Come out and check out Sweet Charity at Theatre Sheridan, Thursday February 18th to Sunday February 28th in the Studio Theatre! The show is under the direction of the incomparable Sheila McCarthy... I'm so excited to be a part of this fabulous production.!

'Omigod you guys!' I will be playing Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde: The Musical at Theatre Sheridan, December 1st - 13th. I'm so thrilled to have a chance to be a part of one of my favourite new musicals! For more details and to buy tickets, CLICK HERE!

I am constantly reminding myself (and am sore from pinching myself) of how crazy it is that I get to go to work every day, not only to do what I love with every inch of my being, but that I also get to do it Ben Vereen. He is truly remarkable on stage and off stage and lives up to every bit of his legendary status. In the short time he has been with us he has taught myself, and the entire cast, just as much about performing as he has about how to live out our lives in the most joyful, grateful, present and extraordinary ways possible. But then again, do we need to even separate the two subjects? As Ben would say, 'your life is onstage, start living it'. At first I was blown away by the wealth of wisdom and spiritual insight this man possessed. I immediately understood his title 'Spiritual Enforcer'. However, I quickly reminded myself that I have heard everything this man is saying before, from countless teachers, mentors and friends. What is truly extraordinary is how he is able to embody and live every single thing he preaches. (I have enough magical Ben Vereen quotes for a whole other post!) Ben Vereen has set a new standard for me as to the amount of self discipline and conviction I want to possess someday as a performer and human being. His practice as a performer and 'Spiritual Enforcer' NEVER stops, whether he is on or off the stage. Not to shamelessly plug the show or anything, but Ben demonstrates all this and more in our little show. It is beyond remarkable to watch from onstage with him... I can only begin to imagine what it would be like to witness his magic from the audience. I hope to someday watch this legend live from the other side! Until then, I guess getting to be onstage with him isn't so bad? 

OH, I almost forgot... I can't help but also share this fun little story! I'll just quote my Facebook status:

Jonathan Gysbers
June 8 at 8:24pm · 

"before our final dress rehearsal Ben Vereen phoned Liza Minnelli and put her on speaker phone so she could wish us a good show... needless to say, we are having an amazing show. THANKS LIZA ❤"

I might've died a little... for the record, I got to say 'hi'! 

This past semester at Sheridan I had the fortune of singing some of my all time favourite songs during my Vocal Jury. Here is a video compilation of some of the highlights from the performance. Enjoy!

In just a few days I go into rehearsals for Theatre Sheridan's production of Chess! I will be playing Freddie (The American) under the direction of Darcy Evans and an incredible creative team. I could not be more excited to get started on this project. The show runs April 16 - 26 at Sheridan... stay tuned for more details! In the mean time... buy your tickets here!






















April 16 - 26, 2015
MacDonald-Heaslip Hall

Book by Richard Nelson
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson

'Here the ancient game of chess becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super power politics and international intrigues. The pawns in this drama form a love triangle: the loutish American chess star, the earnest Russian champion and a Hungarian American female assistant who arrives at the international chess match in Bangkok with the American but falls for the Russian. From Bangkok to Budapest the players, lovers, politicians, and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental rock score by members of ABBA.'

Had to share this! After all, it IS Thursday... so why not a little throwback? SO many great memories at this wonderful theatre! Couldn't be more grateful. #tbt