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Starvox Entertainment and John Yonover/Revonoy Productions today announced the casting and creative details for Dee Snider's Rock & Roll Christmas Tale, written by and starring Twisted Sister front man Dee Snider. Snider will be joined by singer/songwriter recording sensation, Taylor Dayne, along with eleven other acclaimed Toronto "triple threat" actors-musicians-singers who will perform in the highly anticipated Christmas musical on stage at the Winter Garden Theatre (189 Yonge Street) from Nov. 17, 2015 to Jan. 3, 2016.
With an extensive run in numerous theatrical productions including Elton John's, Aida, Taylor Dayne brings her distinctive vocal style to the role of "Roxanne," the vivacious owner of "Club Dazzle" where the musical is set. Dayne's unique sound has earned her best-selling gold and platinum albums, with 75 million copies sold worldwide. These albums have produced seventeen Top 20 singles, including number 1 singles Tell It To My Heart, Love Will Lead You Back and Prove Your Love.
Joining Dee Snider and Taylor Dayne is Sean Kelly who will bring to life the role of Johnny B. Greate, lead guitarist of the fictional band, Däisy Cütter, and a bonafide ladies' man. Kelly is currently the lead guitarist for Nelly Furtado, and has worked with several notable artists including Helix, Lee Aaron and Gilby Clarke.
Peter Diewick will be rocking out in the form of D.D. Snutz, frontman and lead vocals for Däisy Cütter. Diewick is best known for his performances as Stacee-Jaxx in Rock of Ages, Sky in Mamma Mia, and Gilbert in Anne and Gilbert.
Valerie Stanois will join the cast as the show's Dance Captain. Stanois redefines the word "triple threat" as an award winning singer, dancer, actor, and choreographer. Stanois has previously performed in We Will Rock You, Rock of Ages, and Grease.
Josh Murray also joins the ensemble, having performed in numerous Second City's family and education shows, including the fan favourites Miracle on Mercer Street, Naughty Listers, and Big Bad Wolf. Murray has also toured North America with his award winning sketch troupe Fratwurst and received critical acclaim for its performances at the Chicago, New York and Montreal Sketch Festivals.Kevin Fox will take on the role of Tank Turrette, Däisy Cütter's burly and angry bass player. Fox has recently appeared in the television series' Killjoys, Covert Affairs, and Rogue. Kevin also starred in the New York City Broadway hit The Buddy Holly Story.
Tim Funnell synthesizes the role of dance music DJ, MC Dedrok. Funnell trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and worked extensively in London's West End before moving to Canada. Funnell has previously been cast in City of Angels, And Then There Were None, and Tonight's the Night - The Rod Stewart Musical. Funnell will also act as an understudy to the narrator.
Spencer Robinson rocks out in the role of Ralph Peterson Däisy Cütter's drummer and youngest member. Robinson was a part of the theatre productions Commercials, As You Like It, and St. Francis of Millbrook. Robinson has also had roles on a number of television shows including Degrassi, Covert Affairs, and Reign.
Lexi Soha has been cast to play Angel this holiday season. Soha is a bi-lingual graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama, and has most recently appeared in Théâtre français de Toronto's production of Les Zinspirés 3D, Salt-Water Moon, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Billy the Kid.
Jeremy Walmsley is thrilled to join the company as a swing and has performed in numerous theatrical productions including Once the Musical, Gone with the Wind, and Harvey. Walmsley can also be credited with appearances on notable TV shows including Reign, Todd and The Book of Pure Evil and Less Than Kind. When Walmsley isn't acting, he is performing around Toronto as a vocalist and musician.
Tiera Watts has been cast to play the role of Angie this holiday season. Watts began her career in theatre at a very young age and is accustomed to the limelight. Watts attended the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts, and has since appeared in Into the Woods, Spring Awakening and Lord of the Flies.
Matt Campbell joins the cast as a swing and is a graduate of Sheridan College Music Theatre program. Campbell's recent work includes Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, The Buddy Holly Story and The Full Monty. He has also been featured on the hit TV shows Cold Blood, Warehouse 13 and Forensic Factor.
The Toronto production will see also see choreography by Shannon Lewis, with music supervision and arrangement by Doug Katsaros. The production features scenic design by Rob Bissinger, costume design by Suzette Guilot-Snider, lighting design by Beth Kates and sound design by Nevin Steinberg.
