Emilio Salituro
Director
Emilio is a senior agent and manager at LUCAS TALENT in Vancouver, where he’s been proudly representing some of Canada’s finest film, television, and theatre artists for over 17 years.
Before switching sides to talent management, Emilio spent six years in full-time conservatory training (yes, six), then worked as a professional actor for 10 years—appearing in numerous locally shot TV and film productions, and performing on stage with companies like TUTS, RCMT, and Hoarse Raven Theatre (which, sadly, does not feature any actual ravens).
As a director, he helmed Zastrozzi (Enlightenment Theatre) and The Diary of Adam and Eve (Vancouver Fringe Festival), the latter earning him an Ovation Award nomination for Best Director—though he’s still waiting for someone to actually stand up and clap.
And yes—he really loves pizza. Like, probably more than he should.
Hellal Jawhari – Lenny
Founder of BLUE i RADIO
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Hellal has always had a passion for the stage and the spotlight. Despite a strict Lebanese upbringing that didn’t view theater and film as viable career paths, his determination never wavered. He had two dreams: to move to Vancouver and to become an actor. After 20 years, two careers, and countless challenges, he achieved both.
With a one-year diploma in film and acting under his belt, Hellal continued to hone his craft by training with some of Vancouver’s most respected coaches. In September 2023, he made his mark on stage as “Danny” in John Patrick Shanley’s Off-Off Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.
Hellal’s love for the stage is matched only by his passion for collaborating with dedicated actors and creatives. As the Founder of BLUE i RADIO, he is committed to bringing bold, dynamic art to Vancouver, across Canada, and beyond. In BLUE i RADIO’s 2024 season, Hellal delivered memorable performances as “Victor,” the eccentric writer in Shanley’s Four Dogs and a Bone, and “Jackie,” the petty drug-dealing addict in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ dark comedy The Motherf**ker With The Hat.
Up next, Hellal steps into the gritty world of Guirgis once again, playing “Lenny” in In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. With his eyes set on the big screen and an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Hellal’s journey is only just beginning.
Isabelle Madrigal – Chickie
Prancing from Kitchener, Ontario to the spotlight, Isabelle’s journey began with dance at age three, inspired by her ballerina mother. After honing her craft in Eastwood Collegiate’s Enriched Arts Program, she leapt to Toronto, joining the NBA Toronto Raptors Dance Pak and performing in music videos for artists such as Loud Luxury and Sean Kingston.
Isabelle’s passion for storytelling led her to acting in 2019, training with top coaches in Toronto. Big dreams brought her to Vancouver in 2022, where she expanded her acting skills through on-camera and scene study classes with renowned instructors like Matthew Harrison, John Cassini, and Al Miro. Her dedication paid off with starring roles in short films such as Honeywell, where she played Carrie, a strong-willed cop, and Wave, portraying Melissa, a timid writer confronting spousal abuse.
Despite her success on screen, Isabelle’s love for the stage never waned. In BLUE i RADIO’s 2024 season, she graced the stage as Victoria in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The Motherf**ker With The Hat and is thrilled to return this year as Chickie in Guirgis’ In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. Combining her dance and acting talents, Isabelle continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances.
Chris Cope – Skank
Chris Cope is thrilled to be making his debut with BLUE i RADIO. His recent theatre credits include Sir Robert Chiltern in An Ideal Husband (United Players), Hamlet in Hamlet (Harlequin Theatre Society), and the Duke of Cornwall in King Lear (Promethean Theatre).
On screen, Chris has appeared in So Help Me Todd (CBS), The Irrational (NBC), and Bau: Artist at War. He is a proud graduate of the renowned Studio 58 Theatre Program at Langara College.
Tirion Jones – Daisy
British-Canadian actress and singer
British-Canadian actress and singer
Tirion Jones (she/her) is a British-Canadian actress and singer, born in Vancouver and raised on the island of Jersey in the United Kingdom. A graduate of UBC’s BFA Acting program, Tirion has further honed her craft at Railtown Actors Studio, Andrew McIlroy and Associates, and Haven Acting Studio.
