About
Closer Than Ever, with music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., opened on Broadway in November 1989 to rave reviews. “A bookless book musical,” it began as a one-act play conceived by Steven Scott Smith, who later expanded it into a two-act production, with Maltby taking over as director. Shire is a well-known film composer, whose many credits include Farewell My Lovely, All the President’s Men, Saturday Night Fever and The Conversation, which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola; Maltby is best known for the two Broadway shows he conceived and directed, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Fosse.
“Closer Than Ever” is comprised of twenty-five musical numbers, each one being a story unto itself. Some are touching. Some are humorous. And chances are that you will be able to relate to all of them.
“Closer Than Ever” is comprised of twenty-five musical numbers, each one being a story unto itself. Some are touching. Some are humorous. And chances are that you will be able to relate to all of them.
Producer's Note
Thank you for coming to Burns Wharf Theatre Players’ production of Closer Than Ever. Monty Python fans, think of the announcer intoning: “And now for something completely different.” Because like The Baker’s Wife four years ago, this show further expands our repertoire to include other Broadway hits along with Gilbert & Sullivan winners. And it is very different!
So different that for most of the company, it has meant stepping up to new challenges and ‘firsts.’ Like stepping out of a chorus role into the spotlight. Or telling stories without spoken dialogue. Learning unusually complicated songs and music, complicated even for our veterans. Or taking on a new production role. And fast scene changes every 5 or so minutes. Just to name a few!
You will be happy to see the return of many of your favourite Burns Wharf players for Closer Than Ever. You will also experience a lot of very talented newcomers! We continue to grow and are stronger than ever (maybe even closer than ever!) after our three-year pandemic hiatus.
Another first: this is the first time in our 15-year history that Burns Wharf Theatre Players present outside Manitowaning. We are very grateful to Manitoulin Secondary School and the Rainbow District School Board for welcoming us to their beautiful venue.
Now enjoy the show!
Lynne Dee Sproule, Producer
So different that for most of the company, it has meant stepping up to new challenges and ‘firsts.’ Like stepping out of a chorus role into the spotlight. Or telling stories without spoken dialogue. Learning unusually complicated songs and music, complicated even for our veterans. Or taking on a new production role. And fast scene changes every 5 or so minutes. Just to name a few!
You will be happy to see the return of many of your favourite Burns Wharf players for Closer Than Ever. You will also experience a lot of very talented newcomers! We continue to grow and are stronger than ever (maybe even closer than ever!) after our three-year pandemic hiatus.
Another first: this is the first time in our 15-year history that Burns Wharf Theatre Players present outside Manitowaning. We are very grateful to Manitoulin Secondary School and the Rainbow District School Board for welcoming us to their beautiful venue.
Now enjoy the show!
Lynne Dee Sproule, Producer
Production and Cast
Ray Scott, Music Director, Accompanist – Ray teaches in Gore Bay, hangs out in Manitowaning with surprising frequency and lives in Big Lake with his patient wife, academic son, and Benji, the affectionate dog. Ray has performed in and directed a number of musicals - and continues to do so because of an apparent immunity to suffering. Enjoy the show!
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Lynne Dee Sproule, Producer – Lynne Dee joined Burns Wharf Theatre Players six years ago for G&S' The Sorcerer. Totally smitten by the group and being on stage, she couldn't wait to be a part of Closer Than Ever. She is deeply grateful to the amazing cast and crew and also to her dear, supportive and neglected husband, Henry Mink.
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Peter Baumgarten – Peter has been involved in every production put on by the Burns Wharf Theatre Players. He is a retired teacher with a second career as a professional photographer. He would like to thank the entire cast for the experience this season, and his wife, Christianna for all of the support. It’s great to be back on stage!
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Ann Cummings - Ann has a background in theatre, music, dance and improvisation training. As a teen she was part of the musical “PeaceChild”. Most recently she was a part of a Burlesque Cabaret performance group, “Skin Tight Outta Sight”, and was also a member of an Afro-Brazilian Percussion group. Offstage, Ann is an Outdoor Educator with Kenjgewin Teg. Ann is enjoying her first year with Burns Wharf Theatre. It is a great privilege to share the stage with such a talented cast and crew!
