Cast & Crew
Bios
Mike Trites
Playwright/Director
Mike grew up in Orillia, listening to Blue Rodeo and trying (much to his parents’ chagrin) to reach Jim’s top notes in “Try”. For 30 years, Mike taught Dramatic Arts in Durham Region. Both his writing and directing have won various awards. Mike and his wife Deb, retired to Prince Edward County with immediate plans to tend his veggie garden each year. However, the call of the Siren Stage lured him to join Prince Edward Community Theatre and follow a passion for play writing. After penning the musical as a pandemic project, Mike found the proper people to help him bring his Blue Rodeo dream to life. To them, he is forever grateful.zPat Larkin
Executive Producer
Pat Larkin is an award-winning actor, tech pioneer, cultural strategist, and community advocate based in Prince Edward County. For more than three decades, Pat has shaped the creative and technological landscape of Eastern Ontario—through theatre, innovation, political action, and grassroots entrepreneurship. Pat’s stage career spans over 20 years, earning him two Best Actor Awards from the Eastern Ontario Drama League. Known for both emotional depth and bold character choices, his roles have included: Frank-N-Furter (The Rocky Horror Show), Mark Rothko (Red), Norman Thayer Jr. (On Golden Pond) and Miss Tracy Mills (The Legend of Georgia McBride). He is a frequent performer with Prince Edward Community Theatre, Vice Chair of The Marysburgh Mummers, and a respected mentor to new and veteran actors alike.
Thomas Harrison, Ph.D.
Producer
‘Dr. Thom’ is a farmer, teacher, lawyer and creative artist who calls Prince Edward County home. A performer, he appeared as ‘Eddy’ in The Legend of Georgia McBride at the Mt. Tabor playhouse in Milford in the summer of 2025. He will reprise his role as ‘Herr Schultz’ in the Shatterbox Theatre’s production of Cabaret at the Cape in Picton this Fall. A writer, Thomas is the author of Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County (2025), and a screenplay now in production, Elvis in Quinte, based on the King’s 1957 Canadian tour. When not acting, writing, painting or wrangling horses on his farm, he teaches law, ethics and critical thinking at Durham College in Whitby Ontario.
Tara Forbes
Choreographer
Tara is a passionate and versatile dance educator with over 25 years of experience. She began training in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern at a young age, excelling as a
competitive dancer across Canada. Fascinated by professional ballet, she often studied performances to deepen her technique and artistic expression—an early dedication that evolved into a lifelong career as a performer, choreographer, and teacher. Tara holds certifications with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and ADAPT, and is a member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance. Her performance background includes theatre, concerts, and music videos, giving her a broad perspective on dance across platforms. Her choreography has been recognized provincially, including SUDS: The Rocking 60s Musical (Best Production, Theatre Ontario) and Cabaret (Best Choreography nomination, ACTCO). She trains competitive dancers and teaches ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary with a supportive, technique-driven approach. Tara is thrilled to be part of the creative team for In the Key of Blue and to bring her choreography to this exciting new production.
Daisy Box
Music Director
Since the early 2000s, Daisy has been performing in community musicals in a variety of capacities. He has played lead trombone in The King and I (Kingston Meistersingers), Sweeney Todd, and Guys and Dolls (Blue Canoe Productions). Daisy’s acting roles have included Rooster in Annie (Kingston Meistersingers), as well as performing in the chorus of Jesus Christ Superstar (Kingston Grand Theatre 2006). However, Daisy’s greatest passion is for the piano on which he has been performing his own improvised music in a variety of settings for almost ten years. Rumour has it an album is on the way! As an ardent lover of Blue Rodeo’s music, Daisy is honoured to be Music Director for In The Key of Blue. Daisy lives in beautiful Prince Edward County with his partner and soulmate, Keri.
Miss Emily
Candice Darwell
Miss Emily is an 8th generation Prince Edward County born Soul-Blues-Americana singer/songwriter who recently celebrated her 21st year as a full-time artist. A JUNO-nominee and International Songwriting Competition winner, she received received her third Female Vocalist of the Year win at the Canadian Blues Awards in 2023.
Her new album “The Medicine” was produced by Grammy and JUNO award winning Colin Linden and released on Gypsy Soul Records November 7th, 2025. In the words of Rolling Stone (December 2025) – “The Roots & Blues album from this powerful voice from Canada is technically perfect.”
Now calling Kingston, Ontario and Vernon, New Jersey home, Emily loves connecting with audiences in North America, the UK and Europe. (photo by: Céline Klein)
Cheryl Singer
Assistant Producer
Cheryl is thrilled to be part of In the Key of Blue. While born a ‘ham’ and raised in Toronto, Cheryl trained in various aspects of the arts; a dancer with Roland and Romaine dance studio, acting classes at George Brown and Ryerson, Improv at Second City Toronto and then moved to Voice-over training with VoiceWorx, Ryerson, Roland Parliament and Pirate Voice. She has also worked on many movies filmed in Toronto as a background extra. Cheryl has been enjoying the rewards of directing over the past years and is thrilled to be taking the stage again, this time as a dancer!
