Hearts Left Open

First workshopped at Walterdale Theatre's Cradle to Stage

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Without you, our story would not be what it is.

Thank You to Our Friends & Family

Without you, we would not be in the position we are to continue following our passions.

Our Cast & Crew

Without you, we have no story.

Beth: Marisa Scarbeau
Gail: Karen Huntley
Michael / Doctor: Ryan Mattila
Nurse 1: Sarah Gibson
Nurse 2: Dave Breakenridge

Written & Directed by: Lee-Anna Semenyna
Assistant Director: Mike Leoppky
Stage Manager: Laura Eschak
Dramaturg: Beth Graham
Produced by: Heart & Ash Productions

Marisa Scarbeau (she/her)

"Beth"

Marisa is an Edmonton born actor, writer, and self-love advocate. Past credits include: ‘Emergency Contact’ (From Cradle to Stage - Walterdale Theatre); ‘The Ballad of Maria Marten’ (Leduc Drama Society); 'Your Voice Matters' (LDS); 'The Most Massive Woman Wins' (Bears with Knives & LDS); 'Diary' (Defiance Theatre); 'Dying to be Thin' (Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival); 'Seven Stories' (Keyano Theatre); and '27 Wagons Full of Cotton' (ADFA). In 2005 Marisa's one-act play, 'Labels', received the ADFA's Outstanding New Work Award, for playwriting and directorial debut. She has also been recognized by the ADFA for her performance in 'Dying to be Thin', winning awards for Best Actress and Outstanding Production. In 2014 the I Matter Foundation honored Marisa with the Inspirational Diamond Award - for her dedication in using theatre to promote healing & social justice, and her volunteer work with the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Marisa is thrilled to be back at the Edmonton Fringe with ‘Hearts Left Open’. She would like to thank: Ben & Jordyn, for their constant love and patience; Candice, for being the most devoted cheerleader; And her fabulous family & friends, for their unwavering support. You can follow Marisa off-stage in her journey of writing, fashion, motherhood, self-love, and fat positivity on Instagram: @fiftyshadesofmarjor

Karen Huntley (she/her)

"Gail"

Karen is a theatrical shapeshifter who’s sung, sobbed, and side-eyed her way across stages from Shakespearean tragedy to musical mayhem. Whether she’s belting in a corset, narrating a murder with suspicious delight, or directing chaos from the wings, Karen brings heart, humor, and high notes.

Past favorites include Anne (The Ballad of Maria Marten), Lady Macbeth (The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon), Grace Farrell (Annie), Lucille (Dearly Departed), and of course, Ann (Ballad of Maria Marten)—a role that let her unleash her dramatic firepower without breaking into song. (For once.)

Offstage, she’s a jazz-trained vocalist, theatre-maker, and proud mama to two brilliant daughters, three cats, and a very confused trio of fish. She shares the chaos and magic of life with her husband. She lives for stories that dig deep, make mischief, and leave audiences just a little breathless.

Ryan Mattila (he/him)

"Michael/Doctor"

Ryan is running on sheer willpower, too much caffeine, and a suspiciously large water bottle. Past credits include Brad (Stag & Doe), Elwood (A Party to Murder), the Miller (Canterbury Tales), and Dr. Lovelace (They Promised Her the Moon).

He plays both Michael and the Doctor in Hearts Left Open—because sleep is optional, but storytelling is sacred. Known for his sharp instincts and full-bodied physicality, Ryan brings relentless heart and craft to every performance. Beneath the chaos is one of the most committed actors you’ll ever meet—and the spotlight knows it.

Sarah Gibson (she/her)

"Nurse 1"

Sarah is thrilled to be back on the Fringe stage this summer! Recent credits include The Ballad of Maria Marten (Leduc Drama Society), A Party to Murder (Walterdale Theatre), Dick Piston: Hotel Detective (Nacho Pals Theatre), and more.

She hopes audiences find something touching in this story, like she has.

