2011 Stratford Shakespeare Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference.
DON’T MISS!
Jesus Christ Superstar (Avon Theatre) ****
• High energy production – Strong focused direction from Des McAnuff
• Excellent singing throughout the large cast
• Loved the rock and rock lighting and the LED scenic design
• Same cast that suffered horribly last year in a dreadful production of Evita, gave outstanding performances that were both imaginative and full of passion.
• Outstanding vocal and dance work from the large ensemble.
• Full of stunning visuals
• The sound design and mix was stunning
• If you can see just one production in the 2011 season then this is the show to see. Do not miss it!
• Rumor to be Broadway bound in 2012
The Little Years (Studio Theatre) ****
• Wonderfully acted production of a new Canadian play
• Interesting visuals that encompassed the floor as a scenic element
• Smart intelligent script
• Really enjoyed the sound/music design
• Excellent female ensemble
• Unpredictable plot with a touching ending
Twelfth Night (Festival Theatre) ***
• Solid production of a very familiar play
• I enjoyed the use of a musical score but thought the production was a bit too derivative of last year’s
As You Like It
• It felt as if director McAnuff wanted to visit the same territory again but without putting in the creative work that made As You Like It so magical
• I was confused by the costume design and did not feel that the eccentric set design added much to the production
• Production lacked humor from Malvolio and comic energy from Sir Toby (a very physically feeble and often verse challenged Brian Dennehy)
• The stage business was clever and often funnier than the character work
• Steven Ouimette’s Sir Andrew stole the evening
• An enjoyable evening of a production that held much more promise than it delivered
• It felt as if director McAnuff gave most of his energy and creative time to Superstar while Twelfth Night was left to flounder a bit.
• I thought the play was too long and needed a good trim
• The ending was too melancholy for my taste. I would have preferred something more upbeat with a more up-tempo musical number.
• I kept thinking how much more I had enjoyed As You Like It from the pervious season
Camelot (Festival Theatre) **1/2
• A visual delight.
• Full of color and style but not much heart
• Geraint Wyn Davies is right for the role of King Arthur but 10 years to old to be playing it
• The play lacked sexual energy from Guinevere as she did not seem much interested in any of the men
• Some nice vocal work from Lancelot but he lacked charisma and passion
• Some odd cuts to a show that is already too long and rambling
• The production felt a bit like it had been conceived by director Griffin for a Disney theme park.
• Lucy Peacock had several wonderful moment as Morgan Le Fay.
• An all too slick production of a musical that needs some passion and rough edges to really engage an adult audience
• Beautiful sounding orchestra
• Some strong vocal and dance work from the ensemble
WORTH A LOOK
Shakespeare’s Will (Studio Theatre)
Merry Wives of Windsor (Festival Theatre)
Titus Andronicus (Tom Patterson Theatre)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
Richard III (Tom Patterson Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
The Misanthrope
Hosanna
The Homecoming
The Grapes of Wrath
2011 Shaw Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference.
DON’T MISS!
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Royal George Theatre) ****
• Strong visuals and a majestic set
• Outstanding cast lead by Jim Mezon and Moya O’Connell
• Excellent casting
• Ensemble acting work was excellent right down to the children
• Best lighting design of the season
• Excellent use of music to evoke the period and location
• Production would have benefited from some cutting to the first and second act
• A long but highly satisfying evening in the theatre
• The type of ensemble acting that shows the Shaw Festival at its very best
The President (Royal George Theatre) ****
• A remount of the brilliant production from 2008
• Lorne Kennedy in a tour de force performance
• Some recasting but the show was still firing on all of its comic cylinders
• A real crowd pleaser
• I think this production might reappear again in a few years
On The Rocks (Court House Theatre) ***
• One of Shaw’s more obscure political plays given a new life and a few interesting twists by Canadian playwright Michael Healey
• Strong cast lead by Peter Krantz
• Good pacing and energy of a play that does not have much plot to drive it forward
• Nice utilization of the intimate Court House stage
• Overall a strong cutting and a solid production of a difficult and talky play
WORTH A LOOK
Drama at Innish – A Comedy (Court House Theatre)
Heartbreak House (Festival Theatre)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
The Admirable Crichton (Festival Theatre)
Candida (Royal George Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
My Fair Lady (Festival Theatre)
Maria Severa (Court House Theatre)
When the Rain Stops Falling (Studio Theatre)
Topdog/Underdog (Studio Theatre)
Monday, February 28, 2011
Shaw/Stratford Festival Previews 2011
Thoughts on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival/Shaw Festival 2011 Seasons
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist - March, 2011
Theatre patrons, who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S., should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar appears to have stabilized against the Canadian dollar, so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway ($135 average) or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $350.00 to $600.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways. Remember – Passports are now REQUIRED for any border crossing!
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last three decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also become home to one of the finest acting ensembles in North America.
And while Stratford had its artistic and administrative struggles under the leadership transition from Richard Monet to Des McAnuff, the Shaw Festival has managed to thrive under some very difficult economic times and its own leadership transition from Christopher Newton to Jackie Maxwell. Maxwell (now in her seventh season) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics. While many in the Canadian theatrical community have criticized her for being overly fixated on female directors and playwrights, she continues to fill most of the seats and balance the books.
As the Shaw Festival celebrates its 50th season this year audiences will be in for some real treats including: a splashy production of the musical My Fair Lady (based on Shaw’s own Pygmalion), another Christopher Newton Heartbreak House this time with the Canadian national treasure Michael Ball as Captain Shotover, a contemporary adaptation of Shaw’s rarely produced On The Rocks by Michael Healey (The Drawer Boy), a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof led by Moya O’Connell and Jim Mezon and the much anticipated return of Lorne Kennedy in 2008’s smash comic hit The President.
Another exciting development over the past three years has been addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility has hosted such diverse productions as John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell, Caryl Churchill’s provocative contemporary play Serious Money and this summer’s Topdog/Underdog.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
My Fair Lady – April 13 to October 30
Heartbreak House – May 10 to October 7
The Admirable Crichton– June 22 to October 29
Royal George Theatre
Candida – April 7 to October 30
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – May 3 to October 23
The President – June 3 to October 9 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
Drama at Inish – A Comedy – May 6 to October 1
On The Rocks – June 14 to October 8
Maria Severa – July 19 to September 23
Studio Theatre
Topdog/Underdog – July 19 to August 27
When the Rain Stops Falling – August 11 to September 17
David’s recommendations for the 2011 season
Michael Ball in Heartbreak House (Directed by Christopher Newton
Peter Krantz and Steven Sutcliffe in On The Rocks (Directed by Joseph Ziegler)
Moya O’Connell and Jim Mezon in A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Directed by Eda Holmes)
Lorne Kennedy in The President (Directed by Blair Williams)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $24.00 can (student matinees) to $106.00 can (weekends and openings)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Check this BLOG in August for reviews of many of the 2011 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who past away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed has been the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, productions, and for the first time in its short history – Shakespeare. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons so if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did three years ago, the Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2011 a large scale American musical (Camelot) will dominate the Festival Stage and another musical (Jesus Christ Superstar) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just pay too many bills. 2008’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line.
There are many things to be excited about for the 2011 season including the return of Brent Carver for the two musicals, Seana McKenna taking on the role of Richard III, the return of Brian Dennehy as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night and Max in The Homecoming, Ben Carlson and Brian Bedford in The Misanthrope, Lucy Peacock and Geraint Wyn Davies in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Andrea Runge as Viola in Twelfth Night and Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, the return to the Festival stage of Roberta Maxwell and a production of Shakespeare’s rarely staged Titus Andronicus in the Tom Patterson Theatre.
The 2011 season has been dedicated to the memories of a number of Festival stalwarts who passed away this year. They include Michael Langham, Peter Donaldson, David William and Domini Blythe.
While the US dollar has fluctuated in recent years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed this past year. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Camelot – April 16 to October 30
The Merry Wives of Windsor – May 10 to October 14
Twelfth Night – June 26 to October 28
The Misanthrope – July 31 to October 29
Avon Theatre
The Grapes of Wrath – April 23 to October 29
Jesus Christ Superstar – May 16 to October 29
The Homecoming– July 26 to October 30
Tom Patterson Theatre
Richard III - May 19 to September 25
Titus Andronicus – June 23 to September 24
Studio Theatre
The Little Years – June 29 to September 24
Shakespeare’s Will– June 30 to September 2
Hosanna – July 26 to September 24
David’s recommendations for the 2011 season
Jesus Christ Superstar (starring Brent Carver)
Twelfth Night (Directed by McAnuff and starring Brian Dennehy)
Richard III (Starring Seana McKenna)
The misanthrope (Starring Brian Bedford and Ben Carlson)
Hosanna (Written by Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2011 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist - March, 2011
Theatre patrons, who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S., should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar appears to have stabilized against the Canadian dollar, so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway ($135 average) or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $350.00 to $600.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways. Remember – Passports are now REQUIRED for any border crossing!
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last three decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also become home to one of the finest acting ensembles in North America.
