CAST & CREW
Meet The Team of Willy Russell's SHirley Valentine
Play Synopsis
Shirley Valentine is a one-character play by Willy Russell. Taking the form of a monologue by a middle-aged, working class Liverpool housewife who wonders what has happened to the Shirley she used to be. Shirley has the opportunity to go away with a friend for a fortnight of rest and relaxation. In Greece, will she rediscover everything she had been missing about her existence in Liverpool? Will she find happiness? Will she at last become true to herself?
Kirsten Sixt as SHIRLEY VALENTINE
Kirsten is playing Shirley in Shirley Valentine for Firefly Collective.
She just recently played Nancy, Stephanie, Lynn, Mary, Heather, Amanda, in Love, Loss, and What I Wore. She has also played Miss Adelaide in Big Little Caravan of Joy’s fundraiser show last April. Kirsten is a director at Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry in Toronto. Kirsten’s past performances have included Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and numerous shows with Spotlight Theatre and theatre groups around the GTA. Kirsten is always looking for ways to help people and bring joy into the lives of theatre patrons. Having completed a tremendous run of Shirley Valentine in 2023 for HSF, Kirsten is thrilled to bring Firefly Collective's production of this wonderful one woman show to the Papermill Theatre just for you! Enjoy the show!
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Myrna McBrien • Director Shirley Valentine
Myrna has over twenty years experience in amateur and professional theatre in the GTA and Near North Ontario.
She has most recently played the role of Gingy in Firefly's Theatre production of Love Loss and What I Wore!
Previously, she played roles in shows such as The Goodbye Girl, Annie, The Last Resort, Looking, Fallen Angels, and The Ladies Foursome. Most recently, she directed Shirley Valentine for HSF last summer, and previously directed shows such as The Ladies Foursome, The Dining Room, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Enjoy the extraordinary Kirsten Sixt in this wonderfully uplifting and funny play!
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Amy Brohm • Stage Manager
Amy has vast experience as stage crew and stage management and has most recently stage managed for HSF's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Shirley Valentine last year. Amy stage manages for local amateur productions as well such as Haliburton Little Theatre's Agatha Christie's A Murder is Announced.
Susan Deane Vorvis • Stage Crew • Set Painter
Sue has a talent for set painting having just completed her 3rd season with the Highlands Summer Festival. She is also a talented stage manager having just recently worked on the show, 4000 Miles and Love Loss and What I Wore for Firefly Collective. Sue is also working back stage through the run of Shirley Valentine. Sue has much experience with creative choreography of set changes in past productions.
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On behalf of Firefly Collective, a special mention goes to Arlene Stiles for the beautiful artwork to create "Rock".
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Greg Shikaze • Set designer, Set builder
Greg has used wood to craft 'Halicaster' electric guitars, furniture, and theatre sets - to name a few. The side tables you might have seen on stage in Love Loss and What I Wore for Firefly Collective are a small example of Greg's creativity and talent with wood. Shirley Valentine set uses clever joinery, masterful design for weight and easy movement between acts.
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Libbie Matthews • Box Office
Libbie has been involved with theatre for decades! She is an indispensible Volunteer with several Theatre Groups in the GTA. Former shows include, Oliver and My Fair Lady. Libbie is a member of Spotlight Musical Theatre for 22 years as a dancer and other roles such as Mrs. Harcourt in Anything Goes, Gladys in Pajama Game and Jessica in Curtains.
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Leslie Croft • Concession/Bar
Leslie is a kind, shining light and will be offering refreshments and snacks for Firefly Collective'sShirley Valentine before the show and at intermission.
Liz Standing • Front of House
Liz has-been involved in musical theatre for almost 60 years. She enjoys the singing and acting, dancing not so much. Former president/board member of Spotlight Musical Productions in Toronto. Liz is excited to greet the audiences of Firefly's Shirley Valentine!
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Kelly Black • Front of House
Although recently taking a hiatus, Kelly has been involved with theatre (Spotlight Musical Productions, formerly IBM Music theatre) for almost 40 years. She has played many smaller roles over the years, enjoys hanging out in the chorus and most especially thrives in a good character role!
Kelly is happy to meet the patrons of Firefly's Shirley Valentine.
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Raïssa (Rya) Sauvé • Concession and Bar
Raïssa is a passionate play-watcher. She is a restaurateur having just opened the new Pizzeria no. 900 in the Beaches! A devoted advocate for the disability community and a roller coaster enthusiast with her son—because life’s too short not to scream together!
Raïssa’s stage credits include purchasing tickets and witnessing theatrical magic firsthand. Once upon a time in high school, she played a monkey. She was, quite frankly, bananas.
Raïssa is thrilled to join the Firefly Collective team for Shirley Valentine. She will be serving drinks and hopefully helping our patrons enjoy the show even more!
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Gavin Hull- Promotion/Crew​
Gavin Brings the "buzz" to Shirley Valentine, as he is hard at work spreading the word and getting everyone to learn about and help support Lawyers Feed the Hungry. Enjoy the show!