BIOGRAPHY...

Scroll Down

(click on thumbnails to enlarge pictures)

Typically, Western Canada is not thought of as the entertainment capital of the world, however, it is exactly that for Richard and Deborah Popovich.  This dynamic couple have been earning their living entertaining Western Canadian audiences with their unique brand of humor and music for over 17 years.  They are well known for their performances on the famous, Alberta Prairie “Steam Train” at Stettler, Alberta.

In addition to their “Roaring 20’s” performances on the tourist train, Richard & Deborah’s dinner theatre style, musical comedy shows take them everywhere from rural community centers to city concert halls.  If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas or Branson, you’ll know what to expect, as Richard and Deborah’s ability to entertain all ages is cleverly combined with musical comedy impersonations, and depending upon which show you choose, marvelous lighting and stage effects.  Here they offer a large variety of musical styles and tastes, with a healthy dash of good clean humor thrown in to spice things up. 

A soft spot for Richard & Deborah, is entertaining the elderly with famous songs from days gone by.  They are also the leaders of the “Big Band”, The Alberta Swing Orchestra, and as well, can be remembered performing together with their four daughters as the Popovich Family Singers.  All things considered, Richard and Deborah entertain approximately 175 days a year, throughout Western Canada.

Richard
Richards introduction to music came as a result of the world renowned band director, Mr. Keith Mann. Richard enjoyed 5 years of Keith Mann's instruction, while playing string bass, which earned him the John Philip Sousa Band Award in high school.  Keith Mann's musical influence had a huge impact on Richard's life, as well as thousands of others.  Keith will be sadly missed by all who knew him. 

During College, Richard was regularly invited to be part of the ever changing "Pit Band" for the following musicals:

The Fantastiks
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Richard also enjoyed being the "mascot" for the Red Deer College Hockey Team!  It was in this capacity that Richard was invited to help launch the Grand Opening of the first Wendy's Restaurant in Red Deer, Alberta.

After College, Richard spent a couple of years on the road, touring Western Canada, most notably with Peter Kingsmill and the Canadian Kings of Country Swing.  He was also chosen to be televised, playing in a band in the C.B.C. Talent Search.

 Richard, in one of his favorite roles.
The wise-cracking "Sheriff"
on the Alberta Prairie Steam Train!

Another character from Richards past was his comedic impersonation of Tiny Tim! 

Richard enjoyed Tip-Toeing Through the Tulips!





 

Dr. Humfree Taylor was a character who could be found humouring audiences with his wit and wisdom about life's little hurdles,  from the eyes of an elderly British gentleman.  Pictured below, is Dr. Humfree Taylor astride "movie star, Larry the Camel", from Doug's Zoo.  Dr. Taylor was sharing his "words of wisdom" with the new students at Red Deer College, during their first day of orientation.  The theme of the orientation was "It's A Jungle Out There!"

A very "colorful" character who accompanied Richard to a few functions was Herman.  Herman is no longer invited to attend these functions, as he was too much of a "smart mouth", and was continually upstaging Richard!

Herman

Picture below is Richard
and his real LIVE doll, Carmen,
at the age of 6.

Deborah

Deborah's musical history began as a young girl, playing piano.  She continued with piano lessons until she graduated from high school.

  (Photo courtesy of the Calgary Herald)



 

Voice lessons for Deborah began at the age of 12, under her mothers instruction.  For many years, Deborah's mother, Coralie Bond, and her grandmother, Albertine Boffey, taught voice.  At the age of 14, Deborah began singing in her fathers (Albert Bond) dance band, "The Orange Blossom Special".

The Orange Blossom Special
Dance Band - early 70's

(left to right) - Terri McAlister (drums), Deborah Bond (vocals),
Linda Ross (keyboards), Albert Bond (guitar & vocals),
Bob Schaefer (fiddle), and Bill Stevenett (clarinet & saxophone)
 

During her teenage years, Deborah qualified to compete in the International "Dumaurier Search For Stars" talent competition, and as well, was chosen to be included in the televised C.B.C. Talent Show.  She was accepted for two consecutive summers of choral instruction at the Camrose Summer Music Workshop, where she toured the province of Alberta with "Concerts on Tour".  During several years of competition at the Red Deer Kiwanis Music Festival, Deborah won many scholarships and awards, including the Waskasoo Press Scholarship.  On two separate occasions, she was recommended to compete in the Provincial Music Festival.  Deborah finished her final year of high school earning 8 gold medals for 8 vocal entries, including an original composition class where she accompanied herself on guitar.  Her efforts earned her the Kiwaniannes Scholarship for Female Vocal Solo, the Thorne Bros. Trophy for Musical Theatre and the coveted Lacroix Trophy for All Vocal Solo Classes.  She went on to tie for 1st place in the Edmonton Provincial Music Festival.  

                           
Over the years, Deborah has won numerous scholarships.  After graduating, she earned a principle role with the "Calgary Theatre Singers" in the Broadway Musical Production, "Mame".  Prior to launching her teaching career, Deborah performed her own solo "Concert Showcase".  Since then, as well as being invited to adjudicate at local music festivals, Deborah has enjoyed working as a studio musician doing back up vocals, and radio jingles.  In addition to Deborah's life as an entertainer, she enjoys being a featured soloist in many different capacities, performing works from Handel's Messiah as well as other selections.

Canada's Only Artist Owned Dinner Theatre!
Popovich's Patio DINNER THEATRE!

*Life at Home*

Richard and Deborah enjoy spending their recreational time at home on their expansive acreage overlooking the scenic Red Deer River Valley. 
Pictured below are Richard and Deborah with two of their horses, Rhythm (Rhythm Guitar) and Misty (Ardana Mystical Midge).  Soon to come are pictures of 2 more additions to their beloved equine family.  
 

Carmen can be seen riding in the background.