February 22 to March 10, 2024

By Gary Kirkham
Directed by Michael King

A romantic comedy with a handy supply of humour, this play is a witty exploration of unexpected love. In 1972, the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII) dies in exile at the age of 78. Two weeks later, in Canada, an 80-year-old woman in a small town named Galt has her tombstone engraved, claiming to be his wife. Flashback to 1919 as Edward, then holding the official title of the Prince of Wales, visits Canada as an emissary of the King, Bored with the pomp and circumstance, he slips away from his official duties and begins a romance with a charming young woman.

 

JODY TKACH
Millicent Milroy

Jody is very happy to be playing the Queen, Milli, in Queen Milli of Galt.  Jody’s acting experience began straight to the stage in Maggie’s Getting Married (2009) as Maggie. Jody got the bug and followed this play with a half dozen more, including Little Women (2013), Looking (2017) and, most recently, in The Children (2023) as Rose.  Jody wants to thank her husband and children for their unwavering support and for Michael King’s faith in her for this role. 

KYLE BARRETT FRIESEN
Edward, Prince of Wales

Kyle moved to Qualicum Beach from Steinbach, Manitoba this fall; one of his first priorities was to join ECHO Players, having seen the high quality of past productions while visiting the area. He is a 21st century Renaissance Man, with wide-ranging professional skills and an abundance of hobbies.

He graduated with a BFA in Performing Arts from Providence University College and has since been heavily involved in the arts in Manitoba, both professionally and as a volunteer on various non-profit boards. A recent performance highlight was playing Giles Ralston in The Mousetrap (Real Live Entertainment).  

Kyle spends the rest of his time homeschooling his teenagers, landscaping his acreage, hiking with his family, and life coaching online. He’s looking forward to putting down roots in this lovely community.

PAUL CHURCHILL
Sir Thomas Godfrey

An Honorary Life Member of ECHO Players, Paul was last on stage with the group in 2022, performing as Dr. Bradman in Blithe Spirit but has many years of experience with community theatre in both BC and Alberta.  The role of Sir Thomas has brought back memories of the UK, his place of birth, and particularly the changes in the way society operates.  Around 1920, “knowing one’s place”, as Sir Thomas points out, was an essential element in the management of the British Empire. Despite that, this play provides entertainment as a result of it with some poignant and amusing moments.  

BELLA MEERVELD
Mrs. Milroy

Bella has been performing with ECHO Players for 5 years, appearing in The Christmas Express, Enchanted April, Almost Maine, Yesteryear and Spam and Maple Syrup...so far.

She is a happy empty-nester, and spends her free time with her nose in a book.

SAMANTHA BAU
Desdemona Singleton

Samantha Bau began acting with ECHO Players with the production of Ned Durango Comes To Big Oak in 2004. She spent many years learning under some of the most wonderful directors at ECHO Players and had the privilege of treading the boards on numerous productions. She spent time studying film for a season and has returned to the theatre which is her first love. 

CALVIN TYNDALL
Journalist

In the 1990’s, Calvin took a technical theatre class for “easy credit” but found himself working harder than ever. It became the only reason he went to school. During the summers he learned the “twin skills” of getting attention and entertaining people as a street performing “escapologist” and sleight of hand artist. This lead to a 15 year adventure exploring various creative outlets. 

After a long break from the spotlight, Queen Milli is Calvin’s first play with ECHO Players on the Village Theatre stage. However, you may have seen him earlier this February, playing several characters in the over the top production of Death By Fatal Murder, adapted for dinner theatre, at Arrowsmith Golf club. 

Calvin is grateful to director Michael King and the rest of the cast and crew, for the opportunity to entertain you and to grow as a performer. 

MICHAEL KING
Director

Michael King has been involved and in love with the theatre in one way or another since he was 12, when he first walked on stage as Pooh Bah in an elementary school production of The Mikado. From then on, Michael was hooked on everything to do with the creation of live theatre. He has swept theatre floors, acted, directed, designed sets, lighting and sound, costumes, and anything else that kept him close to the action of creating the magic. Michael was a founding member of Deep Cove Stage and amongst the theatre groups, with which he has worked are: North Van Players, Vancouver Musical Theatre, Maple Ridge Players, Langham Court Theatre and St. Luke’s Players. He has had roles in many productions such as The Lady in the Van, Elizabeth Rex, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, That Face and Bedtime Stories. He has directed Calendar Girls, Welfarewell, Bull in a China Shop, Play On, Steel Magnolias, The Twelve Pound Look and Separate Tables. He has twice been involved with the Victoria Fringe as an actor in The Smell of the Kill and as co-director of Henry IV Part 1. Queen Milli of Galt is Michael’s first involvement as a director for ECHO Players and it has been a joy to work with so many talented people. Once this production is complete, Michael will start working as director on Echo Players’ 50th Anniversary opening production of Cheshire Cats. He would like to thank all the amazing cast and crew for their dedication to this production and especially Lesley, Jan and Alistair. He would also like to thank his husband Paul, Mum (Minah), and dear friend Judy for their unending support. 

KAREN EASTON
Assistant Stage Manager

Karen Easton has been with ECHO Players for 5 years. She has mostly worked backstage with props.  For Queen Millie of Galt she will be assisting the Stage Manager. She is proud to be part of this wonderful play. 

Karen is happy to be working with Lesley McVey as Assistant to the Stage Manager.

JANE TAGGART
Co-Producer

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Michael on his production of Queen Milli of Galt.  Co-producing with Alistair McVey is a privilege since I am still a novice in this area of work; it has been a wonderful opportunity for me to be mentored by a professional.  I have enjoyed all of my various positions as a volunteer with ECHO Players and look forward to new challenges as they present themselves, behind the lights of course.