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John Diebolt - This is John's first appearance with BWTP. A retired Conservation Officer, former server/restauranteur and existing father, grandfather and partner to Rose, John just loves to sing and make any kind of noise. He is extremely excited to be surrounded by such a talented and helpful group, and to be a part of this awesome production. Please join all of us and get Closer Than Ever to everyone!!!
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Audrey Jones - Audrey is excited to return with Burns Wharf again this year. A member of the group since the first HMS Pinafore, paramedic, farmer’s wife, mom, book lover.... Audrey would like to thank her family for putting up with cold suppers and the total neglect of household chores during theatre season.
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Carole Labelle – Carole has enjoyed being with the BWTP Family since its 2nd season. Throughout her journey with BWTP, she has worn many hats, from portraying diverse characters to stepping behind the scenes and trying her hand at directing. However, what truly ignites her passion is the opportunity to act, sing, and perform in front of her family and friends. Being on stage has allowed Carole to showcase her talents, especially her comedic side, but among her new favourite roles is being Grandmaman to her first grandson, Theo.
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Rebecca Laurenti - This will be Rebecca's first production with Burns Wharf Theatre, but certainly not her last. Being involved on and offstage since a young age, she has her parents, Theresa and Dario, to thank for that gift. One of Rebecca's most treasured theatre moments was directing the show "Reflections," written by an Ontario playwright for Gallery7 Theatre's One Act Showcase, 2018.
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Carmen Marchand - This will Carmen's first experience with theatre and she is truly excited! She has a passion for music and since watching many productions from Burns Wharf Theatre felt drawn to joining this amazing group of talented individuals. Thanks to everyone in the group for their patience and advice. Special thanks to her husband Lou for encouraging her along the way.
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Jacob Pitawanakwat - Jacob got his first taste of musical theatre under the mentorship of Ray Scott in elementary school. He has also performed in Beauty and the Beast as well as Elton John's Aida with St. Charles College in Sudbury. Jacob is an IT specialist and father of a 7-month old son, Axel. Jacob is over the moon to be back on stage as he reignites his passion for the theatre. Enjoy the show!
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Jane Prosser - Jane is honoured and delighted to be in her fifth production by the Burns Wharf Theatre. She has been involved in many musical performances over the years including a choir trip to England to sing in several of its beautiful cathedrals. It has been a dream come true to move to this beautiful community and to be part of such a talented and enthusiastic group of people.
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Cameron Meawasige, Stage Manager - This will be Cameron’s second production with Burns Wharf Theatre Players, her first being part of the ensemble of The Baker’s Wife in 2019. With an extensive musical theatre background since the age of 7, this will be her first production as Stage Manager. Cameron is honoured to be included in this production and surrounded by such a talented cast!
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Program
Doors – Alex, Allison, Isaac, Jane
She Loves Me Not – Allison, John, Peter
You Wanna Be My Friend – Jacob, Rebecca
What am I Doing? – Jacob
The Bear, the Tiger, the Hamster and the Mole – Margit
I’ll Get Up Tomorrow Morning – Jacob
Ms. Byrd – Ann
Doors Transition - John
Dating Again – Rebecca, Allison, Isaac, Jacob
One of the Good Guys – Ray
There’s Nothing Like It – Jacob, Isaac, Carmen, Ann
Life Story – Kayla
Next Time/I Wouldn’t Go Back – Alex, Audrey, Isaac, Jane, Peter
INTERMISSION (15 minutes)
Three Friends – Margit, Carole, Lynne Dee
