Cast of Famous People Players with community awards presented by MPP Christine Hogarth. Photo by Val Kalimbet.
Members of Etobicoke’s Famous People Players who are known worldwide have now been recognized for their outstanding service as they reopen their stage for performances to the public with COVID-19 guidelines being lifted.
The cast of ‘Canada’s original blacklight theatre’ are among 300 workers of non-profit agencies presented with plaques of appreciation on February 18 by MPP Christine Hogarth for their work in the community. 
The 343 Evans Avenue agency recently received a $300,000 grant from the Ontario government to carry out their work.
“We are showing our appreciation for the work that they and other non-profits do,” said Hogarth, the MPP for Etobicoke Lakeshore. “We are saying thank you to all the non-profit agencies for all their work in the community.”
Hogarth said she was ‘honoured’ to be on the famed stage to make the presentations.
The theatre, which has been staging shows for 47 years in Toronto, has framed photos of some of the biggest stars, who have graced their stage over the decades.
A Famous People Players’ Memory Lane contains dozens of photographs of some of Hollywood and Broadway’s most iconic stars who have performed there including Liberace, a long-time friend of the theatre; musician Phil Collins; whom the stage was named after he donated funds for a sound system and actor Paul Newman; after which a Newman’s Own kitchen was named, and many more.
Famous People was founded in 1994 by Diane Dupuy who said they are ‘dedicated to helping those who are developmentally challenged.”
The company, which moved to Etobicoke in 2009 after its Toronto building was demolished, employs
FAMED PIANIST Liberace was a friend of Famous People Players. Courtesy photo.
people with physical and intellectual disabilities, who share duties in dining room management, arts administration, and theatrical and visual arts performances.
“Our performances include exceptional achievements from those who have dared to believe in themselves,” said Dupuy, a member of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Library of Congress Award.
MPP HOGARTH presenting plaque to a cast member. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
She said this is the second time that Famous People has reopened its stage after being shut for years due to the pandemic.
“We were closed twice due to the virus,” Dupuy explained. “We offer inspirational education through a Broadway-class theatre extravaganza. We are glad to return.”
She said the theatre experience ‘teaches students of all ages to push beyond any limitations and to rise to the best of their true selves.’
Famous People Players board chair Chris Korwin-Kuczynski said the theatre has been a successful fixture in the community for 13 years and ‘people love the shows.’
School teacher Brittany Knight said ‘it was challenging to find an event that works for all of my class.’
“This one was awesome in every capacity,” Knight said of the theatre experience. “You made us laugh, think and taught us how to respond even better to the kids.”
Now playing is Shufflin’ on Broadway, which runs from January 15 to May 31.
The theatre offers a dinner performance in their dining room with Celebrity Chef Christopher Woods.
The Newman’s Own kitchen is a centre of their Culinary Dream Program.
Famous Players Theatre is located at 343 Evans Avenue and can be reached by phone at 416-532-1137 or visit www.FamousPeoplePlayers.com