And while Stratford had its artistic and administrative struggles under the leadership transition from Richard Monet to Des McAnuff, the Shaw Festival has managed to thrive under some very difficult economic times and its own leadership transition from Christopher Newton to Jackie Maxwell. Maxwell (now in her seventh season) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics. While many in the Canadian theatrical community have criticized her for being overly fixated on female directors and playwrights, she continues to fill most of the seats and balance the books.
As the Shaw Festival celebrates its 50th season this year audiences will be in for some real treats including: a splashy production of the musical My Fair Lady (based on Shaw’s own Pygmalion), another Christopher Newton Heartbreak House this time with the Canadian national treasure Michael Ball as Captain Shotover, a contemporary adaptation of Shaw’s rarely produced On The Rocks by Michael Healey (The Drawer Boy), a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof led by Moya O’Connell and Jim Mezon and the much anticipated return of Lorne Kennedy in 2008’s smash comic hit The President.
Another exciting development over the past three years has been addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility has hosted such diverse productions as John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell, Caryl Churchill’s provocative contemporary play Serious Money and this summer’s Topdog/Underdog.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
My Fair Lady – April 13 to October 30
Heartbreak House – May 10 to October 7
The Admirable Crichton– June 22 to October 29
Royal George Theatre
Candida – April 7 to October 30
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – May 3 to October 23
The President – June 3 to October 9 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
Drama at Inish – A Comedy – May 6 to October 1
On The Rocks – June 14 to October 8
Maria Severa – July 19 to September 23
Studio Theatre
Topdog/Underdog – July 19 to August 27
When the Rain Stops Falling – August 11 to September 17
David’s recommendations for the 2011 season
Michael Ball in Heartbreak House (Directed by Christopher Newton
Peter Krantz and Steven Sutcliffe in On The Rocks (Directed by Joseph Ziegler)
Moya O’Connell and Jim Mezon in A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Directed by Eda Holmes)
Lorne Kennedy in The President (Directed by Blair Williams)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $24.00 can (student matinees) to $106.00 can (weekends and openings)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Check this BLOG in August for reviews of many of the 2011 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who past away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed has been the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, productions, and for the first time in its short history – Shakespeare. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons so if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did three years ago, the Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2011 a large scale American musical (Camelot) will dominate the Festival Stage and another musical (Jesus Christ Superstar) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just pay too many bills. 2008’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line.
There are many things to be excited about for the 2011 season including the return of Brent Carver for the two musicals, Seana McKenna taking on the role of Richard III, the return of Brian Dennehy as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night and Max in The Homecoming, Ben Carlson and Brian Bedford in The Misanthrope, Lucy Peacock and Geraint Wyn Davies in The Merry Wives of Windsor, Andrea Runge as Viola in Twelfth Night and Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, the return to the Festival stage of Roberta Maxwell and a production of Shakespeare’s rarely staged Titus Andronicus in the Tom Patterson Theatre.
The 2011 season has been dedicated to the memories of a number of Festival stalwarts who passed away this year. They include Michael Langham, Peter Donaldson, David William and Domini Blythe.
While the US dollar has fluctuated in recent years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed this past year. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Camelot – April 16 to October 30
The Merry Wives of Windsor – May 10 to October 14
Twelfth Night – June 26 to October 28
The Misanthrope – July 31 to October 29
Avon Theatre
The Grapes of Wrath – April 23 to October 29
Jesus Christ Superstar – May 16 to October 29
The Homecoming– July 26 to October 30
Tom Patterson Theatre
Richard III - May 19 to September 25
Titus Andronicus – June 23 to September 24
Studio Theatre
The Little Years – June 29 to September 24
Shakespeare’s Will– June 30 to September 2
Hosanna – July 26 to September 24
David’s recommendations for the 2011 season
Jesus Christ Superstar (starring Brent Carver)
Twelfth Night (Directed by McAnuff and starring Brian Dennehy)
Richard III (Starring Seana McKenna)
The misanthrope (Starring Brian Bedford and Ben Carlson)
Hosanna (Written by Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2011 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
STRATFORD AND SHAW SEASON REVIEWS
2010 Shaw Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
Harvey (Royal George Theatre) ****
• Strong focused direction by Joseph Zeigler
• Outstanding cast lead by Mary Haney, Peter Krantz and Norman Browning
• Ensemble acting work was excellent right down to Peter Millard as the Cab Driver
• Beautiful period set that was easily transformed between Dowd’s library and Chumley’s Rest. Credit Sue LaPage with just the right mix of period correctness and whimsy.
• Another strong outing from actor turned director Joseph Ziegler. To his credit he plays it straight and never allows the production to fall into campy or become a parody of itself. Harvey is still a very very funny play and Ziegler’s take on it feels just right.
• Entire production had class and style
• SRO house that really enjoyed the whimsy and humor of the play
• I wish Zarrin Darnell-Martin as Mrytle Mae had infused her character with more comic life. Given her genetic heritage she just seemed dull and way too normal. She was the one weak link in an otherwise stellar cast.
• Harvey gave a great turn as himself
• The production was SRO when I attended and has already be extended. Don’t miss it, even if you have to scalp a ticket.
The Doctor’s Dilemma (Festival Theatre) *** 1/2
• Shaw’s rarely performed comic gem about doctors, their egos and their ethics
• Outstanding ensemble work by the male acting company. The only noticeable weakness in the production was Krista Colosimo, who was badly miscast as Jennifer Dubedat. She lacked the charisma and sexual fire that is necessary to drive the action of the play. Worst of all there was no romantic spark between her and Patrick Galligan (Dr. Colenso Ridgeon). Thus Ridgeon’s obsession with her character, which is the core of the play’s plot falls flat. Still those scenes with the doctors were magic. And how nice it was to see Michael Ball in a role that showcased his talents as one of the world's greatest Shavian actors. I mean how many butlers must he play before he gets a role that he can really sink his teeth into as an actor.
• I liked the “conceptual” set by Ken MacDonald
• While first published in 1911, this witty and insightful commentary on medical ethics and health care issues is still remarkably relevant. A thought provoking evening on the physical, psychological and monetary price that must be paid for living as well as dying
• Well staged and beautifully paced by Morris Paynch
• Not sure that I enjoyed the musical score by The Rolling Stones, however, I will admit the choices were clever and make me laugh out loud
John Bull’s Other Island (Court House Theatre) ***
• Shaw’s talky play about the “Irish question” is not easy to produce or to watch. However, in the capable hands of actors like Benedict Campbell, Graeme Somerville, Jim Mezon and Severn Thompson it is not only watchable but a very entertaining evening of theatre indeed.
• Thought-provoking lines delivered by many of Canada’s finest actors.
• Excellent supporting cast featuring Guy Bannerman, Mary Haney, Thom Marriott and Patrick McManus.
• Clever set design that worked well in the limitations of the Court House space.
• Solid and straight forward direction by Christopher Newton. His direction of Shaw just seems to get better and better. He has just the right instincts to know when to pull the in the reins or let his actors command the stage.
Half An Hour (Royal George Theatre) ***
• A wonderful little gem of a one act by J.M. Barrie
• Romantic, funny and clever all at the same time
• Effective directorial touches by Gina Wilkinson
• Imaginative use of the George stage to create the two required settings
• Lovely performance by Diana Donnelly. She is ably supported by Peter Krantz, Michael Ball, Gord Rand, Norman Browning, Peter Millard and Laurie Patton
• A romantic and sweet production that has an unexpected and powerful emotional twist at its conclusion.
• A marvelous way to spend your lunchtime.
WORTH A LOOK
An Ideal Husband (Festival Theatre)
One Touch of Venus (Royal George Theatre)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
The Women (Court House Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
The Cherry Orchard (Court House Theatre)
The Age of Arousal (Court House Theatre)
Serious Money (Studio Theatre)
2010 Stratford Shakespeare Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
As You Like It (Festival Theatre) ****
• Glorious and highly memorable production – Best production to date from Des MacAnuff
• The most inventive direction of the 2010 summer season
• Marvelous acting and singing throughout the entire large cast
• Wonderful chemistry between Rosalind and Orlando (Andrea Runge, Paul Nolan) A real star turn for Runge, who also dazzled us last year in The Importance of Being Earnest and has already been announced as Viola and Ann Page for the 2011 season
• Stunning visuals from the entire design team. The production reminded me of the best deign work of the John Hirsch years. Kudos to Debra Hanson (Scenery), Dana Osborne (Costumes) and Michael Walton (Lighting)
• Fantastic original songs and jazz score by Justin Ellington and Michael Roth
• Outstanding on stage orchestra that was augmented at times by cast members
• Nice use of an onstage piano
• The scenes in the Forest of Arden are full of energy, passion and life and seem to almost explode off the stage
• Strong ensemble work from the large and talented cast. Some wonderful moments from Brent Carver (Jaques), Ben Carlson (Touchstone) and Lucy Peacock (Audrey)
• The sound design and mix was stunning
• If you can see just one production in the 2010 season then this is the show to see. Do not miss it!
