THE MOVIE STAR
From the writer of the hit stage play Wonderwall comes The Movie Star, a comedy about fame, failure, and finding a second act.
Written by James Barclay
Directed by Tracy Labrosse
On stage at Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island
August 13 – 23, 2026
Runtime: Approx. 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission
Limited 10-show engagement
Rated 13+ (mature themes/language)
CAST & CREW
JAMES BARCLAY Playwright / Producer / "Cole"
James is an actor, screenwriter, playwright and director who was born and raised in Vancouver. He spent more than a decade working in the European film industry, where he wrote and directed national commercials, short films, independent features, and television pilots. During this time, he had the opportunity to collaborate with acclaimed actors including Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones), Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee), and Zlatko Burić (Triangle of Sadness). After returning to Canada, he shifted his focus from film back to his first love - the stage. His recent starring credits include Mischief Theatre's "The Play That Goes Wrong," A.R. Gurney's "The Dining Room," Norm Foster's "Kiss The Moon, Kiss The Sun," as well as his own original play, "Wonderwall."
CHRISTI ARELLANO "Grace"
In the past three decades I have had the pleasure of working with some of the best actors, musicians, directors, and producers in Vancouver. From Hoarseraven Theatre’s "Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding" playing Donna Marsala, to Down Stage Right Productions’ and the Art’s Club’s "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as Janet Weiss, touring Japan with my Celtic trio, Lhiannan, baring my outsides with Leather and Lace’s "Calendar Girls" as Cora, and baring my insides with Deep Cove Stage Society’s "The Swearing Jar" as Carey, I’ve had some amazing opportunities. In 2025, things got spicy for me in Deep Cove’s "Five Alarm," then I leant a hand backstage during Black Box Theatre’s run of the truly hilarious "The Play That Went Wrong," and then dove heart-first into Curious Cats Theatre Collective’s production of Rick Dobran’s masterpiece, "The Best Restaurant In The World. Ever" at the Jericho Arts Centre. I will never
get enough of working with talented and passionate writers, directors, performers, producers, and backstage crew, and I don’t take these opportunities for granted. As such, I’m delighted to work with the crew and cast of Black Box Theatre’s "The Movie Star" this summer, and hope you enjoy this witty and heartfelt play as much as we do. Love and gratitude to Ruben, Maggie, and Lilith, for giving me permission to live vicariously through all of these complex and exciting characters time and again. And, scene!
ANDREW KENNY "Josh"
Andrew has done a lot of theatre you haven’t seen. Don’t feel bad. A lot of people haven’t seen him in anything. Including his friends. His wife has skipped the odd production too. So, this isn’t so much a bio as a guilt trip. You know who you are if you’re reading this. Andrew appeared as the misguided alcoholic father in the inaugural run of James Barclay’s brilliant play “Wonderwall” and was the hypochondriac George in Metro’s “Send Me No Flowers”, and a not too bright criminal in “Wait Until Dark”. Not much of a stretch really. An original member of Edmonton’s Rapid Fire Theatre, his credits include Billy Liar, The Dock Brief, Jitters and many Edmonton Fringe plays. Andrew spends most of his time working to support his children’s education habit. There.. some more guilt thrown in for good measure .
TOM KAVADIAS "Eli"
Tom has been performing on Vancouver stages since 1985, with his first role in Jericho Arts/United Players’ production of "The Impossible Years." Besides acting, Tom has also put on the director's cap several times, including "Dial M for Murder" at Kay Meek Studio Theatre. Tom always enjoys character parts, but has also played lead roles, including Hercules Poirot in "Black Coffee." He hopes you enjoy "The Movie Star!"
ASHLEY KIM "Lily"
Ashley is a Korean Canadian actor born and raised in Vancouver. She is a graduate of the Acting for Stage and Screen program at Capilano University and works both on stage and screen. A history lover, she speaks English, French, and Korean. Recent credits include "On the Way Home" for the Or Festival, "A Christmas Carol," and "One Man, Two Guvnors" at Capilano University. Ashley is currently represented by Lloyd Talent and is thrilled to collaborate with inspiring artists while continuing to explore new characters.
REID ANDERSON "Seth"
Reid Anderson has always loved being a part of a great story. A longtime student at Austin Tuck studios with Deb Podowski, he was recently on stage at Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island, in the play "Handcuffed" by Youtheatre. Reid has also appeared in several critically acclaimed short films. "Bare" made its debut within a Telefilm short film program at Cannes Film Festival and "The AA Meeting" made its debut at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival this past year.
TRACY LABROSSE Director
Tracy has been a dedicated member of the Vancouver theatre scene for over 30 years, with a deep passion for every aspect of the craft. From performing and directing to set and sound design, she thrives on being immersed in the creative process. Some of her favourite past credits include "The Dining Room," "Annapurna," "The 39 Steps," "Moon Over Buffalo," "Doubt," "The Play That Goes Wrong" and "Wonderwall." A recipient of both CTC and Theatre BC Festival awards, Tracy continues to bring passion and dedication to the stage, and is incredibly excited to bring "The Movie Star" to Granville Island this August.
RONICA HUYNH Production Manager
Ronica recently graduated from UBC with a minor in Theatre. She’s excited to be joining Black Box Theatre for "The Movie Star." Previous credits include "Wonderwall," "Heathers: The Musical" (Sherwood Theatre), "Crossing Delancey" (NVCP), "TomorrowLove" (UBC Theatre), "The Importance of Being Earnest" (UBC Players Club), and "And Then There Were None" (Metro Theatre). Ronica is eager to bring her diverse experience and passion for theatre to this production.
ADAM CRYSTAL Assistant Stage Manager
Adam Crystal is currently a film student studying at Capilano University’s Motion Picture Arts program, with the hopes of becoming a producer. Adam has been working backstage in various shows since he was 12, his favourites being: “The Play That Goes Wrong” (Black Box Theatre 2025), “Wonderwall” (Black Box Theatre 2026), and “Ballet & Revolution” (Argyle Drama 2023). If you see Adam before or after the show, come say hi!