About the show

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. follows all of your favourite friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat
score, Madagascar Jr. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

Madagascar Jr. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.MTIShows.com

 

SHOW GALLERY

The Production Team

 

 

 
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Keelan Ballantyne - Director

Keelan is very excited to be leading this group of amazing artists and creators. He has been a part of the theatre community in Barrie for the past 10 years and loves to give the experience he has to the next generation of artists. He has performed in shows in and around Barrie, including Billy Elliot (YES Theatre), The Cenotaph Project (Theatre By The Bay) and Rent (Moving Art).  Past direction credits include Aladdin Jr. and Annie Jr. (both with Hyde Park Elementary School). This show is going to knock your socks off with the amount of talent that is on the stage! Keelan is very proud of all the hard work and dedication that these kids have brought to this show.

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Julia Johnson - Music Director

Julia is honoured to be back for her second Jr. show with KCP as Music Director. Julia is a vocal & drama coach for Express Yourself Performing Arts & a director for Orillia Community Children’s Choir and Little Treble Makers Choir in Midland! Thanks to the cast for being dedicated to your show!

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Adam Ashby - Choreographer

Adam is thrilled to be returning as a choreographer for Madagascar this season! Recent choreographic credits include; KCP’s Aladdin Jr (2019 THEA Award Nominee) and The Wedding Singer. Recent Performance credits include; You Want It What Way? (Hamilton Fringe), Finch ~ Newsies (The LOT), Angel ~ Rent (MA). Now lets get crack-a-lackin and enjoy the show!

 

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Sandra Ballantyne - Producer

Sandra is pleased to be back to produce her eighth show for KCP.  What began as a simple decision to audition alongside her eldest son has lead to an evolving 14 year relationship with KCP. Although she loves performing, her passion is supporting artists both on stage and behind the scenes. She is so proud of this hardworking group of kids and thankful to be working with such a talented and dedicated team. Sandra thanks her husband and family for allowing her the freedom to indulge this passion, and hopes you will continue to help create vibrant communities by supporting live theatre in Barrie and area.

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Carley Beattie - Stage Manager

Carley Beattie is so happy to have returned to the stage manager’s seat again after making her SM debut last year with Kempenfelt Community Players production of “Aladdin Jr”. With over 12 years of experience both on and off stage, Beattie says it’s never too late to learn more. She would like to thank Keelan, Adam, Julia, Sandra and the rest of the creative team for all their hard work. She would also like to thank the cast for all their dedication. Beattie asks that you sit back, enjoy and get ready to party in Madagascar!

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Aaron Bennett - Sets

Aaron is excited to be a part of the production team for Madagascar Jr! Aaron has been a part of many KCP productions both behind the scenes and on stage. He has assisted in sets for shows such as “Aladdin Jr.”, “Oliver! The Musical” and “The Wedding Singer”. His on stage credits include “Bill Sykes” in “Oliver! The Musical”, “Sammy” in “The Wedding Singer” and the “Big Bad Wolf” in “Shrek! The Musical”. When not on stage, Aaron can be found teaching Kindergarten Physical Education at Kempenfelt Bay School, or playing the drums in various bands across the Barrie and Orillia area. A part of the KCP Board of Directors, he and his girlfriend are Co-Chair’s for the Director of Facility role, and can both be seen working at the KCP rehearsal unit to keep it in tip-top shape! He is ecstatic for you to see this fantastic production and hopes you will all enjoy the show!

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BrendaThompson - Costumer

Designing costumes are a new adventure for Brenda. For the past 18 years she has been the set designer and scenic artist for over 25 productions. Brenda has also been involved with Theatre By the Bay doing set design, props and costumes.

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Adelaide Webster - First Mate, Ensemble

Adelaide is a grade 7 student. Adelaide was a part of her school production of Peter Pan, and enjoyed it so much she joined KCP.  Adelaide loves to sing and enjoys entertaining her friends. She loves spending time with her family and her dog Finn. 

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Alina Bennato - Ensemble

Alina is so excited for her debut performance at KCP in this production of Madagascar Jr. If it was possible, Alina would spend her day in song and dance. Her flair for drama and spunk can be seen through her love cheerleading and tumbling. Alina is grateful for this amazing opportunity to learn from the KCP community.