The Tempest (Festival Theatre) ***1/2
• Worth the price of admission just to hear Christopher Plummer speak Shakespeare’s amazing poetry
• Some of the visuals involving Prospero and Arial will take your breath away
• Director Des MacAnuff doesn’t quite get to the level of brilliance that he demonstrated in As You Like It, however, this is a very fine production that is well anchored by Plummer. I do wish that we had had a few less things appearing and disappearing into the floor. I found that a distraction rather than an enhancement. There is always beauty in simplicity.
• Plummer is touching and vulnerable as Prospero and gives a very nuanched performance
• There have certainly been some memorable Arials and Calibans at Stratford but the two I will remember both come from this production. Julyana Soelistyo is her own one woman Blue Man Group. From her first enterance where she drops underwater to retrieve Prospero’s book to her final good bye with her master, you can’t take your eyes off of her. Her performance blends grace, acrobatics and a child like innocence in a way that is unlike any Ariel that has come before her. Unlike Lindstrom the chemistry between her and Plummer is palpable. Much the same can be said for Dion Johnstone’s caliban. He is funny, fierce and at moments quite vulnerable. His scenes with Trinculo (Bruce Dow) and Stephano (Geraint Wyn Davies) are a delight and provide the play with some much needed comic relief after tedious scenes with the men of the court.
• The Tempest drew the largest crowd that I saw this summer in the Festival Theatre. The production that I attended was nearly sold out. The same could no be said for Kiss Me Kate.
• I felt strongly that Trish Lindstrom was too old for Miranda. She looks and acts every bit of 30+ (Shakespeare indicates that she is 15 years old when the play begins). I also thought that she had no filial chemistry with Plummer and no sexual chemistry with Gareth Potter, who played Ferdinand. Her understudy Amanda Lisman would have been a better choice.
• However, the weakest links in the cast were the men of the court. I thought that they were pedestrian to the point of being almost unnecessary to this production. The only danger that the King Alonso (Peter Hutt) faced was being bored to death by this gaggle of duds.
The Winter’s Tale (Tom Patterson Theatre) ***
• Solid production of one of the Bard’s most challenging plays
• Intelligent actor centered direction from the always resourceful Marti Maradon
• Simple yet effective scenic design concept in the Patterson. However, I felt that the costumes were uniformly ugly. In particular, the costumes in Bohemia looked as if they had been constructed for a Saturday Night Live skit. I know that designer John Pennoyer was trying to help us separate the two worlds of Siccilia and Bohemia but these garments called attention to themselves as costumes rather than looking like the clothes that might be worn by a real person from this time and place.
• An excellent racially diverse cast lead by Ben Carlson, Yanna McIntosh and Cara Ricketts
• Nicely understated performance by the ever radiant Seana McKenna as Paulina. Her “plea” monologue in the first act court room scene was remarkable.
• Fantastic first act that was full of fire and fury
• I sure wish that director Maraden had had the guts to cut twenty minutes out of the opening of Act two. While I am certain that Shakespeare’s audiences were fascinated by the antics of the sheep shearing fair and dance I was not. For my money we could have lost most of this text and simply concentrated on the love story between Florizel and Perdita and then come back to wrap up the play in Paulina’s garden.
• The text was well spoken and easily understood
• The scene in which Hermione comes back to life brought many in the audience to tears
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Tom Patterson Theatre) **1/2
• An interesting but wildly uneven production of this rarely produced musical revue
• The band and the two male leads make this production work. The musicians in particular are amazing. They play multiple instruments in multiple musical styles and even act as performers in some numbers. I thought that they were worth the price of admission even if a note had never been sung.
• Brent Carver and Mike Nadajewski seem to be in one production and the two women in another. And of course it’s their production that we want to see. I disliked both Jewelle Blackman and Nathalie Nadon both of whom were overwrought and under talented. How you can get on the Stratford stage with a major speech problem (intrusive s) amazes me. I just could not take either one of them seriously as a vocalist, especially when they sang ensemble numbers with the men.
• Then there was Brent Carver, who was obviously in his element. One of the world’s foremost cabaret performers, he knows how to deliver a song. His renditions of My Childhood in act one was at once provocative and haunting
• The musical staging and blocking by director Stafford Arima was repetitive and amateurish. It was obvious after the first five minutes that he was a proscenium director and had no idea how to make musical numbers work on the Patterson’s long thrust stage. Numerous visual opportunities went unexplored.
• Solid musical direction (Rick Fox) however, the inclusion or exclusion of some famous songs felt arbitrary. Too many songs sounded alike and were delivered in similar tempos.
• Precise and effective sound design and live mix work
• Worth a recommendation on the strength of Carver’s performance
WORTH A LOOK
Peter Pan (Avon Theatre)
Do Not Go Gently (Studio Theatre)
Kiss Me Kate (Festival Theatre)
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
King of Thieves (Studio Theatre)
Evita (Avon Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
Dangerous Liaisons (Festival Theatre)
For The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (Tom Patterson Theatre)
The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Studio Theatre)
2010 Shaw Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
Harvey (Royal George Theatre) ****
• Strong focused direction by Joseph Zeigler
• Outstanding cast lead by Mary Haney, Peter Krantz and Norman Browning
• Ensemble acting work was excellent right down to Peter Millard as the Cab Driver
• Beautiful period set that was easily transformed between Dowd’s library and Chumley’s Rest. Credit Sue LaPage with just the right mix of period correctness and whimsy.
• Another strong outing from actor turned director Joseph Ziegler. To his credit he plays it straight and never allows the production to fall into campy or become a parody of itself. Harvey is still a very very funny play and Ziegler’s take on it feels just right.
• Entire production had class and style
• SRO house that really enjoyed the whimsy and humor of the play
• I wish Zarrin Darnell-Martin as Mrytle Mae had infused her character with more comic life. Given her genetic heritage she just seemed dull and way too normal. She was the one weak link in an otherwise stellar cast.
• Harvey gave a great turn as himself
• The production was SRO when I attended and has already be extended. Don’t miss it, even if you have to scalp a ticket.
The Doctor’s Dilemma (Festival Theatre) *** 1/2
• Shaw’s rarely performed comic gem about doctors, their egos and their ethics
• Outstanding ensemble work by the male acting company. The only noticeable weakness in the production was Krista Colosimo, who was badly miscast as Jennifer Dubedat. She lacked the charisma and sexual fire that is necessary to drive the action of the play. Worst of all there was no romantic spark between her and Patrick Galligan (Dr. Colenso Ridgeon). Thus Ridgeon’s obsession with her character, which is the core of the play’s plot falls flat. Still those scenes with the doctors were magic. And how nice it was to see Michael Ball in a role that showcased his talents as one of the world's greatest Shavian actors. I mean how many butlers must he play before he gets a role that he can really sink his teeth into as an actor.
• I liked the “conceptual” set by Ken MacDonald
• While first published in 1911, this witty and insightful commentary on medical ethics and health care issues is still remarkably relevant. A thought provoking evening on the physical, psychological and monetary price that must be paid for living as well as dying
• Well staged and beautifully paced by Morris Paynch
• Not sure that I enjoyed the musical score by The Rolling Stones, however, I will admit the choices were clever and make me laugh out loud
John Bull’s Other Island (Court House Theatre) ***
• Shaw’s talky play about the “Irish question” is not easy to produce or to watch. However, in the capable hands of actors like Benedict Campbell, Graeme Somerville, Jim Mezon and Severn Thompson it is not only watchable but a very entertaining evening of theatre indeed.
• Thought-provoking lines delivered by many of Canada’s finest actors.
• Excellent supporting cast featuring Guy Bannerman, Mary Haney, Thom Marriott and Patrick McManus.
• Clever set design that worked well in the limitations of the Court House space.
• Solid and straight forward direction by Christopher Newton. His direction of Shaw just seems to get better and better. He has just the right instincts to know when to pull the in the reins or let his actors command the stage.
Half An Hour (Royal George Theatre) ***
• A wonderful little gem of a one act by J.M. Barrie
• Romantic, funny and clever all at the same time
• Effective directorial touches by Gina Wilkinson
• Imaginative use of the George stage to create the two required settings
• Lovely performance by Diana Donnelly. She is ably supported by Peter Krantz, Michael Ball, Gord Rand, Norman Browning, Peter Millard and Laurie Patton
• A romantic and sweet production that has an unexpected and powerful emotional twist at its conclusion.
• A marvelous way to spend your lunchtime.
