1920s Walking Around In A Dream musical comedy at St. James Park August 8 to 16, 2026
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"The elephant's eyebrows" --- A View From The Box
"Clever & Charming" --- Istvan Dugalin Gareth Finnigan acts "with wit and clarity" --- The Toronto Star "Entertaining" --- Fringe Review UK "Exudes wit, transporting us to a sparkling age" --- Our Theatre Voice "The Cat's Meow" --- Matt Yipchuck Hoopty-doo! Grab your glad rags, we're putting on the Ritz! Prohibition-era flappers & zany bootleggers have madcap love affairs in the Roaring Twenties in this family friendly screwball musical comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The show brings the 1920's Jazz Age alive for the 2020's, with timeless jazz classics by Cole Porter, Fats Waller, Jerome Kern, and others in new arrangements by Director Declan Meagher, recently of Disney Cruise Line. |
Written by award-winning playwright & poet, Natalie Kaye, one of the co-writers of #1 Clown Comedy With Victor & Priscilla at Toronto Fringe Festival 2025, a zany comedy with sold out nights, called "hilarious" by The Toronto Star.
The show was performed at Toronto Fringe Festival (June 30 to July 12) where it received the Patron's Pick Award. It will be shown outdoors in St. James Park (August 8 to 16). Bring a chair or a picnic and blanket for the Park version! From August 8 to August 16, the musical will be performed outdoors in a downtown park in a production presented by Old Town Toronto BIA & Alumnae Theatre. The St. James Park version is suitable for family viewing, and is rated PG for mature themes, alcohol and euphemistic references to sex. Learn more here: https://oldtowntoronto.ca/?182696837=489 Old Town Toronto BIA & Alumnae Theatre Venue: St. James Park, 120 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1G6 Old Town Toronto BIA & Alumnae Theatre Dates/Times: Sat August 8 at 4pm & 7pm Sun August 9 at 4pm & 7pm Sat August 15 at 4pm & 7pm Sun August 16 at 4pm & 7pm Old Town Toronto BIA & Alumnae Theatre Price: Free, no ticket required. Pay What You Can donation optional. |
Team Bios
Natalie Kaye
Natalie Kaye (she/her) Playwright. Natalie is an award-winning playwright and poet. A graduate of York University and the University of Toronto, Natalie has a Masters' in Drama. She has worked in theatre as a producer, director, playwright, actor and dramaturg. Her one-act play, Mood Swings, won first place in the Pat the Dog's 24-hour play contest. The play was workshopped by Pat the Dog in February, 2014 and received a full production at Toronto Fringe in 2016 where it was called "beautiful" "well-executed" and "poetic" by Mooney on Theatre. Her short plays, Universe Inc. and A Toast were produced by Newborn Theatre at the Odds and Ends Festival. She is a member of the Vault Creation Lab's writer's group. She co-wrote #1 Clown Comedy With Victor & Priscilla at Toronto Fringe in 2025.
Most importantly, she is Nina Kaye's sister!
Most importantly, she is Nina Kaye's sister!
Declan Meagher
Declan Meagher (he/him) Director, Musical Director, Choreographer. Recently, he was thrilled to direct Father Comes Home at Alumnae Theatre. Past directing credits include Godspell, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and [title of show]. He also served as Shipwide Show Director for Disney Cruise Line (Disney Wish, Disney Treasure) and Show Writer for Sesame Workshop (Sesame Place Philadelphia), helping to create and support immersive events, interactive dining experiences, and character programs. His original works include The Bar at the Edge of [Blank]!, a choose-your-own-adventure musical comedy. Declan thanks his family and friends for their encouragement—especially his best friend and wife, Sara.
Marnie Brunton (she/her), Stage Manager. Marnie is a versatile stage manager and visual artist with a rich background in theatre and screen. Her recent stage credits include Other Desert Cities and The Greenhouse at Alumnae Theatre, as well as Stealing Home at last year's Toronto Fringe Festival. Her screen work includes The Umbrella Academy, Dream Scenario, and JANE. Marnie values technical logistics as much as performance. She is a painter with three solo library exhibitions, supports the Jane Goodall Institute, and belongs to Alumnae Theatre’s New Play Development group.
