2026 VISITORS GUIDE
1
FESTIVAL
Savour Stratford at its finest Begin your Stratford experience by pre-ordering a chef-crafted picnic and an optional wine pairing curated by our in-house sommelier. Enjoy a day along the river as you explore the charming downtown shops. Then, relax in the gardens to savour your al fresco meal and wine, perfectly suited to the occasion. Fresh, simple and made to enrich your time at the Stratford Festival.
THIS
ROUGH
MAGIC
The title above comes from a line in The Tempest, spoken by the sorcerer Prospero as he takes leave of his “so potent art” and embarks on a new phase of life. Theatre itself is a magical art, paradoxically using illusion to tell us truth. Its magic is “rough,” not perfect: while it can lead us to a better understanding, it cannot dictate where we go from there. Yet this need to explore our existence through the mimicry of performance seems hardwired into us, an essential part of being human.
ANTONI CIMOLINO
For my last season as Artistic Director, I have chosen to explore aspects of this strangely potent art we call the theatre. From the amateur theatricals of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the double lives led by Jack and Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, role-playing is a recurring motif of the season. Iago, in Othello, masks his villainy in the guise of a concerned friend, while Willy Loman, in Death of a Salesman, turns illusion inward, in a desperate effort to convince himself that all is well in his world. The characters in Guys and Dolls – who include a nightclub performer – are larger-thanlife caricatures, yet we feel as if we know them. At the same time, Something Rotten!, revived by popular demand, puts Shakespeare himself on stage as it spins its hilariously fanciful yarn about the creation of the very genre to which it belongs. Dramatic illusion delivers a surprising narrative twist in The King James Bible Play, while Waiting for Godot questions both our place in the universe and our expectations of drama itself. Saturday, Sunday, Monday uses eccentric characters worthy of commedia dell’arte to raise a serious question: how can we rediscover the magic within each of us? Meanwhile, The Tao of the World reimagines a classic Restoration comedy for a modern-day world of wealth and privilege – and shows that we all have roles to play in making society work. Finally, while some adults may look askance at “playacting,” no children do, for it is how they learn to navigate the world. Our explorations begin in childhood, and so it is fitting that our play for young people, The Hobbit, itself takes the form of a quest toward maturity.
2
DISCOVER THE FULL MENU AND OTHER ONSITE AMENITIES AT STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA/VISIT
I hope you will join us on our own quest this season: a quest for laughter, tears, excitement and inspiration, as we pay affectionate homage to the power of theatre in all our lives. PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
3
A CAPTIVATING CULTURAL OASIS
TABLE OF CONTENTS PRODUCTIONS
6
HONOURING ANTONI
52
CALENDAR
55
SEATING PLANS
68
TICKET PRICING
70
TOURS
71
ACTING COMPANY
72
THE MEIGHEN FORUM
74
SCHOOLS
92
LISTINGS
98
ACCESSIBILITY
120
SUPPORTERS
122
WELCOME Welcome to the Stratford Festival. It is a great privilege to gather and share stories on this beautiful territory, which has been the site of human activity – and therefore storytelling – for many thousands of years. We honour the ancestral guardians of this land and its waterways: the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat and the Attiwonderonk. Today, many Indigenous peoples continue to call this land home and act as its stewards. This responsibility extends to all peoples to share and care for this land for generations to come.
1.800.567.1600 | stratfordfestival.ca 4
PHOTO: ANN BAGGLEY.
Listeners of CBC Radio recently chose Stratford as one of the top 10 travel destinations in Canada – and for good reason. Stratford offers visitors a magical combination of outstanding theatre, extraordinary dining, unique shopping experiences, delightful accommodations and a host of appealing attractions. For theatre lovers, it is an experience that is simply unmatched in the world. Most mornings, I walk around the Avon River in Stratford, soaking in its natural beauty. I observe the antics of the swans and other waterfowl as they primp for the start of their day, and I gather my thoughts in preparation for mine. I am fortunate to experience every day a vista that has drawn people to Stratford for more than 170 years. Oftentimes, as I wander along the riverside path and pause on one of the footbridges, I smile as a quote from a Playbill review of Stratford and our Festival rolls through my mind: “Once bitten, you’re bound to be smitten.” Stratford truly is a captivating cultural oasis. While the world comes to visit every year, it still feels like a secret paradise.
in a concert at the Festival Theatre, where in 1956, Ellington was inspired to write his iconic Shakespeare suite, Such Sweet Thunder. The Forum can add so much to a Stratford visit – be sure to check out all the listings. You’ll want to mark the dates of some celebratory events we have planned to recognize Antoni’s myriad contributions to the Festival over the past 39 years. A special documentary about his career, produced by Melbar Entertainment, will be screened at the Forum. We will honour Antoni at the Legacy Gala on September 28 in Toronto. We’re also planning a tribute, To Antoni, With Love, set for Sunday, October 25, at the Festival Theatre in Stratford. There is so much to see and to do that you’ll want to spend a few days or even a week in this blissful town I’m fortunate to call home. Treat yourself and explore all that Stratford and the Festival have to offer. And do your friends and family a favour: bring them along for the adventure. They’re bound to be smitten, too. See you soon!
This season is a special one, as we bid adieu to a remarkable leader, Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, who will retire from the role at the end of 2026. He has programmed an irresistible season, with some of his most loved titles alongside new discoveries. In addition to the plays, the Meighen Forum offers delights ranging from fascinating conversations and panel discussions to entertaining concerts and play readings. CBC Ideas Week is always an audience favourite – an opportunity to witness firsthand the recording of five enthralling episodes of the top-rated radio program. Stratford’s own Ron Sexsmith will sing from the Gordon Lightfoot songbook in an intimate concert. Gripping performances of Tales of an Urban Indian will take place on a bus journey through town. The Brian Barlow Big Band will pay tribute to Duke Ellington PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
ANITA GAFFNEY
5
6 ASHLEY DINGWELL, MARISSA ORJALO, DAKOTA JAMAL WELLMAN AND GERAINT WYN DAVIES. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
7
FESTIVAL THEATRE | APRIL 28 TO OCTOBER 24 | OPENS MAY 25
The storm is only the beginning On an enchanted island, a deposed duke uses his magical powers to conjure a storm at sea, bringing him face to face with the brother who betrayed him. As old quarrels are resolved, love blossoms for a new generation.
GERAINT WYN DAVIES PROSPERO
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN SEBASTIAN
BEN CARLSON STEPHANO
DAVID COLLINS ALONSO
ASHLEY DINGWELL MIRANDA
JONATHAN GOAD CALIBAN
THE TEMPEST BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTED BY ANTONI CIMOLINO | SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY JULIE FOX | LIGHTING DESIGN BY IMOGEN WILSON ORIGINAL MUSIC BY BERTHOLD CARRIÈRE | SOUND DESIGN BY RANIL SONNADARA | MOVEMENT DIRECTION BY ADRIENNE GOULD
JOSUE LABOUCANE GORDON S. MILLER ANTONIO TRINCULO 8
MARISSA ORJALO ARIEL
FIONA REID GONZALO
DAKOTA JAMAL WELLMAN FERDINAND
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS: LAURIE J. SCOTT, CAROL STEPHENSON, OC AND THE WHITESIDE FOUNDATION PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: DR. DENNIS & DOROTHEA HACKER, DR. M. LEE MYERS, PEGGY PTASZNIK AND CATHY WILKES IN MEMORY OF DAVID GERAINT WYN DAVIES AND MARISSA ORJALO. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
9
10
11 MARK UHRE, JENNIFER RIDER-SHAW, DAN CHAMEROY AND OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
FESTIVAL THEATRE | APRIL 22 TO NOVEMBER 1 | OPENS MAY 26
DAN CHAMEROY SKY MASTERSON
JENNIFER RIDER-SHAW MISS ADELAIDE
OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE SARAH BROWN
Can love beat the odds? In the bustling streets of New York, a smooth-talking gambler wagers he can charm a pious missionary, while another high roller desperately fights to keep his game alive and his fiancée from walking away. In a city ruled by chance, love takes unexpected turns and both men soon discover they are risking far more than money.
GUYS AND DOLLS A MUSICAL FABLE OF BROADWAY | BASED ON A STORY AND CHARACTERS OF DAMON RUNYON
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY FRANK LOESSER | BOOK BY JO SWERLING AND ABE BURROWS
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: 12
ROBERT & MARY ANN GORLIN, SYLVIA SOYKA, RIKI TUROFSKY & CHARLES PETERSEN AND PETER & CAROL WALTERS
MARK UHRE NATHAN DETROIT
GABRIEL ANTONACCI BENNY SOUTHSTREET
DIRECTED BY DONNA FEORE | CHOREOGRAPHED BY DONNA FEORE | MUSIC DIRECTION BY FRANKLIN BRASZ SET DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO | COSTUME DESIGN BY DANA OSBORNE LIGHTING DESIGN BY BONNIE BEECHER | SOUND DESIGN BY HALEY PARCHER
MARK UHRE, JENNIFER RIDER-SHAW, DAN CHAMEROY AND OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
STEVE ROSS NICELY-NICELY JOHNSON 13
14
15 MIKE NADAJEWSKI, MICHAEL SPENCER-DAVIS, SARA TOPHAM AND ANDRÉ SILLS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | MAY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 26 | OPENS MAY 27
Magic, mischief and moonlight Strange things happen in the woods by night, with neither spirit nor mortal safe from the wiles of the trickster Puck. For mismatched lovers, romance runs delightfully amok, but true love triumphs at dawn.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
ANDRÉ SILLS OBERON
MICHAEL SPENCER-DAVIS BOTTOM
EVAN BULIUNG THESEUS
THOMAS DUPLESSIE IJEOMA EMESOWUM HIPPOLYTA DEMETRIUS
VIVIEN ENDICOTT-DOUGLAS HERMIA
JORDIN HALL LYSANDER
JESSICA B. HILL HELENA
MIKE NADAJEWSKI PUCK
SARA TOPHAM TITANIA
DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH GROUNDLING THEATRE
DIRECTED BY GRAHAM ABBEY | SET DESIGN BY LORENZO SAVOINI | COSTUME DESIGN BY JOSHUA QUINLAN | LIGHTING DESIGN BY KEVIN LAMOTTE PROJECTION AND VIDEO DESIGN BY NORMAL STUDIO | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY THOMAS RYDER PAYNE MOVEMENT DIRECTION BY STEPHANIE GRAHAM
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER: THE WESTAWAY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: PRISCILLA COSTELLO, CATHY & PAUL COTTON, ERICA PERESMAN & DAVID JAFFE AND MARTIE & BOB SACHS 16 SARA TOPHAM AND ANDRÉ SILLS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
17 MICHAEL SPENCER-DAVIS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
18
LUCY PEACOCK AND TOM McCAMUS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
19
AVON THEATRE | MAY 5 TO OCTOBER 24 | OPENS MAY 28
A father’s hope, a family’s heartbreak An aging commercial traveller chases a fading dream of success, blind to the illusions that have shaped his life and shattered his family. As memories blur with reality, his desperate pursuit of worth reveals the quiet tragedy of a man out of step with the world around him.
JOSH JOHNSTON HAPPY
TOM McCAMUS WILLY LOMAN
LUCY PEACOCK LINDA LOMAN
MATTHEW KABWE CHARLEY
DAVID W. KEELEY UNCLE BEN
JOE PERRY BIFF
DEATH OF A SALESMAN BY ARTHUR MILLER DIRECTED BY DEAN GABOURIE | SET DESIGN BY SCOTT PENNER | COSTUME DESIGN BY DENYSE KARN LIGHTING DESIGN BY LOUISE GUINAND | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND MUSIC CURATION BY MICHAEL LOUIS JOHNSON SOUND DESIGN BY JOHN GZOWSKI
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS: THE HARKINS-MANNING FAMILY IN MEMORY OF JIM & SUSAN HARKINS PRODUCTION CO-SPONSOR: 20
21 TOM McCAMUS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
22
23 HENRY FIRMSTON, OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE, DAN CHAMEROY, JEFF LILLICO, MARK UHRE AND STARR DOMINGUE. COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
FESTIVAL THEATRE MAY 11 TO OCTOBER 31 | OPENS MAY 29
It’s back and funnier than ever The Bottom brothers, two struggling playwrights in Renaissance London, need a hit. That’s easier said than done when your chief competition is local rockstar William Shakespeare. The Bottom brothers’ plan? Write the world’s first musical!
STARR DOMINGUE BEA BOTTOM
HENRY FIRMSTON NIGEL BOTTOM
JEFF LILLICO SHAKESPEARE
MARK UHRE NICK BOTTOM
DAN CHAMEROY NOSTRADAMUS
JUAN CHIORAN BROTHER JEREMIAH
STEVE ROSS SHYLOCK
OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE PORTIA
SOMETHING ROTTEN! BOOK BY KAREY KIRKPATRICK AND JOHN O’FARRELL MUSIC AND LYRICS BY WAYNE KIRKPATRICK AND KAREY KIRKPATRICK CONCEIVED BY KAREY KIRKPATRICK AND WAYNE KIRKPATRICK
DIRECTED BY DONNA FEORE | CHOREOGRAPHED BY DONNA FEORE | MUSIC DIRECTION BY LAURA BURTON SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO | LIGHTING DESIGN BY BONNIE BEECHER SOUND DESIGN BY HALEY PARCHER
24
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS: JOHN & THERESE GARDNER AND DANETTE GENTILE KAUFFMAN IN MEMORY OF GRETCHEN & DAN GENTILE
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DAN CHAMEROY, JEFF LILLICO, MARK UHRE AND HENRY FIRMSTON. 25 COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
NEW PHOTO COMING
26
27 RICHARD LEE AND TIM CAMPBELL. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
AVON THEATRE APRIL 21 TO OCTOBER 23 OPENS MAY 30
Trolls, treasure and true courage Bilbo Baggins is reluctantly swept from his cozy hobbit hole into a perilous quest across Middle-earth to help a band of dwarves reclaim their home, the Lonely Mountain, from a deadly dragon. Faced with trolls, goblins and a mysterious magic ring, he discovers that true courage often lies in the most unlikely of hearts.
RICHARD LEE BILBO
TIM CAMPBELL GANDALF
SARA-JEANNE HOSIE OLD TOOK
AARON KROHN THORIN
THE HOBBIT
BASED ON THE BOOK BY J.R.R. TOLKIEN | ADAPTED BY KIM SELODY LICENSED BY MIDDLE-EARTH ENTERPRISES DIRECTED BY PABLO FELICES-LUNA | SET DESIGN BY LORENZO SAVOINI COSTUME DESIGN BY TING-HUAN 挺歡 CHRISTINE URQUHART LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHAEL WALTON | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY DEBASHIS SINHA MOVEMENT DIRECTION BY SARA TOPHAM
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: THE SCHULICH FOUNDATION RICHARD LEE. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE. 28
29
LIMITED RUN ENDS JULY 31
30
31 DAVID W. KEELEY, TOM McCAMUS, PAUL GROSS AND JONATHAN GOAD. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
FESTIVAL THEATRE MAY 14 TO JULY 31 | OPENS MAY 30
PAUL GROSS VLADIMIR
TOM McCAMUS ESTRAGON
JONATHAN GOAD POZZO
The play that changed everything
DAVID W. KEELEY LUCKY
TOM McCAMUS AND PAUL GROSS. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
On a deserted stretch of land, two old friends wait endlessly for the mysterious Godot, passing the time with conversations that veer from the mundane to the profound. The more they argue, question and complain, the more their predicament begins to resemble that of humanity looking for meaning in an absurd universe.
