The must-see event of the Halloween season is back—and as bone-chilling as ever! From the minds
behind the sold-out sensation, Tales of the Grotesque (2023/2024), comes an all-new, twisted anthology
of gothic horror. With fresh characters, familiar tales, and its unique brand of terror, their newest
installment—Tales of the Damned—brings literature’s most depraved characters to life … and death.
In this haunting adaptation of the works of Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Oscar Wilde, join
the visitors of the ill-famed Black-Mail House on a devilish journey into the unknown. After a lady of the
night is brutally murdered, a mad doctor strikes a pact with the Devil to raise her from the dead. But when he comes face-to-face with her killer at a masquerade, all hell breaks loose. Descend into madness
alongside Victor Frankenstein, Henry Jekyll, and Dorian Grey as they discover the consequences of
playing God—and the monstrous repercussions when the Devil comes to collect. An immersive horror
opera, Tales of the Damned invites you to explore Victorian Toronto through the eyes of history’s most
disturbed authors, though it might just cost you your soul …
"De omnibus dubitandum [Everything must be doubted]."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Faust)
Above Portraits by White Mills Theatre Co.
Edited by Daniel Tofach
CAST AND CREW
MEET THE TEAM
MANON ENS-LAPOINTE
~ Justine Moritz ~
Manon is a multidisciplinary performer, born and raised in Toronto where she attended the George Brown Theatre School.
Select theatre credits include: Ghost of Christmas Past/violinist in A Christmas Carol (Three Ships Collective), Holly Day in Tee Time for Murder (Mysteriously Yours), half the cast in The Three Musketeers: A Play for Two Actors (The Lakeside Players), Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac (Theatre on the Ridge), and Clara Eynsford-Hill in Pygmalion (Guild Festival Theatre).
​
Instagram: @manonenslapointe
ANTHONY BOTEHLO
~ Victor Frankenstein ~
Anthony Botelho (he/him) is a Toronto-based actor, voice actor, and writer, as well as the co-creator of the award-winning horror anthology podcast Wrong Station. Anthony's thrilled to be joining White Mills again for Tales of the Damned, especially as a fellow producer of weird and macabre fiction and as a great lover of the classic works being showcased. He'll see you down in the lab!
Selected Theatre Credits: Tales of the Grotesque (White Mills Theatre Co.); God of Carnage (CAA Theater); Forever Plaid and We Will Rock You (Starvox Entertainment). TV/Film/Voice: Deer Squad (iQIYI); Whip Cream (TLN); Marvel Move (ZRX); Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go (Mattel); Teletubbies (Netflix); Slugterra: Ascension (WildBrain).
Socials: https://linktr.ee/ajvbotelho
TARA BAXENDALE
~ Ricarda Enfield ~
Maritime born actor/singer Tara Baxendale has called Toronto home for over two decades and is thrilled to join the ensemble of Tales of the Grotesque to play Mrs. Rupert. Selected Credits: Laura (Leap of Fairth – RareDay Projects), Tanya (Spend Your Kids’ Inheritance – Fringe Festival), Martha (Lies & Consequences – RareDay Projects), Mary O’Grady Hunt (Hogtown: The Immersive Experience – Hogtown Collective) (Dora nomination for Outstanding Performance – Ensemble), Sonia (Life x 3- Damsels in De-Stress Productions), and Chrystia (Chrystanthia – Theatre Aquarius). On the small screen Tara can be seen in 12 Dates of Christmas and heard as the voices of assorted Playboy Bunnies in Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel.
During the 1st lockdown of 2020, her passion for performing forced her to overcome her fear of self-taping and technology and create a YouTube Channel, Songs for the Quarantined. Tara is thrilled to be returning to Tales of the Damned after playing Mrs. Rupert last year in Tales of the Grotesque!
YouTube: @tarabaxendale
​
ADRIAN MARCHESANO
~ Dorian Gray ~
Adrian Marchesano is a Toronto-based artist hailing from Oakville, Ontario. He is a George Brown Theatre School graduate and an alumnus of Brock University, where he studied Theatre Arts and Performance.
Selected credits include: Two Minutes to Midnight, Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Innocence Lost, The Living End (Theatre on The Ridge), Tales of the Grotesque (White Mills Theatre Co.), Paradise Lost (George Brown), Panatalone's Palace (Brock University).