WORTH A LOOK
An Ideal Husband (Festival Theatre)
One Touch of Venus (Royal George Theatre)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
The Women (Court House Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
The Cherry Orchard (Court House Theatre)
The Age of Arousal (Court House Theatre)
Serious Money (Studio Theatre)
2010 Stratford Shakespeare Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
As You Like It (Festival Theatre) ****
• Glorious and highly memorable production – Best production to date from Des MacAnuff
• The most inventive direction of the 2010 summer season
• Marvelous acting and singing throughout the entire large cast
• Wonderful chemistry between Rosalind and Orlando (Andrea Runge, Paul Nolan) A real star turn for Runge, who also dazzled us last year in The Importance of Being Earnest and has already been announced as Viola and Ann Page for the 2011 season
• Stunning visuals from the entire design team. The production reminded me of the best deign work of the John Hirsch years. Kudos to Debra Hanson (Scenery), Dana Osborne (Costumes) and Michael Walton (Lighting)
• Fantastic original songs and jazz score by Justin Ellington and Michael Roth
• Outstanding on stage orchestra that was augmented at times by cast members
• Nice use of an onstage piano
• The scenes in the Forest of Arden are full of energy, passion and life and seem to almost explode off the stage
• Strong ensemble work from the large and talented cast. Some wonderful moments from Brent Carver (Jaques), Ben Carlson (Touchstone) and Lucy Peacock (Audrey)
• The sound design and mix was stunning
• If you can see just one production in the 2010 season then this is the show to see. Do not miss it!
The Tempest (Festival Theatre) ***1/2
• Worth the price of admission just to hear Christopher Plummer speak Shakespeare’s amazing poetry
• Some of the visuals involving Prospero and Arial will take your breath away
• Director Des MacAnuff doesn’t quite get to the level of brilliance that he demonstrated in As You Like It, however, this is a very fine production that is well anchored by Plummer. I do wish that we had had a few less things appearing and disappearing into the floor. I found that a distraction rather than an enhancement. There is always beauty in simplicity.
• Plummer is touching and vulnerable as Prospero and gives a very nuanched performance
• There have certainly been some memorable Arials and Calibans at Stratford but the two I will remember both come from this production. Julyana Soelistyo is her own one woman Blue Man Group. From her first enterance where she drops underwater to retrieve Prospero’s book to her final good bye with her master, you can’t take your eyes off of her. Her performance blends grace, acrobatics and a child like innocence in a way that is unlike any Ariel that has come before her. Unlike Lindstrom the chemistry between her and Plummer is palpable. Much the same can be said for Dion Johnstone’s caliban. He is funny, fierce and at moments quite vulnerable. His scenes with Trinculo (Bruce Dow) and Stephano (Geraint Wyn Davies) are a delight and provide the play with some much needed comic relief after tedious scenes with the men of the court.
• The Tempest drew the largest crowd that I saw this summer in the Festival Theatre. The production that I attended was nearly sold out. The same could no be said for Kiss Me Kate.
• I felt strongly that Trish Lindstrom was too old for Miranda. She looks and acts every bit of 30+ (Shakespeare indicates that she is 15 years old when the play begins). I also thought that she had no filial chemistry with Plummer and no sexual chemistry with Gareth Potter, who played Ferdinand. Her understudy Amanda Lisman would have been a better choice.
• However, the weakest links in the cast were the men of the court. I thought that they were pedestrian to the point of being almost unnecessary to this production. The only danger that the King Alonso (Peter Hutt) faced was being bored to death by this gaggle of duds.
The Winter’s Tale (Tom Patterson Theatre) ***
• Solid production of one of the Bard’s most challenging plays
• Intelligent actor centered direction from the always resourceful Marti Maradon
• Simple yet effective scenic design concept in the Patterson. However, I felt that the costumes were uniformly ugly. In particular, the costumes in Bohemia looked as if they had been constructed for a Saturday Night Live skit. I know that designer John Pennoyer was trying to help us separate the two worlds of Siccilia and Bohemia but these garments called attention to themselves as costumes rather than looking like the clothes that might be worn by a real person from this time and place.
• An excellent racially diverse cast lead by Ben Carlson, Yanna McIntosh and Cara Ricketts
• Nicely understated performance by the ever radiant Seana McKenna as Paulina. Her “plea” monologue in the first act court room scene was remarkable.
• Fantastic first act that was full of fire and fury
• I sure wish that director Maraden had had the guts to cut twenty minutes out of the opening of Act two. While I am certain that Shakespeare’s audiences were fascinated by the antics of the sheep shearing fair and dance I was not. For my money we could have lost most of this text and simply concentrated on the love story between Florizel and Perdita and then come back to wrap up the play in Paulina’s garden.
• The text was well spoken and easily understood
• The scene in which Hermione comes back to life brought many in the audience to tears
Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Tom Patterson Theatre) **1/2
• An interesting but wildly uneven production of this rarely produced musical revue
• The band and the two male leads make this production work. The musicians in particular are amazing. They play multiple instruments in multiple musical styles and even act as performers in some numbers. I thought that they were worth the price of admission even if a note had never been sung.
• Brent Carver and Mike Nadajewski seem to be in one production and the two women in another. And of course it’s their production that we want to see. I disliked both Jewelle Blackman and Nathalie Nadon both of whom were overwrought and under talented. How you can get on the Stratford stage with a major speech problem (intrusive s) amazes me. I just could not take either one of them seriously as a vocalist, especially when they sang ensemble numbers with the men.
• Then there was Brent Carver, who was obviously in his element. One of the world’s foremost cabaret performers, he knows how to deliver a song. His renditions of My Childhood in act one was at once provocative and haunting
• The musical staging and blocking by director Stafford Arima was repetitive and amateurish. It was obvious after the first five minutes that he was a proscenium director and had no idea how to make musical numbers work on the Patterson’s long thrust stage. Numerous visual opportunities went unexplored.
• Solid musical direction (Rick Fox) however, the inclusion or exclusion of some famous songs felt arbitrary. Too many songs sounded alike and were delivered in similar tempos.
• Precise and effective sound design and live mix work
• Worth a recommendation on the strength of Carver’s performance
WORTH A LOOK
Peter Pan (Avon Theatre)
Do Not Go Gently (Studio Theatre)
Kiss Me Kate (Festival Theatre)
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
King of Thieves (Studio Theatre)
Evita (Avon Theatre)
DID NOT ATTEND
Dangerous Liaisons (Festival Theatre)
For The Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (Tom Patterson Theatre)
The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Studio Theatre)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2010 THEATRE PREVIEW
Thoughts on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival/Shaw Festival 2010 Seasons
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist
April, 2010
Theatre patrons, who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S., should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar has improved again this year against the Canadian dollar, so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway ($125 average) or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $250.00 to $500.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways. Remember – Passports are now REQUIRED for any border crossing!
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last two decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also become home to one of the finest acting ensembles in North America.
And while Stratford continues to have its artistic and administrative struggles under Des McAnuff, the Shaw Festival has managed to thrive under some very difficult economic times. Current Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell (now in her sixth season) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics.
While the acting ensemble remains strong for 2010, Maxwell has lost several of her best actors (Ben Carlson, peter Hutt) to Stratford last season and with McAnuff still at the helm at Stratford, I fear that this will be an ongoing issue, as he will no doubt attempt to “cherry pick” a few of Shaw’s best actors each season. The good news for 2010 is that there were no major losses to the Festival acting company.
Maxwell has proven herself to be a capable producer and savvy administrator. In 2009, her programming of the entire one-act canon (across three theatres) of Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 met with strong box office but uneven critical success. Many of the plays were “star vehicles” and simply did not suit the talents of the ensemble. Some actors faired better than others. Performers like Patrick Galligan and Deborah Hay had much to do while Shaw stalwart Michael Ball was wasted in a parade of small servant roles. This years season returns to a more familiar formula which should better serve the acting ensemble.
Another exciting development has been addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility which was christened with a production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell will now host Caryl Churchill’s provocative contemporary play Serious Money this summer.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
An Ideal Husband – April 9 to October 31
The Women – May 12 to October 9
The Doctor’s Dilemma – June 10 to October 30
Royal George Theatre
Harvey – April 1 to October 31
One Touch of Venus – May 16 to October 10
Half an Hour – June 26 to October 9 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
The Cherry Orchard – April 20 to October 2
John Bull’s Other Island – June 18 to October 9
Age of Arousal – July 23 to October 10
Studio Theatre
Serious Money – July 31 to September 12
David’s recommendations for the 2010 season
Peter Krantz in Harvey (Directed by Joseph Ziegler))
The Doctor’s Dilemma (Directed by Morris Panych)
John Bull’s Other Island (Directed by Christopher Newton and starring Benedict Campbell and Jim Mezon)
An Ideal Husband (Directed by Jackie Maxwell)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $23.00 can (student matinees) to $105.00 can (weekends and openings)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2010 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who past away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed has been the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, productions, and for the first time in its short history – Shakespeare. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons so if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did last year. The Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2010 a large scale American musical (Kiss Me Kate) will dominate the Festival Stage and another musical (Evita) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just too many bills. And last 2008’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line. Last year, a glorious production of West Side Story on the Festival Stage nearly carried the rest of the festival on its back attracting huge crowds.
Marti Maraden (a fine director and a member of 2008’s ill fated artistic triumvirate) who upstaged McAnuff for the majority of the 2009 with her critically acclaimed and powerful stagings of All’s Well That Ends Well and The Trojan Women will return to direct The Winter’s Tale. McAnuff, who has been traversing the world staging permutations of the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys not to mention a short lived Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls had a much better summer last year. While his productions of Shakespeare has yet to catch fire he has delivered the goods with the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra .He is certainly capable of providing strong artistic leadership, if he chooses to concentrate his energies in Stratford rather than in New York or London. The large ensemble continues to yearn for a “leader in residence.” It is now up to McAnuff to build on last year’s successes and continue to move the company forward. The challenge is to remain true to the company’s history while instituting bold new initiatives to grow the audience and donor base.
