Who to Cheer and Boo for - The Cast of Dirty Deeds at Handlebar Dan's House of Old Wives

 

Introducing the Cast of Dirty Deeds at Handlebar Dan's House of Old Wives:

Looking innocent, but really not, is John Dibben, playing the dastardly villain, Munro "Moneybags" 
Maclean. The Villain. Again. Type cast or great acting? Only his family knows for sure. Villains: Mr. Potter, Scrooge, Shylock, Big Daddy, Malvolio, Hermann van Daan… Just to name a few. Nice Guy’s: Selsdon Mowbray. That’s it. Not so Nice Guys: Capt. Frank Burns (Mash), Paul (Hayfever), Paul
(Murder at the Howard Johnson’s), Father (Having Hope at Home). He's sure there’s more but he's out of space.

Wondering who farted (but pretty sure it was John) is Michelle Salmon, playing the feisty French Maid Fifi. Michelle has been involved in theatre in one way or another, in the surrounding community for over 35 years. Her passion is acting, specifically taking on comedic character roles. She is thrilled to share the character of Fifi with you.
A few favourite lines from the show (only one of which is hers) include...
"...I mean, what could possibly go wrong?"
"Ohmigod! Munro is the best thing since puppies and kittens."
"Ta mére parle français comme une vache Español. Oui, I admit, it loses something in zee translation..."

Standing clear of the stink zone is Julie Docherty, in the role of Gertrude Gretchen Gwillimbury. She's been a Grinder Productions staple for years, with favourite shows including Love Song, Muzzle Blast, and last year's sleeper hit, Maid of Stone. 

And standing tall in the centre is Grinder newcomer Matthew Bunch, playing the show-stopping former beauty queen Beulah Belle. Matt is a long-time resident of Fergus Ontario and friend of Grinder Productions, the Elora Community Theatre and the Fergus Grand Theatre. He is the proud father of esteemed thespian, Nicholas Bunch, and partner to the very tolerant Kristine.

Spinning into place next is Emily Youers, playing Dizzy Delilah. Emily's looking forward to acting alongside her daughter again, after playing the Ice Queen to her Clara in ECT's The Nutcracker. Emily also played inept maid Edith in GLT's Blithe Spirit this year. She's loved playing Delilah, but -- watch out! -- that dizziness might just be real...

And the end of the row stands Julie Goudie, our intrepid stage manager, wondering what character she's supposed to be standing in for this time. In this case, it's Sally Simple, played by Mya Leworthy. Watch for Mya in Grinder's second show, the Greed tragedy Electra, the week after Handlebar Dan closes. 

Seated on the bench is the title character, Handlebar Dan, played by Cory Sanders. Cory has enjoyed many years experience with many local theatre groups including RCMPI, Cambridge Community Players, Georgetown Little Theatre, Elora Community Theatre. Cory's previous shows with Grinder Productions were Art (2008) and The Dark lady of the Sonnets (2023). Cory was last seen in ECT’s production of The Three Musketeers.

Wondering what on earth she's doing surrounded by all these grown-ups is the most stylish member of the cast, Lily Youers, who plays Claribel. Lily just completed Grade 9 in Eastwood Collegiate's Integrated Arts Program. She's spent a lot of time on stage in the past year: ECT's The Nutcracker (Clara), Eastwood's biggest annual events (Gala, and original musical Eastwood Live!), and MusicFest Nationals. She's looking forward to breaking out her Southern accent in this role!

On the grass and trying to look menacing is Hannah Murphy, who plays Munro's hopelessly-infatuated sidekick, Natasha Nubile. Hannah has been acting in stage productions for most of her life and yet this is the first melodrama! She has, however, played a mediocre villain a number of times and wonders what that says about her in real life. Other local productions you may have seen her in within the last few years include Dmitri Goes To Hollywood, Sense & Sensibility, The Three Musketeers and of course, Grinder Productions' own, Maid of Stone. She would also like to shout out the years of silly "engplays" she did with other exhausted engineering students that had their own fair share of melo, drama & quick turnarounds that has prepared her for this ridiculously fun show!

And finally, fast asleep, as usual, is the hapless hero of our show Joshua "Pretty Boy" Josephat, played with flair by Nicholas Bunch. Nicholas is a “seasoned” actor, having performed in many productions with Elora Community Theatre, including their recent production of the Nutcracker. He enjoys acting, dancing and dragging his dad Matt wherever he goes, including to this very show.

So there you have it folks - your cast of Dirty Deeds at Handlebar Dan's House of Old Wives, playing at the Ennotville Library July 17th and 18th at 8pm. Hope to see you there!