WAITING FOR GODOT BY SAMUEL BECKETT DIRECTED BY MOLLY ATKINSON | SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY CORY SINCENNES LIGHTING DESIGN BY JARETH LI | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY ALESSANDRO JULIANI
32
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: M. FAINER, MARILYN GROPP, DOUG KENNEDY AND DR. ROBERT & ROBERTA SOKOL
33
JONATHAN GOAD AND DAVID W. KEELEY. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
34
35 JOE PERRY, MARISSA ORJALO, CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, FIONA REID AND ALLISON LYNCH. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
AVON THEATRE | MAY 19 TO OCTOBER 23 | OPENS JUNE 18
A trivial comedy for serious people Two dashing men-about-town create false identities to escape social obligations and win the hearts of the women they love, only to find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and absurd expectations. Set in Victorian England, this sharp-witted and hilarious comedy skewers manners, marriage and the pursuit of sincerity in a world obsessed with appearances.
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN ALGERNON MONCRIEFF
JOE PERRY JOHN WORTHING
ALLISON LYNCH BEN CARLSON REV. CANON CHASUBLE GWENDOLEN FAIRFAX
FIONA REID LADY BRACKNELL
MARISSA ORJALO CECILY CARDEW
LUCY PEACOCK MISS PRISM
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST BY OSCAR WILDE DIRECTED BY KRISTA JACKSON | SET DESIGN BY BRETTA GERECKE | COSTUME DESIGN BY CORY SINCENNES LIGHTING DESIGN BY IMOGEN WILSON | ORIGINAL MUSIC BY SARAH SLEAN | SOUND DESIGN BY JOHN GZOWSKI
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: SYLVIA D. CHROMINSKA 36
37 CHRISTOPHER ALLEN, MARISSA ORJALO, ALLISON LYNCH AND JOE PERRY. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
38
39 ANDRÉ SILLS, KRYSTIN PELLERIN AND EVAN BULIUNG. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE MAY 22 TO SEPTEMBER 27 | OPENS JUNE 19
Love. Lies. And the ultimate betrayal. A beautiful marriage and a brilliant military career are destroyed by the devious manipulations of a vindictive comrade. Heroism and dishonour walk hand in hand in this gripping tale of jealousy, regret and revenge.
EVAN BULIUNG IAGO
KRYSTIN PELLERIN DESDEMONA
ANDRÉ SILLS OTHELLO
JORDIN HALL CASSIO
JESSICA B. HILL EMILIA
RYLAN WILKIE RODERIGO
OTHELLO BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTED BY HAYSAM KADRI | SET DESIGN BY BRIAN DUDKIEWICZ | COSTUME DESIGN BY GILLIAN GALLOW LIGHTING DESIGN BY SIOBHÁN SLEATH | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY THOMAS RYDER PAYNE
40
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER: THE WESTAWAY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
41 ANDRÉ SILLS AND KRYSTIN PELLERIN. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
42
43 MANAMI HARA, KARTHIK KADAM, AGNES TONG AND NESTOR LOZANO JR. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE | AUGUST 2 TO SEPTEMBER 26 | OPENS AUGUST 20
AGNES TONG 唐若馨 ARABELLA FLYNN
HEIDI DAMAYO MILLICENT TAN
MANAMI HARA 原真奈美 LADY HELENA YU
MATTHEW IPSHAW 葉銘康 EDWARD LIM
KARTHIK KADAM DEVAN PILLAY
DEREK KWAN JACKSON LEE
MICHAEL MAN DR. WILSON WONG
Old money, new rules In this world première, Singapore’s wealthy elite hatch schemes to bed other people’s partners and swindle one another out of dynastic fortunes. This inventive mash-up of Restoration comedy and the modern Asian rom-com is filled with hilarity, romance and billionaires misbehaving.
THE TAO OF THE WORLD BY JOVANNI SY WORLD PREMIÈRE
DIRECTED BY JOVANNI SY | SET DESIGN BY LORENZO SAVOINI COSTUME DESIGN BY MING WONG | LIGHTING DESIGN BY SOPHIE TANG ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY MISHELLE CUTTLER | CHOREOGRAPHED BY JULIO FUENTES
AGNES TONG AND NESTOR LOZANO JR. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE. 44
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: DOROTHY LYNNE BYRNE-JONES AND AN ANONYMOUS DONOR
45
STUDIO THEATRE AUGUST 6 TO SEPTEMBER 26 | OPENS AUGUST 21
A sacred story, a secular reckoning A gripping and humorous portrait of the men behind the monumental translation of the King James Bible and a group of modern women creating a play about that process, this world première is a fascinating interrogation of translation in all its forms.
LIZ DER RONI
VIVIEN ENDICOTT-DOUGLAS HAN
郝邦宇 STEVEN HAO WILLIE
DEBORAH HAY MARTIE
CYRUS LANE SIR HENRY SAVILE
ANGEL LO ANNA
GRAY POWELL JOHN BOIS
MICHAEL SPENCER-DAVIS JOHN PERRIN
SARA TOPHAM CATH
RYLAN WILKIE GEORGE ABBOT
THE KING JAMES BIBLE PLAY BY CHARLOTTE CORBEIL-COLEMAN A STRATFORD FESTIVAL COMMISSION | WORLD PREMIÈRE DIRECTED BY NINA LEE AQUINO | SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY ROBIN FISHER LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHELLE RAMSAY | ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN BY JOHN GZOWSKI
CYRUS 46 LANE AND DEBORAH HAY. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: KARON BALES & CHARLES BEALL, JANE FRYMAN LAIRD AND THE TREMAIN FAMILY
47
48
49
KATARINA FIALLOS, GORDON S. MILLER, EMILIO VIEIRA, ROSE NAPOLI, GRAHAM ABBEY, SEANA McKENNA, JOSUE LABOUCANE AND MICHELLE GIROUX. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
AVON THEATRE AUGUST 4 TO OCTOBER 24 | OPENS AUGUST 22
Passion, pride and pasta In this comic gem, a lively Neapolitan household is thrown into turmoil when a simmering marital rift between the family matriarch and her withdrawn husband comes to a boil. As emotions flare and generations clash, laughter and love guide the family toward reconciliation and a deeper understanding of one another.
GRAHAM ABBEY PEPPINO
ROSE NAPOLI DONNA ROSA
ROD BEATTIE ANTONIO
SEANA McKENNA AUNT MEME
GORDON S. MILLER LUIGI IANNIELLO
SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY BY EDUARDO DE FILIPPO
IN A NEW ENGLISH VERSION BY DONATO SANTERAMO AND ANTONI CIMOLINO
A STRATFORD FESTIVAL COMMISSION | WORLD PREMIÈRE TRANSLATION DIRECTED BY ANTONI CIMOLINO | SET DESIGN BY DOUGLAS PARASCHUK COSTUME DESIGN BY FRANCESCA CALLOW | LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHAEL WALTON ORIGINAL MUSIC BY WAYNE KELSO | SOUND DESIGN BY RANIL SONNADARA 50
PRODUCTION UNDERWRITERS: DAVID & AMY FULTON FOUNDATION AND THE WILLIAM AND NONA HEASLIP FOUNDATION PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS: THE SABOURIN FAMILY FOUNDATION AND THREE GENERATIONS OF THE SCHUBERT FAMILY 51 ROSE NAPOLI AND GRAHAM ABBEY. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
HONOURING
ANTONI CIMOLINO
On his first visit to the Stratford Festival as a high-school student, Antoni Cimolino experienced a profound connection with the young people on stage in Love’s Labour’s Lost. This connection would change his life. Fifty years later, we prepare to honour the unparalleled contribution he has made to this theatre. In his 39 seasons with the Festival, he has performed in 18 plays, directed 31 productions, programmed 14 seasons with 157 shows, created the Meighen Forum, brought 33 new works to the stage, been a passionate and empathetic leader, serving as both Executive and Artistic Director – the only person to have done so – and cemented one of the largest arts endowments in the country. He has given us all moments of profound enlightenment, deep catharsis and sheer delight. His work has enriched our lives and secured for the Festival a position at the pinnacle of global theatre. No one has been so dedicated over so many years and in such vital roles as Antoni. As he retires from the position of Artistic Director, we celebrate his extraordinary legacy and extend our deepest gratitude to him.
ANTONI CIMOLINO: STAGING GREATNESS Saturday, June 13 | 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall Friday, July 10 | 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall
With candid and powerful interviews from actors, directors and collaborators, this brand-new film by Melbar Entertainment is a portrait of a leader closing an extraordinary chapter while paving the way for the Festival’s future. A live Q&A with Antoni Cimolino will follow the June 13 screening. Supported by Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, The Pitblado Family Foundation, and Jacqueline Sperandio.
2026 LEGACY GALA
Monday, September 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Ritz-Carlton Hotel Toronto Antoni Cimolino will receive the Stratford Festival’s annual Legacy Award during an evening filled with spoken and musical tributes presented by our most celebrated artists.
TO ANTONI, WITH LOVE
Sunday, October 25 | 8 p.m. | Festival Theatre
52
An evening of performances, songs and stories in celebration of Antoni Cimolino’s 39 seasons with the Stratford Festival. Co-directed by Jonathan Goad and Adrienne Gould, this once-in-a-lifetime event is sure to be filled with laughter and tears as Antoni’s closest friends and colleagues toast his remarkable career.
This commemorative poster is available for purchase in the theatre shops.
53
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino has shaped not only productions, but also generations of artists and audiences, as well as the Festival itself. To celebrate Antoni’s legacy and help secure the Festival’s future, we invite you to support the Inspiring Excellence Campaign: a campaign dedicated to advancing artist training, supporting bold new works and enhancing the audience experience, while upholding the highest artistic standards that define the Stratford Festival. Your donation – in any amount – honours the past, strengthens the present and ensures a vibrant future for the Festival we all cherish. Contributions of $100 or more will receive recognition on our website as part of a tribute to Antoni’s extraordinary tenure. Contributions of $10,000 or more will receive an engraved paving stone in the Festival Theatre gardens. For more information or to make a gift to the Inspiring Excellence Campaign, please visit stratfordfestival.ca/IE. For gifts of $10,000+, please email membership@stratfordfestival.ca. ANTONI CIMOLINO. PHOTO: TED BELTON.
54
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY IN SOMETHING ROTTEN!, 2024. SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO. LIGHTING DESIGN BY BONNIE BEECHER. SOUND DESIGN BY HALEY PARCHER. PHOTO: LUCIA REMEDIOS.
55
APRIL (P) PREVIEW (S) STUDENT AND SENIOR PRICING (2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING
SUNDAY
UNDER 30?
3
10
PREVIEW PERFORMANCES See it first and save!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Opening week starts May 25!
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
21
22
23
24
25
2:00 Hobbit (S)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S)
28
29
Register for our PLAY ON program to secure tickets from $25! 26
MAY
MONDAY
17
24
27
56
30
1
2
2:00 Guys and Dolls (P)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 4:45 Members Post Show Chat
2:00 Tempest (S)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S)
2:00 Hobbit (S)
1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
4
5
6
7
8
9
2:00 Hobbit (S)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
2:00 Hobbit (S)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Midsummer (P)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (P)
11
12
13
14
15
16
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 4:45 Members Post Show Chat
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
12:30 Midsummer (S) 2:00 Godot (S)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S)
2:00 Tempest (P) 2:00 Salesman (P) 2:00 Midsummer (P) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (P)
18
19
20
21
22
23
1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 8:00 Godot (P) 8:00 Earnest (P)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (P) 2:00 Midsummer (P) 8:00 Tempest (P) 8:00 Salesman (P)
29
30
VICTORIA DAY
2:00 Godot (S)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Midsummer (P) (2-4-1)
12:30 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S)
12:30 Midsummer (S) 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Tempest (P) (2-4-1)
25
26
27
28
OPENING (O)
OPENING (O)
31 1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca
2:00 Guys and Dolls (P)
2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 7:30 Tempest (O)
2:00 Midsummer (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (O) 8:00 Salesman (P) (2-4-1)
OPENING (O)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Godot (P) 8:00 Midsummer (O)
OPENING (O)
2:00 Midsummer (S) 5:00 PWC Member Opening Dinner 8:00 Rotten! (P) (2-4-1) 8:00 Salesman (O)
OPENING (O)
2:00 Hobbit (S) 8:00 Rotten! (O) 8:00 Othello (P)
OPENING (O)
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit (O) 8:00 Godot (O) 8:00 Earnest (P) 8:00 Othello (P) 57
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
6
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
12:30 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Othello (S)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Earnest (S)
2:00 Godot (S) 8:00 Earnest (P)
10:30 David Goldbloom and Friends (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello (P) 8:00 Rotten!
9
10
11
12
13
(P) PREVIEW (S) STUDENT AND SENIOR PRICING (2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING (F) THE MEIGHEN FORUM
7
8
P
RI
MEIGHEN FORUM PRIDE WEEKEND Celebrate a vibrant weekend of Pride, showcasing 2SLGBTQ+ stories, voices and community.
2:00 Tempest 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer
14 10:30 The Importance of Being Authentic (F) 2:00 Godot 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello (P)
21
WELCOME MICHIGAN MEMBERS
Curated weekend packed with performances, stories and shared experiences.
