Agatha Christie's
Murder on the Orient Express
GRAND THEATRE - AUBURN STAGE
471 Richmond Street, London, ON
Thank you for supporting our production, and thank you for supporting live theatre and the arts. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Run Time: 125 Minutes (Approx)
Intermission: 10 minutes
Run Time: 125 Minutes (Approx)
Intermission: 10 minutes
Ken Ludwig’s adaptation has skillfully filleted Christie’s novel into a two-hour play that threads the essential elements of the plot into a well crafted tale. Pure theatrical class.”—Jonathan Baz“
★★★★ A first class ride all the way!”--The Guardian
Meet our Cast
Elizabeth Ann Wilson - Olga Prosorov
Olga is the eldest of the three sisters. The play opens one year after the death of General Prosorov, the father of the titular characters. Olga has taken over the role of matriarch of the family. Olga is the glue that holds the family together. She is the logical one, and does what is needed to keep the family going. She never makes time for her own happiness.
Elizabeth Ann Wilson is a professional voice actor who first set foot in live theatre in TheTime of Old Age (2018) If you follow FPT you will have seen Elizabeth Ann as Mina Murray in Dracula; Mrs Prynne in "Da"and the impetuous Gwendolin Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest. Most recently Elizabeth Ann was cast as The Fool in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. She is also a member of Murder for Hire and the FPT Collective.
Olga is the eldest of the three sisters. The play opens one year after the death of General Prosorov, the father of the titular characters. Olga has taken over the role of matriarch of the family. Olga is the glue that holds the family together. She is the logical one, and does what is needed to keep the family going. She never makes time for her own happiness.
Elizabeth Ann Wilson is a professional voice actor who first set foot in live theatre in TheTime of Old Age (2018) If you follow FPT you will have seen Elizabeth Ann as Mina Murray in Dracula; Mrs Prynne in "Da"and the impetuous Gwendolin Fairfax in The Importance of Being Earnest. Most recently Elizabeth Ann was cast as The Fool in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. She is also a member of Murder for Hire and the FPT Collective.
Bridget Corbett – Masha Kuligina
Masha is the middle sister of the trio. She has been married since she was eighteen to a man many years her senior. Masha has grown tired of life in the town where she lives; she has grown tired of her husband and grown tired of his colleagues. When Colonel Vershinin arrives in town, Masha is suddenly very interested in things again.
Bridget Corbett has had a variety of roles within the London Theatre Community. She has been stage manager and assistant stage manager on productions for LCP as well as for FPT. Bridget’s stage career includes The Triumph of Teresa Harris, and with FPT as Lucy Westenra in Dracula, and Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest. Bridget is a member of the FPT Collective.
Masha is the middle sister of the trio. She has been married since she was eighteen to a man many years her senior. Masha has grown tired of life in the town where she lives; she has grown tired of her husband and grown tired of his colleagues. When Colonel Vershinin arrives in town, Masha is suddenly very interested in things again.
Bridget Corbett has had a variety of roles within the London Theatre Community. She has been stage manager and assistant stage manager on productions for LCP as well as for FPT. Bridget’s stage career includes The Triumph of Teresa Harris, and with FPT as Lucy Westenra in Dracula, and Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest. Bridget is a member of the FPT Collective.
Taleah Jensen-Garrie – Irina Prosorov
Irina is the youngest child in the family – not just the sisters – she is also younger than her brother Andrei. Irina hopes to go back to Moscow someday. She is being courted by BaronTuzenbach but has no romantic interest in him. Her dream is that in Moscow, she will find the love she so desperately desires, as well as a rewarding career.
Taleah Jensen-Garrie has roots in acting, having been educated at Lester B. Pearson school for the arts. Taleah made her theatrical comeback in February of 2023 as the Duke of Albany in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. Taleah is no stranger to live performances. As a stand-up comedian. Taleah's comedy can be experienced in London Ontario at various venues. FPT Collective is looking forward to working with Taleah on this production.
Irina is the youngest child in the family – not just the sisters – she is also younger than her brother Andrei. Irina hopes to go back to Moscow someday. She is being courted by BaronTuzenbach but has no romantic interest in him. Her dream is that in Moscow, she will find the love she so desperately desires, as well as a rewarding career.