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Angelina Ramotowski- Captain, Ensemble

Angelina is super excited to be in her first musical with KCP, especially since it is such an energetic and entertaining production of Madagascar. She loves dance, soccer, swimming, playing the piano, singing and acting.  Most of all she enjoys being in musicals like Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (kid’s chorus), Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), Wonder in Aliceland (Tweedle Dee).  Angelina has been dancing since she was two. She has been trained in tap, hip-hop, acro, jazz, ballet and musical theater. She’s loved music ever since she was a baby as she would laugh, clap, bop her head, sing and dance along to her mother’s singing. She loves musicals because she can express her true self while she practices for her songs and dance numbers. One of her favourite things about being in these musicals so far, is that she and her sister Isabelle, (who is playing Rico the Penguin), can experience wonderful moments and memories being in them together.  Angelina hopes you enjoy the show!  She thanks all her family and friends who support her love of being on stage by coming to see this show and many others while she’s been in talent shows, competitions and recitals.

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Anna Goldsmith - Ensemble

Anna is in grade 7 and this production is her 3rd role with KCP, appearing previously in Peter Pan Jr. and Aladdin Jr. She has also had roles in The Melody in Me productions of Shrek Jr. and Into the Woods Jr. You can see her this December as Young Anna in the Moving Art production of Frozen Jr. Anna enjoys voice lessons with The Melody in Me and is continuing her voice studies at conservatory levels. Anna represented the Barrie Music Festival at the provincial level in June; she plays the clarinet and piano, and is teaching herself how to play the ukulele. She’s an avid animal lover, especially her dog Roxy, and a skier.  She loves to travel and spend time with friends. Anna is excited and thankful for the opportunity to perform for you in Madagascar Jr. Enjoy the show!

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Atticus Raedts - Marty

Atticus is thrilled to be taking part in his seventh show with KCP!! With his 18th birthday coming up quick, he’s soaking in his last year of the youth program with his first biggest role yet! He’d like to thank his wonderful family, his awesome crew, and The Rat Gang. They know who they are.

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Brianna Stephen - Zookeeper Zoe, Lemur Lew, Ensemble

Brianna is so excited to be joining the cast of “Madagascar”, her first KCP musical, after recently appearing as the Wolf in the play “Les Trois Petits Cochons”. Brianna attends the French immersion program at her school, studies voice, mixed martial arts, and enjoys dance, skiing, and baseball. Brianna would like to thank Keelan, Julia, and Adam for their support and her family for always letting her pursue her dreams. 

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Briar Faubert - Ensemble

Briar is very excited to be a part of this year’s KCP production of Madagascar Jr. This is her third performance with KCP and she is extremely thankful for the learning experience! Briar has been taking vocal lessons for 8 years and her past performances include The Little Mermaid Jr. (KCP), Peter Pan Jr. (KCP) Say it in Song (TMIM) and Into the Woods (TMIM). Briar would to like to say a huge thank you to the creative team, the talented cast and her friends and family for all the help and support. Enjoy the show!!

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Cadence Miller - Kowalski, Ensemble

Cadie is making her debut performance with Kempenfelt Community Players. Cadie has always loved to act and sing and has participated in many school productions and community performances. Cadie is also a Highland dancer who loves to dress up in her kilt and share her Scottish heritage. Cadie is a passionate reader and proud member of her school’s gold medal winning Battle of the Books team. Cadie’s dream role is to play her favourite book character, Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables). Along with her red hair and freckles, she is creative, determined, and has the feisty redheaded temper, much like her beloved fictional kindred spirit. Cadie would like to thank everyone at KCP for this amazing opportunity!

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Charlize Coulson - Ensemble

Charlize Coulson is very proud to be joining the Kempenfelt Community Players this year.  She is a Barrie native and is currently in the 6th grade at Steel Street Public School.  She has always had a natural affinity to music and acting, taking lessons in guitar, drums and voice.  She would like to thank all of her friends and family who have come out to support her in her acting debut.

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Charlotte Voo - Lemur Lee, Ensemble

This is Charlottes fifth musical production and fourth show with KCP. She has been in The Little Mermaid Jr, Peter Pan Jr, and Oliver! with KCP. She was very glad to be accepted into this cast and is very happy to be in this upbeat and fun show. There is a great cast and awesome directors, choreographers, stage managers and a fantastic producer as well. She loves being in the KCP shows for the fun and caring environment with the people that feel like family. She hopes you will come to see the show! 

