In Loving Memory of Mark Drake
15th July 1935 – 13th May 2025, Hudson, Quebec
Mark Drake appearing in Marriage Proposal, 1982, Hudson, Quebec
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Drake, a cherished member of the Hudson community. Mark was not only a devoted friend, colleague, and neighbour but a passionate supporter and advocate of the arts, particularly theatre.
Ann and Mark arrived in Hudson in the Fall of 1979, and a year later hosted a HPC wine and cheese party in their home on Côte St. Charles. Mark’s name soon became synonymous with the Hudson Players Club, where his dedication and creative spirit brought productions to life and helped sustain a legacy of local theatre that has inspired generations. Whether behind the scenes or standing in the spotlight, Mark’s presence was marked by warmth, intelligence, and a quiet but powerful leadership. His involvement spanned many years and roles — as an actor and organiser of many events, as well as taking on the roles of President (in Sue Campbell’s absence) and Vice President. He was also always performing at the Christmas Readings, and brought the house down with his delightfully read Adrian Mole!
His belief in the transformative power of theatre enriched the cultural life of Hudson. Mark was known for his meticulous attention to detail, his deep respect for fellow artists, and his unwavering commitment to excellence. To many in the community, he was a steady hand and a generous heart, always ready with encouragement, insight, or simply a good laugh.
Outside the theatre, Mark was also recognised for his involvement in other community endeavours, including the Hudson Chamber Music Series. A man of many talents, he brought integrity, grace, and a sense of humour to all he did.
He leaves behind a loving network of family, friends, and colleagues who will miss him dearly and remember him with great affection.
May he rest in peace, and may the curtain never fall on the impact he made.
Lily Zubis-Tanona has been in the theatre scene from a young age. Whether performing ancient Greek mythology plays with her homeschool drama group—Perseus (2009) and What’s Up, Icarus? (2013) at the Hudson Village Theatre—taking many hours of improv classes, or working behind the scenes, she’s always loved the stage. During her time in the ALC program and professional theatre at John Abbott, she built set pieces, worked as an ASM, and performed as a magician in Pippin (2017). Other ASM work includes Almost, Maine (2018) and ANON(ymous) (2019). Lily wears many hats as a performer, set builder, and backstage hand—balancing it all with a bit of magic!
Jean-Frédéric would like to take the time to thank the cast & crew and all patrons of the theatre, for their love and dedication to the arts! Having had the chance to take part in a number of the Hudson Players Club productions such as One Flew Over the Coo Coo’s Nest (Scanlon), META award winning Balconville (Gaetan Bolduc), Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Sir Andrew), Much Ado About Nothing (The Priest), The Tempest (Antonio) and a multitude of Hudson Village Theatre’s Holiday Pantomimes, most recently as Drizella in Cinderella, it is with utmost pleasure that Jean-Frédéric embraces the challenge and opportunity of taking on the role of Felix Geisel.
Tommy is thrilled to be back in this fun and exciting play. He was last seen as Alex Tratt in Skin Flick. He has had the great pleasure of being in many plays and doing something he truly loves. Some of his plays include, I Am Yours (Toilane), Featuring Loretta (Dave), Twelfth Night (Sir Toby Belch & Sebastian), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius & Francis Flute), Not Now Darling (Harry McMichael), Lost in Yonkers (Louie Kurnitz) and The Full Monty (Dave). Tommy thanks the cast and crew for making this so much fun. Tommy thanks all of you for supporting this great art and now, The Game’s Afoot!
John has been involved in theatre for over 30 years as an actor, and more recently, as a director and writer. Acting credits include Renovations for Six by Norm Foster, Rumours by Neil Simon, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night Dream and The Tempest (HPC’s Shakespeare by the Lake). He has also done a lot (or maybe too much?) of improv comedy (performing and teaching). Directing credits include The Full Monty by Simon Beaufoy, Skin Flick by Norm Foster and writer & director of Cinderella the Panto and Little Red Riding Hood Strikes Back the Panto. He is delighted and honoured to be working with this talented cast and production team. Enjoy the coming insanity. Merci MJT.
Christine is thrilled to play Inspector Goring in A Game’s Afoot alongside a very talented cast. Her love for theater began in high school and continued through college, with roles in several major productions. After a long hiatus, Christine reignited her passion with performances in two pantomimes—Red Riding Strikes Back and Puss in Boots. She also performed in a teaser of The Penelopiad with The Hudson and Area Women’s Arts Collective and most recently appeared in the Lakeshore Players’ One Act Wonders. She is ecstatic to be part of the Hudson Players Club and hopes you enjoy the show!
Genevieve rekindled her love for performing this past summer, appearing in Twelfth Night (Fabian) during HPC’s Theatre by the Lake. Previous appearances from another lifetime include Lakeshore Players’ Club productions of My Three Angels (Marie-Louise), Stepping Out (Andy) and Twelfth Night (Olivia) as well as close to 20 years dancing with Ballet Ouest. From the West Island, Genevieve has lived in Hudson for 22 years and is involved in many arts and culture initiatives. She is thrilled to be acting alongside this very talented and generous cast and crew, and thanks Jim, Gabriel & William for their support and encouragement.
Robin Glance is thrilled to make her stage debut in “The Game’s Afoot”! While new to the world of drama, she’s spent years perfecting the art of over-acting at Halloween and murder mystery parties and couldn’t resist the opportunity to take it to a real stage. Big thanks to the amazing and talented cast and crew for making this journey unforgettable.
Since 2001, Diana has regularly performed in Hudson Players Club productions and Hudson Village Theatre’s fundraising productions. She has also performed in numerous Hudson Players Club Shakespeare by the Lake shows, including “Titania” A Midsummer’s Night Dream 2015; “Prospera” The Tempest 2018, and “Reverend Evans” The Merry Wives of Windsor 2022. She was “Billie” in Hudson Village Theatres “Renovations for Six” in 2021. Her most recent annual Pantomimes were as “Pernicia” Puss in Boots 2023 and “Baroness, Queen, Fairy Godmother” Cinderella 2024. She is very pleased to participate in this production with such a wonderful team, and to support the Hudson Players Club in continuing to provide opportunities for the community to become involved in theatre, either on or off stage. 
Fiona’s first venture into acting began 15 years ago in Gilbert & Sullivan’s 
Heidi Hawkins is a passionate theatre director, actor, and voice artist with over two decades of professional experience. She has directed a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works, with an extra special love for comedy. Known for her hands-on approach, Heidi loves working with actors, designers, and producers to bring creative visions to life. She’s thrilled to be back in Montreal after 12 years away, rejoining the theatre community with Hudson Players Club. Heidi also has extensive experience as a voice artist and holds a Professional Theatre Diploma from John Abbott College. She gets most of her creative inspiration from her 9 year old son.