Nina Kaye
Nina Kaye (she/her) Producer, Publicity, Costumer. Nina is a multi award-winning playwright as well as a costumer, dramaturg, director and performer. The artistic director of Unspoken Theatre, she holds an MA in Drama from the University of Toronto.
Recent: Victor & Priscilla Go To The Circus at Theatre Gargantua; #1 Clown Comedy with Victor & Priscilla at Toronto Fringe; Father Comes Home at Alumnae Theatre. She directed The Matchmaker at Dead of Winter Festival at Eldritch Theatre/spindle collective.
Upcoming: Canadian National 10 Minute Play Festival at Theatre In The Wings, Sept 2026
Most importantly, she is Natalie Kaye's sister!
Recent: Victor & Priscilla Go To The Circus at Theatre Gargantua; #1 Clown Comedy with Victor & Priscilla at Toronto Fringe; Father Comes Home at Alumnae Theatre. She directed The Matchmaker at Dead of Winter Festival at Eldritch Theatre/spindle collective.
Upcoming: Canadian National 10 Minute Play Festival at Theatre In The Wings, Sept 2026
Most importantly, she is Natalie Kaye's sister!
Aaliya Alibhai
Aaliya Alibhai (she/her) Assistant Producer, Set Design, Props. Aaliya is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and has worked in theatre as a playwright, performer, dramaturg, designer, stage manager, and assistant director. She co-wrote the 2025 Toronto Fringe show #1 Clown Comedy With Victor & Priscilla, which had sold out performances, received an honourable mention for the Strange Maker Award, and was called "hilarious" by the Toronto Star. She also co-wrote the sold out Toronto Fringe show Kitchen Sink Drama in 2018, where her writing was praised for being "touching, funny and tender" in a review by Life With More Cowbell. With Unspoken Theatre she co-wrote Lovesick which featured her short play Anthony, and she performed as Celtic hero Finn in The Red Deer. She also co-wrote and starred in Sexpectations: A Collective Procreation with Hart House Players. She is Artistic Director of Toronto Fringe Clown Comedy. Recent:The Matchmaker at the Dead of Winter Festival at Eldritch Theatre with spindle collective.
Cast Bios
Tom Beattie
Tom Beattie in the roles of Eggs and Andy (certain dates). Tom is a Toronto-based actor and theatre producer. He started his career in Stratford with Playmakers! theatre school and the Stratford Festival of Canada; since moving to Toronto, he has worked with various organizations including Hart House Theatre, the InspiraTO Festival, Alumnae Theatre, Toronto Fringe Festival and Newborn Theatre. Theatre credits include Quino in Pie in the Sky, Jean-Luc in There’s No Here Here and He in Mood Swings. Tom is a founding member/producer for Orphaned Egret Theatre, which produced “Zombie!” and She Kills Monsters.
Gordon Chan in the role of Eggs (certain dates). Gordon is excited to join Unspoken Theatre and its brilliant team for this production. Select credits include Father Comes Home and The Great Kelleys (Alumnae Theatre), Le Médecin Malgré Lui (La Troupe des Anciens), A Knight to Remember (Eltham Little Theatre – VDL award nomination), Binequality (1812 Board Shorts), Chekhov? You’re Joking! (ARK Theatre), DIA: Diagnosis To Dialogue (UC Berkeley TPS), The Miser and Push (Gnu Ground Players). Gordon also co-founded Fly By Night Theatre Company, where he directed 7 Stories, Autobahn, and Boy Meets Girl. He was a member of Tarragon Theatre’s Spring Training Program and Soulpepper Theatre’s Mentorship Program.
Ari Crooks
Ari Crooks in the role of Helen. Ari is a Toronto-based actor, artist, and dreamer, thrilled to be appearing in this production at the Toronto Fringe. She was trained at George Brown Theatre School. When she’s not performing, you can find her creating digital art or 3D sculpting.
Gareth Finnigan
Gareth Finnigan in the role of Andy (certain dates). Gareth is an actor from Hamilton, Ontario. He holds a BFA in Acting degree from the University of Windsor (his most prized possession). His most recent work was with Disney Cruise Line, where he performed a variety of comedy shows aboard the Disney Treasure and only got seasick once. A regular collaborator with local theatre companies in Hamilton, his past credits include William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Curtain Call Performing Arts Company and Sir Bedevere in Spamalot with Theatre Ancaster. Gareth is thrilled to be making his Toronto Fringe debut alongside such a fine group of performers and creatives.