1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca 58
15
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
22
10:30 Shakespeare’s Multiracial World (F) 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Guys and Dolls
10:30 Laughing Out Proud (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Earnest (P) 2:00 Midsummer 7:00 Antoni Cimolino: Staging Greatness (F) 8:00 Tempest
19
20
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S)
2:00 Godot (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Othello (P)
10:30 A Double Bill Play Reading (F) 12:30 Hobbit (S) 1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Rotten! (S)
16
17
18
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1)
11:30 Lobby Talk (F) 2:00 Godot (S) 8:00 Earnest (P) 8:00 Othello (P)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 5:00 PWC Member Opening Dinner 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (O)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 8:00 Godot 8:00 Othello (O)
2:00 Tempest 2:00 Salesman 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Midsummer
23
24
25
26
27
OPENING (O)
OPENING (O)
MICHIGAN MEMBERS WEEKEND
10:30 Shakespeare Through an Indigenous Lens (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello
7:30 Monday Night Music (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Godot (2-4-1)
28
29
30
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S) 2:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Othello (2-4-1)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F)
2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Othello 2:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Hobbit 8:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F)
BRAVO ZONE
MICHIGAN MEMBERS WEEKEND 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 2:00 Tales of an Urban Indian (F)
DE W EKEN E
D
JUNE
2:00 Tempest 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1)
Access $39 tickets at all theatres – all season long! 59
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FAMILY SAVINGS
(2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING (F) THE MEIGHEN FORUM
Fun for the whole family! Kids save up to 50% with an adult-priced ticket. 7
SEA
S
ON
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
10:30 The Guardian at Stratford (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1)
2:00 Rotten! 8:00 Tempest
10:30 The Tempest Today (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Godot 8:00 Earnest
8
9
10
11 10:30 Behind the Seams (F) 10:30 Song & Dance: Something Rotten! (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Othello 5:30 Take The “A” Train... (F) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
CANADA DAY
EK
6
WEDNESDAY
16
17
18
D E EP D I V E
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer
7:30 Monday Night Music (F)
2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest 8:00 Hobbit (2-4-1) 8:00 Othello (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Tempest
12
13
14
15
C
BC
10:30 Song & Dance: Guys and Dolls (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1)
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 10:30 While We Wait (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 7:00 Antoni Cimolino: Staging Greatness (F) 8:00 Godot 8:00 Earnest
WE
5
E
K
JULY
I D EA S WE
10:30 High Performance (F) 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit
7:30 Brian Barlow Big Band (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Othello 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1)
19
20
21
10:30 CBC Ideas (F) 1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Godot 2:00 Hobbit 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Earnest
10:30 CBC Ideas (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Tempest (2-4-1)
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 10:30 CBC Ideas (F) 2:00 Rotten! 8:00 Guys and Dolls
10:30 PWC Member Director’s Day 10:30 CBC Ideas (F) 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
22
23
24
25 10:30 Song & Dance: Something Rotten! (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Midsummer 5:30 Lobby Talk (F) 8:00 Godot 8:00 Hobbit 8:00 Othello
DON’T DELAY Limited engagement of Waiting for Godot closes July 31!
1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca 60
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1)
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 I’m The Greatest Starr... (F)
10:30 CBC Ideas (F) 2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest
7:30 Monday Night Music (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Godot 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman
26
27
28
29
30
31
2:00 Godot 2:00 Earnest 8:00 Tempest (2-4-1) 8:00 Salesman (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Othello
10:30 Spotlight Series (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Hobbit 5:30 Lobby Talk (F) 8:00 Godot (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
2:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Godot (C) 8:00 Earnest
10:30 Song & Dance: Guys and Dolls (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Othello
7:30 Ron Sexsmith (F)
CLOSING (C)
61
AUGUST
SUNDAY
(2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING
2
3 CIVIC HOLIDAY 4
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Tao (P)
G LO
B
16
7
8
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 2:00 Tao (P) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Midsummer
10:30 PWC Member 10:30 Peer into the Playbill (F) Friday Chat 2:00 Tempest 10:30 Lobby Talk (F) 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 King James (P) 2:00 Salesman 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Othello 8:00 Tao (P) (2-4-1)
11
12
13
14
15
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Othello 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Tempest (2-4-1) 8:00 Salesman (2-4-1) 8:00 King James (P) (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 2:00 Tao (P) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 King James (P)
17
18
19
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 10:30 Shakespeare and Opera (F) 10:30 Song & Dance: Guys and Dolls (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 10:30 Peer into the Playbill (F) 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Tempest 2:00 King James (P) 2:00 Salesman 5:30 Launch of an 2:00 Midsummer Accidental Play (F) 5:30 Lobby Talk (F) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 8:00 Tao (P) 8:00 Hobbit (2-4-1)
20
21
OPENING (O)
OPENING (O)
10:30 Dark and Stormy (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Hobbit 8:00 King James (P)
10:30 Global Puppetry (F) 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Midsummer
22
OPENING (O)
10:30 Peer into the Playbill (F) 10:30 Song & Dance: Something Rotten! (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1) 8:00 Tao (O) 8:00 King James (P) (2-4-1)
10:30 Tanya Talaga (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Earnest 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 King James (O)
23
25
26
27
28
29
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 2:00 Tao 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Earnest 8:00 King James
10:30 David Goldbloom and Friends (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 King James 5:30 The Chicago Tribune at Stratford (F) 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
24
RS
R
S
W E EK
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 2:00 King James (P) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Tao (P)
RE A D E
E AND 10:30 From Masks to WRIT Modernity (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 7:30 Monday 2:00 Tao (P) Night 2:00 King James (P) Music (F)
10:30 PWC & Prospero Event 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Salesman (2-4-1) 8:00 Midsummer (2-4-1)
10:30 Yann Martel (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 5:00 U.S./PWC Member Opening Dinner 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (O) 8:00 Midsummer
30
62
5
T H E AT R E
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (P) 7:30 Steven 2:00 Tao (P) Page (F)
SATURDAY
6
10:30 Miller and Beckett (F) 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello
1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca
FRIDAY
1
EEK
10
AL
Packed with performances: Experience 11 titles in less than a week – the ultimate rush for theatre lovers!
THURSDAY
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
W
9
SUMMER SEASON IN FULL SWING
WEDNESDAY
2-for-1 applies to most evening performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
(F) THE MEIGHEN FORUM
RELAXED PERFORMANCE
TUESDAY
GET TWO TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!
(P) PREVIEW
AUDIO DESCRIBED
MONDAY
10:30 The Chicago Tribune at Stratford (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 2:00 Othello
31
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1) 8:00 Tao (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 King James 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 8:00 Tao
10:30 Peer into the Playbill (F) 1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Othello (2-4-1)
63
SEPTEMBER
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
4
5
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 2:00 King James 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Tao (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Tao 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
10:30 Spotlight Series (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 8:00 Othello
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Salesman 2:00 Midsummer 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Tao 8:00 King James
8
9
10
11
12
11:30 Lobby Talk (F) 1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 8:00 Midsummer
10:30 Peer into the 10:30 PWC Member Playbill (F) Friday Chat 2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 2:00 King James (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 8:00 Tao 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1) 8:00 King James 8:00 Tao (2-4-1)
16
17
18
10:30 David Goldbloom and Friends (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 2:00 Tao 2:00 King James 5:30 Cena in Famiglia (F) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
26
(S) STUDENT AND SENIOR PRICING (2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING (F) THE MEIGHEN FORUM AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE OPEN CAPTIONED
6
7
LABOUR DAY
2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 King James
13
1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca 64
21
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S) 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Othello
10:30 Spotlight Series (F) 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1) 8:00 Tao (2-4-1)
10:30 PWC Member Friday Chat 10:30 Old Miranda (F) 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 King James (S) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Earnest 8:00 Othello
22
23
24
25
19
29
30
AND EXPER
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 2:00 Midsummer
27
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 2:00 Midsummer (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
10:00 Meet the Festival (F) 1:15 Member Insights 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon 8:00 King James
TS
RS
WEEK
CLOSING (C)
28
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
CLOSING (C) T EDUCA
Select productions end this month.
20
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 2:00 Tao (S) 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (2-4-1) 8:00 King James (2-4-1)
10:30 How Language is Made (F) 2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello (C)
ED
WEEK
DON’T MISS THE MAGIC
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Tao 2:00 King James
SCHOLA
Spark imaginations with student performances and specials. Ask us about bus funding. We’re here to help.
15
ON
SCHOOL’S IN!
14
2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 2:00 Othello 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Midsummer
IM AG I N ATI
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (2-4-1)
10:30 Peer into the Playbill (F) 2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Othello (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1) 8:00 Tao (2-4-1)
10:30 Restoration for Whom? (F) 10:30 Shakespeare in 2:00 Rotten! Conversation (F) 2:00 Earnest 2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Tao (C) 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (S) 2:00 King James (C) 2:00 King James (S) 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Salesman 8:00 Tao 8:00 Midsummer (C)
SPECIAL PRICING FOR GROUPS AND SCHOOLS
Group savings and flexible payment plans! Students save all season. Contact our Groups and Schools team at 1.800.567.1600 to learn more. 65
(S) STUDENT AND SENIOR PRICING
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
12:30 Tempest (S) 12:30 Hobbit (S) 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
10:30 “God, I Hate Shakespeare” (F) 2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Hobbit
10:00 Art Happens Here (F) 2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon
(F) THE MEIGHEN FORUM AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
T EDUCA
MEMBER DISCOUNTS
(2-4-1) 2-FOR-1 PRICING
ED
Get early access to promotions throughout the season.
IM AG I N ATI
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10:30 Educating the Imagination (F) 2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Earnest
6:30 Ghost Tour (F) 9:00 Ghost Tour (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (S) 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 4:45 Members Post Show Chat 8:00 Salesman
12:30 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Tempest (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (2-4-1)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Tempest 8:00 Hobbit
2:00 Guys and Dolls 2:00 Hobbit 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Earnest
11
12 THANKSGIVING 13
14
15
16
17
2:00 Tempest (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (2-4-1)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Hobbit
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (S) 8:00 Tempest (2-4-1) 8:00 Salesman (2-4-1)
12:30 Hobbit (S) 2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 8:00 Earnest
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman 8:00 Guys and Dolls 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon
20
21
22
23
24
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Sat, Sun, Mon (C) 2:00 The Veil (F) 8:00 Tempest (C) 8:00 Salesman (C) 8:00 The Veil (F)
31
SEASON ENDS SOON Seize the magic of world-renowned theatre while you still can!
TUESDAY
WEEK
SUNDAY
ON
OCTOBER
2:00 Rotten! 2:00 Salesman
18
19
CLOSING (C)
2:00 Tempest 2:00 Hobbit
6:30 Ghost Tour (F) 9:00 Ghost Tour (F)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 Salesman (S) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Earnest (2-4-1)
12:30 Tempest (S) 12:30 Hobbit (S) 8:00 Sat, Sun, Mon
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Earnest (S) 8:00 Salesman (2-4-1)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 Hobbit (C) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 Earnest (C) 8:00 The Veil (F)
25
26
27
28
29
30
CLOSING (C)
HALLOWEEN
CLOSING (C)
NOVEMBER 1.800.567.1600 stratfordfestival.ca 66
8:00 To Antoni, With Love
1
CLOSING (C)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (C)
6:30 Ghost Tour (F) 9:00 Ghost Tour (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 8:00 Rotten! (2-4-1) 8:00 The Veil (F)
2:00 Rotten! (S) 2:00 The Veil (F) 8:00 The Veil (F)
2:00 Guys and Dolls (S) 2:00 The Veil (F) 8:00 Guys and Dolls (2-4-1) 8:00 Rotten! 8:00 The Veil (F) 8:00 The Veil (F)
2:00 Rotten! (C) 2:00 The Veil (F) 8:00 The Veil (F) 67
FESTIVAL THEATRE | 55 QUEEN ST.
AVON THEATRE | 99 DOWNIE ST.
Access to all seating is by stepped aisles leading down from the rear of the auditorium.
Entry to orchestra seating is by sloped aisles from the rear of the auditorium. Balcony seating is accessible by stairs only.
ORCHESTRA H
P
A
H
A
ORCHESTRA
9
P
STAGE BB
STAGE
AA
Balcony overhangs Row G of the Orchestra
BOX
BB
8 B
B
BOX SEATING
STAGE
2
BALCONY
SEA TIN G
1
A
A
A
H
P
3
H
P
P
P
P
4
P
M
7
L SOUND BOARD
G
G
J
6
5
J M
S
J
J M
V
A
A
SOUND BOARD
G
STAGE
1
G
M
N
BALCONY G
G
K
L
W
Q
Q
Q
9
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE 111 LAKESIDE DR. A
G
A
4
A
G
7
Entry to all seating (except front row) is by steps leading upward from stage level. The auditorium is steeply inclined so reaching the back rows may be challenging for those with restricted mobility.
6
G
5 A
H
STAGE
M
A
M
M
H
1
4
A E
3
MA
A
6
H
J
G
A
2
M G
E
5
A
J
E
5
E
H
A
A
7
STAGE A
A
A
STAGE
1
H
Seating is floor level with no slope. Hall is adjacent to the auditorium at the Tom Patterson Theatre.
H
LAZARIDIS HALL | 111 LAKESIDE DR.
68
STUDIO THEATRE 34 GEORGE ST. E.
A
G
3
A
A
Accessible seating in front row is reached via elevator. All other seating in rows A through G is reached by stepped aisles leading down from the rear of the auditorium.
8
A
M
M 3 A
2 E
Balcony overhangs Row M of Orchestra.
A
2
E H
H 4 H H
69
2026 PRICING REGULAR PRICES
Prices in effect beginning February 10. Prices listed do not include tax.
PLEASE NOTE: PRICES LISTED ARE STARTING RATES AND MAY VARY BASED ON DEMAND AND AVAILABILITY THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. PRICES FROM: PRICE PRODUCTION BRAVO CATEGORY TYPE ZONE PREVIEW
REGULAR
PLAY MUSICAL PLAY
$39
MUSICAL
B ZONE
A ZONE
A+ ZONE
GLOBE RING, FOUNDERS’ ROW & SPOTLIGHT ZONE
$74
$99
$129
$186
$91
$114
$144
$186
$109
$146
$190
$253
$114
$162
$198
$253
A premium applies to weekend matinee performances.
SENIORS AND STUDENTS WEEKDAY MATINEE SPECIALS* PRICES FROM: PRICE PRODUCTION BRAVO CATEGORY TYPE ZONE SENIOR
STUDENT
PLAY MUSICAL PLAY MUSICAL
$39
$19
B ZONE
A ZONE
A+ ZONE
$61
$81
$101
$74
$99
$119
$24
$24
$37
$26
$26
$84
GLOBE RING, FOUNDERS’ ROW & SPOTLIGHT ZONE $167
TOUR AT THE AVON THEATRE. SET DESIGN BY DAVID BOECHLER. PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART. MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, 2023.
TOURS Experience the magic behind the scenes with our unforgettable tours! From live set changes to hidden backstage spaces, costume and prop treasures and the artistry of our makers, you’ll see every angle of our world-class productions. Perfect for all ages – book your tours when you reserve your tickets and make your Festival visit unforgettable.
$146
*Available on performances marked “S” in the calendar. Senior prices available to those 65 and older. Proof of age may be required. Student prices available to full-time students under 30 years of age with valid student ID.
BACKSTAGE TOUR – WHERE STORIES BEGIN Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of the season with insights from industry professionals, offering you a closer look behind the curtain.
WAREHOUSE TOUR – A TREASURE TROVE OF THEATRICAL HISTORY Step inside our vast costume and props collection for a look back at decades of stage treasures.
CHANGEOVER EXPERIENCE – WATCH THE STAGE TRANSFORM Experience the magic behind the curtain: a guided look at how our skilled crew switches sets. Begins immediately after the matinee on selected dates.