SPENCER SCHUNK
~ Henry Jekyll~
Spencer Schunk is an actor and fitness coach who lives with his fiancée in Toronto. Recent credits include the long-running interactive murder mystery The Perfect Bite at Peter Pan Bistro and the short film Don’t Be Rude coming soon to the Toronto Independent Film Festival. This is his fourth production with White Mills Theatre and he’s thrilled to be playing a good guy for once (Jekyll’s a good guy, right?).
​
Instagram: @spencer.schunk
MICHELLE DANESE
~ Marguerite Faust ~
Operatic Soprano Michelle Danese is delighted to be performing the role of Marguerite Faust alongside a fabulous team and within such a spectacular venue. This year marks Michelle’s seventh collaboration with White Mills Theatre Co. Previously she performed the role of Jacinta in Tales of The Grotesque; Belle in A Christmas Carol; Monica in both the full production and workshop of Giancarlo Menotti’s The Medium, as well as Mrs. Fiorentino in the company’s adaptation of Street Scene.
Working in the operatic world, as well as immersive and musical theatre, Michelle’s roles span from beloved classical characters, to new production roles, often singing original works and collaborating with orchestras, composers and DJ’s alike.
As an actress, Michelle appeared on CW’s TV series, Reign, in the feature film Dr. Cabbie, and on CTV’s The Listener. Her vocals can be heard in the film Dr. Cabbie as well as the Indie film I Wish You Love.
Born in Toronto, Michelle holds a B.F.A Honors in Music from York University, and a Post-Bachelor Artist Performance Diploma in voice from The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music. She continues to study in the studio of soprano Norma Burrowes and dedicates much of her time to performing, teaching and adjudicating. A member of ACTRA, Michelle is currently represented by Kamera Talent Agency in Toronto.
Instagram:@michelledaneseofficial
SHELBY HANDLEY
~ Agatha De Lacey ~
Shelby is a Toronto-based actor with a concentration on film and voice work. While focusing her film career, she has also spent the last five years performing and writing for the Mentalism group Beyond Mental Borders at The Rec Room Toronto. Shelby is thrilled to be rejoining White Mills Theatre Co. in their latest spooky production. She is excited for you all to explore Campbell House; and the stories & secrets within.
​
Instagram: @shelbyhandley
MICHELLE PILLER
~ Pearl Faust ~
Michelle Piller is delighted to join White Mills Theatre for the first time. Previous stage highlights include The Hogtown Experience (Campbell House); Blow Wind! (Station Arts); Lunenberg; Hope and Gravity (Festival Antigonish); Murder in Noirville (Orillia Opera House); The Last Resort (Red Barn Theatre); Dads (Port Dalhousie); Dance of The Dead (DOA); Toronto The Good (Artword Theatre); and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Tribal Productions). Selected television highlights include The Next Step; Designated Survivor and The 12 Dates of Christmas.
​
Instagram: @time4anewstory
ELLA MAZUR
~ Caroline & Sybil Vane ~
Ella Mazur is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Canada. Her work explores the beauty of nature and the power of the human imagination through visual art, poetry, murals, and performance. Former acting credits include Wendy in Peter Pan and the Wendy Lady and Lenore in Tales of the Grotesque in 2023 and Morella in Tales of the Grotesque in 2024 (White Mills Theatre Co.). She is thrilled to be working with White Mills Theatre company once more!
​
JONAS TROTTIER
~ Gabriel Utterson ~
Jonas is an actor and theatre-maker based in Toronto. Recently Milk Milk Lemonade, the clown show he co-created and presented at the Toronto Fringe won Best Comedy and the Strange Maker's Award for Best Clown, Puppetry, or Drag show. He is chuffed to be returning to The Campbell House to collaborate with White Mills Theatre on yet another immersive piece for spooky season.
Previous theatre credits include: Clown in Milk Milk Lemonade, Actor in Wozzeck (Canadian Opera Company), "Everyone Else" in Stiff and Sons (Bare Theatre Collective), Frederick in Tales of The Grotesque (White Mills Theatre), Jean in The December Man (Theatre at Eastminster), Victor in Dry Land (Cue6 Theatre) and others.