Taleah Jensen-Garrie has roots in acting, having been educated at Lester B. Pearson school for the arts. Taleah made her theatrical comeback in February of 2023 as the Duke of Albany in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. Taleah is no stranger to live performances. As a stand-up comedian. Taleah's comedy can be experienced in London Ontario at various venues. FPT Collective is looking forward to working with Taleah on this production.
John L. Moore – Ivan Romanovitch Chebutkyn
An army doctor nearing retirement and an old friend of the Prosorov family, Ivan Chebutkyn is both protector and unwitting antagonist of the fate of the three sisters. His bumbling, forgetful and sometimes drunken behaviour is a cause for concern, while his good intentions often go awry.
John Moore is both an accomplished actor and musician. Most recently, John received acclaim in Liam Grunté Theatre’s 2023 production of King Lear in the title role. If you follow FPT you will have seen John in The Odd Couple, Sleuth, Titus Andronicus, Dracula, Da, and The Importance of Being Earnest. John loves playing guitar and singing, and is a member of the Murder for Hire comedy troupe and the FPT Collective.
An army doctor nearing retirement and an old friend of the Prosorov family, Ivan Chebutkyn is both protector and unwitting antagonist of the fate of the three sisters. His bumbling, forgetful and sometimes drunken behaviour is a cause for concern, while his good intentions often go awry.
John Moore is both an accomplished actor and musician. Most recently, John received acclaim in Liam Grunté Theatre’s 2023 production of King Lear in the title role. If you follow FPT you will have seen John in The Odd Couple, Sleuth, Titus Andronicus, Dracula, Da, and The Importance of Being Earnest. John loves playing guitar and singing, and is a member of the Murder for Hire comedy troupe and the FPT Collective.
James Andrew Tot - Baron Nicolai Lvovich Tuzenbach
The Baron is a staunch philosopher who has his finger on the pulse of social climate in pre-revolutionary Russia. He is excited for the changes that he antcipates are coming that will put the workers at the forefront of upcoming economic surge. He is hopelessly in love with Irina and although he knows she does not return the affection, he is prepared to marry her and take her with him to Moscow.
James Andrew Tot attended Fanshawe College, where he portrayed Erich Honecker in a Production of Full Circle in 2014. Select credits include Ty Blinker in A Victorian Murder (2016), Jaime Elk in L'ile des Femmes (2017), servant in The Rivals (2021) Paul Walker in Freedom II (2022), and most recently, the foreman of the 1908 Crew in Finding Hyde (2022). FPT Collective is looking forward to working with James on this exciting production.
The Baron is a staunch philosopher who has his finger on the pulse of social climate in pre-revolutionary Russia. He is excited for the changes that he antcipates are coming that will put the workers at the forefront of upcoming economic surge. He is hopelessly in love with Irina and although he knows she does not return the affection, he is prepared to marry her and take her with him to Moscow.
James Andrew Tot attended Fanshawe College, where he portrayed Erich Honecker in a Production of Full Circle in 2014. Select credits include Ty Blinker in A Victorian Murder (2016), Jaime Elk in L'ile des Femmes (2017), servant in The Rivals (2021) Paul Walker in Freedom II (2022), and most recently, the foreman of the 1908 Crew in Finding Hyde (2022). FPT Collective is looking forward to working with James on this exciting production.
Blake Purdy - Vassili Vassilevitch Solyoni
Vassili Solyoni is a sub-lieutenant under Colonel Vershinin. He is a socially awkward character with some very violent and macabre and narcissistic tendencies. It is revealed that he has participated in at least two duels, which would indicate he is an adept marksman. He develops feelings for Irina and is determined that if he cannot have her as his own, no one will.
Blake Purdy has not been on stage since elementary school where he played Count Dracula. He recalls one of his reviews stating, "He was scarier than my grandma without her dentures" and another, "Mesmerizing performance!!...oh wait..wrong play". All kidding aside, Blake has attended acting training with Liam Grunté and is ready to take on this very interesting role. FPT Collective is looking forward to seeing the results of all of Blake's hard work.