While the US dollar has fluctuated in recent years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed this past year. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
As You Like It – May 22 to October 31
Kiss Me Kate – April 11 to October 31
Dangerous Liaisons - May 29 to November 1
The Tempest – August 7 to October 30
Avon Theatre
Peter Pan – May 9 to October 30
Evita– May 23 to October 31
Tom Patterson Theatre
The Winter’s Tale May 9 to October 3
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris – May 27 to October 2
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again – August 6 to October 3
Studio Theatre
King of Thieves – July 26 to October 4
The Two Gentlemen of Verona – August 11 to October 3
Do Not Go Gentle– August 12 to October 3
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
As You Like It (starring Brent Carver)
The Tempest (Directed by McAnuff and starring Christopher Plummer)
The Winter’s Tale (Directed by Marti Maraden and starring Ben Carlson)
Kiss Me Kate (Directed by John Doyle)
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (Written by Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
1-519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2010 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
Thoughts on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival/Shaw Festival 2010 Seasons
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist
April, 2010
Theatre patrons, who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S., should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar has improved again this year against the Canadian dollar, so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway ($125 average) or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $250.00 to $500.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways. Remember – Passports are now REQUIRED for any border crossing!
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last two decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also become home to one of the finest acting ensembles in North America.
And while Stratford continues to have its artistic and administrative struggles under Des McAnuff, the Shaw Festival has managed to thrive under some very difficult economic times. Current Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell (now in her sixth season) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics.
While the acting ensemble remains strong for 2010, Maxwell has lost several of her best actors (Ben Carlson, peter Hutt) to Stratford last season and with McAnuff still at the helm at Stratford, I fear that this will be an ongoing issue, as he will no doubt attempt to “cherry pick” a few of Shaw’s best actors each season. The good news for 2010 is that there were no major losses to the Festival acting company.
Maxwell has proven herself to be a capable producer and savvy administrator. In 2009, her programming of the entire one-act canon (across three theatres) of Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 met with strong box office but uneven critical success. Many of the plays were “star vehicles” and simply did not suit the talents of the ensemble. Some actors faired better than others. Performers like Patrick Galligan and Deborah Hay had much to do while Shaw stalwart Michael Ball was wasted in a parade of small servant roles. This years season returns to a more familiar formula which should better serve the acting ensemble.
Another exciting development has been addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility which was christened with a production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell will now host Caryl Churchill’s provocative contemporary play Serious Money this summer.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
An Ideal Husband – April 9 to October 31
The Women – May 12 to October 9
The Doctor’s Dilemma – June 10 to October 30
Royal George Theatre
Harvey – April 1 to October 31
One Touch of Venus – May 16 to October 10
Half an Hour – June 26 to October 9 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
The Cherry Orchard – April 20 to October 2
John Bull’s Other Island – June 18 to October 9
Age of Arousal – July 23 to October 10
Studio Theatre
Serious Money – July 31 to September 12
David’s recommendations for the 2010 season
Peter Krantz in Harvey (Directed by Joseph Ziegler))
The Doctor’s Dilemma (Directed by Morris Panych)
John Bull’s Other Island (Directed by Christopher Newton and starring Benedict Campbell and Jim Mezon)
An Ideal Husband (Directed by Jackie Maxwell)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $23.00 can (student matinees) to $105.00 can (weekends and openings)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2010 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who past away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed has been the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, productions, and for the first time in its short history – Shakespeare. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons so if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did last year. The Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2010 a large scale American musical (Kiss Me Kate) will dominate the Festival Stage and another musical (Evita) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just too many bills. And last 2008’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line. Last year, a glorious production of West Side Story on the Festival Stage nearly carried the rest of the festival on its back attracting huge crowds.
Marti Maraden (a fine director and a member of 2008’s ill fated artistic triumvirate) who upstaged McAnuff for the majority of the 2009 with her critically acclaimed and powerful stagings of All’s Well That Ends Well and The Trojan Women will return to direct The Winter’s Tale. McAnuff, who has been traversing the world staging permutations of the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys not to mention a short lived Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls had a much better summer last year. While his productions of Shakespeare has yet to catch fire he has delivered the goods with the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra .He is certainly capable of providing strong artistic leadership, if he chooses to concentrate his energies in Stratford rather than in New York or London. The large ensemble continues to yearn for a “leader in residence.” It is now up to McAnuff to build on last year’s successes and continue to move the company forward. The challenge is to remain true to the company’s history while instituting bold new initiatives to grow the audience and donor base.
While the US dollar has fluctuated in recent years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed this past year. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
As You Like It – May 22 to October 31
Kiss Me Kate – April 11 to October 31
Dangerous Liaisons - May 29 to November 1
The Tempest – August 7 to October 30
Avon Theatre
Peter Pan – May 9 to October 30
Evita– May 23 to October 31
Tom Patterson Theatre
The Winter’s Tale May 9 to October 3
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris – May 27 to October 2
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again – August 6 to October 3
Studio Theatre
King of Thieves – July 26 to October 4
The Two Gentlemen of Verona – August 11 to October 3
Do Not Go Gentle– August 12 to October 3
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
As You Like It (starring Brent Carver)
The Tempest (Directed by McAnuff and starring Christopher Plummer)
The Winter’s Tale (Directed by Marti Maraden and starring Ben Carlson)
Kiss Me Kate (Directed by John Doyle)
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again (Written by Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
1-519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2010 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
2009 Shaw Festival Reviews
2009 Shaw Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
Devil’s Disciple (Festival)
• Straightforward and uncomplicated direction by my least favorite Shaw director Tadeusz Bradecki
• Strong cast lead by Evan Buliung, Peter Krantz and Fiona Byrne carried this uneven production
• Ensemble acting work was weak among the soldiers
• The set - when open to the gallows worked very well but I found the look of it really ugly and flat when the interior scene drops were placed in front of it
• Needed more cast members to populate the world of the play
• Shaw’s wit at its sharpest. The play raises lots of fascinating questions
• I thought the breaking of the fourth wall for direct address monologues was intrusive and that the additional references to Niagara on the Lake added nothing to our enjoyment of this great play
• Jim Mezon came in as Gentleman Johnny near the end of the play and stole every moment that he was on stage with his impeccable comic timing and wry smile. Shaw gives him many of the funniest lines in the play and Mezon lades every joke without ever breaking a sweat.
Star Chamber (Royal George)
• Coward’s rarely performed comic gem about actors and their egos
• Eccentric characters played to the comic hilt
• Great physical business
• Wonderful comic spark and energy from everyone in the cast
• Simple but effective set with costumes that exploded with character and style
• Funny and very accessible
Brief Encounters (Festival)
• Three Noel Coward one acts (Still Life, We were Dancing, Hands Across the Sea)
• Still Life – well acted, nice control of time, wonderful atmospheric setting, nice sound and lighting design, excellent performance by Deborah Hay, solid direction, stunning train image at the end of the piece
• We Were Dancing – lots of humor, nice supporting performances by Thom Marriott and Goldie Semple, exquisite costumes, captured Coward’s style, energy and wit
• Hand Across the Sea – Some wonderful physical farce, nicely paced, big characters who were well acted and remained truthful, a fun way to end the evening
A Moon for the Misbegotten (Court House)
• A tour de force acting vehicle for Shaw veteran Jim Mezon, who plays Phil Hogan. His scenes are worth the price of admission. Every young aspiring actor should be made to watch his drunk scene. He brings power, humor and pathos to every scene.
• The set and lights really established the harsh environment of the world in which the characters live and suffer
• Jenny Young makes a valiant effort to capture the soul of Josie Hogan but she is just too frail and too attractive to be a “cow of a woman” that O’Neil intends. The role belongs in the hands of Kelli Fox or Cherry Jones, who are both more physically suited to the demands placed on the character by the playwright.
• David Jensen is also miscast as James. He is too soft and does not have enough rough edges or masculine charm to make this role his own.
• Still, despite the odd casting I enjoyed seeing this piece performed at Shaw. It was a good production of a great play
Born Yesterday (Festival)
• A strong production of a seldom produced American classic
• Nice original music score that added to the spirit and style of the production
• Good use of comic business
• Play was well anchored by Thom Marriott and Deborah Hay who share a nice chemistry on stage
• Strong acting work from the ensemble cast
• I thought the costumes were ugly and unflattering and the scenery too mundane
• Pace was slow in a number of places (ie the gin game)
• Patrick Galligan was effective as the play’s troubled lawyer
• Interesting choice of play in light of the past decades political scandals
WORTH A LOOK
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days (Royal George)
Sunday in the Park With George (Royal George)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
Ways of the Heart (Court House)
Play Orchestra Play (Royal George)
DID NOT ATTEND
Albertine in Five Times (Court House)
The Entertainer (Studio)
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
Devil’s Disciple (Festival)
• Straightforward and uncomplicated direction by my least favorite Shaw director Tadeusz Bradecki
• Strong cast lead by Evan Buliung, Peter Krantz and Fiona Byrne carried this uneven production
• Ensemble acting work was weak among the soldiers
• The set - when open to the gallows worked very well but I found the look of it really ugly and flat when the interior scene drops were placed in front of it
• Needed more cast members to populate the world of the play
• Shaw’s wit at its sharpest. The play raises lots of fascinating questions
• I thought the breaking of the fourth wall for direct address monologues was intrusive and that the additional references to Niagara on the Lake added nothing to our enjoyment of this great play
• Jim Mezon came in as Gentleman Johnny near the end of the play and stole every moment that he was on stage with his impeccable comic timing and wry smile. Shaw gives him many of the funniest lines in the play and Mezon lades every joke without ever breaking a sweat.