She is thrilled to make her debut with BLUE i RADIO, bringing to life the sharp and complex character of Daisy in In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. Select credits include Meg in Little Women (White Rock Players Club), Lou Buttons in Cinderella: The Pantomime (Metro Theatre), and Coriolanus in UBC’s production of Coriolanus.
Michael Fera – Sammy
Actor, Director & Producer
Michael has been an actor, director, producer, and arts administrator for over 40 years and is thrilled to join BLUE i RADIO for In Arabia We’d All Be Kings under the direction of Emilio Salituro.
His extensive stage experience includes some of his favorite roles: The Zoo Story with Rusted Cage Theatre Lab, Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet (directed by Kevin Bennett), as well as appearances in Hamlet and Measure for Measure under Bennett’s direction. Michael also portrayed Doc in West Side Story for Theatre Under the Stars and recently reprised the role in CTORA’s acclaimed production. Additional credits include Hilda’s Yard with Western Gold Theatre, directed by Anna Hagan.
Michael’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with multiple Jessie Richardson Theatre Award nominations for Significant Artistic Achievement and Outstanding Production, as well as the Business in Vancouver “40 Under 40” Award.
Mimi Toma – Demaris
Mimi Toma is a Vancouver-based actor, singer, aerialist, dancer, and graduate of Capilano University’s Acting for Stage and Screen program. She has honed her craft at Railtown Actors Studio, Al Miro Acting Studios, and trained with renowned acting instructors Bob Fraser and Gillian Barber. Her recent work includes short films for festivals like RunNGun, independent filmmakers, and the Motion of Picture Arts program at Capilano University.
She has also been performing with her More Formation (MOFO) dance team and was recently featured as an aerialist in a music video for the iconic band Men Without Hats. This year, she makes her BLUE iRADIO debut, bringing the raw honesty and resilient spirit of Demaris in Guirgis’ In Arabia We’d All Be Kings
Andrea Diaz – Mrs Reyes
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Andrea is a passionate theatre artist whose journey has blended artistry and holistic practice for over 16 years. Holding a BA in Dramatic Arts and a postgraduate degree in Teaching Dramatic Arts, she has worked extensively as an actress, teacher, director, writer, and producer—on stage, on screen, and in classrooms.
Andrea has performed in more than ten professional productions, including her acclaimed portrayal of Ashlee in Dance Nation at Open Stage Theatre (Colorado, USA), recognized by Stage Colorado Reviews in 2024 for its powerful monologue. Her work spans classic, modern, experimental, and physical theatre, as well as shadow work and live performance. She has participated in international theatre workshops, sharing her love for performance across diverse communities and using theatre as a tool for connection, learning, and growth.
Beyond the stage, Andrea has worked in audiovisual production as an assistant director and is currently expanding her creative repertoire through a diploma in Film, Television, and Voice-Over. When she’s not performing, you’ll likely find her practicing yoga, dancing, or enjoying a great movie with popcorn. For Andrea, theatre isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life, a playground for truth, and a home she returns to time and time again.
Michael Vairo – Jake
Born and raised in Vancouver, I am a proud graduate of the renowned Studio 58 Professional Theatre Training Program at Langara College. I’ve been an active part of Vancouver’s theatre and film scene for (Whoops! How many years?), with some of my favorite stage roles including John Wilson’s Hamp and Peter Shaffer’s Equus at Studio 58, as well as Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts and Bertolt Brecht’s translation of Galileo for United Players of Vancouver.
In addition to acting, I’ve ventured into directing, helming Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story for the Rusted Cage Theater Lab. My passion for storytelling has also led me to playwriting—my original work, The Monarch, which was selected as one of the three finalists at Western Gold Theatre’s inaugural “Have a Senior Moment” new play festival in 2023. (Stay tuned for more on The Monarch!)
This is my first production with BLUE i RADIO, and I’m thrilled to join this incredible team in bringing Stephen Adly Guirgis’s In Arabia We’d All Be Kings to life. I hope you enjoy the show!
