Michael Blake

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead is getting a major revival in Canada in the new theatre season.

The Stratford Festival’s production of Richard III featuring Colm Feore in the title role is coming to CBC and CBC Gem this August. Directed for the stage by Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino and for film by Barry Avrich, the production shines new light on Shakespeare’s tale of lethal ambition.

If you heard riotous laughter emanating from the Festival Theatre in Stratford on Friday evening, you may already know that MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING has officially opened at the Stratford Festival. The Shakespearean production directed by Chris Abraham, with additional text by Erin Shields, and starring Maev Beaty and Graham Abbey, boasts hilarious comedy from beginning to end. The cast fed off the energy of the audience on Friday night in such a way that this opening night felt particularly wild and special.

You could feel the excitement stir in the audience from the moment the Stratford Festival’s Opening Night production of KING LEAR began on Tuesday evening. Orchestrations by Sean Mayes immediately set the tone as the audience visibly leaned forward in anticipation at the booming sound of timpani drums. Many an audience member remained leaning forward all night. Director, Kimberley Rampersad’s production - starring Paul Gross in the titular role - moved swiftly with excitement and intention towards its tragic end, keeping a firm hold on the audience the entire way.

With a series of hit classic comedies under his belt at Stratford, Chris Abraham is bringing one of Shakespeare’s finest, Much Ado About Nothing, to vivid life at the Festival Theatre. This beloved romantic comedy, featuring Graham Abbey and Maev Beaty, starts previews today.

After making his Stratford Festival debut as the Prince of Denmark more than 20 years ago, Paul Gross returns as the King of England, playing the title role in King Lear.

The Stratford Festival’s latest film, Richard III, featuring Colm Feore in the title role, will première in Cineplex theatres across Canada on April 16, with encore screenings on April 17.

Dance of the Mystic Bliss also marks Blake’s recording debut (as a leader) on flute, an instrument he spent time woodshedding during lockdown. In a 25-year career spanning 15 albums, not to mention innovative stints with the Lounge Lizards, the Jazz Composers Collective and much more, the 58-year-old Blake is reaching for new sounds.

The Stratford Festival is putting the finishing touches on casting and will soon open its box office for a special holiday pre-sale for tickets to the 13 exciting shows of the 2023 season. With savings up to 25%, this is a perfect opportunity to secure tickets for your favourite shows or buy gifts for the theatre-lovers on your list.

Just as the 2022 season comes to a close, work for the 2023 season is getting underway at the Stratford Festival. Creative teams for next year's productions are coming into place and the casting department is busy confirming key roles for the season. Soon the workshops will be abuzz with artisans building the season's sets, props and costumes.

The Stratford Festival’s new Tom Patterson Theatre will open its doors to its second production on Tuesday, June 14, as director Scott Wentworth’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well begins performances.

Anticipation has been running high for years and now the time has come to welcome audiences to the next great chapter in Stratford Festival history. The new Tom Patterson Theatre will see its very first public performance on Tuesday, May 10, as Colm Feore takes centre stage as Richard III. 

Announced today is the complete cast and creative team for the world premiere of Here There Be Dragons – A New Musical Quest, inspired by the classic tabletop fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons.

Today, Blitzen Trapper announces its 2022 tour, which kicks off in their hometown of Portland, OR, on April 22 at Revolution Hall. The 25-date tour is in support of Holy Smokes Future Jokes, their 2020 label debut for Yep Roc Records, and 10th studio album. Check out the full list of tour dates now!

February marks a new beginning at the Stratford Festival with members of the 2022 acting company set to start rehearsals. Over the coming months, these dynamic artists will immerse themselves in 10 extraordinary productions and lead the Festival into the post-pandemic future.

Marvin Rosen, host of the ASCAP award winning program 'Classical Discoveries' will be presenting his 17th, 24 hour hosted marathon totally devoted to music from the 21st Century. The marathon titled 'Viva 21st Century 50/50 - airs from WPRB, Princeton, NJ at 103.3 FM for local listeners and on line at www.wprb.com. 50/50 refers to the fact that there is an approximate equal representation of men and women composers.

Featuring tributes from 67 of Frank’s former bandmates, students, and friends across multiple generations, KIMBROUGH was recorded over three and a half days in New York as the musical world began reawakening in May 2021.

Today (May 27) in live streaming: Meet the Top 5 High Schoolers of Next On Stage, it's Game Night on Stars in the House, and more!

Today (February 4) in live streaming: All My Children on Stars in the House, a CSC conversation with Shaina Taub, and more!

The Stratford Festival’s popular Thursday night free viewing parties resume this week with an entertaining variety of offerings, including new and legacy films and all new original content safely created during the pandemic – adding to the rich mine of theatrical content available on Stratfest@Home, the Festival’s $10-a-month streaming service.