Star Chamber (Royal George)
• Coward’s rarely performed comic gem about actors and their egos
• Eccentric characters played to the comic hilt
• Great physical business
• Wonderful comic spark and energy from everyone in the cast
• Simple but effective set with costumes that exploded with character and style
• Funny and very accessible
Brief Encounters (Festival)
• Three Noel Coward one acts (Still Life, We were Dancing, Hands Across the Sea)
• Still Life – well acted, nice control of time, wonderful atmospheric setting, nice sound and lighting design, excellent performance by Deborah Hay, solid direction, stunning train image at the end of the piece
• We Were Dancing – lots of humor, nice supporting performances by Thom Marriott and Goldie Semple, exquisite costumes, captured Coward’s style, energy and wit
• Hand Across the Sea – Some wonderful physical farce, nicely paced, big characters who were well acted and remained truthful, a fun way to end the evening
A Moon for the Misbegotten (Court House)
• A tour de force acting vehicle for Shaw veteran Jim Mezon, who plays Phil Hogan. His scenes are worth the price of admission. Every young aspiring actor should be made to watch his drunk scene. He brings power, humor and pathos to every scene.
• The set and lights really established the harsh environment of the world in which the characters live and suffer
• Jenny Young makes a valiant effort to capture the soul of Josie Hogan but she is just too frail and too attractive to be a “cow of a woman” that O’Neil intends. The role belongs in the hands of Kelli Fox or Cherry Jones, who are both more physically suited to the demands placed on the character by the playwright.
• David Jensen is also miscast as James. He is too soft and does not have enough rough edges or masculine charm to make this role his own.
• Still, despite the odd casting I enjoyed seeing this piece performed at Shaw. It was a good production of a great play
Born Yesterday (Festival)
• A strong production of a seldom produced American classic
• Nice original music score that added to the spirit and style of the production
• Good use of comic business
• Play was well anchored by Thom Marriott and Deborah Hay who share a nice chemistry on stage
• Strong acting work from the ensemble cast
• I thought the costumes were ugly and unflattering and the scenery too mundane
• Pace was slow in a number of places (ie the gin game)
• Patrick Galligan was effective as the play’s troubled lawyer
• Interesting choice of play in light of the past decades political scandals
WORTH A LOOK
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days (Royal George)
Sunday in the Park With George (Royal George)
NOT WORTH YOUR TIME
Ways of the Heart (Court House)
Play Orchestra Play (Royal George)
DID NOT ATTEND
Albertine in Five Times (Court House)
The Entertainer (Studio)
2009 Stratford Festival Reviews
2009 Stratford Shakespeare Festival Season Reviews
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
West Side Story (Festival)
• Exceptional Production – Perhaps the best musical in Stratford’s history
• The best direction of the 2009 summer season from Gary Griffin
• Marvelous acting and singing
• Brilliant dancing – masculine and athletic
• Steamy chemistry between Maria and Tony (Chilina Kennedy, Paul Nolan)
• In fact, Kennedy gives the best performance of the summer as Maria and if I were Des McAnuff, I would be searching to find her another star vehicle for next summer. Having observed her work at the Shaw Festival, I can tell you that she can do much more than just musicals.
• Marvelous use of the Festival Stage
• Outstanding orchestra
• Full of energy, passion and life
• Strong ensemble work from the large and talented cast
• Set was functional and provided a nice “period” feel
• The sound design and mix was stunning
• Reminded me of that fantastic Romeo & Juliet with that featured two young and hungry actors by the name of Colm Feore and Seana McKenna
The Importance of Being Earnest (Avon)
• The best Earnest that I have seen at Stratford
• Desmond Healey’s set and costume designs will take your breath away
• Director Brian Bedford dusts off this witty old chestnut and gives it new life
• Bedford is hilarious as Lady Bracknell and gives a very human and at times touching performance
• The Avon was packed the performance I attended and the audiences loved the production
• Nice use of an offstage piano
• Creative use of stage business
• Cast has a great comic energy and handled Wilde’s language with aplomb
• The players were well acted
• The only weak links in the cast were Sarah Dodd and Stephen Ouimette (Prism and Chasuble) who were neither funny nor interesting. They made no comic contribution to an otherwise delightful production.
The Trespassers (Studio)
• New Canadian play by Morris
• An interesting mix of mystery, drama and dark comedy
• Simple yet effective design concept
• Joe Ziegler was excellent as the grandfather whose story lies at the core of the play
• Wonderful ensemble cast that featured Noah Reid Kelli Fox, Lucy Peacock and Robert King
• Nice directorial work and use of the Studio stage by director allowed the acting to shine
• This was a beautiful and sensitive piece of work that is certain to have a life at regional theatres in Canada
• The play raises some interesting questions related to what makes a life worth living
• I left the theatre and could not get the play out of my mind.
• An unusual ending that raises more questions than it answers
• A bit long in stretches. Some cuts could be made for future productions.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Avon)
• A visual and aural feast
• Strong direction from McAnuff who really seems in his element with proscenium musicals
• Simple set with lots of surprises built in
• Marvelous cast led by the always-delightful Bruce Dow (Mr. Dow suffered an injury in July and was out of the production for a number of performances) While the production and the comic chemistry suffers in his absence, the show is still a fun evening out.
• Fast paced and amusing opening sequence
• Great work by Dan Chameroy as Miles Gloriosus
• Strong work from the female dancers
• Precise and effective sound design and live mix work, which supported a cast who could really sing and an orchestra who could really play
• The production had a real Broadway quality feel to it
Julius Caesar (Avon)
• Highly conceptual production set in a modern world
• A masculine production full of testosterone
• Solid performances by Ben Carlson as Brutus and Geraint Wyn Davies as Caesar
• A number of very effective visual images involving blood
• Excellent casting and strong ensemble work from the senators
• Well staged and some wonderful crowd/mob scenes staged all over the theatre
• Battle scenes in the second half were quite well done
• A very emotional sound design/score
• Effective design work that created a basic unit set with many different looks
• The only weak link in the production was Jonathon Goad’s Anthony who seemed too modern and too low energy for the role. His burial speech lacked fire, truth or passion and was upstaged by the very energetic crowd
WORTH A LOOK
Macbeth (Festival)
The Three Sisters (Patterson)
Ever Yours, Oscar (Patterson)
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
Cyrano de Bergerac (Festival)
Bartholomew Faire (Patterson)
DID NOT ATTEND
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Festival)
Phedre (Patterson)
Rice Boy (Studio)
Zastrozzi (Studio)
By David Grapes
Productions are listed in order of preference
DON’T MISS!
West Side Story (Festival)
• Exceptional Production – Perhaps the best musical in Stratford’s history
• The best direction of the 2009 summer season from Gary Griffin
• Marvelous acting and singing
• Brilliant dancing – masculine and athletic
• Steamy chemistry between Maria and Tony (Chilina Kennedy, Paul Nolan)
• In fact, Kennedy gives the best performance of the summer as Maria and if I were Des McAnuff, I would be searching to find her another star vehicle for next summer. Having observed her work at the Shaw Festival, I can tell you that she can do much more than just musicals.
• Marvelous use of the Festival Stage
• Outstanding orchestra
• Full of energy, passion and life
• Strong ensemble work from the large and talented cast
• Set was functional and provided a nice “period” feel
• The sound design and mix was stunning
• Reminded me of that fantastic Romeo & Juliet with that featured two young and hungry actors by the name of Colm Feore and Seana McKenna
The Importance of Being Earnest (Avon)
• The best Earnest that I have seen at Stratford
• Desmond Healey’s set and costume designs will take your breath away
• Director Brian Bedford dusts off this witty old chestnut and gives it new life
• Bedford is hilarious as Lady Bracknell and gives a very human and at times touching performance
• The Avon was packed the performance I attended and the audiences loved the production
• Nice use of an offstage piano
• Creative use of stage business
• Cast has a great comic energy and handled Wilde’s language with aplomb
• The players were well acted
• The only weak links in the cast were Sarah Dodd and Stephen Ouimette (Prism and Chasuble) who were neither funny nor interesting. They made no comic contribution to an otherwise delightful production.