Alejandro Montoto Francesena – Vic / Caroll
Alejandro Montoto Francesena was born in Havana, Cuba, and moved with his family to Vancouver at the age of four. Growing up in Richmond, he discovered a love for storytelling early on—often spending recess pretending to be a superhero with his friends. This passion sparked a lifelong pursuit that, to him, had two clear paths: martial arts and acting.
As he grew, so did his dedication to both disciplines. Alejandro continues to train, refine his craft, and embrace every challenge that comes his way. He is thrilled to bring his energy and commitment to the stage and looks forward to sharing his journey with audiences.
Lee Tichon – Charlie
Lee Anthony Tichon was born in Edmonton, Alberta, to John Tichon and Linna Ziorio. Raised between two households—his mother’s in Spruce Grove and his fathers in Edmonton—Lee split his time between school, hockey, and a budding love for storytelling. Weekends often included video store trips with his father, sparking deep conversations about film and performance that would eventually shape his artistic path.
After discovering acting through school plays, Lee made the pivotal decision in Grade 10 to pursue the craft, leaving his hockey days behind. With limited opportunities for film education in Alberta, he relocated to Vancouver to attend Vancouver Film School, graduating in 2001. He signed with an agent shortly after but recognized the importance of continued training—studying with Linda Darlow for five years before connecting with Shea Hampton’s Acting from Source method, which he has followed for the past 15 years.
Lee’s screen credits include Tooth Fairy (2010), Wolf Moon (2009), Charlie (2012), and TV roles on Smallville, Arrow, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, and The 100.
Outside of acting, Lee values time with his wife Melissa and their dog Que, as well as staying close with his sisters, nieces, and nephews. For Lee, family is everything.
Steve James – Greer
Steve is grateful to everyone at BLUE i RADIO for an incredible theatrical experience. His recent stage credits include Claudius/Ghost in Hamlet (Harlequin Theatre), Vivaldi in The Red Priest (United Players), Max Tarasov in Superior Donuts and Eddie Brock in Born Yesterday (Ensemble Theatre), Malvolio in Twelfth Night and Adam in Comfort Cottages (Western Gold), as well as Trout & Chetwynde in Slaughterhouse-Five and Carmichael in A Behanding in Spokane (Little Mountain Lion).
On screen, Steve has appeared in Legends of Tomorrow, Supernatural, iZombie, and Hallmark Movies such as Summer in the City and Love Once and Always, as well as Lifetime’s Drink, Slay, Love, playing Felix.
Steve is a proud graduate of the UK’s Royal Birmingham Theatre Conservatoire.
Patrick Bahrich – Holy Roller
Pat is a multi-talented performer—actor, comedian, and musician—whose recent stage work includes Father Brosnan in Vital Spark Theatre’s production of Freedom of the City. Other notable roles include Victor Franz in United Players’ production of Arthur Miller’s The Price and Wladek in Tadeusz Slobodzianek’s Our Class. With Metro Theatre, he appeared as Milt Fields in Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor and has also performed in The Poker Session (Stage Eireann) and Dancing at Lughnasa (North Vancouver Players).
On screen, Pat’s credits include Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, as well as appearances in Psych, Supernatural, and Tracker. A seasoned comedian, he has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and at numerous Vancouver comedy clubs. Pat is also the singer and guitarist for his band Lawyers in Love—and no, he’s not a lawyer, nor has he played one on TV. He does, however, have a deep appreciation for the music of Jackson Browne.
Tyra D’Costa
Production & Social Media Coordinator
Tyra D’Costa is a Vancouver-based Production Coordinator and actor represented by Trisko Talent. Trained in Uta Hagen’s technique, voice, and dance, she brings a grounded, expressive presence to her work. A passionate cinephile and mental health advocate, Tyra is driven by a deep love of storytelling in all its forms. She is thrilled to be part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a dedicated team.
