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"Dangerous Liaisons is about basic human instincts: love, power and storytelling, in a delicious, gorgeous, sumptuous outer package!”
—Director Esther Jun
Rich, saturated colours and decadent accessories bring each character to life in the glorious costume design by A.W. Nadine Grant. Watch for impeccable details like small insects carved into buttons to represent decay and feelings of unease.
To symbolize vanity and society's obsession with appearance, set designer Teresa Przybylski is incorporating mirrors and reflective surfaces, along with colour-coded elements to make each location distinct and character-specific.
Performances begin August 6.
STEP INTO THE REHEARSAL ROOM:
We can't wait for this all-female cast to embody the fearless characters of Ransacking Troy and set sail to change their destiny. In this play inspired by the stories of the Trojan War told in The Iliad and The Odyssey, playwright Erin Shields asks: What would happen if the women of Greece stopped waiting for their husbands' return? What if they could start living and tell their own story?
The set, by set and costume designer Judith Bowden, features a giant loom, the symbol of Penelope's cunning strategy to avoid remarriage as she awaits the return of her husband, Odysseus. Once the women take their lives into their own hands, in this world première production directed by Jackie Maxwell, the stage will be transformed to evoke the ship that, under their own power, carries the women to Troy.
Performances begin August 6.
STEP INTO THE REHEARSAL ROOM:
"How do artists respond to war? And who is the art for?" Playwright Yvette Nolan kept asking herself this after seeing an exhibit of war artists—artists who, during the First and Second World Wars, were sent out with easels, canvases and paintbrushes to document the conflicts. And so she began writing The Art of War, a play that follows a young Canadian artist on the front lines of the Second World War as he paints the experiences of the nation's soldiers.
"This play is such a beautiful rumination on what it is to be an artist... Art is such a reminder of our humanity."
—Director Keith Barker
The Studio Theatre will provide an intimate space for reflection and minimalism, with backdrops inspired by war art, and the stage floor painted a glossy black, key elements of the set design by Teresa Przybylski. A magnificent art installation in collaboration with the Canadian War Museum will complement this production.
While creating her sketches, costume designer Patricia Reilly researched each character and the real people they're inspired by to ensure her costumes are historically accurate down to every detail.
Performances begin August 1.
2025 SEASON
AS YOU LIKE IT | ANNIE | SENSE AND SENSIBILITY | DANGEROUS LIAISONS | MACBETH | DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES | THE WINTER'S TALE | FORGIVENESS | RANSACKING TROY | THE ART OF WAR
DANGEROUS LIAISONS
By Christopher Hampton | From the novel Les Liaisons dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos | Directed by Esther Jun.
Set Design by Teresa Przybylski | Costume Design by A.W. Nadine Grant | Lighting Design by Arun Srinivasan | Original Music and Sound Design by Richard Feren.
RANSACKING TROY
By Erin Shields | Stratford Festival Commission | World Première | Directed by Jackie Maxwell | Choreographed by Esie Mensah.
Set and Costume Design by Judith Bowden | Lighting Design by Michael Walton | Original Music by Deanna H. Choi | Sound Design by Thomas Ryder Payne.
THE ART OF WAR
By Yvette Nolan | Directed by Keith Barker.
Set Design by Teresa Przybylski | Costume Design by Patricia Reilly | Lighting Design by Logan Raju Cracknell | Sound Design by Adam Campbell.
Members of the company in Dangerous Liaisons; Esther Jun. Members of the company in Ransacking Troy; Jackie Maxwell. Members of the company in Art of War; Keither Barker, Jenna-Lee Hyde, Jordin hall, Rylan Wilkie, Julie Lumsden; Keith Barker, Jenna-Lee Hyde, Jordin Hall; Josue Laboucane; Jenna-Lee Hyde. Rehearsal photography: Anne Baggley.
2025 Season Sponsor: Ophelia Lazaridis.
Proud Season Partners: BMO Financial Group, Canada Life and RBC Royal Bank.
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Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada is a registered charity in Canada, registration number 11921003 RR0002. Stratford Shakespearean Festival of America is a public charity in the U.S. as outlined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To ensure you continue to receive our e-mails in your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add guestservices@stratfordfestival.ca to your address book or safe sender list. Images are property of the Stratford Festival and are not to be copied without permission.New Plays Opening in August
July 26, 2025
Ransacking Troy Runs from August 6 – September 28 | Opens August 21
By Erin Shields
Director: Jackie Maxwell
Choreographer: Esie Mensah
Written by Erin Shields, the dynamo behind 2018’s “Paradise Lost,” “Ransacking Troy” is a compelling adaptation of the Trojan War narrative through the lens of its female players. Funny, intriguing and always thought-provoking, this retelling of “The Iliad and The Odessey” whisks audiences away on a bold adventure.
