Tom Patterson News

MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, Directed by MARTHA HENRY, and set in the 30 years war that ravaged 17th century Europe, is as moving, upsetting, and as politically relevant as ever…which is likely exactly what playwright Bertolt Brecht intended when he initially wrote it as a response to the Second World War.

The 2014 season is off to a strong start, with brisk advance ticket sales. To meet demand, the Stratford Festival is adding performances of Antony and Cleopatra and A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Chamber Play.

2013 is quickly coming to close, which means it's time for the ever popular year end lists that feature the cream of the crop of the year that was. 2013 was an incredible year for Toronto theatre, with many organizations posting record numbers for attendance and lots of productions quickly becoming critical darlings.

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino has announced the 2014 season, in which, through the prism of a dozen plays, the Stratford Festival will explore the theme of Madness: Minds Pushed to the Edge.

MARY STUART, directed by Stratford Festival Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino; explores the complex relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and her cousin Mary Stuart, the former queen of Scotland-and, and in the eyes of some, a more rightful heir to the English throne. The play was originally written by Friedrich Schiller. This production is based on the adaptation written by Peter Oswald. This production is gripping from start to finish. LUCY PEACOCK and SEANA MCKENNA shine as the feuding cousins. Audiences will not want to miss this fabulous production.

Theatre-goers are going to be intrigued and delighted by Stratford Festival's production of WAITING FOR GODOT-directed by Jennifer Tarver, and featured on-stage at the Tom Patterson Theatre until September 26th. Excellent direction by Ms. Tarver, perfect set design by Teresa Przybylski and lighting design by Kimberly Purtell, and a superb cast bring to life Samuel Beckett's famous absurdist play where 'nothing' is said to happen. Something certainly happens inside the Tom Patterson Theatre; however. Something magical happens, and this reviewer encourages you to check it out before the sun sets forever on this glorious and thought-provoking production.

La Jolla Playhouse presents Tribes (tonight, June 25 - July 21 in the Mandell Weiss Forum), Sideways (July 16 - August 18 in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre) and Neva (June 26 - 30 in the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre).

La Jolla Playhouse has announced the casts and creative teams for its upcoming productions of Tribes (June 25 - July 21 in the Mandell Weiss Forum), Sideways (July 16 - August 18 in the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre) and Neva (June 26 - 30 in the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre).

Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, begins previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Check out highlights below!

Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, begins previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre.

Narrated and executive produced by Lily Tomlin and directed by Emmy(R) winner Amy Schatz, with narration written by Jane Wagner, the film debuts on Earth Day, TONIGHT, APRIL 22 (7:00-7:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Narrated and executive produced by Lily Tomlin and directed by Emmy(R) winner Amy Schatz, with narration written by Jane Wagner, the film debuts on Earth Day, MONDAY, APRIL 22 (7:00-7:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Charting his transformative journey from closeted high-profile politician to openly gay spiritual advisor to women in prison, FALL TO GRACE debuts TONIGHT, MARCH 28 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Friedrich Schiller's MARY STUART will soon come to life on the Stratford Festival stage in a new version by Peter Oswald, directed by Antoni Cimolino. BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast which includes Seana McKenna, Lucy Peacock and Brian Dennehy.

Charting his transformative journey from closeted high-profile politician to openly gay spiritual advisor to women in prison, FALL TO GRACE debuts THURSDAY, MARCH 28 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

When a couple is going through a divorce, they can forget how much it affects their kids. Moving, insightful and often funny, DON'T DIVORCE ME! KIDS' RULES FOR PARENTS ON DIVORCE addresses this important subject, allowing kids to offer dos and don'ts parents should follow and providing a valuable tool for families struggling to find their way.

When a couple is going through a divorce, they can forget how much it affects their kids. Moving, insightful and often funny, DON'T DIVORCE ME! KIDS' RULES FOR PARENTS ON DIVORCE addresses this important subject, allowing kids to offer dos and don'ts parents should follow and providing a valuable tool for families struggling to find their way.

The poems of Robert Service, the famous "Bard of the Yukon," are set to music and used as inspiration in the world premiere of the new musical Wanderlust. A Stratford Shakespeare Festival commission, which is written and directed by Morris Panych with music and orchestration by Marek Norman, Wanderlust began performances June 20, 2012, at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Watch audience members share their enthusiasm for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's world premiere production of WANDERLUST in the video below!

Elektra, the gripping Greek tragedy about a young woman's determination to bring justice and vengeance down on those who murdered her father, starts previews at the Tom Patterson Theatre tonight, July 29.

Elektra, the gripping Greek tragedy about a young woman's determination to bring justice and vengeance down on those who murdered her father, starts previews at the Tom Patterson Theatre on July 29.