The Trespassers (Studio)
• New Canadian play by Morris
• An interesting mix of mystery, drama and dark comedy
• Simple yet effective design concept
• Joe Ziegler was excellent as the grandfather whose story lies at the core of the play
• Wonderful ensemble cast that featured Noah Reid Kelli Fox, Lucy Peacock and Robert King
• Nice directorial work and use of the Studio stage by director allowed the acting to shine
• This was a beautiful and sensitive piece of work that is certain to have a life at regional theatres in Canada
• The play raises some interesting questions related to what makes a life worth living
• I left the theatre and could not get the play out of my mind.
• An unusual ending that raises more questions than it answers
• A bit long in stretches. Some cuts could be made for future productions.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Avon)
• A visual and aural feast
• Strong direction from McAnuff who really seems in his element with proscenium musicals
• Simple set with lots of surprises built in
• Marvelous cast led by the always-delightful Bruce Dow (Mr. Dow suffered an injury in July and was out of the production for a number of performances) While the production and the comic chemistry suffers in his absence, the show is still a fun evening out.
• Fast paced and amusing opening sequence
• Great work by Dan Chameroy as Miles Gloriosus
• Strong work from the female dancers
• Precise and effective sound design and live mix work, which supported a cast who could really sing and an orchestra who could really play
• The production had a real Broadway quality feel to it
Julius Caesar (Avon)
• Highly conceptual production set in a modern world
• A masculine production full of testosterone
• Solid performances by Ben Carlson as Brutus and Geraint Wyn Davies as Caesar
• A number of very effective visual images involving blood
• Excellent casting and strong ensemble work from the senators
• Well staged and some wonderful crowd/mob scenes staged all over the theatre
• Battle scenes in the second half were quite well done
• A very emotional sound design/score
• Effective design work that created a basic unit set with many different looks
• The only weak link in the production was Jonathon Goad’s Anthony who seemed too modern and too low energy for the role. His burial speech lacked fire, truth or passion and was upstaged by the very energetic crowd
WORTH A LOOK
Macbeth (Festival)
The Three Sisters (Patterson)
Ever Yours, Oscar (Patterson)
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
Cyrano de Bergerac (Festival)
Bartholomew Faire (Patterson)
DID NOT ATTEND
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Festival)
Phedre (Patterson)
Rice Boy (Studio)
Zastrozzi (Studio)
Monday, April 6, 2009
THEATRE PREVIEW
Thoughts on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival/Shaw Festival 2009 Seasons
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist
April, 2009
Those of you who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S. should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar has improved this year against the Canadian dollar so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $250.00 to $500.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways.
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last two decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of director/actor Christopher Newton, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also witnessed Newton assemble one of the finest acting ensembles on the planet.
And while Stratford continues to have its artistic and administrative struggles, the Shaw Festival managed to thrive last summer under some very difficult economic times. Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell (now in her fifth season as Artistic Director) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics.
While the acting ensemble remains strong for 2009, Maxwell did lose several of her best actors (Ben Carlson, Kelli Fox) to Stratford last season and with McAnuff still at the helm at Stratford, I fear that this will be an ongoing issue, as he will no doubt attempt to “cherry pick” a few of Shaw’s best actors. The good news for 2009 is that Jim Mezon is set to return to the Festival acting company appearing in Moon for the Misbegotten with the talented Joseph Ziegler directing) and The Devil’s Disciple.
Maxwell has proven herself to be a capable producer and savvy administrator. Her programming of the entire one-act canon (across three theatres) of Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 could prove to be a true stroke of genius - a marvelous blend of artistic opportunity and marketing potential. The Shaw audiences should eat this up. It promises to be a “once in a lifetime event” - DO NOT MISS IT!
Another exciting development is the addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility will be christened with a production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell, who as many of you remember delivered a stunning performance in last summer’s An Inspector Calls.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Brief Encounters – April 11 to October 24
Still Life, We Were Dancing, Hands Across the Sea
Born Yesterday – May 5 to November 1
The Devil’s Disciple – June 14 to October 11
Royal George Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Play, Orchestra, Play – June 9 to October 31
Red Peppers, Fumed Oak, Shadow play
Sunday in the Park With George – April 1 to November 1
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days – April 17 to Oct 9
Tonight at 8:30: Star Chamber – June 25 to October 11 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Ways of the Heart – July 21 to October 11
The Astonished Heart, Family Album, Ways and Means
A Moon for the Misbegotten – April 28 to October 9
Albertine in Five Times – June 24 to October 10
Studio Theatre
The Entertainer – July 31 to September 20
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 series (DON’T MISS)
Born Yesterday (starring Deborah Hay)
A Moon for the Misbegotten (Directed by Joseph Zeigler and starring Jim Mezon)
Sunday in the Park With George
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days (Shaw’s seldom seen Restoration comedy)
The Entertainer Directed by Jackie Maxwell and starring Benedict Campbell)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $30.00 to $110.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2009 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who passed away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed was the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, and other more experimental productions. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons which meant that many theatre goers were shut out of tickets for Brian Dennehy’s two one act plays last summer. The lesson here is that if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance
While the spring of 2008 got off to an inauspicious start with the resignations of two out of the three artistic triumvirate Don Shipley and Marti Maraden, the lone artistic survivor Des McAnuff managed to survive his first season. To be sure, there were problems with the quality and often the quantity of productions (Romeo and Juliet) but there were some successes (Hamlet) as well. And while I did not see it, the critical and audience response to Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra with Christopher Plummer was quite positive.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did last year. The Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2009 a large scale American musical (West Side Story) will return to the Festival Stage and another musical (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just pay too many bills. And last year’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line.
Maraden (a fine director) who upstaged McAnuff for the majority of the 2009 with her critically acclaimed and powerful stagings of All’s Well That Ends Well and The Trojan Women will not return. Instead the directorial duties will fall to McAnuff, Martha Henry, American Cary Perloff and Brian Bedford among others. McAnuff, who has been traversing the world staging permutations of the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys not to mention a Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls must somehow cement his artistic footprints at Stratford this summer or I fear for the long term stability of the company. He is certainly capable if he chooses to concentrate his energies in Stratford rather than in New York or London. The large ensemble needs a “leader in residence,” and it is time for McAnuff to demonstrate that he truly believes in the importance of a true acting ensemble and not just star power. Whatever happens this season is sure to set the tone for many years to come.
While the US dollar has suffered the past three years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed strength in recent months. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Macbeth – May 22 to October 31
West Side Story – April 11 to October 31
Cyrano de Bergerac - May 29 to November 1
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – August 7 to October 30
Avon Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest – May 9 to October 30
Julius Caesar– May 23 to October 31
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – June 11 to November 1
Tom Patterson Theatre
Three Sisters May 9 to October 3
Bartholomew Fair – May 27 to October 2
Ph̬dre РAugust 6 to October 3
Studio Theatre
The Trespassers – July 26 to October 4
Rice Boy – August 11 to October 3
Zastrozzi – August 12 to October 3
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
Julius Caesar (starring long time Shaw Festival company member Ben Carlson)
Cyrano de Bergerac (starring Colm Feore)
Phèdre (starring Seana McKenna and Roberta Maxwell)
The Importance of Being Earnest (starring Brian Bedford)
Bartholomew Fair (directed by Antoni Cimolino)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
1-519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2009 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
Thoughts on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival/Shaw Festival 2009 Seasons
By David Grapes – Arts Journalist
April, 2009
Those of you who are passionate about quality theatre here in the U.S. should consider a trip North across the Canadian border into Ontario and spend some serious time exploring North America’s two largest theatre festivals – The Stratford Shakespeare Festival and The Shaw Festival. The American dollar has improved this year against the Canadian dollar so the entertainment value when compared to the costs of theatre tickets for Broadway or in London is high. And if you search the web, there are some excellent airfare deals for the upcoming summer into Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson airport for about $250.00 to $500.00 from most major US airports. Rental cars are readily available at the Toronto airport. (Try Hotwire.com for the best airport rental rates) Driving time from the airport to either of the two festivals is less than two hours on four lane highways.
The Shaw Festival
Located in historic Niagara on the Lake (30 miles North of Buffalo 120 Miles South of Toronto) along the beautiful Lake Ontario shoreline The Shaw Festival is the only theatre in the world that specializes exclusively in plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. During the last two decades, under the artful and highly creative leadership of director/actor Christopher Newton, the Shaw not only earned a reputation for innovative programming, stunning visuals, but also witnessed Newton assemble one of the finest acting ensembles on the planet.
And while Stratford continues to have its artistic and administrative struggles, the Shaw Festival managed to thrive last summer under some very difficult economic times. Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell (now in her fifth season as Artistic Director) continues to produce excellent work as she explores the Festival’s expanded artistic mandate including newer musicals and American classics.
While the acting ensemble remains strong for 2009, Maxwell did lose several of her best actors (Ben Carlson, Kelli Fox) to Stratford last season and with McAnuff still at the helm at Stratford, I fear that this will be an ongoing issue, as he will no doubt attempt to “cherry pick” a few of Shaw’s best actors. The good news for 2009 is that Jim Mezon is set to return to the Festival acting company appearing in Moon for the Misbegotten with the talented Joseph Ziegler directing) and The Devil’s Disciple.
