Linda here. At Randall’s hospital meetings, twenty people sat around a conference table discussing leukemia protocols. As a businessperson, I noticed something unsettling: unlike other processes with clear endpoints, this one had two paths – continue treatment or face an “unfavorable outcome.” I had to ask what that meant, an “unfavorable outcome.” It meant death. They were coating a bad … Read More
Meet the Characters: The back-room whisperer: Meet Ham
We are thrilled to welcome Tommy Amoroso to the role of Ham in Who Is Esther! A Singer/Actor with an impressive and wide-ranging stage career, Tommy brings a wealth of experience and natural charisma to this production. His theater credits are truly remarkable for their breadth – spanning beloved musicals and dramatic works alike. Audiences may recognize him from standout … Read More
Meet our Costume Designer
Sometimes the perfect person comes along at exactly the right moment and that is precisely what happened when Temima Rocklin reached out during our casting call to offer her help with costumes (and props). Temima brings hands-on experience in sewing and costume drafting, with training at George Brown College, and Young People’s Theatre Drama School. She is currently pursuing her … Read More
Meet Ham’s Wife
Meet Tikka Smiley, who brings warmth and joy to the stage in the roles of Ham’s wife and Contestant #2. Tikka has been delighting audiences of all ages with her dynamic and soulful music, and it is easy to see why: her live performance credits include Sing Baby Sing!, HavaN’Ranena, the “Hava N’ranena: the soulful song circle ensemble”, and Skinnamarink … Read More
Meet the Characters: The underestimated heroine: Meet Esther
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zalyzza Govia to the role of Esther; the heart and heroine at the very center of Who Is Esther. An alto/mezzo-soprano of remarkable range and versatility, Zalyzza brings both vocal power and deep emotional presence to this pivotal role. Her theater credits speak for themselves, most notably her portrayal of Lady Clapham in Something … Read More
What just came out of my mouth!
“Randall, what are you going to do if you have to be in semi-isolation for two years?” That was the question that my wife, Linda, and the co-producer of Who Is Esther asked me a number of years ago. And I said, ‘I’m going to write a Broadway-style musical.’ And then, in my mind, I said those wonderful words: ‘Holy … Read More
The Cancer Community
You typically don’t know about them until you, or someone you know, needs them. But with almost one in two people being faced with cancer at some point in their lives, these are the unsung heroes who provide programming, emotional support, and practical assistance. They put together support groups, cancer exercise programs, and specialized care. This list includes organizations like … Read More
Meet Vashti
We are delighted to welcome Michelle Kettrick to the role of Vashti. With a rich background in both Opera and Musical Theatre, Michelle brings a wealth of talent and stage presence to this production. She will also be lending her voice as a cherished member of the Chorus. By day, Michelle inspires the next generation of musicians as a band … Read More
Meet the Co-Producer
Behind every great production is someone who sees its potential long before the curtain rises, and for Who Is Esther, that person is Linda Craig, Co-Producer. With a keen eye for storytelling and a talent for bringing the right people and ideas together, Linda has been a driving force in shepherding this musical from vision to stage. A lifelong choral … Read More
Meet the Writer, Composer and Co-Producer – Trifactor Enabler
Randall Craig – composer, writer, co-producer: a man of many hats and boundless energy. Some may call him a serial entrepreneur, but we think “twenty-first century renaissance man” captures him far better. Whether he is writing books, earning countless speaking and volunteer awards, or coaching those with a business vision to pursue, Randall has a remarkable gift for seeing what … Read More