Paul Kenny
Bass Player/Nigel
At six years of age Paul first played piano, but an appearance on CHCH’s Tiny Talent Time was stymied by emigration to England. He played various roles in school productions in the UK, and then back in Canada, ending with the role of Jerry Devine in O’Casey’s Juno and the Paycock. In university, Paul first borrowed a bass, playing it upside down in his first pick up band. Life as a GP in Napanee led to shameful neglect of his right hemisphere, but re-energized with the purchase of his first bass 25 years after that first attempt. To now approach the artistry of Blue Rodeo in the company of his nephew and bandmates is both deep honour and pure joy.
Susan Mitchell
Assistant Stage Manager
Sue has been involved in PEC Community Theatre for fifteen years, both on stage and behind the scenes. She really enjoys bringing a character to life, but also enjoys the intricacies that go into working backstage. Sue is super excited and honoured to be part of this original production. She hopes that everyone onstage, backstage, and watching the show has fun with the production.
Kim Kennedy
Stage Manager
Kim feels it is inevitable that she’s part of a production involving Blue Rodeo. From teenage Kim driving the roads of Prince Edward County in her friend’s mom’s minivan with the cassette stuck in the tape deck playing over and over, to rocking her nieces and nephews to sleep, weddings, road trips, and final goodbyes to friends, Blue Rodeo’s music has always been there to remind her “it’s the little things that get you through”. The little things Kim enjoys when not at rehearsal: working as a counsellor with kids and teens, eating chocolate, watching and playing soccer, and doing cartwheels when no one is looking.
Ryan Henderson
Drums/Spencer
Ryan is thrilled to make his community stage debut with “In the Key of Blue”. He is a lifelong music lover. Ryan’s passion began with banging on garbage pails and paint cans in the garage as a kid. This evolved into singing in choirs, playing in bands, and performing with a symphony. Over the years, Ryan has developed a habit of collecting instruments he plays– or dreams of playing– including guitar, bass, piano, drums, flute, mandolin and banjo.
Steve Mee
Lead Guitar
Steve is honoured to be playing guitar in this amazing production based on the music of his favourite band. He is finding “Chemistry” with his band mates after retiring from his gig teaching Chemistry at the local high school. His music credits include Cabaret (Shatterbox), Bitter Girl (County Stage), and local productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Pirates of Penzance, Blood Brothers, and Grease.
John Kenny
Rhythm Guitar
Born and raised in Toronto, John spends every opportunity possible with family and friends in Deseronto, Napanee, and PEC. As a youth, he fell in love with music, and especially performing live. Over the years John has played drums, bass, guitar, and orchestra percussion. His favourite to this day: the vibraslap. While working on cruise ships, John learned how to win over the hearts and minds of the most cut-throat audience known to human kind: teenagers. John is very excited to be performing as Jarod in the World Premier of “In the Key of Blue”. He hopes you enjoy the show.
Joel Parlow
Rhythm Guitar
Joel started his musical life at age 6 taking piano lessons, then begged his parents to switch him to guitar. He spent his Toronto teen years studying classical guitar, jealous of the cool kids who could play Stairway to Heaven. He also played trombone in high school and university bands. After a long period in Kingston of doing mundane things like anesthesiology, medical research and windsurfing, he became reacquainted with his acoustic, electric, classical and 12-string guitars. Blue Rodeo was always one of his favourite Canadian bands, having seen many of their concerts and vainly attempting to replicate their tunes. Joel is excited to play rhythm guitar with the amazing “In The Key of Blue” band members, inspired by their talent and great camaraderie.
Liz Simpson
Colleen Staywater
Liz Simpson is happy to be working with Outta the Blue Productions for the first time in their debut show, In the Key of Blue. Originally from the Kingston theater scene, Liz has been active on the Prince Edward County stage for the past three years. While frequently found at Mount Tabor, she has performed with PECT, The Mummers and Theatre Roulant. When she isn’t on stage, Liz can be found helping facilitate the Tasting Room at The County Cider Company. She would like to thank Mike Trites for this opportunity and congratulate him on a sensational play.
Steve Sawyers
Rhythm Guitar/Craig
Steve lived most of his life in Oshawa, moving to the County a few years ago. He has been playing music most of his life; piano first, then guitar and drums. His love of music led him to immerse himself in the vibrant music and arts scene in The County. He has played music at some local spots and loves open mic nights. His love of harmonies and great songwriting led him to be a long time fan of Blue Rodeo, and he is thrilled to be part of “In the Key of Blue”. Steve and his wife live in Picton.
Melody Burrill
Dancer

Emie Niclols
Dancer

Stephanie Rose
Dancer

Kaidance Smith
Dancer