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Christopher DeLenardo - Zookeeper Zeke, Ensemble, understudy

Christopher is a grade 10 student, and is thrilled to be part of his third KCP production. His love of theatre has been fostered by his aunt, who is a stage manager. Christopher’s past theatre experiences include KCP’s Aladdin (Apple Vendor) and Oliver! (Charlie Bates) and Bear Creek’s Freaky Friday (Adam) and Fiddler on the Roof. He takes piano and voice lessons with Janet Kinsey Music Studio and plays trumpet in his high school band. Christopher is also part of Moving Art’s Senior Triple Threat Program. Christopher thanks his family for their support and hopes you enjoy the show.

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Clara Lash - Ensemble

Clara is very excited to be part of the cast of Madagascar Jr.  Her musical theatre experience has included roles in The Best of The Melody in Me (Melody in Me), Into the Woods Jr. (Melody in Me), Say it in Song (Melody in Me) and Peter Pan Jr. (KCP). Clara is in Grade 6 and has been singing and dancing since she could walk. She is an environmental activist and also enjoys playing the piano, skiing, mountain biking, and swimming.

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Connor Kennedy - Monkey, Ensemble, understudy

Connor is a weird dude; he likes heavy metal, but he also likes the Backyardigans soundtrack. He loves theatre, but he really doesn’t like Shakespeare. Connor is a nerd who can’t seem to not be awkward, but he does really enjoy performing on stage. from singing heavy metal Christmas in Innisdales “Alice in Christmas Land” To being an aggressively emotional guard captain with a passion for apples in KCP’s “Aladdin Jr.” To having all of his limbs cut off in Innisdales “Spamalot”. Connor truly isn’t a man with talents, but is definitely a man without shame. Connor would like to thank his dog pepper for always supporting him. And probably his family.

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Evan Johnson - Maurice, Ensemble

Evan has shown a passion for entertaining people since he was very young, always wanting to make people laugh.  Showcasing his many talents in school musicals, Evan loves to sing and is enrolled in classes to better himself and commit to his chosen crafts. He is happiest when in the spotlight!  Evan enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends and family. He has a younger brother with whom he is a huge support and role model for and two very proud parents who encourage him to work hard and follow his dreams. At this time he would like to thank his family, teachers, directors and everyone at KCP who have provided him the opportunity to follow his dream!

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G.E. Small - Alex

G.E is hyped to be making a KCP debut in Madagascar Jr. A recent import to Barrie, this kid has been involved in a variety of musicals, mostly improvised church Christmas plays, and choirs throughout Hamilton, and would like to thank the welcoming and wonderful cast and crew involved in the show.

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Isabelle Ramotowski - Rico, Ensemble

10 year old Isabelle’s been singing and dancing (acro, jazz, ballet) from the moment she could.   She loves musical theatre and going to watch any type of live show or musical performance.  She’s very excited to be part of her first show with KCP, the energetic performance of Madagascar.  She’s played Frieda in Charlie Brown, Tweedle Dum in Wonder in Aliceland (Express Yourself) and was a member of the kids chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (St. Paul’s Church). Isabelle also enjoys travelling adventures with her family, playing the piano, bike riding, swimming and sunny days at the beach. She would like to thank all her family and friends who have come out to support her by watching this show and other concerts, talent shows, musicals and competitions she has been a part of.

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Jack Card - Mort, Ensemble

Jack is very excited to participate in his first KCP show. He first performed on stage with the local choir, Bravado and has also had the opportunity to sing our Canadian National Anthem live for hundreds in a downtown square in Portugal. Jack is crazy about playing video games on Saturday morning, eating delicious homemade waffles, and playing with his dog Calvin. Jack attends Codrington Public School and enjoys reading, working on his Chromebook and trading Pokemon cards. He would like to thank his family for all of their love and support everyday, and encouraging him to be his best.