NEW! THE MAKERS’ TOUR – CRAFTING EVERY DETAIL PHOTO: LUCIA REMEDIOS.
70
Learn about the artisans, designers and crew whose skill and creativity bring each production to life. 71
ACTING COMPANY 2026
GRAHAM ABBEY
ERIC ABEL
CHRISTOPHER ALLEN
JOHN KIRKPATRICK
BETHANY KOVARIK
AARON KROHN
DEREK KWAN
JOSUE LABOUCANE
CYRUS LANE
DOMINIQUE LeBLANC
RICHARD LEE
CELIA ALOMA
GABRIEL ANTONACCI
SEAN ARBUCKLE
MICHELLE BARDACH
ALEX BATYCKI
ROD BEATTIE
CARLA BENNETT
DEVON MICHAEL BROWN
TARIQUE LEWIS
JEFF LILLICO
ANGEL LO
NESTOR LOZANO JR.
AMANDA LUNDGREN
ALLISON LYNCH
JAMIE MAC
GRACIE MACK
SCOTIA BROWNER
EVAN BULIUNG
WADE PIERRE BULLER
JACQUELINE BURTNEY
TIM CAMPBELL
BEN CARLSON
SHANE CARTY
JEREMY CARVER-JAMES
DEVIN MacKINNON
ANTHONY MacPHERSON
JORDAN MAH
DAVINDER MALHI
MICHAEL MAN
TOM McCAMUS
CHAD McFADDEN
SEANA McKENNA
DAN CHAMEROY
JUAN CHIORAN
JARRET CODY
DAVID COLLINS
LAURA CONDLLN
HEIDI DAMAYO
NEHASSAIU deGANNES
LIZ DER
SILVAE MERCEDES
GORDON PAUL MILLER
GORDON S. MILLER
JAMIE MURRAY
MIKE NADAJEWSKI
ROSE NAPOLI
LANDON NESBITT
MARISSA ORJALO
CHRISTINE DESJARDINS
ASHLEY DINGWELL
SARAH DODD
JOSH DOIG
STARR DOMINGUE
PAUL DUNN
THOMAS DUPLESSIE
JAKOB EHMAN
ANTHONY PALERMO
STEPHEN PATTERSON
LUCY PEACOCK
KRYSTIN PELLERIN
JOE PERRY
IRENE POOLE
ALI POWELL
GRAY POWELL
IJEOMA EMESOWUM
VIVIEN ENDICOTT-DOUGLAS
KATARINA FIALLOS
HENRY FIRMSTON
MICHELLE GIROUX
JONATHAN GOAD
JORDAN GOODRIDGE
ALEXANDRA GRATTON
CHICK REID
FIONA REID
JENNIFER RIDER-SHAW
BRIAN ROSS
STEVE ROSS
JASON SERMONIA
ANDRÉ SILLS
OLIVIA SINCLAIR-BRISBANE
PAUL GROSS
JORDIN HALL
STEVEN HAO
MANAMI HARA
DEBORAH HAY
JESSICA B. HILL
SARA-JEANNE HOSIE
JENNA-LEE HYDE
MAHER SINNO
MICHAEL SPENCER-DAVIS
RAYMOND STRACHAN
LIAM TOBIN
AGNES TONG
SARA TOPHAM
MARK UHRE
EMILIO VIEIRA
MATTHEW
MICHAEL LOUIS JOHNSON
JOSH JOHNSTON
BONNIE JORDAN
MATTHEW KABWE
KARTHIK KADAM
DAVID W. KEELEY
ALEX KELLY
NADINE VILLASIN
JENNIFER VILLAVERDE
MICHAEL WAMARA
ASHER ALBERT WAXMAN
DAKOTA JAMAL WELLMAN
RYLAN WILKIE
ZACHARY WILLIAMS
GERAINT WYN DAVIES 73
72 IpSHAW
JUNE PRIDE WEEK END J UNE 13 TO 14
LAUGHING OUT PROUD: QUEER COMEDY IN CANADA Saturday, June 13 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
JUNE DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND FRIENDS An interview series with acclaimed psychiatrist, author and Officer of the Order of Canada Dr. David Goldbloom. More info PG 87 and 88.
DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ADRIENNE CLARKSON
PHOTO: ANDREW TOLSON.
LOVE, TOM AND “HAVE YOU TALKED TO MY MOTHER?” A DOUBLE BILL PLAY READING Thursday, June 11 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall Two plays about the life of Stratford Festival founder, Tom Patterson, written by Julia Rank and featuring Scott Beaudin. From $39 Support is generously provided by Dyanne Ratner.
Writers and actors discuss authentic queer representation on stage and screen: what’s working, what’s missing and why it matters, with comedian and host Gavin Crawford. From $39
RENT AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT SILENT AUCTION
Dr. David Goldbloom interviews Canada’s 26th Governor General, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, about her vision and commitment to culture and diversity during her term. From $39
An online silent auction for the quilt featured in the 2023 production of Rent, with all proceeds going to organizations that support those living with HIV/AIDS.
June 1 to 14 | More details to come
SHAKESPEARE’S MULTIRACIAL WORLD Friday, June 12 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall Stratford Festival company member Jessica B. Hill sits down with Ayanna Thompson, former president of the Shakespeare Association of America, to discuss Shakespeare in a multiracial world. From $39
ANTONI CIMOLINO: STAGING GREATNESS Saturday, June 13 | 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall With candid and powerful interviews from actors, directors and collaborators, this film presents an exclusive insight into the legacy of our outgoing Artistic Director. A Q&A with Antoni will follow the June 13 screening. From $39 Supported by Laura Dinner & Richard Rooney, The Pitblado Family Foundation, and Jacqueline Sperandio.
74
Sunday, June 14 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, June 6 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
FILM SCREENING
ANTONI CIMOLINO. PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
Comedian Martha Chaves and others dive into the triumphs and challenges of working as a queer comedian in a traditionally straight comedy world, hosted by comedian Gavin Crawford. From $39
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AUTHENTIC: BEYOND QUEER STEREOTYPES
MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY IN RENT, 2023. SET DESIGN BY BRANDON KLEIMAN. COSTUME DESIGN BY MING WONG. LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHAEL WALTON. PROJECTION DESIGN BY CORWIN FERGUSON. SOUND DESIGN BY JOSHUA D. REID. PHOTO: DAVID HOU.
LOBBY TALK: WAITING FOR GODOT
SHAKESPEARE THROUGH AN INDIGENOUS LENS
Wednesday, June 17 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
Sunday, June 21 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
University of Toronto professor Jacob Gallagher-Ross provides audiences with the foundations for understanding Beckett’s enigmatic, absurdist, landmark play. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
Yvette Nolan and other theatre makers discuss how Indigenous artists make Shakespeare their own. From $39
75
JUNE
JULY MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC LARRY’S JAZZ GUYS Monday, June 22 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall Larry Larson and his “Guys” return with their signature sound, featuring a delightful mix of beloved jazz standards and new gems! From $31
LARRY LARSON. PHOTO: MATHEW McCARTHY.
TALES OF AN URBAN INDIAN June 24 to 28 | Various times Set aboard a moving city bus, this solo play from Talk is Free Theatre follows Simon Douglas, a contemporary Indigenous man navigating life between the reserve and the city. Written by Darrell Dennis. From $55
THE GUARDIAN AT STRATFORD Thursday, July 2 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Chris Wiegand, stage editor at The Guardian, returns to the Meighen Forum for a fascinating conversation with Festival artists. More details to come. From $32
THE TEMPEST TODAY: HEALTHCARE, FINANCE, AND HUMAN SYSTEMS Saturday, July 4 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall Financial expert Zita Cobb and playwright Ann-Marie MacDonald join McGill University’s Laurette Dubé and Paul Yachnin to discuss The Tempest from the interdisciplinary perspective of convergence science. From $39
ZITA COBB.
ANN-MARIE MacDONALD. PHOTO: LORA MacDONALD-PALMER.
MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC
FILM SCREENING
TUNES BY TWO
ANTONI CIMOLINO: STAGING GREATNESS
Monday, July 6 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall Festival guitarist Dave Thompson and bassist Michael McClennan play an eclectic mix of songs highlighting the long history of guitar and bass duos in jazz and popular music. From $31
Friday, July 10 | 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall A documentary honouring Antoni Cimolino’s career. More info PG 74. From $21
SONG AND DANCE WORKSHOPS Learn and perform step-by-step choreography and music from our musicals with artists from the show! From $39 GUYS AND DOLLS Thursday, July 9 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre
NOLAN MOBERLY IN TALES OF AN URBAN INDIAN, BARRIE, 2024. PHOTO: MATTHEW MacQUARRIE-COTTLE.
76
PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
SOMETHING ROTTEN! Saturday, July 11 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre 77
JULY
JULY S EAS O N D EEP D I VE W EEK J U LY 6 TO 12
WHILE WE WAIT: A CONVERSATION WITH THE CAST OF WAITING FOR GODOT
BEHIND THE SEAMS: THE ART OF COSTUME BUILDING
Friday, July 10 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, July 11 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Actors Paul Gross, Tom McCamus, Jonathan Goad and David W. Keeley discuss the limited-run production of Waiting for Godot with director Molly Atkinson. From $32
Discover how the Festival’s wardrobe department transforms fabric and imagination into the stunning costumes that light up our stages. From $32
SPECIAL CONCERT STR ATFOR D SW I N GS ELLI N GTO N W I TH THE B R IA N B A R LOW B I G B A N D
Monday, July 13 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Festival Theatre Experience jazz like never before with The Brian Barlow Big Band and vocalist Heather Bambrick in a performance celebrating Duke Ellington’s Such Sweet Thunder, his Shakespeare-inspired suite. From $39
HIGH PERFORMANCE: COMPARING DANCERS AND ATHLETES Sunday, July 12 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Professional dancers and athletes, and their support teams, compare the discipline, dedication and conditioning required for success. From $32
HENRY FIRMSTON, ERIC ABEL, DEVON MICHAEL BROWN, JASON SERMONIA AND COLTON CURTIS IN THE MUSIC MAN, 2018. SET DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO. COSTUME DESIGN BY DANA OSBORNE. LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHAEL WALTON. SOUND DESIGN BY PETER McBOYLE. PHOTO: CYLLA VON TIEDEMANN.
TAKE THE “A” TRAIN... TO STRATFORD Saturday, July 11 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall Garvia Bailey and guests explore how Duke Ellington and other jazz legends brought their music – and a moment of profound cultural significance – to the Stratford Festival in the 1950s. From $39
BILLIE HOLIDAY WITH ERNIE OLADSIUK AND ARCHIE ALLEYNE, 1957. PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN. WILBUR DE PARIS, EDWARD BAREFIELD AND SIDNEY DE PARIS OF THE NEW NEW ORLEANS ORCHESTRA, 1958. PHOTO: PETER SMITH. MOE KOFFMAN IN REHEARSAL, 1958. PHOTO: PETER SMITH.
78
DUKE ELLINGTON REHEARSING BEFORE HIS PERFORMANCE AT THE FESTIVAL CONCERT HALL IN 1956. PHOTO: PETER SMITH.
79
JULY
JULY C BC I D EAS W EEK J U LY 1 5 TO 19
SPECIAL CONCERT SEX SMITH SIN GS LI GH TFO OT
CBC IDEAS AT STRATFORD July 15 to 19 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall One of our most in-demand series is back! Sold out in past seasons, CBC Ideas returns once again with five fresh and thought-provoking conversations, hosted by Nahlah Ayed. More details to come. From $39
Monday, July 27 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre Ron Sexsmith returns with Sexsmith Sings Lightfoot, a tribute to his hero Gordon Lightfoot. From $32
MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC TARA DAVIDSON’S MARNI PROJECT Monday, July 20 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall Juno Award-winning saxophonist Tara Davidson presents the Marni Project, a captivating new quartet showcasing her original compositions. From $31
I’M THE GREATEST STARR... (BUT NO ONE KNOWS IT)
LOBBY TALK: WAITING FOR GODOT
Friday, July 24 | 8 to 9:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, July 25 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
Starr Domingue takes a musical trip down memory lane, weaving a tapestry of tales and tunes in a cabaret full of humour, harmony and heart. From $39
With University of Toronto professor Jacob Gallagher-Ross. More info PG 75. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
SONG AND DANCE WORKSHOPS SOMETHING ROTTEN! Saturday, July 25 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre GUYS AND DOLLS Sunday, July 26 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre More info PG 77. From $39
MEET THE FESTIVAL July 8, 22, 29 | 10 to 11 a.m. | Lazaridis Hall STARR DOMINGUE IN SOMETHING ROTTEN!, 2024.
SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHAEL GIANFRANCESCO. LIGHTING DESIGN BY BONNIE BEECHER. SOUND DESIGN BY HALEY PARCHER. PHOTO: ANN BAGGLEY.
80
Fun and informal Q&A sessions with Festival artists and staff. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
RON SEXSMITH. PHOTO: KERRY VERGEER.
81
JULY
AUGUST
SPOTLIGHT SERIES WITH GRAHAM ABBEY This series is supported in part by the Nicholas Pennell fund.
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
SPECIAL LOBBY TALK
THE SPOTLIGHT: FOOLS AND MADMEN
HOW TO FIGURE OUT THE MEANING OF LIFE IN TWO ACTS OR LESS
MOON MAGIC IN A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’ S DREAM
Thursday, July 30 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Thursday, August 6 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Friday, August 7 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Explore the world of Shakespeare’s fools, madmen and kings with David Collins, Tom McCamus and Geraint Wyn Davies, hosted by Graham Abbey. From $39
Amidst absurdity and existential crises, this panel tackles how theatre addresses the challenge of making sense of the senseless. From $32
Acclaimed author Priscilla Costello, M.A., discovers the hidden astrological influences within Shakespeare’s work. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
Support for Peer into the Playbill is generously provided by The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation.
DARK AND STORMY: ANTONI CIMOLINO REFLECTS ON THE TEMPEST WITH STEPHEN MARCHE Saturday, August 8 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
TOP: DAVID COLLINS IN THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, 2019. COSTUME DESIGN BY JULIE FOX. LEFT: TOM McCAMUS IN BARTHOLOMEW FAIR, 2009. COSTUME DESIGN BY CAROLYN M. SMITH. GERAINT WYN DAVIES IN LONDON ASSURANCE, 2024. COSTUME DESIGN BY FRANCESCA CALLOW. PHOTOS: DAVID HOU.
