Shaw's MAJOR BARBARA Begins Previews

A new production of Major Barbara, one of Bernard Shaw's most celebrated and provocative works, began previews May 2 in the intimate space of the Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre.

Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, along with The Shaw's celebrated acting Ensemble and the creative team of designer Judith Bowden, lighting designer Alan Brodie and composer/sound designer John Gzowski, reveals a new perspective on the complex triangle between daughter, father and fiancée and challenges the notion of who is really at the heart of Shaw's most powerful play.

Arms dealer Andrew Undershaft (Benedict Campbell) reunites with his daughter Barbara (Nicole Underhay), a major in the Salvation Army- each convinced their profession is the ultimate solution to solving the crime of poverty. In fine Shavian fashion, fireworks ensue as ideas and beliefs are challenged, undermined and hotly argued. The result is a joining of powers that will face the future in a new and untried way.

Major Barbara also features Graeme Somerville as Adolphus Cusins and Laurie Paton as Lady Britomart Undershaft, with Wade Bogert-O'Brien, Ijeoma Emesowum, Peter Krantz, Billy Lake, Catherine McGregor, James Pendarves and Ben Sanders.
Major Barbara premiered at London's Royal Court Theatre in 1905 and was last seen at The Shaw in 2005. This production marks the first time it will be staged in the intimate setting of the Royal George Theatre.

About Major Barbara
May 2 - October 19; Opening: May 10
Major Barbara is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Major Barbara is sponsored by Scotiabank.

Cast (in alphabetical order):
Thom Allison

David Ball

Anthony Bekenn

Wade Bogert-O'Brien

Benedict Campbell

Julia Course

Ijeoma Emesowum

Kristi Frank

Kyle Golemba

Alana Hibbert

Peter Krantz

Billy Lake

Catherine McGregor

Laurie Paton

James Pendarves

Ben Sanders

Graeme Somerville

Nicole Underhay

Jenny L. Wright

Creative Team:
Jackie Maxwell

Judith Bowden

Alan Brodie

John Gzowski

Allan Teichman

Barry Burns

Bilton
Army Member
Morrison
Charles Lomax
Andrew Undershaft
Army Member
Sarah Undershaft
Army Member
Army Member
Jenny Hill
Peter Shirley
Snobby Price
Rummy Mitchens
Lady Britomart Undershaft
Bill Walker
Stephen Undershaft
Adolphus Cusins
Barbara Undershaft
Mrs. Baines

Director
Designer
Lighting Designer
Composer/Sound Designer
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

The Shaw Festival's 2013 season began April 3, runs until October 27 and features 10 productions presented on the Festival's four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages. For more information on our 2013 season, performance schedule and ticket information, please visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-SHAW.

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The Shaw Festival is a theatre company inspired by the work of Bernard Shaw. We produce plays from and about his era and contemporary plays that share Shaw's provocative exploration of society and celebration of humanity.

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