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Johnny Barks - Lemur Lars, Ensemble, understudy

Johnny is the fourth of seven children, and the only boy. Johnny loves to sing and play the piano, and expends his copious amount of energy is anything outdoors. Johnny is very excited to make his theatre debut in this production of Madagascar Jr. as Lars the Lemur – a perfect personification of his character! Johnny is grateful to KCP for the opportunity, to his vocal teacher Catherine Toner, to his sister Grace for inspiring him, and his family’s support in partaking in this production.

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Kyle McKim - Mason, Ensemble

Kyle is an active grade 10 student.  Born here in Barrie, he couldn’t wait to attend high school and participate in Drama and Latin, his two favorite subjects.  He participated in Scouts for many years and at age 10 travelled to B.C. for his first camp away from home, he followed that adventure with a trip to Ireland.  He enjoys travel, camping, reading, piano and singing and in the winter downhill skiing.  Last year he was in the cast of Freaky Friday the Musical, put on by Bear Creek Secondary School and was so excited to join Kempenfelt Community Players. 

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Kylie Orr - Ensemble

Kylie is thrilled to be a part of KCP’s production of ‘Madagascar Jr’! This is the third KCP show that Kylie has been a part of. She has been in Aladdin Jr and Peter Pan Jr with KCP. Some other shows Kylie has been a part of include; The Lion King Jr, Into the Woods Jr, Shrek Jr and Once on this Island Jr. Kylie takes vocal and piano lessons with Margot Hamilton. In her free time, Kylie enjoys hanging out with friends and sleeping. Kylie would like to thank her mom for always supporting her in and outside of theatre. She hopes you enjoy watching the show as much as the cast enjoyed preparing it for you!

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Kyra Riding - Ensemble

Kyra is a 14 year old high school student that loves the arts and sports.  She has been in three musicals, Once on this Island (ensemble), Beauty and the Beast (ensemble), and Madagascar Jr. (ensemble).  She has also acted in plays such as Once upon a Witch as Prince Charming, Enchanted Forest as Little Red Riding Hood’s Grandma, Rapunzle, the White Rabbit (from Alice in Wonderland), and the Mayor of the Town, and EFN News as Sydney Grimm.  Kyra play the piano, guitar, and clarinet, and also is playing for an A list volleyball team called the Pioneers.

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Lily Cowan - Zookeeper Zelda, Ensemble

Lily has been involved in community theatre for the past four years, and she is excited to have a role in her first KCP production. When she is not performing she is singing and playing with her dog. Lily hopes you enjoy this amazing show!

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Lilyanna Padoin-Lee - Ensemble

Lilyanna is thrilled to be appearing in another KCP production (Peter Pan Jr. 2017)!  She enjoys singing all day long and riding her unicycle.  She is thankful to all involved with this year’s show for sharing their time, skills and knowledge with her.

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Madeline Barks - Ensemble

Maddie is almost 14 and the third of seven kids in her family. She enjoys being active, and she especially loves to dance and do archery. She also loves to read – she thinks books are awesome. This is her first musical ever, and Madagascar is one of her favourite movies and is now musical!  Being a part of this amazing musical has been such a great experience for her. She is so glad she got to be a part of it. Everyone participating in this adventure is so talented and amazing to be around. She hopes to be a part of more incredible experiences like this one. She hopes you enjoy the performance!

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Madelyn Kenyon - Lemur Lynn, Candy Hammernose, Ensemble

Madelyn has been a constant source of song since she was very tiny.  When she is not singing or performing, Madelyn is hanging out with her three siblings, playing sports, or styling everyone’s hair.  She’s classically trained in piano and voice and loves being on stage.  She wants to be a star, and she is so excited to be a part of “Madagascar Jr.”  This is Madelyn’s second production with KCP as she played the part of Iago in 2018’s Aladdin Jr.  In addition, she was recently awarded a lead role in the Emmanuel Barrie production of the “The Christmas Post.”   She would like to thank her wonderful music teacher Tiana Struthmann (studio Tiana) as well as her family, friends and all the cast and production staff at Kempenfelt Community Players.