Canadian essayist Stephen Marche returns to talk to Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, one Shakespeare mega-fan to another, about The Tempest, a play they can’t wait to delve into. From $39
LOBBY TALK: WAITING FOR GODOT Thursday, July 30 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall With University of Toronto professor Jacob Gallagher-Ross. More info PG 75. Free/Pay-What-You-Can GERAINT WYN DAVIES AND MARISSA ORJALO. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
BACKSTAGE TOURS Experience the magic behind the curtain! Each tour offers a unique insider’s view from industry professionals, giving you a close-up look at the season’s behind-the-scenes secrets. From $36
82
LOBBY TALK: THE HOBBIT
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Thursday, August 13 | 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
Thursday, August 13 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
FESTIVAL THEATRE July 3, 16, 30 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. TOM PATTERSON THEATRE July 11, 18 | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
PHOTO: TED BELTON.
A conversation about the evolving understanding of men’s mental health, through the lens of Othello, Willy Loman and others. From $32
Raphael Glazov, the President of the University of Toronto Tolkien Club, analyzes the characters, myths and stories of The Hobbit. Free/Pay-What-You-Can 83
AUGUST
AUGUST G LO B AL THE ATRE WE E K AU G U ST 10 TO 16
SPECIAL CONCERT STE V E N PAG E IN CONCE RT Monday, August 10 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Tom Patterson Theatre Steven Page in an unforgettable evening of music and laughter, featuring special guests and playful stories. From $32
SHAKESPEARE AND OPERA Friday, August 14 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Experts discuss how opera adaptations inspired by Shakespeare plays transform when moving from iambic pentameter to orchestral arrangements. From $32
GLOBAL PUPPETRY FROM HERE TO MIDDLE-EARTH Saturday, August 15 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall The Hobbit director Pablo Felices-Luna and others delve into the origins of puppet theatre and its lasting ability to spark imagination and tell stories beyond words. From $32
GERMAINE KONJI, ERICA PECK AND JAHLEN BARNES IN A WRINKLE IN TIME, 2023. SET DESIGN BY TERESA PRZYBYLSKI. COSTUME DESIGN BY ROBIN FISHER. LIGHTING DESIGN BY KIMBERLY PURTELL. SOUND DESIGN BY DEANNA H. CHOI. PROJECTION DESIGN BY JAYMEZ. PHOTO: DAVID HOU.
FROM MASKS TO MODERNITY: COMMEDIA DELL’ARTE AND EDUARDO DE FILIPPO Sunday, August 16 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall An exploration of commedia dell’arte’s history and its influence on the works of Eduardo De Filippo, playwright of Saturday, Sunday, Monday. From $32
THE LAUNCH OF AN ACCIDENTAL PLAY
SONG AND DANCE WORKSHOP
Friday, August 14 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
GUYS AND DOLLS Friday, August 14 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre
The official book launch of The Tao of the World, co-hosted by Talonbooks, with a conversation and readings from this inventive new play. From $39 STEVEN PAGE. PHOTO: JD SCARCLIFF.
84
SOMETHING ROTTEN! Thursday, August 20 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Festival Theatre More info PG 77. From $39
85
AUGUST
AUGUST MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
TRUMPET LEGENDS: THE PHILIP SEGUIN QUINTET
MODERN MARRIAGE: FREEDOM WITHIN THE INSTITUTION
Monday, August 17 | 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall
Thursday, August 20 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall
Festival trumpeter Philip Seguin and his quintet take you on a musical journey through the works of some of the greatest trumpet players in history. From $31
This panel explores how changing attitudes toward marriage are represented on our stages, from the chaotic joy in The Importance of Being Earnest to Othello’s jealousy. From $32
R E A D E R S A N D WR I T E R S W E E K AU G U ST 1 7 TO 23
KNOWING TRUTH: TANYA TALAGA Friday, August 21 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS.
Celebrated writer, journalist and founder of Makwa Creative, Tanya Talaga, discusses her work, the nature of knowledge and the path forward with Ali Hassan, host of Canada Reads. From $39
ON MYTH AND MEANING: YANN MARTEL Saturday, August 22 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Tom Patterson Theatre Life of Pi author Yann Martel and Canada Reads host Ali Hassan discuss Martel’s career, work and his newest book, Son of Nobody. From $32
COVER IMAGES COURTESY OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY IN THE TEMPEST, 2018. SET AND COSTUME DESIGN BY BRETTA GERECKE. LIGHTING DESIGN BY MICHAEL WALTON. SOUND DESIGN BY THOMAS RYDER PAYNE. PHOTO: DAVID HOU.
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND FRIENDS
ESSENTIAL WORKERS: UNSEEN LABOUR ON STAGE
DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND PETER OUNDJIAN
Thursday, August 27 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, August 29 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
A discussion about unseen labour and how fictional characters reflect societal values around work. From $32
Dr. David Goldbloom interviews Peter Oundjian, the former Music Director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, about his career and dedication to music education. From $39
MILLER AND BECKETT: GIANTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY STAGE Sunday, August 23 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Ali Hassan, host of Canada Reads, and a panel of leading theatre scholars discuss the similarities and differences in the legacies and lasting impacts of Arthur Miller and Samuel Beckett. From $39
THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE AT STRATFORD Saturday, August 29 | 5:30 to 7 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall Sunday, August 30 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Chris Jones, Chief Theatre Critic for the Chicago Tribune, returns to the Meighen Forum to talk to key players in our 2026 season. More details to come. From $32
ARTHUR MILLER. HERITAGE IMAGE PARTNERSHIP LTD/ALAMY. SAMUEL BECKETT. SCIENCE HISTORY IMAGES/ALAMY. COVER IMAGES COURTESY OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE AND GROVE ATLANTIC.
86
BACKSTAGE TOURS
MEET THE FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL THEATRE August 5, 29 | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
August 5, 12, 19, 26 | 10 to 11 a.m. Lazaridis Hall
TOM PATTERSON THEATRE August 6, 14, 26 | 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fun and informal Q&A sessions with Festival artists and staff. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
More info PG 82. From $36
87
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
CENA IN FAMIGLIA: AN ITALIAN FAMILY MEAL
SPOTLIGHT SERIES WITH GRAHAM ABBEY
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
THE SPOTLIGHT: THE LEGACY MAKERS
WHO WAS KING JAMES?
Saturday, September 19 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
Thursday, September 3 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall Rod Beattie, Walter Borden and Diana Leblanc in conversation with host Graham Abbey about their remarkable careers, inspirations, lessons learned and the enduring magic of the theatre. From $39
Thursday, September 10 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall A look into the life of King James and his enduring legacy on literature and the world. From $32
A five-course dinner showcasing southern Italy’s culinary traditions, prepared by Pina and Mauro Petraccone of Pasta Casareccia. One beverage is included; cash bar available. From $140
BACKSTAGE TOURS TOM PATTERSON THEATRE September 2, 10, 17 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. FESTIVAL THEATRE September 11, 16, 23 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. More info PG 82. From $36
MEET THE FESTIVAL September 2, 16, 23 | 10 to 11 a.m. Lazaridis Hall Fun and informal Q&A sessions with Festival artists and staff. Free/Pay-What-you-Can
LOBBY TALK: THE HOBBIT
PEER INTO THE PLAYBILL
Wednesday, September 9 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Lazaridis Hall
DO YOU BELIEVE IN FAIRIES? Thursday, September 24 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall
More Info PG 83. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
SPOTLIGHT SERIES WITH GRAHAM ABBEY
KATARINA FIALLOS, GORDON S. MILLER, EMILIO VIEIRA, ROSE NAPOLI, GRAHAM ABBEY, SEANA McKENNA, JOSUE LABOUCANE AND MICHELLE GIROUX. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.
THE SPOTLIGHT: THE MATRIARCHS Thursday, September 17 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall A conversation with Seana McKenna and Lucy Peacock on portraying Shakespeare’s women in all their complexity, with host Graham Abbey. From $39
Explore how the fairies enchanting this season’s plays connect with traditions worldwide, and trace the origin and popularity of fairy stories. From $32
S C H O LARS AN D E XPE RTS WE E K S E PTE M B E R 2 1 TO 2 7
SHAKESPEARE IN CONVERSATION: JAMES SHAPIRO AND ANTONI CIMOLINO Friday, September 25 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Tom Patterson Theatre
SEANA McKENNA AND LUCY PEACOCK IN MARY STUART, 2013. COSTUME DESIGN BY EO SHARP. PHOTOS: DAVID HOU.
88
Acclaimed scholar James Shapiro in conversation with Stratford Festival Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino on the enduring power and relevance of Shakespeare’s works. From $32
RESTORATION FOR WHOM? QUESTIONING CLASS IN COMEDY
OLD MIRANDA: A PLAY READING
DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND FRIENDS
Friday, September 18 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Lazaridis Hall
DAVID GOLDBLOOM AND STEVE PAIKIN
Far from Prospero’s island, Old Miranda, written by Christine Horne and starring Chick Reid and Tom McCamus, is the exquisite tale of elderly Miranda, now living with her husband Ferdinand. A Q&A will follow. From $31
Saturday, September 26 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall
Saturday, September 19 | 10:30 a.m. to noon Lazaridis Hall
An examination of how this season’s The Tao of the World questions class and access, highlighting the relevance of Restoration comedy in our postpandemic “restoration.” From $32
Dr. David Goldbloom interviews Steve Paikin, host of TVO’s The Agenda, about his experiences in journalism. From $39
JAMES SHAPIRO.
HOW LANGUAGE IS MADE Sunday, September 27 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Linguists and experts discuss linguistic innovation throughout the 2026 season, from words attributed to Shakespeare to Tolkien’s invented languages and the real-life linguistic metropolis of Singapore. From $32 89
OCTOBER E D U CAT E D IM AG IN AT I O N W E E K S E P T E M B E R 2 8 TO O C TO B E R 4
“GOD, I HATE SHAKESPEARE”: TEACHING SHAKESPEARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Friday, October 2 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall Innovative educators and artists discuss new approaches to teaching Shakespeare. From $32
OCTOBER THE VEIL October 23 to 31 | Various times Lazaridis Hall A high-powered lawyer takes on a sinister curse that brings his past misdeeds to life in this haunting solo play. Written by Keith Barker and Thomas Morgan Jones. From $39
ART HAPPENS HERE WITH JOHN LITHGOW Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall A PBS special features acclaimed actor John Lithgow, who joins students and teachers in classes to explore the transformative power of arts education, followed by a Q&A with Lithgow (remotely) and producer Perry Simon. Free/Pay-What-You-Can
“Terrifying”
THE GLOBE AND MAIL
“Spine-tingling” TORONTO STAR
EDUCATING THE IMAGINATION IN A CHANGING WORLD Sunday, October 4 | 10:30 a.m. to noon | Lazaridis Hall A panel of experts discuss Northrop Frye’s 1962 Massey Lecture, “The Educated Imagination,” and its continued relevance in our modern world. From $32 PHOTO: DAHLIA KATZ. COURTESY OF CROW’S THEATRE.
The Educated Imagination copyright © 1997 by Northrop Frye. A CBC Massey Lecture. Permission granted from House of Anansi Press, Toronto. houseofanansi.com
GHOST TOURS AT THE FESTIVAL THEATRE Monday, October 5, 19, 26 6:30 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m. | Festival Theatre Explore otherworldly magic behind the scenes when the stage lights dim and the ghost light glows. From $40 90
MORE FORUM EVENTS! Additional Forum events will be announced soon. Visit our website for details: stratfordfestival.ca/Forum 91
MAXIMIZE YOUR STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCE INTERACTIVE PRESHOWS
POST-SHOW CHATS
11 a.m. to noon before selected student matinees.
Available after selected student matinees.
Invite your students to step onto the Festival’s renowned stages to explore key themes. These high-energy sessions are led by artists who appear in the matinee. stratfordfestival.ca/Interactives
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING WORKSHOPS 11 a.m. to noon before selected student matinees.
SCHOOLS stratfordfestival.ca/Schools | groups@stratfordfestival.ca Box Office: 1.800.567.1600 | 519.273.1600
Dynamic preshow workshops designed to boost students’ engagement with the performance and enhance their Stratford experience.
CUSTOMIZED WORKSHOPS 10 to 11 a.m. before selected student matinees or at a time of your choosing.
PHOTO: ANN BAGGLEY.
PLAN YOUR FIELD TRIP
Book exclusive or customized preshow workshops for your students onsite, offsite or in school.
STUDENT MATINEES
stratfordfestival.ca/Workshops
Starting at $19, catch the best rates at weekday matinees in spring and fall.
EARLY START STUDENT MATINEES
Deepen your students’ connection with a half-hour chat with the cast or creative team. stratfordfestival.ca/Chats
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS Guided tours available before selected student matinees. Explore the Festival’s behind-the-scenes offerings through a selection of tours. stratfordfestival.ca/Learn
EVENT
PER STUDENT PRICE
InterACTive Preshow
$4
Collaborative Learning Workshop
$10
Customized Workshop
$14
Post-Show Chat
$3
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
$20
Prices exclude tax. Extra fees may apply.
Scan the code for performance pricing charts.
Join us for selected performances at 12:30 p.m. performances followed by a free post-show chat with cast and crew!
FALL FOR THE BARD Dive into Shakespeare’s plays this fall with tickets for just $15 plus up to $500 in bus funding!
Discover how elementary and secondary school groups can access support to reduce transportation costs.
STUDY GUIDES
stratfordfestival.ca/BusFunding
Available free of charge, these resources are designed to deepen your students’ engagement before and after your visit.
Support for bus funding is generously provided by The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation and The Schulich Foundation.
stratfordfestival.ca/StudyGuides 92
BUS FUNDING AVAILABLE
PHOTO: ANN BAGGLEY.
93
THEATRE ARTS CAMP
POST-SECONDARY AND LIFELONG LEARNING
July 5 to August 1 | Grades 7 to 12
LIBRARY PARTNERSHIPS
Overnight week-long and two-week sessions.
Hosted by various libraries, join us for free talks and workshops related to the season.
For more than 25 years, our camps have provided a supportive community through which young artists build confidence, creativity and lasting friendships.
stratfordfestival.ca/LibraryPrograms
EDUCATED IMAGINATION WEEK September 28 to October 4
2026 sessions: Shakespeare, Musical Theatre, Playwriting and Backstage & Design.
Inspired by Northrop Frye’s Massey Lecture, this series explores the power of arts education to shape lifelong learners, foster critical thinking and nurture future generations. More info PG 90.
Registration opens January 12 and closes June 1 | Space is limited. From $1,950 Early Bird Financial assistance is available.
stratfordfestival.ca/Forum
UNIVERSITY COURSES
Financial assistance is generously provided by the Laura J. Pogson Fund and The Nancy and George Taylor Theatre Arts Camp Financial Assistance Program.
RISE UP | IBPOC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Grades 9 to 12 | Connect with fellow IBPOC artists through mentorship and our Theatre Arts Camp. Applications close February 14 | Space is limited.
For-credit courses delivered at the Stratford Festival in partnership with several universities, including Guelph, Windsor, Western, Brock, St. Jerome’s (affiliated with the University of Waterloo), Bishop’s and Wilfrid Laurier.
