CALENDAR Girls

APRIL 16TH - 1ST MAY

Directed by Sonya Grimstrup & assisted by Val Franklin.

“CALENDAR GIRLS” by TIM FIRTH

“CALENDAR GIRLS” is based on a true story of a group of middle aged Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research under the auspices of the Womens Institute in April 1999 after the cancer death of the husband of one of their members.

It became the fastest selling play in British Theatre history.

The characters are sassy, funny and deeply heartfelt. The story is beautiful and a really wonderful demonstration of how women grieve, celebrate and interact. There is character growth from almost every performer and even the minor role participants who flit across the stage manage to bring something special with them.

DIRECTOR - SONYA GRIMSTRUP

Sonya was involved in the Levin Little Theatre as a youngster and did not return until 2014 when she took the role of Lynne in the Mystery Thriller “DEAD OF NIGHT”. In November 2016 she assisted Director David Latham with the pantomime “ALADDIN” which then led on to the role of Patsy in Monty Python’s “SPAMALOT”. She portrayed the role of Geraldine the Vicar in two separate presentations of “THE VICAR OF DIBLEY” one in May 2016 directed by Linda Buckley and Mark Peni, and again in November/ December 2018 directed by Linda Buckley, and received a number of accolades for these performances - she was definitely, the Vicar and relished her role.

In November 2019 she directed the successful presentation of “UPROAR IN THE HOUSE”. Played an Award winning role in Foxton Little Theatre’s presentation of “JAILHOUSE FROCKS” in 2020.

Sonya has an “in depth” feeling for the characters either she, or the cast are portraying, and this is evident in her direction and the ultimate character performance.

DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT - VAL FRANKLIN

Involved in Drama at an early age and in presentations “PEER GYNT”, “HIAWATHA”, “SNOW WHITE” and ‘OKLAHOMA”.

She is a long standing member of the Levin Performing Arts Society and has been Secretary of this theatre company, and understudy for Director, Alex Gilchrist in the presentation of “DEATH N’ TAXES” and “FOOTROT FLATS”, and “FULL MONTY” also Stage Manager for “FOOTROT FLATS” “DEATH AND TAXES”, “GIRLIE TALK”, “PLAYING THE POKIES”, “POPPY DAY” and “HENPECKED” 1 and 2.

As an author she has written ‘GIRLIE TALK”, “TIME TO REMEMBER”, and “POPPY DAY”. Both “PLAYING THE POKIES” and “POPPY DAY”, were winners in the Regional Awards.

THE CAST - “CALENDAR GIRLS” CORA - CHONTELLE VAN HAGEN

Chontelle’s involvement in the Theatre is certainly growing in a variety of roles. In May 2016 She took the part of Babette in “BEAUTY & THE BEAST”, in November 2017 in the pantomime “TROUBLE IN PANTOLAND”, Sleeping Beauty & Maiden, Alice, the Verger in “THE VICAR OF DIBLEY” in the November/ December 2018 presentation, multiple roles in ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL” in May 2019, and Lady Cooper in the successful “UPROAR IN THE HOUSE “in November 2020.

CHRIS - FREYA ANDERSON

Another new face at our Theatre and with a lot of experience having been involved in 5 presentations with Otaki Players, 5 with Kapiti Players, “MAN OF LA MANCHA” with Mantis, Stagecraft Theatre in “THE DISTRESS OF ANDROMEA MILLER” & with the Coasters in “THE SOUND OF MUSIC”.

ANNIE - ELLA KAHU

Ella is a Lecturer in Psychology at Massey University and although she started acting late in her life she has certainly packed in a tremendous amount of involvement in a variety of roles, 13 in all, plus she is involved in public speaking and been a winner in a number of Speech Contests. She is a lover of improvised theatre and one of her favourite roles was as Coco, hostess extraordinaire in the Award winning “DEATH BY CHOCOLATE” an interactive murder mystery show in Wellington in 2009, and then again in Melbourne in 2010.

JESSIE - LYNNE LONG

Played various characters roles in ‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST” in August 2015, The Slave of the Ring in the pantomime “ALADDIN” in 2016, the Mad Hatter in “SHREK THE MUSICAL” May 2019.

CELIA - LIBBY BRUHN

Libby has been involved with the Levin Performing Arts Society both on and off stage. Played the part of a Waitress in “ROCK OF AGES”, and Rapunzel in “DISENCHANTED” and has helped with painting sets and as a Stage Crew member.

RUTH - KIMBERLEEY STEVENSON

Kim was involved as the Wicked Queen and a Crone in “TROUBLE IN PANTOLAND” and also supported the Director with the movement and musical numbers in this presentation.

In the Chorus in the Musical “Monty Python’s “SPAMALOT”, and Rehearsal Assistant in Hype’s production of “THE GRUNCH” and Musical Assistant in “SEUSSICAL” Part of Yvonne Wilby in the “UPROAR IN THE HOUSE”. Her repertoire is certainly growing in the Theatre. Kimberleey had an Award winning role in FoxtonLittle Theatre’s presentation of “JAILHOUSE FROCKS” in 2020.

LADY CRAVENSHIRE & BRENDA HULSE JUNELLE DANIEL

Has had 30 years experience in amateur theatre. In 1991 was cast in the role of Rowena in “SALAD DAYS”, but she has had lots of in between experience in chorus/company involvements in theatre restaurants with Kapiti Coasters. In “SEE HOW THEY RUN” twice in Te Anau and Oamaru. Played the part of a Nun and Dancer in “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” with Ray Woolf and crew and helped with props and wardrobe . Last year at the Levin Little Theatre was cast in the role of Fairy Flora in “SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS”.

JOHN - LES FROST

His last production at the Levin Little Theatre was in the role of Bernard Lockwood in the hilarious comedy “UPROAR IN THE HOUSE” in November 2019. He is a long term supporter and active member of Levin Performing Arts Society.

ROD - BOB BAILEY

Part of Miles in “UNORIGINAL SIN” in April 2012, Nigel in “A FETE WORSE THAN DEATH” in August 2013, Frank Pickle in the May 2016 episodes of “THE VICAR OF DIBLEY” and played the role of Frank again in the 2018 episodes of this delightful and successful play in the “The Arrival”, “The Engagement” and “Love & Marriage”.

MARIE - MARIA JENKINS

Maria was last involved in the Theatre in the role of Melanie Sinclair in tha hilarious comedy “UPROAR IN THE HOUSE” in November 2019 in which she had to deal with a number of tricky events and did so admirably.

Also involved in the role of Elena in Foxton Little Theatre’s performance of “JAILHOUSE FROCKS” in 2020.

LAWRENCE & LIAM - RYAN BURNELL

Ryan’s involvement both in Levin Little Theatre and Foxton Little Theatre, plus further afield, is growing in leaps and bounds. He received a Best Director Award at the recent Regional Awards in Palmerston North for his production of “JAILHOUSE FROCKS” and in 2019 Best Debut Director for “HOMELANDS” both of which he directed for Foxton Little Theatre. His passion is Theatre, whether it be in a minor role, working backstage, directing or assisting another director, he is whole heartedly wrapped up in the theatrical experience.

ELAINE - NICOLE DEANS

First time she has performed at LevinLittle Theatre but taken part in Levin Performing Art Society productions of “GREASE”, and “ALL SHOOK UP”.