in productions with Lakeshore Players and Lakeshore Light Opera. He was last seen at Jack Layton Park performing a post-flood benefit reading of The Tempest. His career includes writing for and directing voice actors for video games. It turns out that entertaining people is often very hard – but it still beats working for a living!
Konstantine Malakos
KONSTANTINE MALAKOS PLAYS BORRACHIO
Konstantine is delighted to be returning this year after having such a great experience with The Merry Wives of Windsor last year. A graduate of the Atlantic Theatre Company conservatory Konstantine’s selected stage credits include, Fenton in last year’s Merry Wives of Windsor(HPC), Collins in Pride and Prejudice(Showplace, Peterborough)and Henry in Here Lies Henry (Arthur Seelen Theatre, NYC). Konstantine is also currently working on his first screenwriting project.
Jennifer Wade
JENNIFER WADE PLAYS URSULA
Jennifer is happy once again to be performing with Hudson Players Club. A long ago graduate of John Abbott’s Professional Theatre program, Jen’s passion for working with Shakespeare’s texts and characters remains a highlight in her life. You may remember Jen from her performance last summer as the French accented, sword wielding Doctor Caius in The Merry Wives of Windsor and the summer before as a Witch in Macbeth. Enjoy the show in this fun & magnificent waterside setting.
McKenna Hayden
MCKENNA HAYDEN PLAYS CONRADE
McKenna Hayden was on stage at 9 and has performed in many Pantos until the age of 19, when she had the honour of playing Jenny in Treasure Island. She has also been involved with several Hudson Players Club’s Shakespeare productions. Most recently, she played Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest last summer. When not performing, McKenna spent the previous two years working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences and will continue her education next fall in Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland. She is excited and grateful to be a part of the production of Much Ado About Nothing.
Tamara Lavoie
TAMARA LAVOIE PLAYS MARGARET
Tamara is stoked to be doing Shakespeare again, having had a blast as Anne Page in last year’s production of Merry Wives of Windsor and as Marina/Lychorida in the staged reading of Pericles: Prince of Tyre (Hudson Player’s Club). Other recent theatre adventures include 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 wonderfully silly show!
Bill Fletcher
BILL FLETCHER PLAYS DON PEDRO
Bill has been involved with community theatre in Montreal for many years as an actor, set builder and Technical Director. This is his sixth appearance in productions of Shakespeare by the Lake – you may have seen him last year as one of the merry husbands in ‘ The Merry Wives of Windsor’.
Nathaniel Labrie
NATHANIEL LABRIE PLAYS WATCHMAN #2
Nathaniel Labrie recently graduated at the top of his theatre class in High School, earning multiple awards of recognition and has been accepted into John Abbott College, theatre arts program.
He is excited to join the cast for “ Much Ado About Nothing “ in his first ever outdoor theatre in the park presentation with the Hudson Players Club. His most recent credits include playing the lead role of Wadsworth the Butler in the play “Clue” at WWSHS, Danny Zuko in the play “Grease” at Theatre Works and “The little drummer boy” at HCBC.
When Nathaniel is not acting, you can find him singing or entertaining friends and family with his comedy and written skits using different accents.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHNG CAST AND CREW
| Bill Fletcher | Don Pedro |
| Dave Fisher | Don Juan |
| J.F Samson | Friar |
| Ash Samson | Hero |
| Sage Clahane | Claudio |
| Scarlett Snow | Watchman #1 and Messenger |
| Christine Shepperd | Antonio |
| Tamara Lavoie | Margaret |
| Fiona Chandler | Beatrice |
| Taras Stasiuk | Benedick |
| Susan Cote | Leonato |
| McKenna Hayden | Conrade |
| Jennifer Wade | Ursula |
| Konstantine Malakos | Borrachio |
| Nathaniel Labrie | Watchman #2 |
| CREW | |
| Simon Cote | Director |
| Shelley Walters | Stage Manager |
| J F Samson | A. S. M |
| John Sheridan | Producer |
| James Berryman | T.D |
| Karen Pearce | Costume Designer |
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
Jean-Frédéric has had the chance and privilege to take part in a
It’s with utmost pleasure that Ash takes on the role of Puck in
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.
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.
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
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 
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.