Famous People Players need help

Famous People Players need help. Cast members of Famous People Players – Kevin Patekar (top left), Molly Sutton (middle), Courtney Rolph (lower left) and Sal Arangio (lower right) perform Oct. 23 during a dress rehearsal. The theatre troupe, which employs developmentally challenged people, officially opens Oct. 30 in its new Etobicoke home at 343 Evans Ave., east of Kipling Ave. Staff photo/ IAN KELSO

When the world-renowned black light theatre began renovations this spring on its new 20,000-square-foot Evans Avenue space it received many offers of in-kind donations, including for construction and design materials.

But the economic downturn crushed much of that pledged support.

"We have to raise $500,000," Famous People Players' president and founder Diane Dupuy said Friday, Oct. 23 in an interview in the theatre's restaurant. "We were supposed to open Aug. 1. We took a big hit. We're at $457,000 in lost sales and construction costs."

Unexpected costs include damage caused by tornado-like storms this summer. An Ontario Fire Code-mandated fire curtain cost $50,000.

Demolition of its former Sudbury Street building necessitated the troupe's move to a new home.

Etobicoke has embraced the Players, Dupuy reported.

Names of donors who contributed $50 gallons of paint this summer are listed in the Dine and Dream Theatre's inaugural brochure, along with benefactors who contributed at $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 levels.

The latest campaign - "Become a Star Patron" - is selling 'stars' at the same donation levels, and includes gifts up to a private patrons event hosted by Dupuy.

The registered charity is no stranger to challenge.

Dupuy founded the company, which employs developmentally challenged people, in 1974 at a time when people with disabilities were segregated.

"We sought to reverse this limiting approach and replace it with hope and achievement..." Dupuy writes in a new Players' brochure. "Everyone has some kind of handicap. We all overcome obstacles and drive toward our dreams."

The troupe overcame one obstacle Oct. 27 .

Toronto Council granted the Players an exemption from nearly $200,000 in "applicable" development charges levied against it by the city when it began renovations.

In August, FPP filed a complaint over the fees to Toronto Council, and threatened to seek relief at the Ontario Municipal Board if the charges were not waived.

Famous People Players' theatre is at 343 Evans Ave. just east of Kipling Avenue in a commercial strip plaza that is also home to the well-known West-way Club dance studio. It is also fundraising to buy a sign.

Inside the entrance, a wall of fame showcases photographs of Dupuy and players with the famous, including Tom Cruise, Phil Collins and Canadian legends the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, Anne Murray, Gordon Pinsent.

The award-winning theatre company opened for 10 years for Liberace. Recently, it held an exclusive show for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

"What you see is sensational...what you don't see is inspirational," Dupuy likes to say of the show, which includes either lunch or dinner.

The Players employ 39 people: 12 staff, the remainder performers.

Its Exceptional Achievement Program provides employees with a foundation of self-esteem and training in fields that include culinary arts and hospitality, technical theatre, theatre arts and administration, Dupuy said.

"Someone can come in at a crossroads in their life," Dupuy said. "They come in and help out. There's a sense of accomplishment. It's nice that we're giving people a start in their lives."

J.D. Ibay began working with the Players 11 years ago serving in the restaurant, named after late actor and humanitarian Paul Newman. Today, Ibay is the Players' production manager and musical director.

"Everybody here has a disability, some form of challenge be it mental or physical," Ibay said between numbers during a recent dress rehearsal in the 200-seat black light theatre. "We start by teaching the 'bread and butter' and they add to the organization to the point they end up like me, working as a production manager."

The Players runs through Benny D'onofrio's blood.

In 1975, he joined the troupe as a performer. Today, he works in the restaurant office.

"I like the people. I like when I was on tour," D'onofrio said, as he cited visits to Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hawaii, Mexico, as well as cities across North America.

Last week, Dupuy received the Ontario Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She is also a Member of the Order of Canada.

The company is celebrating its 35th anniversary.