For the fourth straight year Brampton-born LA resident Russell Peters flew in to Toronto to donate his time and talent to this annual fund-raiser for the benefit of Gilda’s Club, named for beloved and belated comedienne Gilda Radner. Comedian Russell Peters hosted this sold-out variety show, full of comedy, music and dance presented enthusiastically by some of the biggest names and emerging stars from the Canadian talent pool.

Gilda’s Club offers a much-needed emotional and social support haven for those living with cancer, and their friends and families. Canadian artists return year after year to donate their talents in aid of this cause, and this year was no exception.

Russell Peters hosted the line up including Eugene Levy, Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood (improv masters), Dan Levy (MTV), Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), Arthur Simeon (upcoming comedic star), Teresa Pavlinek, Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood and Kathryn Greenwood (Women Fully Clothed), Peter Deiwick (Rock of Ages), Thom Allison (and the cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert). Jann Arden was on the bill, but couldn’t attend due to illness, and a brilliant tenor Mark Masri (profile coming soon in Tempo Toronto) was able to stand-in for her at the last minute.. Denys Drozdyuk, winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada was also there to thrill the audience. CTV’s Beverly Thomson made an appearance to introduce Gilda’s Club Member speaker Paulette Lalancette.

Next year, November 2011, is the 10th anniversary event. You’d be wise to get tickets for this outstanding showcase of Canadian talent. And it’s all for a great cause.

Related posts:

1. Russell Peters hosts variety show for Gilda’s Club
2. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of The Desert
3. Colin Mochrie: improv master

Colin Mochrie is an award-winning, multi-talented performer and writer, born in the 1950s in Kilmarnock, Scotland, setting foot on Canadian soil in 1964, where he has since remained. You may know him from 12 years on the successful TV show Whose Line is It Anyway?, and for the comedy series Getting Along Famously for which he was co-creator, executive producer, writer and star with his wife Debra McGrath.

He has appeared in many Canadian comedy series, is a sought-after featured performer in several films – and will host the Canadian version of Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Resident of Toronto’s Leaside, Colin performs more than 100 live improv shows per year with Brad Sherwood. In 2009 Colin and Brad performed at the National Press Correspondents Dinner for the US President and the executive branch. Recently seen performing live in Toronto at the Princess of Wales Theatre, at the Gilda’s Club benefit It’s Always Something, he spoke with Tempo Toronto about life beyond 50. (And, by the way, he is a really good person.)

Related posts:

1. Russell Peters hosts variety show for Gilda’s Club
2. Russell Peters Hosts 9th Annual Gilda’s Club Event
3. Ronnie Arato: published first novel at 65