Vassili Solyoni is a sub-lieutenant under Colonel Vershinin. He is a socially awkward character with some very violent and macabre and narcissistic tendencies. It is revealed that he has participated in at least two duels, which would indicate he is an adept marksman. He develops feelings for Irina and is determined that if he cannot have her as his own, no one will.
Blake Purdy has not been on stage since elementary school where he played Count Dracula. He recalls one of his reviews stating, "He was scarier than my grandma without her dentures" and another, "Mesmerizing performance!!...oh wait..wrong play". All kidding aside, Blake has attended acting training with Liam Grunté and is ready to take on this very interesting role. FPT Collective is looking forward to seeing the results of all of Blake's hard work.
Jonathan Coles - Alexander Ignatiavich Vershinin
A charming, verbose and pompous character, Vershinin has been assigned to take command of the local brigade and has moved to the provincial town from Moscow. Vershinin was a former comrade of the father of the three sisters, and does not take long to make his way into the heart of Masha.
Jonathan Coles has had a keen interest in theater since childhood. In high school, he was in productions of "Marvin's Room" and "The Execution". At King’s College (London, ON) Jonathan was a member of the "King's Players" drama club and participated in various productions and talent shows. His last production was in 2013, with "The Importance of Being Earnest" as the Reverend Canon Chasuble. When not acting, Jonathan is a supply teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. FPT Collective is excited to have Jonathan as part of this cast.
A charming, verbose and pompous character, Vershinin has been assigned to take command of the local brigade and has moved to the provincial town from Moscow. Vershinin was a former comrade of the father of the three sisters, and does not take long to make his way into the heart of Masha.
Jonathan Coles has had a keen interest in theater since childhood. In high school, he was in productions of "Marvin's Room" and "The Execution". At King’s College (London, ON) Jonathan was a member of the "King's Players" drama club and participated in various productions and talent shows. His last production was in 2013, with "The Importance of Being Earnest" as the Reverend Canon Chasuble. When not acting, Jonathan is a supply teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. FPT Collective is excited to have Jonathan as part of this cast.
Shams Abdellatif - Ferapont
An employee of the District Council who is too poor to retire, Ferapont continues to work for the city and assist District Councelor Protopov with his administrative duties and by running errands. He also helps the Prosorov family with some tasks as a part-time handyman. Andrei finds the perfect confidant Ferapont due to his inability to hear anything clearly, ensuring Andrei's secret fears are never revealed.
Shams Abdellatif is in his last year of secondary school. He has a love for film and acting. Shams enjoys taking media classes and experimenting with film techniques. Following graduation, Shams will attend college. At this time, he is still deciding which path to take. FPT Collective is very pleased to work with such a young actor who loves his craft and is looking forward to seeing Shams' performance.
An employee of the District Council who is too poor to retire, Ferapont continues to work for the city and assist District Councelor Protopov with his administrative duties and by running errands. He also helps the Prosorov family with some tasks as a part-time handyman. Andrei finds the perfect confidant Ferapont due to his inability to hear anything clearly, ensuring Andrei's secret fears are never revealed.
Shams Abdellatif is in his last year of secondary school. He has a love for film and acting. Shams enjoys taking media classes and experimenting with film techniques. Following graduation, Shams will attend college. At this time, he is still deciding which path to take. FPT Collective is very pleased to work with such a young actor who loves his craft and is looking forward to seeing Shams' performance.
Jessica O'Neill - Anfisa
Anfisa is the nanny to the three sisters and has been with the family since they were very young. At the age of 80, she is concerned that she will be thrown away. Olga loves Anfisa and protects her from the verbal abuse thrown at her by Andrei's wife who feels Anfisa has outgrown her use.
Jessica O'Neill has worn many hats in their acting career. Jessica was Gonzalo in Liam Grunté Theatre's London Fringe production of The Tempest. More recently in the same company's production of King Lear, Jessica played several characters including Old Man, Servant, and took on the role of Albany for four performances. This is Jessica's first non-Shakespearean production and they are quite looking forward to the opportunity to play a female character. FPT Collective is excited to have Jessica as part of this cast.
