About us

Since 1995, High C Productions has been creating and producing corporate events, live shows, promotional videos and live action films. The Production team of Mary-Lu Zahalan and Chris John have more than 45 years of combined industry experience. Many aspects of the business have been explored including television, stage, film and corporate production.

High C’s writer, director and producer Chris John has found film success at ten International film festivals including Berlin, Canada, UK and the US. Many of his film projects have garnered national and international distribution.

In 2014, High C produced the award–winning musical production of No Chance in Hell at the Toronto International Fringe Festival. With a staff of 16 and operating on a shoe-string budget, High C was able to successfully promote the show to 95% houses during the run.

The following summer, High C Productions took the show to New York for a star-studded reading/presentation for industry professionals. The cast for the presentation included Broadway stars Chilina Kennedy and Scott J. Campbell (both currently starring in the hit musical, ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Story’) as well as Robert Cuccioli (Tony-nominated star of Jekyll & Hyde).

Chris John

Writer/Producer

With Over 25 years in the entertainment industry, Chris John has had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of creative art forms. Chris has written, performed and produced shows in a number of venues throughout North America; from the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto Canada to the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Some of his production credits include: A Chorus Line, Guys & Dolls and Kismet with the Canadian Opera Company. Chris also starred opposite Audrey Landers from the hit TV show Dallas, playing the leading role of Jeff in the Tony award winning show Leader of the Pack. With his one man show, Chris performed for corporate events and casino showrooms throughout North America.

Chris was also a featured headliner for a USO tour of the Balkans where he performed for both the US and United Nation’s Troops. Beyond the stage, Chris garnered success in television and film appearing in a number of commercials, television series and feature films including Tommy Boy with Chris Farley.

As well as a background in acting, writing and producing, Chris is also a Gold record award winning music writer/producer having produced 3 top 40 hits and has had his recordings licensed all over the world. This diverse background and experience allows Chris to view projects from many creative perspectives.

Mary-Lu Zahalan

Producer

Mary-Lu Zahalan also has over 20 years of entertainment experience. She is a Juno nominated recording artist with three albums to her credit. On her first album, the single “Call Me” reached the number 1 position on the Canadian Adult Contemporary Chart. Mary-Lu was also signed to a Sony Music Publishing development deal and released her third album, “Sundance Cafe.” She also worked with such renowned producers as David Foster and Humberto Gatica.

Mary-Lu has numerous TV and film acting credits and has appeared in hundreds of television commercials, voice-overs and jingles. Some of Mary-Lu’s television credits include: Exhibit A, Twice in a Lifetime, PSI Factor, Top Cops, Ready or Not, Missing Treasures and a number of Made-for-TV movies. Mary-Lu co-produced Curve Balls, Karma and Poker Night with Chris John

On stage, Mary-Lu starred in the Dora award winning “Pump Boys and Dinettes” and went on to headline a tour of the Middle East for the Canadian armed forces. Mary-Lu co-produced Curve Balls and Karma with Chris John and her vast experience in television and film was crucial during these productions. Mary-Lu is the head of the Commercial Vocal Department in the Music Theatre program at Oakville’s Sheridan College as well as an alumni of the program.

Mary-Lu heads-up the Commercial Performance Discipline in the Honors Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance Degree at Sheridan College.