Instagram: @Jonassqjt
​
SCOTT GARLAND
~ Edward Hyde ~
Scott Garland is thrilled to be back with the White Mills Theatre Company this Halloween! A German-born, Alberta-raised, Toronto-based performer and writer; you may remember him in White Mills' previous experiences Tales of the Grotesque and Peter Pan and the Wendy Lady. Other credits include Kitchen Witches and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Bruce County Playhouse), Midnight Madness (Port Stanley Festival Theatre), Three Men in a Boat (Pea Green Theatre) and Threepenny Opera (Soup Can Theatre).
He recently produced Gemini at The Next Stage Festival and the award winning play Frankenstein(esque) with his puppet company Silent Protagonist. You can catch him on select episodes of Let's Go Luna, Workin Moms, Mayor of Kingstown, Murdoch Mysteries, and Titans. You can also hear Scott in Season Three of Winston Rowntree's award winning animated series People Watching on OUTTV.
​
Instagram: @scottdontgotthegram
AUSTIN LARUSSON
~ Igor Poole ~
Praised for his "fine baritone voice" (The Brooklyn Eagle), "Austin Larusson sang beautifully",“offering us luxury vocals” (barczablog.com), “Austin Larusson’s Crespel was a very effective
and even touching foil”, “Austin Larusson impressed as the High Priest” (John Gilks operarambling.blog), “Baritone Austin Larusson sang a fine High Priest, his polished handling of Gluck’s godly invocation, Dispensateur de la lumière, stern and resonant” Ian Ritchie (operagoto.com), “Austin Larusson was a hilariously overacted Penižek”, “Austin Larusson was an hilarious Grand Inquisitor whose deadpan delivery was exactly what Gilbert and Sullivan would wish for in this pompous poke at religious authority. His diction was impeccable during his spoken lines and during some very lush baritone singing”, Dawn Martens (Opera Canada), “Austin Larusson deserves special mention, bringing a soronous baritone and appropriately dryhumour to the role of the Grand Inquisitor” Denise Lai (ludwig-van.com).
Recent appearances include the High Priest in ALCESTE and Priest in ROBERT LE DIABLE with Opera in Concert, Don Alhambra del Bolero in THE GONDOLIERS, Penižek in COUNTESS MARITZA and Carretero/Corregidor in EL HUESPED DEL SEVILLANO with Toronto Operetta
Theatre, Noodler in PETER PAN AND THE WENDY LADY and TALES OF THE GROTESQUE as Hugo with White Mills Theatre, Morales and covering Escamillo in CARMEN, Elder McLean in SUSANNAH, DIE FLEDERMAUS as Frank, DON GIOVANNI as Masetto and TOSCA as the Sacristan and covering Scarpia with Toronto City Opera, and Conte Ceprano in RIGOLETTO with Opera York.
​
Instagram: @austinlarusson
YouTube: @ilcontealmaviva1
ISAAC KUK
~ Instumentalist & Brothel Performer ~
Isaac Kuk is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto.
As a cellist, Isaac has previously performed with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as in select musical theatre productions including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Hart House Theatre) and Little Women (Hillcrest Village Community Players). Isaac currently plays in the Toronto Pops Orchestra, which specializes in performing beloved music heard through TV, movies, radio, and even video games with a modern, orchestral spin.
Isaac is also an avid actor. Past credits include Count Dracula in Dracula (St. Michael’s College School), Reverend John Hale in The Crucible (St. Michael’s College School), Shem in Children of Eden (St. Michael’s College School), Rob Berkowski in Maggie Chun’s First Love and Last Wedding (Toronto Fringe Festival) and Derek Case in Bus Stop (Toronto Fringe Festival).
Isaac is delighted to make his debut with White Mills Theatre Co. as Instrumentalist in Tales of the Damned!
ROB CARRUTHERS
~ Music Arranger ~
Rob is an emerging artist based in Toronto, whose passion for music shines through his diverse performances and compositions. As a dedicated woodwind musician, Rob brings versatility to his craft, performing on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, as well as flute, piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, and bassoon. Currently pursuing his education at York University, he continues to expand his artistic horizons and connect with audiences through his innovative work.