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Maryse-soleil de Montbrun - King Julien, Ensemble

Maryse-soleil, an advocate for the arts and creative liberty in all aspects of life, stemming from having a very supportive and artistic family, and distaste for anything that lacks individuality and uniqueness.  Maryse-soleil has a love for bringing what’s in the imagination to life, so theatre has always been a fun time, especially since their performance in Innisdale’s production of Spamalot. They aspire to be a spokesperson for the arts, and be able to create. currently though, acting, modelling and visual arts are top priority.  Maryse-soleil would like to thank anyone who’d believed and supported them, teachers, friends, loved ones and family, especially their parents for never leaving their side, and helping them achieve their goals.

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Owen Gariepy - Melman

Owen is thrilled to be returning to the KCP stage in Madagascar Jr. He has played other roles such as Fletcher in Freaky Friday and The Cave of Wonders in Aladdin Jr. He also plays musical instruments such as the piano, tuba and various percussion instruments in bands at school and cadets. Owen is thankful for his family’s enthusiastic support of his musical aspirations.

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Rachel Shaw - Ensemble

Rachel is a 14-year-old student from Barrie who is thrilled to be a part of Madagascar Jr., making this her third year with KCP. She loves to sing and act and welcomes the prospect of any future opportunities. Thanks to her family and the KCP crew for the wonderful experience!

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Railyn Hodson-Walker - Skipper, Ensemble

This is Railyn’s third KCP production. Over the years, she has enjoyed being in The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. Railyn would like to thank her school, W.C.Little and her family for their constant support.

Railyn has always had a love for singing and dancing. Railyn has a stage in her basement that she has put on countless shows for her many fans.  She has a love of performing and looks forward to many more productions in the future.

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Riley Hubbard - Ensemble

Riley is very excited to join the cast of Madagascar Jr.. This is her third production with KCP, previously performing the role of Genie Dancer in Aladdin Jr..  Riley’s other theatre experience includes Peter Pan Jr., Lion King Jr., Broadway Musical Madness and Candide.  Riley is a recording artist and can be found on all major music streaming platforms. She is currently enrolled in the Regional Arts Program:Vocal at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School. She enjoys playing guitar, ukulele & piano. Riley is passionate about travelling and social justice.  Riley’s enthusiasm is contagious with her love of music and her passion for singing. Riley would like to thank everyone for their unending support.

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Samantha Pergau - Private, Ensemble

Sam is very excited to perform in her second show with KCP. She is enjoying escaping from NYC with her fellow penguins and the rest of the cast.  Big thanks to Keelan, Julia, Adam and Carley for helping her along the way, and to her family for encouraging her to take the role. To the ice!

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Sarah Johnston - Old Lady, Ensemble

Sarah is thrilled to be apart of KCP’s Madagascar, her sixth musical with the company! Sarah is 17 years old and attends Bear Creek Secondary School. She is interested in going forward in the digital arts after high school. Sarah has performed in musicals since the age of 12, when she joined her first KCP production, Suessical Jr! Since then, Sarah has played many different roles such as ensemble in Beauty and the Beast Jr and Aladdin Jr, a Mersister in The Little Mermaid Jr, and Gretchen in Bear Creek’s production Freaky Friday! In addition to this, Sarah has done 12 years of dance, and sung in multiple choirs from age 9 to today. Sarah would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

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Shannon Prouty - Gloria

Shannon is thrilled to be in her first KCP production, Madagascar Jr.. She has performed in Alice in Wonderland (Tweedle Dum), Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (Mrs.Gloop), and in Pass The Music On in 2015 and 2018. Shannon is currently the co-president of Drama Club and a member of the Sr. Vocal Ensemble, Concert and Chamber Choir at her school. Shannon would love to thank her friends and family for their support. 

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Sylvie Potje - Ensemble

Sylvie is a Grade 10 student. She enjoys music and plays multiple instruments including piano, trumpet, trombone, and horn. Sylvie also loves to read (a lot), knit (still learning) and do creative writing. She is very adventurous and loves scary roller coasters and rock climbing. Sylvie is left handed and proud of it, but she is trying to become ambidextrous before the end of next year, because hey, who wouldn’t want to be able to write two paragraphs at the same time? Previous roles include Curley in Peter Pan Jr. (KCP), Ensemble in Oliver! (KCP), and Savannah in Freaky Friday (B.C.S.S.). She had a blast working on Madagascar Jr. this year, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Venue – Georgian Theatre

Georgian Theatre

1 Georgian Drive

Barrie, ON

Thanks to our amazing sponsors!