Michael Blake News

Two of 2023's most popular shows, Shakespeare's hilarious comedy Much Ado About Nothing and Frances Koncan's brilliant satire Women of the Fur Trade are now available for worldwide streaming on Stratfest@Home.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is the hilariously absurdist play written by Tom Stoppard, directed by Jeremy Webb, that shines the spotlight on two minor characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The star-studded casting for the title duo could not be a more perfect match - from the Academy Award winning trilogy The Lord of the Rings, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd.

Starring from the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the title roles of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) in this unique new production created by Halifax’s Neptune Theatre. 

Discover the winner of week three at the Players Theatre LUV 2024 Short Play Festival, where audiences enjoyed a selection of original 15-minute plays celebrating love.

The world premiere of Kristen Adele Calhoun’s Black Cypress Bayou has already begun at the Geffen Playhouse. Tiffany Nichole Greene directs the cast of: Amber Chardae Robinson, Brandee Evans, Angela Lewis and Kimberly Scott. After a successful opening weekend, Kristen managed to find some time to answer a few of my queries.

The Stratford Festival's acclaimed 2022 production of Richard III featuring Colm Feore in the title role is now coming to Stratfest@Home, the Festival's subscription streaming service, for national and international viewing.

Regardless of the title of Tom Stoppard’s brilliant debut play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern will live to play another week of performances in Toronto.

Tom Stoppard's ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD is coming to Toronto's CAA Theatre this winter. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Join in at Don't Tell Mama for This Is Me! Sharon K Janda & Friends. Meet the talented cast, including Sharon K Janda, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, Charly Kay, Izze Stein, and Tony Lannen. Enjoy a unique musical journey with world-class musicians and vocalists.

Newvelle Records announced the release date of A Prayer For Andrew, from trumpet and flugelhorn master Ron Horton. The two-disc vinyl release, ALSO AVAILABLE DIGITALLY and preserved on the highest quality 180-gram vinyl, honors the music of Andrew Hill.  Featuring powerful interpretations of Hill's arrangements.

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.