David Grindley To Direct The Misanthrope

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce that David Grindley will direct the 2011 production of The Misanthrope.

"We are very fortunate to have such an accomplished director come on board for this production," says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. "I have been an avid fan of David's work in London and New York and was deeply impressed by his astonishing production of Journey's End. David did an inventive and imaginative production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in 2009, which featured memorable performances from Geraint Wyn Davies, Tom Rooney, Dion Johnstone and Yanna McIntosh. I know our company is thrilled to welcome David back."

Brian Bedford had been slated to direct The Misanthrope. However, his wildly successful Broadway production of The Importance of Being Earnest - based on his 2009 Stratford production - was extended yesterday causing him to withdraw as director. He will still take on the role of Oronte in The Misanthrope as originally planned. Sara Topham, who plays Gwendolen Fairfax in Earnest, will also return to play Célimène in The Misanthrope, as well as Olivia in Twelfth Night.

"David will be working with some of our most accomplished artists on this production," says General Director Antoni Cimolino. "Ben Carlson and Juan Chioran - two wickedly entertaining leading men - are absolutely perfect for Molière. They'll be joined by Brian Bedford and Sara Topham, fresh from their success on Broadway, along with Martha Farrell, Kelli Fox, Steve Ross and others. A director couldn't hope for a better cast."

Mr. Grindley, who made his Stratford debut in 2009 with A Midsummer Night's Dream, is well respected for his work in the U.S. and U.K. His Broadway credits include The Philanthropist and The American Plan in 2009, as well as Pygmalion and Journey's End in 2007. Journey's End won a Tony Award for best revival and won Mr. Grindley a Tony nomination for Best Direction. His West End directing credits include Honour with Diana Rigg, Abigail's Party (which was nominated for an Olivier Award), The Philanthropist, Some Girls with David Schwimmer, and Loot.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2011 season, which begins April 16, features The Merry Wives of Windsor, Camelot, Twelfth Night, The Misanthrope, The Grapes of Wrath, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Homecoming, Richard III, Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare's Will, The Little Years and Hosanna. Tickets are available by calling 1.800.567.1600 or visiting www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.

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