Rob has performed with a wide range of ensembles, including the Toronto All-Star Big Band, where he showcases his skills on multiple woodwind instruments. His experience also spans York University’s Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, Media Music Club, and Jazz Orchestra, reflecting his adaptability and wide-ranging talent. Notable performances include collaborations with White Mills Theatre Co., where he contributed to productions such as Edgar Allan Poe’s “Tales of the Grotesque” and “Peter Pan and the Wendy Lady.”
In addition to his performance work, Rob is a prolific composer and arranger. His compositions, crafted for big bands, wind orchestras, chamber ensembles, and jazz groups, highlight his ability to blend creativity with technical skill. Through his compositions and arrangements, Rob continues to push creative boundaries and enrich the musical landscape.
Rob’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to artistic growth underscore his promising future in the music world.
SHANNON MILLS
~ Gretchen Faust ~
Producer, Co-Director & Musical Director
Shannon Mills earned her Master of Arts with distinction in Music Performance from California State University, Fresno, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Lethbridge. Inspired by the achievements of her academic mentors, Shannon has gone on to instill a love of opera in children—previously working as a Program Assistant with the Canadian Opera Company’s After School Opera Program. With this in mind, Shannon is driven to produce engaging work for fellow artists within her community. Recognizing both the wide range of talent and few performance opportunities in Toronto, Shannon founded White Mills Theatre Co. to bring her fresh perspective to the stage. As Managing Director, she reimagines classic libretti to produce original theatre projects and newly relevant opera, creating fulfilling work for herself as a soprano. Shannon’s extensive musical training has been an asset in her ventures as a theatre director, working closely with actors to develop the cadence and musicality of spoken text.
BRANDON WHITE
~ Producer, Co-Director, Playwright & Production Designer ~
Brandon White is an interdisciplinary artist whose passion for queer theory and theology recurs throughout much of his body of work—both thematically as a director and visually as a designer. A graduate of York University’s comprehensive Theatre program, Brandon specialized in Devised Theatre, with an emphasis on collective creation, directing, and design. A wearer of many hats, Brandon’s numerous interests are integrated into a singular vision as Artistic Director of White Mills Theatre Co. His original work has toured throughout much of Central America, earning him a Bernice Adams Memorial Award nomination at an early age. More recently, he has collaborated with the City of Toronto to animate local heritage sites, working together with his creative partner, Shannon Mills, to stage an immersive adaptation of Menotti’s The Medium at Spadina Museum: Heritage House and Gardens. An active participant in the Toronto theatre community, Brandon creates inclusive opportunities for performers of diverse backgrounds, skill levels, and experience.
DANIEL TOFACH
~ Assistant Production Designer &
Assistant Stage Manager ~
Daniel Tofach received his BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University in 2010. As a visual artist, Daniel’s work has been featured in Small Works—Small Space (Gallery 1313), Experiencing Perspectives (Mercedes-Benz Financial), Canadian Landscapes Juried Exhibition (Agnes Jamieson Gallery), and Masterworks (Peterson Art Gallery). Although known for his expressive landscapes, Daniel’s most recent work explores the nature of portraiture—capturing the abstracted interplay of light and darkness on the plains of the human form. With this in mind, his work has been known to make its way to the stage in the form of set dressing. A frequent collaborator with White Mills Theatre Co., Daniel has assisted at various stages in production development—as an artist, sound technician, and production assistant.
​​
IRIS ASSERLIND
~ Assistant Director & Stage Manager ~
Iris is a queer, Toronto-based theatre artist, writer, stage manager, and arts educator. They graduated from the University of Windsor’s Drama in Education and Community program. Iris is an artist educator for Young People’s Theatre and Children’s Arts Theatre School. They are the founder and artistic director of One Day Theatre Co, a sober-exclusive company. They are also a poet, puppeteer and lover of movies. Recent select stage management credits include: Lucian, Plato & the Secrets of the Pussy (Bound Productions), Daring Debut (Antic Theatre), Sex Goddess (R&R Productions), Girls Night Cabin Fever (Ghouls and Girls Theatre), Long Live the Rainbow (Elderberry Productions); and Peter Pan and The Wendy Lady & Tales of the Grotesque (White Mills Theatre Co).