Anfisa is the nanny to the three sisters and has been with the family since they were very young. At the age of 80, she is concerned that she will be thrown away. Olga loves Anfisa and protects her from the verbal abuse thrown at her by Andrei's wife who feels Anfisa has outgrown her use.
Jessica O'Neill has worn many hats in their acting career. Jessica was Gonzalo in Liam Grunté Theatre's London Fringe production of The Tempest. More recently in the same company's production of King Lear, Jessica played several characters including Old Man, Servant, and took on the role of Albany for four performances. This is Jessica's first non-Shakespearean production and they are quite looking forward to the opportunity to play a female character. FPT Collective is excited to have Jessica as part of this cast.
James Wybrow - Andrei Sergeyevitch Prosorov
Andrei Prosorov is the lone brother of Olga, Masha and Irina. He is shy and intimidated by their outgoing ways. Andrei is a scholar and musician however his path drastically changes when he decides to marry a local woman and make a life with her. His best friend (Chebutkyn) leads him astray, and his only other confidant is completely unable to hear. Andrei is a tragic character who becomes resigned to his position in life.
James Wybrow has been active in the London theatre community for many years, acting and stage managing. If you follow FPT you will have seen James Wybrow in Titus Andronicus as well in the farcical take on A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as Arthur Dent. Most recently James was the Duke of Cornwall in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. FPT Collective is excited to have James join us as part of this incredible cast.
Andrei Prosorov is the lone brother of Olga, Masha and Irina. He is shy and intimidated by their outgoing ways. Andrei is a scholar and musician however his path drastically changes when he decides to marry a local woman and make a life with her. His best friend (Chebutkyn) leads him astray, and his only other confidant is completely unable to hear. Andrei is a tragic character who becomes resigned to his position in life.
James Wybrow has been active in the London theatre community for many years, acting and stage managing. If you follow FPT you will have seen James Wybrow in Titus Andronicus as well in the farcical take on A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as Arthur Dent. Most recently James was the Duke of Cornwall in Liam Grunté Theatre’s production of King Lear. FPT Collective is excited to have James join us as part of this incredible cast.
Greg Penney - Feodor Ilitch Kuligin
An arrogant man and self-appointed intellect, Feodor Ilitch Kuligin is a professor at a local high school. He is full of opinions, and loves to hear himself talk. He wants to be important at work and spends a great deal of time with the headmaster. Kuligin married Masha when she was only just out of high-school, and has feelings for Olga. He is a conflicted character, but his sense of humour and good temperment keeps him well liked by the sisters.
Greg Penney is no stranger to the stage. If you follow FPT, you will have seen Greg as Quincey in "Dracula", Mr. Drumm in "Da", and as the very funny stone-faced Merriman in "The Importance of Being Earnest". Greg has also worked with Liam Grunté Theatre in the London Fringe production of The Tempest (2021) and most recently as the Duke of Gloucester in LGT's production of King Lear (2023). Greg is also a member of the Murder for Hire troupe, as well as a member of FPT Collective.
An arrogant man and self-appointed intellect, Feodor Ilitch Kuligin is a professor at a local high school. He is full of opinions, and loves to hear himself talk. He wants to be important at work and spends a great deal of time with the headmaster. Kuligin married Masha when she was only just out of high-school, and has feelings for Olga. He is a conflicted character, but his sense of humour and good temperment keeps him well liked by the sisters.
Greg Penney is no stranger to the stage. If you follow FPT, you will have seen Greg as Quincey in "Dracula", Mr. Drumm in "Da", and as the very funny stone-faced Merriman in "The Importance of Being Earnest". Greg has also worked with Liam Grunté Theatre in the London Fringe production of The Tempest (2021) and most recently as the Duke of Gloucester in LGT's production of King Lear (2023). Greg is also a member of the Murder for Hire troupe, as well as a member of FPT Collective.
Danielle Henderson - Natasha Ivanova
Natasha Ivanova is a local woman in a provincial town who has two suitors - Andrei Prosorov and Mikhail Protopov. While she marries Andrei, she continues an affair with Protopov. Natasha finds her voice and turns from a timid character to one who is very demanding. Even though one of the other characters in the story commits murder, literary critics love to call Natasha the villain of the story. Natasha's story arc is one of maiden to mother to matriarch and she reaches deep within herself to usurp Olga and become the strong leader of the Prosorov household.