Jill Leavitt in the role of Hermie (certain dates). Jill is a Toronto and Vancouver based actress, and a graduate from Randolph College of the Performing Arts. Her most recent theatre credits include RCPA’s Legally Blonde where she appeared as Margot, and How Great is the Straight and Narrow, her own autobiographical one act play which she wrote, produced, and starred in November of 2025. Having classical vocal training, she has appeared at Casa Loma’s “Legends of Horror” walk-through experience for the Phantom of the Opera musical section as Christine Diae. Jill is seriously stoked about making her Toronto Fringe debut and working with an extremely talented and passionate group of artists to make something that will last long in the hearts and memories of those who attend this summer!
Fabiana Mercurio
Fabiana Mercurio in the role of Hips. Fabiana holds a Bachelor of Education (2022) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Production 2020) from York University. She has recently performed as Carmen in Heel, presented at Alumnae Theatre’s New Ideas Festival. Fabiana is excited to participate in her
first Toronto Fringe Festival as the role of Hips in 1920's Walking Around in a Dream. Her
primary discipline is costume design; her most recent credits being Circle Mirror
Transformation at Alumnae Theatre and World On Fire at Assembly Theatre. She has been greatly enjoying her exploration into the acting world. She would like to thank the 1920's team for their dedication and creative
expertise!
first Toronto Fringe Festival as the role of Hips in 1920's Walking Around in a Dream. Her
primary discipline is costume design; her most recent credits being Circle Mirror
Transformation at Alumnae Theatre and World On Fire at Assembly Theatre. She has been greatly enjoying her exploration into the acting world. She would like to thank the 1920's team for their dedication and creative
expertise!
Daytoni Raye
Daytoni Raye in the role of Dimitry. Daytoni is a Toronto-based actor working across film, television, and theatre. Select screen credits include Netflix’s FUBAR, Peacock’s The Miniature Wife, and the feature film I Don’t Know Who You Are. He will next appear in the stage production of Orphans by Lyle Kessler and is currently developing original work as a producer.
Kimberly Van Vo
Kimberly Van Vo in the role of Hermie (certain dates). Kimberly is a Canadian-Vietnamese-French multidisciplinary actor, dancer, and storyteller. She is a graduate of The William Esper Studio in New York City. Before trading Toronto for The Big Apple, she studied Theatre at the University of Ottawa and The Second City Training Center. With various theatre and film credits, she expanded into filmmaking and will debut her first short feature – an extension of her one-woman show – in 2026. Kimberly is also the founder and artistic director of Studio 5: The Collective, a Meisner-based theatre ensemble dedicated to diverse storytelling and amplifying unsung, marginalized voices. Outside of performing, she can be found hiking in the woods and road running around the globe.
Josh Welsh
Josh Welsh in the role of Thomas Theseus. Josh is thrilled to join the Unspoken Theatre team for his second Toronto Fringe show. He’s a graduate of Humber Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Journalism and Acting for Film & Television programs. During the day, he’s a business journalist/writer for a leading B2B publication and is also a proud member of the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto. He’s a film, TV and stage actor by night (or weekends)!
Recent credits: Theatre: RENT with Theatre Etobicoke, Stealing Home with Toronto Fringe, Stranger Things: The Experience with Netflix/Fever Film: Ukrainian but not Ukraine with Pierogi Pictures, Cherchez la Femme, Unlucky Penny, Em for Murder with Instafamous Productions
TV: Love You to Death with Our House Media, An Unexpected Killer with Our House Media/Oxygen Media).
Recent credits: Theatre: RENT with Theatre Etobicoke, Stealing Home with Toronto Fringe, Stranger Things: The Experience with Netflix/Fever Film: Ukrainian but not Ukraine with Pierogi Pictures, Cherchez la Femme, Unlucky Penny, Em for Murder with Instafamous Productions
TV: Love You to Death with Our House Media, An Unexpected Killer with Our House Media/Oxygen Media).
