"This is very sad news for the Festival family," said general director Antoni Cimolino. "Lindsay had so many friends and they stayed close to her throughout her illness. She had a vibrant talent. In addition to being a gifted dancer and singer, Lindsay was an outstanding comedienne with both energy and wit. Her performance as Ado Annie in Oklahoma! drew not only great laughter but warmth and affection from the audience. She will be missed by all who knew her."
Most recently, Ms. Thomas was seen as Francine in the original Canadian cast of Jersey Boys in Toronto. On Broadway, she appeared in the original production of Hairspray in 2002 as an understudy, later taking over the comic roles played by Jackie Hoffman. She was also a member of Hairspray's original Canadian company, as well as the first U.S. tour.
She is survived by her partner, actor Gareth Potter, her parents, Marilyn and Derek Thomas, and her brother, Gareth Thomas.
A memorial service will be held at Parkview United Church, 470 Ontario Street, Stratford, on Feb. 8. Visitation at the church begins at 2 PM. The service will begin at 3 PM. Friends and family will gather afterwards at the Paul D. Fleck Marquee in the Festival Theatre, 55 Queen Street.