Danielle Henderson is making her stage debut with FPT Collective in their production of The Three Sisters. Danielle has taken acting training with Liam Grunté and we are excited to see her performance and watch her hard work pay off. Welcome to the stage! We hope to see you in future productions!
Natasha Ivanova is a local woman in a provincial town who has two suitors - Andrei Prosorov and Mikhail Protopov. While she marries Andrei, she continues an affair with Protopov. Natasha finds her voice and turns from a timid character to one who is very demanding. Even though one of the other characters in the story commits murder, literary critics love to call Natasha the villain of the story. Natasha's story arc is one of maiden to mother to matriarch and she reaches deep within herself to usurp Olga and become the strong leader of the Prosorov household.
Danielle Henderson is making her stage debut with FPT Collective in their production of The Three Sisters. Danielle has taken acting training with Liam Grunté and we are excited to see her performance and watch her hard work pay off. Welcome to the stage! We hope to see you in future productions!
George Wardrop - Fedotik
Fedotik is a sub lieutenant who is under the command of Colonel Vershinin. Fedotik is openly in love with Irina. He is young and playful. He takes great pleasure in bringing gifts to Irina and he takes nothing seriously. He is also a photographer and likes to take lots of interesting photos of his friends.
George Wardrop is an accomplished actor, singer and performer. He started his acting career with FPT's production of Jekyll and Hyde. He continued to appear in An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, Almost Alice (a FPT / Fringe Production) and Titus Andronicus. FPT Collective is excited to be working with George again on this project.
Fedotik is a sub lieutenant who is under the command of Colonel Vershinin. Fedotik is openly in love with Irina. He is young and playful. He takes great pleasure in bringing gifts to Irina and he takes nothing seriously. He is also a photographer and likes to take lots of interesting photos of his friends.
George Wardrop is an accomplished actor, singer and performer. He started his acting career with FPT's production of Jekyll and Hyde. He continued to appear in An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, Almost Alice (a FPT / Fringe Production) and Titus Andronicus. FPT Collective is excited to be working with George again on this project.
Liam Grunté - Director
Liam trained in acting and film at Fanshawe College. While running FPT London for ten years, and then creating Liam Grunté Theatre, he has produced and directed numerous successful shows in London, Hamilton and Toronto. His most recent theatre performance was Prospero in the London Fringe production of "The Tempest" (2022). Selected acting credits include “The Most Humorous and Tragic Tale of William Shakespeare’s Shakespeare” as Richard Burbage (Redwood Theatre, Toronto), Charles Tynan in "Da" (Palace Theatre Main Stage, London) and on camera, ABC/Disney’s “Kingswood” (uncredited). The Three Sister's is Liam's 25th directing project.
Liam is represented by Carolyn’s Talent. To book/inquire, please contact [email protected] or to schedule acting lessons, coaching sessions or to book as a speaker, contact him via email at [email protected]
Liam trained in acting and film at Fanshawe College. While running FPT London for ten years, and then creating Liam Grunté Theatre, he has produced and directed numerous successful shows in London, Hamilton and Toronto. His most recent theatre performance was Prospero in the London Fringe production of "The Tempest" (2022). Selected acting credits include “The Most Humorous and Tragic Tale of William Shakespeare’s Shakespeare” as Richard Burbage (Redwood Theatre, Toronto), Charles Tynan in "Da" (Palace Theatre Main Stage, London) and on camera, ABC/Disney’s “Kingswood” (uncredited). The Three Sister's is Liam's 25th directing project.
Liam is represented by Carolyn’s Talent. To book/inquire, please contact [email protected] or to schedule acting lessons, coaching sessions or to book as a speaker, contact him via email at [email protected]
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
CUPE 4222 for Rehearsal Space
James Wybrow - Lighting Design
Brian Grunté - Headshots
CUPE 4222 for Rehearsal Space
James Wybrow - Lighting Design
Brian Grunté - Headshots