Maxwell has proven herself to be a capable producer and savvy administrator. Her programming of the entire one-act canon (across three theatres) of Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 could prove to be a true stroke of genius - a marvelous blend of artistic opportunity and marketing potential. The Shaw audiences should eat this up. It promises to be a “once in a lifetime event” - DO NOT MISS IT!
Another exciting development is the addition of an intimate fourth performance venue – The Studio Theatre (which will seat 176 patrons). The new facility will be christened with a production of John Osborne’s The Entertainer starring Benedict Campbell, who as many of you remember delivered a stunning performance in last summer’s An Inspector Calls.
SHAW SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Brief Encounters – April 11 to October 24
Still Life, We Were Dancing, Hands Across the Sea
Born Yesterday – May 5 to November 1
The Devil’s Disciple – June 14 to October 11
Royal George Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Play, Orchestra, Play – June 9 to October 31
Red Peppers, Fumed Oak, Shadow play
Sunday in the Park With George – April 1 to November 1
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days – April 17 to Oct 9
Tonight at 8:30: Star Chamber – June 25 to October 11 (lunchtime)
Court House Theatre
Tonight at 8:30:
Ways of the Heart – July 21 to October 11
The Astonished Heart, Family Album, Ways and Means
A Moon for the Misbegotten – April 28 to October 9
Albertine in Five Times – June 24 to October 10
Studio Theatre
The Entertainer – July 31 to September 20
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
Noel Coward’s Tonight at 8:30 series (DON’T MISS)
Born Yesterday (starring Deborah Hay)
A Moon for the Misbegotten (Directed by Joseph Zeigler and starring Jim Mezon)
Sunday in the Park With George
In Good King Charles’s Golden Days (Shaw’s seldom seen Restoration comedy)
The Entertainer Directed by Jackie Maxwell and starring Benedict Campbell)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT OR NEAR THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Contemporary Play Reading Series
Educational Seminars, Workshops and Symposiums
Summer Camps
Teacher Days
Niagara Falls
Old Fort Erie/ Old Fort Niagara
Wine country excursions
Lake activities
PLAY INFORMATION
www.shawfest.com
TICKET PRICES
Range from $30.00 to $110.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
$30 rate for patrons under 30 years of age at any theatre
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-511-7429
ACCOMODATIONS
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE CHAMBER of COMMERCE RESERVATION SERVICE (CCA) 905-468-1950. In the Court House on Queen Street, Box 1043, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.niagaraonthelake.com Reservation service for 1700 plus rooms, representing every hotel and a collection of approved inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast homes. For a quality experience, let our trained specialists help you select CCA (Chamber of Commerce Approved) accommodation. All price ranges represented.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE BED and BREAKFAST ASSOCIATION (BBA) 905-468-0123 or 1-866-855-0123. Box 1228, Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0. www.bba.notl.on.ca Members are identified by BBA in the listings. Call or visit our website for a free availability search or to book online. We maintain high standards and adhere to a code of ethics. Book with a member.
ABOUT HISTORIC BED and BREAKFASTS IN OLD TOWN CENTRE www.historicbb.com These private homes, built before 1850, are within 4 short blocks of a theatre, dining and shops. Visit our website or contact the following homes in the Bed and Breakfast section: Adam Lockhart’s Storrington House, Annette Twining House, Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast, Barrett Cottage, B&B’s “Pacific”, Blaney House, Burns House, Davy House, Regent House, The Rogers-Harrison House, Royal Manor, Saltbox 1820 Cottage, Schoolmaster’s House. Open year-round. Central air. Full breakfasts. Private parking. Smoke-free. All rooms have private ensuite bathrooms. $100-$195.
ACCOMMODATION ALTERNATIVES NIAGARA www.accommodationalternativesniagara.com A fine selection of licensed cottages, apartments and homes in Niagara, suitable to those who prefer privacy and self-catering accommodations. Nightly from $95, weekly from $650.
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2009 Shaw Festival productions.
The Stratford Festival
Located in the bucolic hills of Southern Ontario in the working class town of Stratford, The Stratford Festival has grown from its humble beginnings in 1953 (two Shakespearean plays produced in a tent) to one of the largest and most respected theatre festivals in the world. Once in financial peril during the late 1980’s, the theatre has enjoyed a remarkable rebound both artistically and financially under the capable stewardship of Richard Monette (who passed away suddenly last year just as he was starting his retirement) and Executive Director Antoni Cimolino. Now nearing the completion of a 50 million dollar capital and endowment drive, long time patrons have enjoyed improvements to all four of the Festival’s theatre venues, an upgrade in electronic services, and enhanced production quality on stage. Exciting indeed was the addition of a fourth stage known as the Studio Theatre located above the Avon Theatre. This small flexible space, which opened three years ago, is now home to new work by Canadian playwrights, workshops, and other more experimental productions. However, the Studio Theatre only seats 260 patrons which meant that many theatre goers were shut out of tickets for Brian Dennehy’s two one act plays last summer. The lesson here is that if you want to see a popular production in the Studio Theatre you need to purchase your tickets well in advance
While the spring of 2008 got off to an inauspicious start with the resignations of two out of the three artistic triumvirate Don Shipley and Marti Maraden, the lone artistic survivor Des McAnuff managed to survive his first season. To be sure, there were problems with the quality and often the quantity of productions (Romeo and Juliet) but there were some successes (Hamlet) as well. And while I did not see it, the critical and audience response to Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra with Christopher Plummer was quite positive.
Variety has always been a hallmark of the Stratford Festival, where works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Moliere and Ibsen share the stage with Broadway musicals and the comedies of Noel Coward and although Shakespeare will not dominate the large Festival Stage as he did last year. The Bard is still well represented and remains the artistic heart of the festival. For 2009 a large scale American musical (West Side Story) will return to the Festival Stage and another musical (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum ) takes up residence at the Avon. While there are many who would like to see musicals banned from the traditional repertoire they just pay too many bills. And last year’s banishment of a musical from the Festival Stage had a very negative impact on Stratford’s bottom line.
Maraden (a fine director) who upstaged McAnuff for the majority of the 2009 with her critically acclaimed and powerful stagings of All’s Well That Ends Well and The Trojan Women will not return. Instead the directorial duties will fall to McAnuff, Martha Henry, American Cary Perloff and Brian Bedford among others. McAnuff, who has been traversing the world staging permutations of the hit Broadway musical Jersey Boys not to mention a Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls must somehow cement his artistic footprints at Stratford this summer or I fear for the long term stability of the company. He is certainly capable if he chooses to concentrate his energies in Stratford rather than in New York or London. The large ensemble needs a “leader in residence,” and it is time for McAnuff to demonstrate that he truly believes in the importance of a true acting ensemble and not just star power. Whatever happens this season is sure to set the tone for many years to come.
While the US dollar has suffered the past three years against the Canadian dollar, this trip remains an outstanding value. And the US dollar has shown some renewed strength in recent months. With Broadway prices soaring to $100-$200 a ticket, it is hard to imagine that you could get more “bang for your entertainment buck” anywhere in the world than in Ontario, Canada.
STRATFORD SEASON AT A GLANCE
Festival Theatre
Macbeth – May 22 to October 31
West Side Story – April 11 to October 31
Cyrano de Bergerac - May 29 to November 1
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – August 7 to October 30
Avon Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest – May 9 to October 30
Julius Caesar– May 23 to October 31
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – June 11 to November 1
Tom Patterson Theatre
Three Sisters May 9 to October 3
Bartholomew Fair – May 27 to October 2
Ph̬dre РAugust 6 to October 3
Studio Theatre
The Trespassers – July 26 to October 4
Rice Boy – August 11 to October 3
Zastrozzi – August 12 to October 3
David’s recommendations for the 2009 season
Julius Caesar (starring long time Shaw Festival company member Ben Carlson)
Cyrano de Bergerac (starring Colm Feore)
Phèdre (starring Seana McKenna and Roberta Maxwell)
The Importance of Being Earnest (starring Brian Bedford)
Bartholomew Fair (directed by Antoni Cimolino)
ALSO OF INTEREST AT STRATFORD
Family Series Events
Stageside Chats
Festival Tours
Celebrated Writers Series
Night Music – Special concerts each Monday evening June to August in the Festival Theatre
A wide assortment of classes, workshops, special events.
PLAY INFORMATION
www.stratfordfestival.ca
TICKET PRICES
Range from $25.00 to $111.00 (Canadian $)
Rush seats are available day of show
There are also excellent student discounts and group rates available
BOX OFFICE
1-800-567-1600
ACCOMODATIONS
1-800-567-1600
I recommend the Swan Motel
1-519-271-6376
www.swanmotel.ca
Watch this space in August for reviews of many of the 2009 Stratford Festival productions.
David Grapes has been a theatre producer/director/playwright and freelance theatre journalist for over thirty years. He holds a BA in Theatre from Glenville State College and an MFA in Acting/Directing from the University on North Carolina at Greensboro.
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