THE STRATFORD SEMINAR SOCIETY August 3 to 8 An intensive theatre immersion that enriches engagement with the Festival and includes shared meals, preferred ticket rates and daily discussions with artists and academics.
POST-SECONDARY PLACEMENTS March to October We host post-secondary students from Bachelor of Education, Performing Arts and Arts Management programs for independent studies, internships and alternative placements.
FOR MORE INFORMATION stratfordfestival.ca/Post-Secondary educate@stratfordfestival.ca Support for education initiatives is generously provided by 100 Women of Wilmot, The Martin Family and Laurie J. Scott.
stratfordfestival.ca/YouthPrograms
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TEACHER DAYS May 8 and 9 | Join us for one or both days to discover what the 2026 season has to offer you and your students! Registration closes April 22 | From $179 | Early Bird $159
TEACHING STRATFORD PROGRAM
MICHIGAN RESIDENCY
Begins August 25
For more than 20 years, the Stratford Festival has supported Michigan schools with the study of Shakespeare and the educational benefits of live theatre. Contact us to take part in all we have to offer Michigan students and teachers!
For just the cost of a student matinee, participate in this three-part program and work with Festival teaching artists to engage your students in the work on our stages. Registration closes July 17 | Space is limited. stratfordfestival.ca/TeacherPD Support for the Teaching Stratford Program is generously provided by the Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation and the MEH Foundation. 94
educate@stratfordfestival.ca The Stratford Festival Michigan Residency is supported through the Michigan Education Outreach Fund, held within the Stratford Shakespearean Festival Endowment Foundation.
stratfordfestival.ca/Partnerships
Starting at just $45/month, enjoy acclaimed digital theatre and arts programming for schools, post-secondary institutions and libraries worldwide. StratFest+ delivers curriculum-enhancing content, seamless access and a growing global collection. stratfestplus.ca 95
Stratford Direct $42
canada CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME YOU! For almost 75 years, American theatregoers have been avid fans of the Stratford Festival, playing a crucial role in our success. Our American friends have spread the word far and wide, sharing that the very best theatre in the world is just a short drive away in the picturesque town of Stratford, Ontario. In our community, U.S. visitors are known for their kindness and generosity, as well as their unfailing support of the Festival and the town. We welcome you with open arms and are thrilled to see our American family expand.
RETURN
LUXURY COACH SERVICES BETWEEN DOWNTOWN TORONTO AND OUR THEATRES.
Available on performance days throughout the season, with some exceptions.
TUESDAY TO THURSDAY AND SUNDAYS Departs Toronto 10 a.m. Stratford Pickup Begins 5 p.m.
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
Departs Toronto 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stratford Pickup Begins 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Call 1.800.567.1600 to arrange accessible transportation.
STRATFORDFESTIVAL.CA/BUS Stratford Direct is generously supported by The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation. PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
Stratfest ONSITE NEW THIS SEASON
DIGITAL TICKETING FOR ALL!
Download our StratFest OnSite App and never search for lost paper tickets again. Your digital ticket wallet cues up every performance, updates automatically with exchanges or new seats, and ensures you’re always ready for show time. No searching, no stress – just pure theatre magic!
DOWNLOAD NOW TO ACCESS DIGITAL TICKETING 96
PHOTO: ANN BAGGLEY.
97
GETTING HERE is easy DRIVING TIMES TO STRATFORD Approximate driving times to Stratford from: Toronto 2 hours | Ottawa 6 hours | Detroit 3 hours | Buffalo 3 hours
STRATFORD DIRECT Coach service from Toronto $42 return stratfordfestival.ca/bus 1.800.567.1600
PC CONNECT stratford.ca/en/live-here/pcconnect-transit.aspx
ONEXBUS onexbus.com
TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT torontopearson.com 1.866.207.1690
TRANSPORTATION REGION OF WATERLOO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YKF) 4881 Fountain Street North Breslau N0B 1M0 866.648.2256 FlyYKF.ca
STRATFORD AIRPORTER
P.O. Box 368 | Stratford N5A 6T3 519.273.0057 Toll Free 888.549.8602 Since 1985 the Stratford Airporter has provided economical shuttle service between Stratford and Toronto Pearson. We can also provide private shuttles to other airports and destinations in southern Ontario. stratfordairporter@cyg.net stratfordairporter.com
LONDON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT flylondon.ca | 519.452.4015
PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE Canada: viarail.ca | 1.888.842.7245
serving Festival patrons for over 40 years
Connect in Toronto for VIA Rail to Stratford U.S.: amtrak.com | 1.800.USA.RAIL
98
99
ACCOMMODATION All listings are paid advertisements and details are supplied by advertisers. Prices quoted are subject to change. As per city by-law #130-2022, short-term rental license numbers are available at stratfordfestival.ca/Visit/Accommodation.
BED & BREAKFAST A GARDEN STROLL BED & BREAKFAST
Barbara, Hal & Corinne Montgomery 325 Devon Street | Stratford N5A 3A2 519.271.1713 Join us for our 37th season. Get behindthe-scenes theatrical insights. Discover waterfalls, a gazebo, and picnic spots as you stroll the garden pathways. Enjoy spacious ensuite rooms and handcrafted oak furnishings. A/C, TV, fridge. Engage in lively breakfast conversations. Indulge in our indoor hot tub. $$ License: B00028 info@agardenstroll.ca | agardenstroll.ca
ALLISON’S BRUNSWICK HOUSE
Gay Allison and Geoff Hancock 109 Brunswick Street | Stratford N5A 3L9 519.271.4546 Toll Free 866.929.9910 Unique downtown literary B&B in 1857 home. Photo gallery of writers, books, piano, art and antiques. Full breakfast, large verandah and parking. Central air. Shared baths. Twins, doubles, large family room. Hosts: Published writers and poet. $-$$$ brunswik@cyg.net | brunswickhouse.ca
AMBASSADOR B&B AND INN NEXT DOOR
266 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H5 519.589.6158 Twin houses built in 1923 in the heart of Stratford. Each house has four spacious rooms and four luxurious suites with ensuite bathrooms, A/C, WIFI and free parking. $$-$$$ License: B00031 & S00008 pengfuyang@gmail.com ambassadorbbstratford.com
100
CALEDONIA HOUSE FAMILY FRIENDLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE This symbol identifies advertisers who are wheelchair accessible. For all other mobility concerns, please confirm your requirements with any advertisers prior to your arrival.
20 Caledonia Street | Stratford N5A 5W5 519.271.0377 1872 mansion, park-like setting, 10-minute walk downtown. We have a large guest lounge, central air, wireless internet and pool. All bedrooms have ensuite baths. Enjoy a full-service breakfast. Non-smoking. $$$ License: B00015 caledoniahousestratford@gmail.com caledoniahouse.com
ACCOMMODATION PRICING
$ = under $175 $$ = $175 to $224 $$$ = $225 to $299 $$$$ = $300 or more
CHISHOLM HOUSE/ THE CHISHOLMS IN STRATFORD B&B
289 Cobourg Street | Stratford N5A 3G6 519.272.2961 5 STAR-RANKED #2. Elegant heritage property steps from Festival Theatre. King, Queen, Twin – ensuites. Gourmet breakfast. TV/WIFI/AC/Fans. Porches, deck, parking. Stay where little things count! $$$$ License: B00020 info@ariels.ca | ariels.ca
BIRMINGHAM MANOR BED AND BREAKFAST
Elena and Dom Tassielli 240 Birmingham Street | Stratford N5A 2T5 519.273.6545 Luxury Victorian mansion. Spacious & elegant rooms with modern amenities, parlour, verandah & gardens. Exquisite breakfast with vegan & GF options. WiFi, A/C, parking, smoke/pet free. #1 B&B on Tripadvisor & Hall of Fame award winner. $$$ License: B00023 info@birminghammanor.com birminghammanor.com
115 Brunswick Street | Stratford N5A 3L9 519.273.7082 An elegant 1870 Italianate home ideally located one block from Stratford’s charming downtown. Our smoke-free home offers twin/king beds, air-conditioned ensuite rooms. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in our guest dining room and relax in the living room or on the large front verandah. $$ bbhamiltonhall@gmail.com hamiltonhallbandb.ca
HUGHSON HALL
Average price per room, per night.
ARIEL’S BOUTIQUE B&B
HAMILTON HALL B & B
310 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H5 519.273.6813 Mobile: 416-875-1053 1881 Italianate Home. Reviews Rave‘SCRUMPTIOUS’ ‘GOURMET’ Breakfast. Onsite Parking. Short Walk to ALL Theatres. Large Southern front porch, Lounge/Dining Rm, Gracious Rooms & Ensuites, Ground Flr Bdrm. ROKU, WiFi, Individual Climate Control. $$$-$$$$ info@thechisholmsinstratford.com thechisholmsinstratford.com
CROWN HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
Lykke Brandemark 61 Douglas Street | Stratford N5A 5P3 519.271.7146 Crown House is located 3 blocks from downtown/Avon Theatre and 3 blocks from the Tom Patterson Theatre. Three upstairs ensuite rooms, each with king or twin beds, ensuite bath, A/C and fridge. One groundfloor ensuite room with private entrance, barrier free. Three common rooms upstairs: a fully equipped guest kitchen, a dining/ relaxing/TV room and a quiet reading/ work room. Extended continental breakfast buffet. On-site parking. Wi-Fi. Two persons $197.00 plus HST & MAT Tax. Pay by Credit, Debit, Cash or Cheque. $$ License: B00033 crownhousebb@gmail.com bbcanada.com/crownhousebb
Debra and George Mackie 220 Hibernia Street | Stratford N5A 5V7 519.305.0780 1875 Victorian-Italianate mansion. Rated Top 1% World Wide, 5 STAR Tripadvisor #1 award-winning Luxury B&B. Arrival wine & cheese, 3 course gourmet breakfast. Walkable to downtown & theatres. Large elegant guest rooms/ensuites/2 parlours/ Juliet balcony/butler’s pantry/parking/ Victorian gardens/personal AC & Heat/ WIFI/smart TV/smoke/pet free. $$$$ License: B00007 info@hughsonhall.com hughsonhall.com
NORTH OF AVON B&B SUITES
A.J. Ashley 36 Waterloo Street N. | Stratford N5A 5H5 519.400.9819 Unwind in a lovely two-room suite in our century home! Steps from theatres and downtown, each suite offers an ensuite bath, den, mini fridge and microwave. Enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning from your friendly host. $$$ License: B00001 northofavon@gmail.com northofavon.com
101
RIVERWALK BED & BREAKFAST
176 Elizabeth Street | Stratford N5A 4Z3 519.273.2166 Riverwalk is a recently renovated 1905, 3-storey Dutch colonial home, located near downtown. It has kept its turn-of-thecentury charm as well as providing modern conveniences. All guest rooms are located on the second floor. $$ general@riverwalkbb.ca | riverwalkbb.ca
STAMP HOUSE
136 Hibernia Street | Stratford N5A 5V4 519.271.9184 Welcome to our 1894 home, where our family have lived since 1903! Chefcreated, locally sourced breakfasts build wonderful camaraderie around the table. The house has a warm ambience with ensuite bedrooms. We are located within walking distance to all theatres. $$ License: B00030 stay@stamphouse.ca | stamphouse.ca
HOMES, APARTMENTS & SUITES FIVESTRATFORD
5 Douglas Street Stratford N5A 5P3 | 519.588.2447 There aren’t enough words to describe FiveStratford. Here are a few: Sleeps 4 luxuriously, 2 en suite a la’Victorian, Kitchenette & LR Outdoor space. For more information visit IG @ fivestratford, Host Christie. $$$$ License: B00003 fivestratford@gmail.com fivestratford.com
GRAND TRUNK GUEST HOUSE & GALLERY
Marilyn Price | 116 Centre Street Stratford N5A 1E6 | 519.590.4442 5 STAR-RANKED. Sophisticated luxury is captured in our fully renovated 1920s home. Your private 2 bedroom/2-bathroom retreat awaits! Indulge in original art & history. Walk to theatres and downtown. TV/WIFI/AC/Fans/parking, smoke/pet free. Relax on the porch and enjoy the gardens. Open all year. $$$$ License: B00017 info@grandtrunkguesthouse.com grandtrunkguesthouse.com
THE PENROSE SUITES
725 Queen Street E. | St. Marys N4X 1G2 | 519.574.7673 Perched above St. Marys Golf and just steps from Social Thirty-One restaurant, the Penrose features nine luxurious suites with plush bedding and thoughtfully curated design. Each apartment-style suite offers a kitchenette, separate bedroom(s), open living area, and a private veranda with sweeping golf course views—an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration. Located just 15 minutes from Stratford. $$-$$$$ info@thepenrose.ca | thepenrose.ca
RIVER MERCHANT INN & ILLUME SPA
31-35 York Street | Stratford N5A 3G8 647.607.1030 Romance meets history in your beautifully decorated private retreat on the bank of the picturesque Avon River. A one-of-akind experience using archival photos and memorabilia from the original uses of this unique downtown heritage building. $$$-$$$$ sales@kressleygroup.com rivermerchantinn.com
SALLY’S PLACE
102
Barb Spears | 295 & 299 Ontario Street Stratford N5A 7X6 | 519.272.2383 Lavishly furnished apartment units, two locations, all amenities, self-serve breakfast, walk to theatres and downtown, on-site parking, very private. Your home in Stratford is open all year round. $$-$$$$ License: S00031 & S00028 sally@sallysplace.com | sallysplace.com
103
HOTELS, MOTELS & INNS BENTLEY’S INN BAR AND RESTAURANT
99 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H1 519.271.1121 Toll Free 800.361.5322 Enjoy Bentley’s Inn newly renovated two-storey executive suites. Each suite is designed with a Scandinavian flair, combining sleek, modern aesthetics with cozy, inviting touches. Wet bar, fridge, microwave, fireplace, free Wi-Fi & free parking just steps from the city centre and all theatres. $$-$$$ info@bentleysbarinn.com bentleysbarinn.com
BEST WESTERN PLUS THE ARDEN PARK HOTEL
552 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3J3 519.275.2936 Toll Free 877.788.8818 Offering large newly renovated guest rooms & suites. Indoor pool, hot tub & fitness centre. Enjoy a fresh new dining experience with daily features & Sunday brunch. Free ample parking. Located just minutes from the Festival Theatre, downtown core & Stratford’s east end. $$$$$ reservations@ardenpark.ca | ardenpark.ca
1-877-788-8818 (519) 275-2936 reservaaons@ardenpark.ca 552 Ontario Street Straaord ON, N5A 3J3
BEST WESTERN PREMIER COLLECTION MERCER HOTEL DOWNTOWN
104-108 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.271.9202 Toll Free 1.888.816.4011 A 14-room boutique hotel in the downtown core. Newly renovated rooms. Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a historic building. No elevator. Street level boasts one of Stratford’s trendiest restaurants. On-site parking. $$-$$$$ mercer@mercerhallinn.com | mercerhall.ca
FOSTER’S INN
111 Downie Street | Stratford N5A 1X2 519.271.1119 A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Closest hotel to the Avon & Studio theatres. Boasting airy spacious rooms with high ceilings, an abundance of charm, second & third floor guest rooms with an elevator. Long-standing much-loved restaurant and vibrant bar on street level boasting a cozy neighborhood vibe. $$-$$$$ info@fostersinn.com | fostersinn.com
HOCO HOTELS COLLECTION, THE STRATFORD HOTEL
107 Erie Street | Stratford N5A 2M5 519.273.1332 A 12-room Victorian gem in downtown Stratford, our hotel blends classic hospitality with modern comfort. A short walk to the Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson theatres – and a 5-minute drive to the Festival Theatre – it offers an intimate retreat with a light breakfast and free parking for direct bookings. Save 20% with promo code FESTMAG26. T&Cs apply. $-$$$$ reservations.sh@hocohotels.com thestratfordhotel.ca
Your Stratford story’s best supporting role! Stay just steps from the stage in charming guestrooms with modern comforts. Enjoy warm hospitality, thoughtful touches, and a convenient downtown location. Before or after the show, relax on our patio or dine in The Parlour Inn Restaurant. And for a sweet encore? Don’t miss our famous pavlova. Book your Stratford Festival Theatre getaway today.