Tianna Francis
Stage Manager
Tianna is thrilled to stage manage In Arabia We’d All Be Kings alongside such an incredible cast and crew. Her passion for stage management began while studying in the Stagecraft and Event Technology Program at Douglas College. During her training, she served as ASM for To Please the Audience in her first year and stage-managed Jane Austen Action Figure in her second year.
She is honored to bring her skills, knowledge, and dedication to BLUE i RADIO as their stage manager. Enjoy the show!
Luis Bellassai-Gauto
Set Designer
Originally from Paraguay, Luis is an architect and MFA Scenic Designer (UBC), based in Vancouver since 2018. His creative journey spans across architecture, film, and theatre, with a focus on crafting meaningful and imaginative spaces for the stage and screen.
He’s collaborated on a variety of local short films and theatre productions with organizations such as Arts Umbrella, Opia Cine, UBC, and Budsaurus Pictures. Whether building abstract dreamscapes or detailed realistic environments, his goal is always to surprise and engage audiences through innovative design.
Though naturally introverted, Luis finds joy and expression through the collaborative process of theatre-making. In Paraguay, he balanced roles as an architect and art director for television commercials; in Canada, his focus has shifted fully to theatrical storytelling.
A proud milestone in Luis’ journey was representing both Paraguay and Canada at the 2022 World Stage Design Exhibition in Calgary—a moment that reaffirmed his dedication to the craft.
Drawing from experience not only as a designer but also as a performer, Luis recently wrote and starred in his own original work, I AM 108, which debuted in 2024
Jacob Peterson McIntyre
Lightning Designer
Jacob Peterson McIntyre is the lighting designer for In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. He is currently pursuing his Stagecraft and Event Technology diploma at Douglas College, where he has contributed to productions such as Black Watch, The Wolves, and Jane Austen Action Figure. Most recently, Jacob assisted with the production of The Midnight Parade.
He extends special thanks to Chenyang Boon for his guidance and hopes you enjoy the show!
Stacey Kok
Sound Designer
Stacey is a Chinese Canadian artist based in Vancouver, currently studying Theatre Design and Production at UBC with a specialization in sound design and stage management. Passionate about the power of sound, she focuses on using it to enhance emotional depth and connection in storytelling.
Recent credits include The Servant of Two Masters (UBC Theatre) and sound design for The Pazzarelli Gem (UBC Collab). Stacey is excited to bring her creative vision to this production and share in the magic of live theatre.
Kengo Hashimoto
Production Team Member
Kengo’s a Vancovuer-based Japanese actor whose talent and versatility have led to significant opportunities in television, with credits including ‘Shogun’ (2024), ‘Pachinko’ Season 2 (2024), and ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (2023), among others. With a foundation rooted in an appreciation for the craft, Kengo continues to expand his horizons, taking on projects that bring characters to life on both stage and screen.
Kengo played Bradley in Four Dogs and a Bone, presented by BLUE i RADIO in 2024. This year, he returns as part of the production team, committed to delivering an outstanding theatrical experience for Vancouver audiences.
Fabio Russo
Production Team Member
Fabio’s chameleonic journey, enriched by his Italian and French heritage, began in Montreal, where his artistic upbringing fueled his creative spirit. Seeking to rewrite his story, he moved to Vancouver to pursue his long-desired acting career. In BLUE i RADIO’s 2024 season, Fabio portrayed Cousin Julio in The Motherf**ker With The Hat. This year, he returns to the company behind the scenes as part of the production team, contributing as a set builder and crew member for In Arabia We’d All Be Kings.
Alessandro Pekin
Production Team Member
Born in Hamburg, Germany to an Italian mother and Turkish father, Alessandro grew up in a culturally rich, artistically curious household where film, television, and theatre were central to family life. Though a career in the arts called to him, expectations led him to pursue a degree in Business Administration and Finance.
In 2021, Alessandro embraced his lifelong passion for storytelling and began formal acting training at New Image College in Vancouver. Since then, he has appeared in several independent films, television projects, and stage productions.
After performing with BLUE i RADIO last season, Alessandro returns this year to support the company behind the scenes. For him, storytelling is a collaborative art form, and he’s proud to contribute both on and off the stage.