The Stratford Shakespeare Festival this year features something for everyone. For history lovers, there's Henry V, The War of 1812 and Wanderlust, a new musical set during the gold rush of the Great North. Lovers of romance will enjoy The Matchmaker, as well as the classic Shakespeare plays Cymbeline and Much Ado About Nothing. Another classic, the Greek tragedy Elektra, comes from the hand of one of Greece's most avant-garde directors. Lovers of literature will want to see Christopher Plummer's A Word or Two. For families, there's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, MacHomer and The Pirates of Penzance. A season rich in musicals also features the Broadway favourite 42nd Street. The season runs now thru October 28.
Watch highlights from the YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN below!
It's safe to say that Stratford has another musical hit on their hands in 42nd Street, a toe-tapping gem of a show that showcases the incredible performers involved in the company this year. The show also marks the return of Cynthia Dale to the Festival after a five year absence. Featuring an incredible live band, brilliant choreography, gorgeous costumes and one of the most hard-working ensembles you will see on stage today, the show is a reminder of what classic musical theatre should be.
The founders of the Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre today announced the jury members for the 2012 edition. The recipient of the award, the largest in Canadian theatre, will receive a $100,000 prize, which will be announced at a ceremony in Toronto on November 5, 2012.
Much Ado About Nothing kicked off the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 60th Season Monday night, and is pleasantly about a lot more than the name might suggest. With stunning performances from Ben Carlson and Deborah Hay as well as a solid supporting cast, gorgeous set and beautiful music the show was a delight for all ages. A great introductory Shakespeare piece, Much Ado is one of those rare pieces that should please Shakespeare buffs and first-timers alike.
The 60th Season of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival opened last night with Much Ado About Nothing, but there was definitely something special happening in this gorgeous town. BWW was on hand for all the festivities, and we are thrilled to bring our readers photos from opening night.
Live from the red carpet, co-hosts Janice Zolf and Dan Chameroy bring you the opening night of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 60th season. Meet Festival favourites and special guests as they arrive to see the 2012 production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival has announced that it has come to an agreement regarding a first contract with its call-centre workers and no longer faces a strike.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival launches its 60th season on Monday, May 28, with a gala performance of Much Ado About Nothing. This is the final season under the artistic directorship of Des McAnuff, and one that promises an array of wonderful theatre for every taste and age group.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival regrettably finds itself in difficult labour negotiations with a possible strike by its call-centre staff as it heads into its 60thseason.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival launches its 60th season on Monday, May 28, with a gala performance of Much Ado About Nothing. This is the final season under the artistic directorship of Des McAnuff, and one that promises an array of wonderful theatre for every taste and age group.
My first dose of musical theater was through my uncle's old screechy phonograph recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's hippie, loud, angst-laden rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" (JCS). The classic stage hit, which was originally a concept album before evolving into a full-blown Broadway musical that follows the passion and death of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, had completed its three-year run on Broadway (1971-1973), and its first commercial movie release (1973) by the time I got to experience JCS's electrifying, personally-impactful songs in the '80s though. So when the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Toronto, Canada announced late last year that its critically-acclaimed, deemed revolutionary production of JCS, directed by Tony winner Des McAnuff, was coming to Broadway, I was delighted to hear the news; and more so when I learned that three Filipino-Canadian musical theater artists - brothers Julius and Jason Sermonia, and Laurin Padolina - are part of the show.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival this year features something for everyone. For history lovers, there's Henry V, The War of 1812 and Wanderlust, a new musical set during the gold rush of the Great North. Lovers of romance will enjoy The Matchmaker, as well as the classic Shakespeare plays Cymbeline and Much Ado About Nothing. Another classic, the Greek tragedy Elektra, comes from the hand of one of Greece's most avant-garde directors. Lovers of literature will want to see Christopher Plummer's A Word or Two. For families, there's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, MacHomer and The Pirates of Penzance. A season rich in musicals also features the Broadway favourite 42nd Street. The season runs now thru October 28.
In the clips below, watch director Julian Marsh (Sean Arbuckle), actor Billy Lawlor (Kyle Blair) and the company of Pretty Lady convince Peggy Sawyer (Jennifer Rider-Shaw) to take over the lead in the show in 42nd Street, just one of 14 productions that make up the 60th season of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Plus, watch a scene from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing in which Benedick (Ben Carlson) meets his 'dear Lady Disdain,' Beatrice (Deborah Hay), after returning to Messina from military service. Check out the videos below!
Thanks to the vision and determination of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's pioneering artists, the adventure that began in 1953 with two productions in a tent is now North America's premier repertory theatre. In a season celebrating 60 years of theatrical achievement, the Festival presents 14 productions in five venues, featuring Christopher Plummer and one of the finest acting companies in the world. The season runs now thru October 28.
Watch highlights from the Festival's upcoming productions below!
The Festival celebrates 60 years of excellence with a special symposium that will feature influential theatre artists and intellectuals in discussion about how Shakespeare's work lends itself to a broad range of media, interpretations and settings. The event will be held at the Studio Theatre on June 2.
The Tony Award-winning Hartford Stage, under the leadership of Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director, and Michael Stotts, Managing Director, presents William Shakespeare's magical masterwork, The Tempest, directed by Darko Tresnjak, playing now through June 10, 2012 (press opening: Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30pm). Tony Award nominee Daniel Davis, best known for his recent NYC roles in Classic Stage's The Cherry Orchard, Lincoln Center's The Invention of Love, and the 2004 Broadway revival of La Cage aux Folles, as well as six seasons as Niles the Butler on TV's "The Nanny, plays Prospero. See photos of Davis and the rest of the cast on stage below!
Presented last December to sold out houses at Sheridan College's Oakville campus, Theatre Sheridan transfers its production of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical RENT to Toronto's Panasonic Theatre tonight, May 16, where it runs through to May 27 (preview May 15). Tickets go on sale TODAY through mirvish.com or call TicketKing at 416.872.1212.
Thanks to the vision and determination of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's pioneering artists, the adventure that began in 1953 with two productions in a tent is now North America's premier repertory theatre. In a season celebrating 60 years of theatrical achievement, the Festival presents 14 productions in five venues, featuring Christopher Plummer and one of the finest acting companies in the world. The season runs now thru October 28. Watch a trailer of the Festival's upcoming productions below!
Academy Award® Winner Christopher Plummer's critically-acclaimed performance in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's production of The Tempest storms into select U.S. movie theaters on Thursday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. local time followed by an exclusive Q&A with the actor and director.
Artistic Director Des McAnuff will receive the National Arts Centre Award of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards at a ceremony at Rideau Hall tonight. The ceremony is followed by a gala performance at the National Arts Centre, honouring each of Governor General Performing Arts Award recipients. Mr. McAnuff is being recognized for his extraordinary accomplishments over the past performance year.