theparlour.ca | 1.877.728.4036 | 101 Wellington Street, Stratford, ON 104
105
HOCO HOTELS COLLECTION, THE WINDSOR HOTEL
A 12-room Victorian gem in downtown Stratford, The Stratford Hotel has been thoughtfully renewed to balance classic hospitality with modern comforts, offering a charming and intimate escape. The perfect base, just a short walk to the Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson theatres. MAGAZINE SPECIAL RATE* Enjoy 20% Off + Exclusive Perks • Light continental breakfast in the lobby • Onsite parking for one vehicle • One-time minibar with soft-drinks & water Don’t miss out — book online today! Use Promo Code: FESTMAG26 thestratfordhotel.ca | 519-273-1332 reservations.sh@hocohotels.com 107 Erie Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 2M5
23 Albert Street | Stratford N5A 3K2 519.272.2581 An iconic 35-room hotel in downtown Stratford, blending Victorian charm with contemporary style, and just a short walk to the Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson theatres – only a 5-minute drive to the Festival Theatre. Save 20% with promo code FESTMAG26. T&Cs apply. Groups and Schools save more! $-$$$$ reservations.wh@hocohotels.com thewindsorstratford.com
MAJER’S MOTEL
RODEWAY INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE
1144 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 6Z3 519.273.1150 Toll Free 1.877.424.6423 Rodeway Inn Stratford offers 180 spacious rooms with free WiFi, TV, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and more. Enjoy our indoor pool, sauna, gym, free parking with EV chargers, and pet-friendly rooms. Near theatres and Stratford Mall. Book direct through our website listed below. $-$$$ rodewayinnstratford@gmail.com choicehotels.com/en-ca/ontario/stratford/ rodeway-inn-hotels/cnb51
2970 Ontario Street, E. | Stratford N5A 6S5 519.271.2010 Toll Free 800.561.4483 Thirty-one tastefully well-appointed nonsmoking rooms with fridge, flatscreen TV/DVD, hair dryers, A/C and free WiFi. Enjoy quiet atmosphere, outdoor pool and gazebo in private country setting with spacious grounds. No pets. $ info@majersmotel.com majersmotel.com
THE PARLOUR INN
The Windsor Hotel, an iconic 35-room historic landmark in downtown Stratford, gracefully blends Victorian charm with contemporary sophistication. Just a short walk to the Avon, Studio, and Tom Patterson theatres.
MAGAZINE SPECIAL RATE* Enjoy 20% Off Limited time — book online today! Use Promo Code: FESTMAG26 Groups & Schools Save More — Ask Us! thewindsorstratford.com | 519-272-2581 reservations.wh@hocohotels.com 23 Albert Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 3K2 *Guests must book the Magazine Special Rate using promo code FESTMAG26 at The Stratford Hotel or The Windsor Hotel. Valid for stays between May 1 and October 24, 2026. Offer applies to direct bookings only. Blackout dates apply, including weekends, holidays, and peak season. Subject to availability. Contact the hotel for full terms and conditions.
106
101 Wellington Street | Stratford N5A 2L4 519.271.2772 Toll Free 877.728.4036 Built in 1871, The Parlour Inn is located one block from the Avon Theatre. 28 warm and contemporary guestrooms and the 240seat dining room create a historic oasis in beautiful downtown Stratford. $$$ pifd@vintage-hotels.com | theparlour.ca
PERTH COUNTY INN
4 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3G8 519.305.5005 Perth County Inn is Stratford’s boutique hotel. No two rooms are alike, each with character and modern comforts. The Inn has a Cuban cocktail bar and a yummy bakery. Downtown. Parking included. $$-$$$$ booking@perthcountyinn.com perthcountyinn.com
SUBURBAN MOTEL
2808 Ontario Street E. | Stratford N5A 6S5 519.271.9650 Toll Free 800.387.1070 Located on the edge of town in a lovely country setting a short drive from the theatres. We offer 25 well appointed rooms in a quiet, mature atmosphere. Scenic farmland provides a backdrop to the property, pool and gardens. Best rates and inventory by reserving directly. $-$$$ suburbanmotel@rogers.com suburbanmotel.com
TRAVELLERS MOTEL
784 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3K1 519.271.3830 Toll Free 800.465.4106 Twenty-four rooms with A/C, fridge, TV, microwave and phone. Walking distance to theatres, restaurants, shopping mall, golf and country club. Special rates for groups and seniors. No pets. OAA. $ info@travellers-motel.com travellers-motel.com 107
FOOD & DRINK ANNA MAE’S BAKERY & RESTAURANT
4060 Line 72 | Millbank N0K 1L0 519.595.4407 As seen on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! Famous for our homestyle Mennonite food & baking. We’re family-owned & offer a variety of 19+ homemade desserts. Come try our famous Broasted Chicken! Homemade gluten-conscious baking. Enjoy the scenic 20-min. drive! $ customerservice@annamaes.ca annamaes.ca
ANNIE’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
BENTLEY’S INN BAR AND RESTAURANT FAMILY FRIENDLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE This symbol identifies advertisers who are wheelchair accessible. For all other mobility concerns, please confirm your requirements with any advertisers prior to your arrival.
DINING PRICING
Average price per entrée, per
person 698 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3J7 519.271.8100 $ = under $20 The region’s finest in fish & chips since $$ = $20 to $25 1997, with an East Coast and UK influence. $$$ = $25 to $35 Colossal onion rings, signature poutines, $$$$ = $35 + seafood dinners and a full gluten-free menu (GFFP Certification per National Celiac Association). $-$$$ Samsonite-2026-Festival_Guide_ad-CMYK-Otl.pdf 1 2025-09-25 anniesseafoodstratford@gmail.com anniesseafood.ca
99 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H1 519.271.1121 Toll free 800.361.5322 Bentley’s is the place for beer, house-made food and a casual atmosphere. Relax in a booth or meet up with some friends at the bar. Enjoy people-watching on our mainstreet patio or drop by after theatre for dessert. Open daily! $-$$$ info@bentleysbarinn.com bentleysbarinn.com
BLUEBIRD RESTAURANT
30 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3G8 519.271.2255 A bustling neighbourhood spot for lunch or dinner in the heart of downtown Stratford. Bistronomy inspired menu, cool cocktails, great patio, approachable wines and hospitality focused. $$-$$$ bluebirdstratford@gmail.com bluebirdrestaurant.ca
107 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H1 519.271.3333 Stratford’s favourite Italian restaurant is celebrating our 32nd season. Serving lunch and dinner daily with classic Italian dishes! Daily menus of stone-oven pizzas and calzones, fresh pastas and salads, Italian entrées such as chicken parmigiana and grilled salmon. In a cucina-style friendly, casual service and atmosphere. Salute! $-$$ info@fellinisstratford.com fellinisstratford.com
M
Y
CAFE BOUFFON
70 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.273.6666 Join us at our charming French café – Stratford’s favourite brunch spot! Enjoy our à la carte menu of crispy poached eggs Benedict, fresh salads, and irresistible pastries every weekend. Lunch served daily. As evening falls, the café transforms into an elegant dining room, offering refined French cuisine, curated cocktails, and fine wines. Visit our website for menus and seasonal specials! $-$$ cafebouffon.ca
MY
CY
CMY
K
108
80 Wellington Street | Stratford N5A 2L2 519.271.0999 From Stratford Chef School alumnus Tim Otsuki, The Common celebrates journeys, cultures & comfort. Nestled on Wellington Street in downtown Stratford, it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place. Menus are crafted with familiar tastes and exciting new flavors. Enjoy great cocktails and an approachable wine list in our vibey dining room or relax in the hidden garden patio. Join us to Eat Without Borders. $$$ commonrestaurant@gmail.com thecommonstratford.com
FELLINI’S ITALIAN CUCINA
10:45 AM
C
CM
THE COMMON
FOSTER’S INN
111 Downie Street | Stratford N5A 1X2 519.271.1119 Stratford’s original boutique inn & steakhouse — combines historic charm with exceptional hospitality. Located in the heart of downtown, steps from the Avon Theatre, our welcoming dining room, cozy lounge, and sunny patio offer an inviting retreat. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late-night offerings from our seasonal, from-scratch menus, complemented by a curated wine list, and a thoughtful cocktail and beer program. $$-$$$$ info@fostersinn.com | fostersinn.com 109
MERCER KITCHEN BEER HALL & HOTEL
104-108 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.271.1888 Toll free 1.888.816.4011 One of Stratford’s trendiest culinary hot spots! A made from scratch, izakaya style menu plus a twist on all your comfort favourites. Diverse craft beer list, curated wine list and on point cocktails. Amazing patio scene. $$-$$$$ mercer@mercerhallinn.com | mercer.beer
THE MILKY WHEY FINE CHEESE SHOP
PAZZO PIZZERIA
70 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.273.6666 Welcome to Pazzo Pizzeria, Stratford’s destination for thin-crust pizza, house made pasta, antipasti, and fresh salads – all crafted with care and quality ingredients. Enjoy friendly, attentive service in our warm, family-friendly cellar restaurant, a community favourite for over 25 years. Perfect for gatherings of any size, with the kitchen open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays! $$ pazzo.ca
118 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.814.9439 An extensive choice of cheeses, local, Canadian artisanal and international; with a great selection of crackers, olives, chutneys and charcuterie. Come in for a taste – don’t forget to bring a cooler. Take out only. $$$$$ eapayne167@gmail.com themilkeywhey.ca
THE PARLOUR INN RESTAURANT
101 Wellington Street | Stratford N5A 2L4 519.271.2772 Toll free 877.728.4036 Exceptional cuisine and award-winning customer service located in the heart of downtown. Creative and innovative twists on classic fare with quality and freshness. A casual lounge and patio complement our dining experience. $$-$$$ pifd@vintage-hotels.com | theparlour.ca
Stratford | (519) 271-0505 110
THE RELIC LOBBY BAR
6 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3G8 519.273.4763 Enjoy our eclectic atmosphere serving expertly prepared cocktails with an emphasis on classics and innovative craft creations. Known for welcoming service, we’re happy to guide you through our seasonal menu which also includes spirits, non-alcoholics and snacks. Walk in only. Have you found the key? @Thereliclobbybar $-$$ therelic@therelicbar.ca | therelicbar.ca
THE STARLIGHT
64 Wellington Street | Stratford N5A 2L2 One of Air Canada’s 2024 Best New Restaurants, our menu is perfect for sharing pre/post theatre paired with a cocktail or local brew from our playful drinks list. Located steps away from Avon Theatre, here motel chic meets mid-century modern & dinner turns into late nights. Live music on weekends. Reservations and walk ins welcome. $$-$$$ meganjones@thestarlightstratford.com thestarlightstratford.com
THE PRUNE RESTAURANT
STRATFORD FESTIVAL DINING
55 Queen Street and 111 Lakeside Drive Stratford N5A 6V2 | 519.271.4040 Avoid the line-up! Pre-order your refreshments for any of our theatre venues by contacting our box office or booking online. We also offer house-made food for all to enjoy – drop by the Festival for a sandwich & salad or the Tom Patterson Theatre Café for a light meal or drink on the Alonzo Terrace overlooking the Avon River. Pre-order a picnic to pick up at the Festival or Tom Patterson theatres and enjoy at your leisure. Our chefs look forward to welcoming you! $-$$ events@stratfordfestival.ca stratfordfestival.ca/Visit/OnsiteAmenities
136 Ontario Street Downtown Stratford N5A 7Y4 | 519.271.5052 Creative and seasonally inspired menus prepared by gifted chefs and served by professional staff. Stratford’s culinary fine dining stalwart. Carefully curated wine and cocktail lists. A must visit to enhance your Stratford foodie experience. $$$$ reservations@theprune.com | theprune.com
Baked potato upgrade is an additional cost.
