[NEohioPAL] Berko special: STRATFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL--2013

[Roy Berko]

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Stratford Shakespeare Festival, A Place of Discover and Delight

Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association and Cleveland Critics Circle)

Want to get away this spring, summer or fall?  Drive to Canada for great
theatre, good food, and nice scenery.  This year marks the 61st anniversary
of the Stratford Festival of Canada.

This season’s 12 productions in the Festival’s four theatres are:
ROMEO AND JULIET—Shakespeare’s tale of youthful passion which dares to
challenge generations of enmity in the most famous love story ever told.
(May 1-October 19)
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF—The poignant musical tale of family, faith and
tradition, with such songs as ’If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise,
Sunset.”(April 23-October 20)
THE THREE MUSKETEERS--an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ epic swashbuckling
novel of intrigue and adventure in 18th century France.  (May 18-October 19)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE--Shakespeare’s controversial look at intolerance and
the vengeance it provokes. (July 30-October 18)
TOMMY, The Who’s classic rock tale of a traumatized child who becomes a
“Pinball Wizard.”  (May 4-October 19)
BLITHE SPIRIT—Noel Coward’s tale of ghosts, second marriages, séances,
mischief and wit. (May 16-October 20)
OTHELLO—Shakespeare’s tragic tale of love, betrayal, vengeance and
relationship destruction.  (August 4-October 19)
MEASURE FOR MEASURE—The Bard of Avon satirically takes on sex, the church
and the state, while questioning the very nature of virtue. (May
18-Setpember 21)
MARY STUART—Even queens become pawns in the life-and-death power struggle
driven by faith, fear, ambition and desire. (May 3-September 21)
WAITING FOR GODOT—Samuel Becket’s existential absurdist masterpiece that
some consider the greatest play of the 20th century.
TAKING SHAKESPEARE—John Murrell’s celebration of the power of words, and
the surprising power of the heart as an aging professor tutors the
university president’s floundering son.  (July 13-September 22).
THE THRILL—A love story in which a successful lawyer and fiery activist
takes on a right-to-die movement celebrity with consequences that neither
has anticipated.  (July 28-September 22).

Besides their regularly scheduled plays, the Festival offers stage-side
chats, the Celebrated Writers Series, Night Music, Table Talks, pre-show
lectures, lobby talks, public lectures, the teaching Shakespeare School and
The Teachers’ Conference.

What’s the lodging like?  Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts abound to
fit any wallet.  I like a b & b.  You get to meet new people and there is a
nice friendly feel of being more than a guest.   My favorite is the Avery
House (http://www.averyhouse.com).

Hungry?  For moderate cost and high quality, try The Annex Cafe (38 Albert
Street) and the Stratford Thai Cuisine (82 Wellington Street).

Packages can be arranged by www.theatrevacations.com.   Stratford Escapes (
theatrevacations.com), is an efficient way to make reservations.  For
individual tickets call 800-567-1600 or go on-line to
http://www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Helpful hints: The ride from Cleveland is about six hours through Buffalo.
Go on-line to the festival for directions.  The routings offered by AAA and
Yahoo maps are confusing and miles longer.  To satisfy border requirements
carry your passport.  Nothing else will do.
*
Go to Stratford, Canada!  Find out what lovely hosts Canadians are, and see
some great theatre!*


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