Fandango – Ann, Isaac
There – Carole, Ray
Patterns – Kayla
There is Something in a Wedding – Jane, Carole, Peter, John
Another Wedding Song – Alex, Lynne Dee
If I Sing – Isaac
Back on Base – Ann
The March of Time – Alex, Carmen, Peter, Lynne Dee
Father of Fathers – Isaac, Peter, John
It’s Never That Easy / I’ve Been Here Before – Rebecca, Margit
Closer Than Ever – Ray, Audrey, Carmen, Peter, John and Cast
She Loves Me Not – Allison, John, Peter
You Wanna Be My Friend – Jacob, Rebecca
What am I Doing? – Jacob
The Bear, the Tiger, the Hamster and the Mole – Margit
I’ll Get Up Tomorrow Morning – Jacob
Ms. Byrd – Ann
Doors Transition - John
Dating Again – Rebecca, Allison, Isaac, Jacob
One of the Good Guys – Ray
There’s Nothing Like It – Jacob, Isaac, Carmen, Ann
Life Story – Kayla
Next Time/I Wouldn’t Go Back – Alex, Audrey, Isaac, Jane, Peter
INTERMISSION (15 minutes)
Three Friends – Margit, Carole, Lynne Dee
Fandango – Ann, Isaac
There – Carole, Ray
Patterns – Kayla
There is Something in a Wedding – Jane, Carole, Peter, John
Another Wedding Song – Alex, Lynne Dee
If I Sing – Isaac
Back on Base – Ann
The March of Time – Alex, Carmen, Peter, Lynne Dee
Father of Fathers – Isaac, Peter, John
It’s Never That Easy / I’ve Been Here Before – Rebecca, Margit
Closer Than Ever – Ray, Audrey, Carmen, Peter, John and Cast
Thank You
It would be impossible to do this show without the behind-the-scenes wizardry and work of the following members of the Closer Than Ever company:
Sound: Rick Mauti
Lighting: Zack Hill
Lighting and Sound Design: Isaac Gosse
Set Design: Isaac Gosse, Kayla Simbirski
Set Construction: Isaac Gosse, Philip Gosse
Set Painting: Isaac Gosse, Peter Baumgarten
Stage Management Support: Audrey Jones
Props: Audrey Jones
Costumes: Audrey Jones, Cast
Production Support: Peter Baumgarten
Make-up: Carole Labelle, Marilyn Wohlberg
Front of House: Ann Marie Scott
Bookkeeper: Elwood Wohlberg
Publicity and Program: Lynne Dee Sproule, Peter Baumgarten
Sound: Rick Mauti
Lighting: Zack Hill
Lighting and Sound Design: Isaac Gosse
Set Design: Isaac Gosse, Kayla Simbirski
Set Construction: Isaac Gosse, Philip Gosse
Set Painting: Isaac Gosse, Peter Baumgarten
Stage Management Support: Audrey Jones
Props: Audrey Jones
Costumes: Audrey Jones, Cast
Production Support: Peter Baumgarten
Make-up: Carole Labelle, Marilyn Wohlberg
Front of House: Ann Marie Scott
Bookkeeper: Elwood Wohlberg
Publicity and Program: Lynne Dee Sproule, Peter Baumgarten
Many others gave time, expertise and support that has been instrumental to Burns Wharf Theatre's ability to stage Closer Than Ever. Special thanks goes to...
Manitoulin Secondary School: Dave Wiwchar, Don Tassé and the Custodial Team, Chris Theijsmeijer, Heather Theijsmeijer, Yana Bauer, and Connie Freeman
Rainbow District School Board: Cathy Graham
Long & McQuade, Sudbury: Matt Foy
Rehearsal and Performance Space: Rainbow District School Board and Manitoulin Secondary School, St. Paul's Anglican Church, Knox United Church, Marilyn Wohlberg's Great Room, Ray Scott's Living Room, Lynne Dee Sproule's Living Room
Audience Refreshments, Ushers: Staff, Students and Parents of the Manitoulin Secondary School Musical Theatre Program
Sponsors: Breakaway Sports and Cycle, Goose Enterprises, Manitoulin Financial, Manitoulin Tree Service, Manitowaning Mill Home Hardware, Nic Harfield's Farm and Vineyard, Ramage Law, TerraStar Building Products, White's Shell Garage.
Manitoulin Secondary School: Dave Wiwchar, Don Tassé and the Custodial Team, Chris Theijsmeijer, Heather Theijsmeijer, Yana Bauer, and Connie Freeman
Rainbow District School Board: Cathy Graham
Long & McQuade, Sudbury: Matt Foy
Rehearsal and Performance Space: Rainbow District School Board and Manitoulin Secondary School, St. Paul's Anglican Church, Knox United Church, Marilyn Wohlberg's Great Room, Ray Scott's Living Room, Lynne Dee Sproule's Living Room
Audience Refreshments, Ushers: Staff, Students and Parents of the Manitoulin Secondary School Musical Theatre Program
Sponsors: Breakaway Sports and Cycle, Goose Enterprises, Manitoulin Financial, Manitoulin Tree Service, Manitowaning Mill Home Hardware, Nic Harfield's Farm and Vineyard, Ramage Law, TerraStar Building Products, White's Shell Garage.