111
SHOPPING & LEISURE ARTS & MUSEUMS
ART IN THE PARK ASSOCIATION OF STRATFORD
Between Front Street and North Street, along the Avon River | Stratford N4Z 1J2 519.508.0988 Stratford Art in the Park. For 50+ years and counting, located between two of the Festival’s famous theatres, our premier art show runs 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every Wed, Sat, and Sun, weather permitting, from late May until end of Sept. advertising@artintheparkstratford.ca artintheparkstratford.ca
SPRINGWORKS – PUPPETWORKS! AND MORE
217 Wellington Street | Stratford N5A 2L7 Puppets! & Multi-disciplinary Arts! Live performances, interactive play, workshops; acclaimed international & national artists showcased in Stratford. Young’uns, their grownups and the adventurous of all ages can discover the magic at the 5th annual World in a Weekend: International Puppet Festival, July 30-August 3 and our seasonal programming throughout the year. Follow SpringWorksFestival for all the exciting details. email@springworksfestival.ca springworksfestival.ca
STRATFORD-PERTH ARCHIVES
4273 Line 34 | Stratford N5A 6S6 519.271.0531 ext 259 Toll Free 1.800.463.8275 Welcome to Stratford-Perth Archives! Explore free exhibits celebrating local heritage. Book an appointment to work with treasures from our collections curated just for your research interests! archives@perthcounty.ca perthcounty.ca/stratfordpertharchives
STRATFORD PERTH MUSEUM
4275 Huron Road | Stratford N5A 6S6 519.393.5311 Just west of Stratford. Open 10-4 daily. Step into The Hobbit: Sharing An Adventure Exhibit, a magical, family-friendly journey through two immersive rooms. Then grab your Backstage Pass for the world’s only Justin Bieber Exhibit, now featuring an exclusive hands-on tour! stratfordperthmuseum.ca
THEATRE VACATIONS
6710 Drummond Road, Unit 4 Niagara Falls L2G 4P1 905.356.0884 Toll Free 877.356.8365 2026 Packages! As the Stratford Festival’s Official Package Partner, we provide customized travel planning. Combine theatre, meals, rooms, airport transfers and more. Call us for easy one-stop shopping and competitive pricing! sales@theatrevacations.com theatrevacations.com
STRATFORD PERTH MUSEUM
The Hobbit: Sharing An Adventure Exhibit Visitors to the Stratford Perth Museum will travel There and Back Again with Tolkien and his tales of unlikely heroes by examining his timeless themes of power, corruption, friendship and hope. Test your true Hobbit’s courage and become a part of the exhibit through Gollum’s riddles, Smaug’s photobooth and vying for the One Ring! 4275 Huron Road, Stratford stratfordperthmuseum.ca
GIFTS & CULINARY THE BARKERY! THE HEALTHY BAKERY FOR DOGS
130 Downie Street | Stratford N5A 1X1 519.273.6311 Welcome to Stratford! Be sure to drop by the store and pick up some tasty handmade, all natural, human grade treats for your dog! We only use spices and natural colours for our treats! We’ve been the Bark of the Town since 2001! Celebrating 25 years! stratfordbarkery@gmail.com thebarkery.ca
CHOCOLATE BARR’S CANDIES
45 minute drive from Stratford
Diverse shopping Top notch services Arts & Culture Critically-acclaimed dining Exciting signature events uptownwaterloobia.com
112
You belong Uptown
Derek Barr | 55 George Street W. Stratford N5A 1A6 | 519.272.2828 Handmade chocolates and candies. Our 23rd Year in business and we have over 170 creations to wow you! Truffles, Creams, Caramels, Minties, and Gelato in the summer! SWEET! Mon. to Sat. 9am to 530pm. Sun 11am to 4pm. info@chocolatebarrs.com chocolatebarrs.com
113
MACLEODS SCOTTISH SHOP
80 Ontario Street | Stratford N5A 3H2 519.273.5850 Toll Free 1.888.771.0302 Come in to discover unique, high-quality clothing, giftware, and food from all over Scotland, Ireland, and England. Find us in the heart of beautiful downtown Stratford, or online at scottishshop.com. info@scottishshop.com scottishshop.com
RHÉO THOMPSON CANDIES
55 Albert Street | Stratford N5A 3K2 519.271.6910 Toll Free 888.271.6910 You’ve seen the theatrics on stage, now discover the delicious drama of handcrafted confections at Rhéo Thompson Candies. With 152 varieties of sweets, including our infamous Mint Smoothies®, you may come for the theatre, but you will stay for the chocolate. Sample the show at rheothompson.com. Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. (seasonal). info@rheothompson.com rheothompson.com
OUT OF TOWN ART & MUSEUMS
STRATFORD FESTIVAL SHOP
55 Queen Street and 89 Downie Street Stratford N5A 6V2 519.271.4040 ext 2320 or 5580 A Theatrical Shopping Experience. Festival and show souvenirs, original costume sketches, unique artworks, clothing, jewellery, books and much more! All purchases directly support the Stratford Festival. Two convenient locations across from the Festival Theatre and next to the Avon Theatre – or shop online. store@stratfordfestival.ca stratfordfestival.ca/Store
CANADIAN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
386 Church Street S. St. Marys N4X 1C2 | 519.284.1838 Our renovated and expanded 3500 sq. ft. Hall of Fame & Museum is situated on our beautiful 32 acre site that also contains baseball fields and walking trails. We are also home to the Centre for Canadian Baseball research. scott@baseballhalloffame.ca baseballhalloffame.ca
ZENFIRE POTTERY & MERCANTILE
114 Queen Street E. | St. Marys N4X 1A5 | 519.615.6347 Welcome to Southwestern Ontario’s pottery destination! We sell exceptional handmade pottery (much of it created in-house) as well as an array of unique giftware. Come tour our inviting studio! We also offer classes! zenfirepottery@gmail.com zenfirepottery.ca
ST. MARYS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
177 Church Street S. St. Marys N4X 1B6 | 519.284.3556 Beautiful 1850s home built from St. Marys limestone. Twelve exhibit areas, changing displays and seasonal activities. Excellent resources for local history research. Open daily June, July, August; weekdays year-round. museum@town.stmarys.on.ca stmarysmuseum.ca
MAKERS OF GREAT THEATRE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
SAVOUR STRATFORD IN ALL SEASONS @StratfordON
114
@VisitStratfordON
THE
VisitStratford.ca
MINT
SMOOTHIE
CRAFTERS OF FINE CANDIES SINCE 1969.™
Downtown Stratford | 55 Albert Street | RheoThompson.com 115
ACCOMMODATION AT A GLANCE
The stage is set in Canada’s UNESCO City of Music
From intimate venues to grand performances, London, Ontario is an escape for the culturally curious.
Scan here to learn more or find it online at:
londontourism.ca
116
Accessible
Family Friendly
Group Friendly
Student Friendly
Internet Access
Breakfast Included
Restaurant
Dining Room
Kitchen Facility
Meeting Room
Pool Access
Exercise Facility
HOTELS, MOTELS & INNS
PRICE RANGE
# OF UNITS
Bentley’s Inn Bar and Restaurant 99 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 3H1 519.271.1121 or 1.800.361.5322 info@bentleysbarinn.com bentleysbarinn.com
$199-$249
12
Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel 552 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 3J3 519.275.2936 or 1.877.788.8818 reservations@ardenpark.ca | ardenpark.ca
$149-$299
144
Best Western Premier Collection Mercer Hotel Downtown 104-108 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 3H2 519.271.9202 or 1.888.816.4011 mercer@mercerhallinn.com | mercerhall.ca
$199-$399
14
Foster’s Inn 111 Downie Street, Stratford N5A 1X2 519.271.1119 info@fostersinn.com | fostersinn.com
$199-$399
9
Hoco Hotels Collection, The Stratford Hotel 107 Erie Street, Stratford N5A 2M5 519.273.1332 $120-$400 reservations.sh@hocohotels.com thestratfordhotel.ca
12
Hoco Hotels Collection, The Windsor Hotel 23 Albert Street, Stratford N5A 3K2 519.272.2581 $150-$400 reservations.wh@hocohotels.com thewindsorstratford.com
35
Majer’s Motel 2970 Ontario Street E., Stratford N5A 6S5 519.271.2010 or 1.800.561.4483 info@majersmotel.com | majersmotel.com
31
$105-$160
AMENITIES
117
HOTELS, MOTELS & INNS The Parlour Inn 101 Wellington Street, Stratford N5A 2L4 519.271.2772 or 1.877.728.4036 pifd@vintage-hotels.com | theparlour.ca
PRICE RANGE $225-$299
# OF UNITS
AMENITIES
28
Perth County Inn
4 Huron Street, Stratford N5A 6Z3 519.305.5005 booking@perthcountyinn.com perthcountyinn.com Rodeway Inn & Conference Centre 1144 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 6Z3 519.273.1150 or 1.877.424.6423 rodewayinnstratford@gmail.com choicehotels.com/en-ca/ontario/stratford/ rodeway-inn-hotels/cnb51 Travellers Motel 784 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 3K1 519.271.3830 or 1.800.465.4106 info@travellers-motel.com travellers-motel.com
118
$179-$339
$159-$269
$105-$155
10
180
24
HOMES, APARTMENTS & SUITES
PRICE RANGE
# OF UNITS
Hughson Hall 220 Hibernia Street, Stratford N5A 5V7 519.305.0780 info@hughsonhall.com | hughsonhall.com
$360-$375
2
Limelight Bed and Breakfast 161 Front Street, Stratford N5A 4H5 519.273.1672 or 519.729.7393 limelightbedandbreakfast@gmail.com limelightbedandbreakfast.com
$210-$245
2
North of Avon B&B Suites 36 Waterloo Street N., Stratford N5A 5H5 $240-$280 519.400.9819 northofavon@gmail.com | northofavon.com
4
The Penrose Suites 725 Queen Street E., St. Marys N4X 1G2 519.574.7673 info@thepenrose.ca | thepenrose.ca
$215-$550
9
River Merchant Inn & Illume Spa 31-35 York Street, Stratford N5A 3G8 647.607.1030 sales@kressleygroup.com rivermerchantinn.com
$249-$349
2
HOMES, APARTMENTS & SUITES
PRICE RANGE
# OF UNITS
A Garden Stroll B&B 325 Devon Street, Stratford N5A 3A2 519.271.1713 info@agardenstroll.ca | agardenstroll.ca
$220-$285
3
$170-$240
3
Riverwalk Bed and Breakfast 176 Elizabeth Street, Stratford N5A 4Z3 519.273.2166 general@riverwalkbb.ca | riverwalkbb.ca
Caledonia House 20 Caledonia Street, Stratford N5A 5W5 519.271.0377 caledoniahousestratford@gmail.com caledoniahouse.com
5
$255-$280
4
Sally’s Place 295 & 299 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 7X6 $215-$390 519.272.2383 sally@sallysplace.com | sallysplace.com Starlings and Roses Bed & Breakfast 54 Henry Street, Mitchell N0K 1N0 647.993.7331 staying@starlingsandroses.ca starlingsandroses.ca
2
The Chisholms in Stratford B&B 310 Ontario Street, Stratford N5A 3H5 519.273.6813 or 416-875-1053 info@thechisholmsinstratford.com thechisholmsinstratford.com
$249-$345
4
Crown House Bed & Breakfast 61 Douglas Street, Stratford N5A 5P3 519.271.7146 crownhousebb@gmail.com bbcanada.com/crownhousebb
$150-199
1
AMENITIES
$129-$179
AMENITIES
119
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
ACCESSIBLE SEATING Accessible seating is available for wheelchair users. Mobility seating is fixed in place but can be accessed without stepping up and is reserved for those with reduced mobility.
AUDIO DESCRIPTION Audio-described (AD) performances are designed for guests who are Blind or have low vision. Live audio description gives details of costumes, sets and onstage action without interfering with spoken dialogue.
MOBILITY INFORMATION Canes can be brought to your seat, while larger devices such as walkers are stored outside the auditorium. While all theatres are equipped with handrails, please note that the regular seating areas in the Studio and Tom Patterson theatres, as well as the Avon Theatre balcony, have steep inclines. Our theatres feature accessible washrooms, motorized door controls and elevators.
Braille house programs are available after the preview period; please ask the house manager for assistance. Additional braille materials can be made available on request. House managers can also provide magnifying sheets.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL)
RELAXED PERFORMANCES
HEARING ASSISTANCE
120
Wireless radio-frequency hearingassistance receivers (HARs), compatible with T-coil hearing aids and cochlear implants are available in our theatres. We provide headphones along with the device; however, we encourage patrons to bring their own comfortable headphones if they prefer. Please reserve a hearing-assistance receiver when booking your ticket.
We welcome support persons who provide assistance with daily activities. Support persons must have their own tickets. Complimentary admission for one support person will be granted with a CNIB card or Access 2 card. Other complimentary admissions for support persons will be considered on a caseby-case basis. Please call the Box Office before the performance. Service animals are always welcome.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
ASL-interpreted shows are available on selected dates for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The interpreters stand in front of designated seats and interpret the spoken words.
A relaxed performance (RP) is adapted to create a more inclusive and comfortable environment. RPs modify lighting, sound and traditional audience expectations to reduce sensory discomfort. It is specifically designed to support autistic and neurodiverse individuals, as well as families, young children and first-time theatregoers. Audience members are free to move around, make noise or take breaks as needed.
FOR GUESTS WHO REQUIRE A SUPPORT PERSON OR ANIMAL
ACTORS MATTHEW KABWE AND AMAKA UMEH WITH AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS. HAMLET, 2022. SET DESIGN BY PATRICK LAVENDER. COSTUME DESIGN BY MICHELLE BOHN. LIGHTING DESIGN BY KIMBERLY PURTELL. SOUND DESIGN BY RICHARD FEREN. PHOTO: DAVID HOU.
OPEN CAPTIONS Open-captioned performances (OC) display the dialogue and sound effects of the play as text on a screen in front of a reserved section of seating. The actors’ spoken lines will be synchronized with the captions. For the best view of the stage and screen, specific seats have been reserved.
BODY-POSITIVE SEATING All our theatres offer a limited number of barrier-free chairs designed to provide comfort and access for all body shapes and sizes. These seats help remove the physical and social barriers often created by traditional theatre seating.
Pre-paid accessible parking is available with an accessible parking permit at the Festival and Tom Patterson theatres. Please reserve your space when booking your ticket. Avon and Studio theatres do not have designated private lots; municipal lots and street parking are available throughout downtown Stratford, but cannot be reserved in advance. Municipal parking is free of charge in all metered spaces (designated or not) for individuals with accessible parking permits.
PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION After July 1, additional opencaptioned, audio-described and ASL-interpreted performance dates may be available to groups of 20 or larger. Please contact groups@stratfordfestival.ca for more information. POSING FOR PHOTOS AFTER A RELAXED PERFORMANCE. PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART.
For more information, visit stratfordfestival.ca/Accessibility or email accessibility@stratfordfestival.ca.
121
OUR THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT: SEASON SPONSOR The 2026 season is generously supported by Ophelia Lazaridis.
PROUD SEASON PARTNERS
THEATRE SPONSORS Support for the 2026 season of the Festival Theatre is generously provided by Daniel Bernstein & Claire Foerster. Support for the 2026 season at the Tom Patterson Theatre is provided by
2026 Studio Theatre production support made possible by the Pitblado Family Studio Theatre Endowment Fund.
NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
Support is generously provided by The Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program.
Tools for Teachers includes InterACTive Preshows, Study Guides and Stratford Shorts sponsored by
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PARTNER
The Stratford Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support of these contributors to our success:
STAY IN TOUCH Don’t miss out. Follow us on social media! @StratfordFestival | @stratfest stratfordfestival.ca | 1.800.567.1600 | 519.273.1600
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS: The Stratford Festival acknowledges the members of The Friends of the Festival for their dedicated support and contribution. 122
Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada is a registered charity in Canada, registration number 11921003 RR0002. Stratford Festival of America is a public charity in the U.S. as outlined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. BEN CARLSON AND MAEV BEATY, THE FRONT PAGE, 2019. CREATIVE DIRECTION BY PUNCH & JUDY INC. PHOTO: DAVID COOPER.
123
2026 SEASON FESTIVAL THEATRE
The Tempest Guys and Dolls Something Rotten! Waiting for Godot AVON THEATRE
Death of a Salesman The Hobbit The Importance of Being Earnest Saturday, Sunday, Monday TOM PATTERSON THEATRE
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Othello The Tao of the World STUDIO THEATRE
The King James Bible Play
1.800.567.1600 | stratfordfestival.ca 124
PHOTO: SCOTT WISHART. COVER: GERAINT WYN DAVIES AND MARISSA ORJALO. PHOTO: DARIANE SANCHE.