Dave Breakenridge (he/him)

"Nurse 2"

Dave is thrilled to be performing at the Fringe for the first time since 2003. Most recently, he appeared in the Cradle to Stage at the Walterdale in 2024 as well as They Promised Her The Moon for Leduc Drama Society.

Lee-Anna Semenyna (she/her)

Writer/Director

Lee-Anna is a writer, actor, and director who believes in the sacred power of storytelling to hold what words alone can’t. Hearts Left Open is her original play and directorial debut—loosely inspired by a journey her family walked through when she was a child. It’s a story built from memory, longing, and the question: What do we do with grief, love, and the feeling of helplessness?

She has spent the past year building this piece from the marrow out, crafting a story that is both deeply personal and fiercely universal. Directing it has been equal parts dream and emotional demolition. She is grateful (and stunned) every day that this extraordinary cast and crew said yes.

Her recent acting credits include The Ballad of Maria Marten (Leduc Drama Society), Canterbury Tales (Town and Country), and They Promised Her the Moon (LDS). She’s also stage-managed The Crimson Cap Ladies Catch a Con (LDS) and Lizard Boy (Darkstage Productions), where she perfected the art of looking calm while internally screaming.

When not in rehearsal, she can usually be found parenting two loud and luminous daughters, overcaffeinating with reckless abandon, writing emotionally devastating things on purpose, or playing volleyball like the stakes are higher than they should be.

Mike Leoppky (he/him)

Assistant Director

Mike Leoppky is no stranger to the stage—he’s been on a theatrical tear over the last year, appearing in Shakespeare in Love (Walterdale Theatre), The Ballad of Maria Marten (Leduc Drama Society), Big Fish (LDS), and The Addams Family (Stageworks). But Hearts Left Open marks his first time on the other side of the table… and he hasn’t taken that lightly. Stepping into the role of Assistant Director has been a leap into the deep end, and he’s honored (and just a little terrified) to be trusted with this story.

When he’s not helping craft emotionally devastating moments, Mike can usually be found cracking a joke, wrangling his children, or relaxing with the latest episode of Ted Lasso alongside his wife. He is wildly proud of this team, this show, and the courage it takes to leave your heart on the stage.

Laura Eschak (she/her)

Stage Manager

Hearts Left Open is Laura’s second Fringe production as Stage Manager. Laura enjoys storytelling through performing on stage or in film, in stage crew roles, singing, sewing costumes, painting sets and more. Laura has been a part of many productions in and around Edmonton. Laura’s favourite Stage Managing shows include Hearts Left Open and Canterbury Tales. Laura’s favourite performances include: Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story. Her favourite Costume Designs were A Fitting Confusion and Young Frankenstein.

Laura feels blessed to be a part of Hearts Left Open, to be a part of an amazing story and rubbing shoulders with a cast and crew of incredible talent. Laura thanks Hearts Left Open for including her in this journey and her family for their patience and support.

A Note from the Director

Writing something so personal is incredibly scary - there's a level of vulnerability that comes with putting your inner thoughts and feelings out on stage, and it wasn't something I expected... Although I probably should have.

This process hasn't always been an easy one, but I wouldn't change it for the world. The team that has worked on this with me has been an incredible support for me, the feedback I have been getting through this process from people who have went through something similar, the pride that I feel with seeing what this has become... It's all incredibly worth the fear and vulnerability.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Thank you for opening your hearts with us.

Today is a good day.

Special Thank You to...

Thank you to the kiddos who created all of our artwork by hand. Our hospital would have been less colourful and warm without you.

• Jordyn Juliet Scarbeau

• Penny Jordan

Thank you to the man who built our set. Our hospital would have been much less defined without you.

• David Semenyna

Thank you to everyone who shared, liked, and commented on our social media posts. Thank you to everyone who told their friends about our show.

And thank you to each of you who attended. Without an audience, this would not have been the same. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.