STUDIO THEATRE
The Art of War Runs from August 1 – September 27 | Opens August 20
By Yvette Nolan
Director: Keith Barker
Yvette Nolan, who directed the 2023 hit “Women of the Fur Trade” has written a dramatic exploration of artists’ roles in war and peace.
During the Second World War, Nick is sent to the front lines as an embedded painter. What he witnesses, what he paints, will transform not only him but Canada’s idea of itself.
Keith Barker has extensive credits as a director, dramaturge and actor, including his role as Louis Riel in “Women of the Fur Trade. ”
July 19 2025
Theatre Review: Annie directed by Donna Feore, Stratford Festival, July 19, 2025
Donna Feore has directed a peppy and polished version of the beloved Broadway hit Annie, filling the stage with irresistible energy and heart. From the opening moments in a bustling New York City orphanage to the show's triumphant finale, this production roars with life and colour.
At the heart of the show is 11-year-old Harper Rae Asch as Annie — a true triple threat. She sings, dances, and acts with remarkable panache, commanding the stage with confidence and charm well beyond her years. Asch’s rendition of “Tomorrow” is delivered with such earnest clarity that it left both children and grandparents in the seats beaming.
The audience, largely made up of young girls with their parents in tow, was visibly agog throughout, clearly caught up in the magic. And rightly so. Feore’s direction ensures that every beat is sharp and joyful, and the show’s pacing never lags.
Scene-stealing performances abound, particularly from Dan Chameroy as a warm-hearted “Daddy” Warbucks and Laura Condlin, who is gleefully wicked as Miss Hannigan. Both actors lean into their characters with gusto, delivering laughs and pathos in equal measure.
The choreography sparkles — no surprise, given Feore’s renowned talent in that department. The ensemble of nine orphan girls is packed with charm and talent, each one holding their own in the show’s many high-energy numbers. From “It’s the Hard Knock Life” to “Fully Dressed,” each song is crisply executed and full of Broadway dazzle. Even Sandy the dog gets his moment in the spotlight, delighting the crowd with perfect timing and on-cue tail wags.
All in all, Feore’s Annie is a joy-filled treat that bursts with youthful exuberance, nostalgia, and showbiz flair — a must-see for the young and the young at heart.
Annie sets record as Stratford Festival extends four 2025 productions
Four 2025 Stratford Festival productions are being extended, pushing the season into mid-December for the first time in company history.
Author of the article:
By
• Stratford Beacon Herald
Published Jul 15, 2025
Four 2025 Stratford Festival productions are being extended, including Annie, pushing the season into mid-December for the first time in company history. Photo by Ann Baggley /Stratford Festival
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Four 2025 Stratford Festival productions are already being extended, pushing the season into mid-December for the first time in company history.
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Annie, which takes place during Christmas, will get six additional weeks at the main theatre, the Festival has announced. The musical, directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, has been a critical hit and will entertain audiences until Dec. 14, the latest a Festival season has even run.
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The Rocky Horror Show held the previous distinction when it wrapped on Dec. 2, 2018.
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Annie is led by Harper Rae Asch as the titular character, Dan Chameroy as Oliver Warbucks and Laura Condlin as Miss Aggie Hannigan. It also features Amanda Lundgren as Lily St Regis, Jennifer Rider-Shaw as Grace Farrell and Mark Uhre as Rooster Hannigan.
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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, based on Jeffrey Lane’s book that was turned into a hit 1988 movie starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, has been extended four weeks at the Avon Theatre and will run until Nov. 23.
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The Stratford play, directed by Tracey Flye, features Shakura Dickson as Christine Colgate, Jonathan Goad as Lawrence Jameson and Liam Tobin as Freddy Benson.
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Macbeth will take the Avon Theatre stage for an extra three weeks, with the last show slated for Nov. 22. Starring Tom McCamus as Macbeth, Lucy Peacock as Lady Macbeth, Graham Abbey as Banquo and Tom Rooney as Macduff, the ambitious production is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy by director Robert Lepage set during the Quebec biker wars of the 1990s.
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Finally, Anne of Green Gables will also get three more weeks of shows at the Avon Theatre. Playwright and director Kat Sandler’s reimagining of the classic tale – a coming-of-age story about a spirited red-headed orphan longing for a place to call home – will wrap up Nov. 16.
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- REVIEW: Traditional Anne vs. Modern Anne
- REVIEW: A flawed Macbeth still demands attention
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Stratford Festival extends four shows
'Annie,' 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,' 'Macbeth' and 'Anne of Green Gables' are getting more stage time
StratfordToday Staff
July 9, 2025
Stock image
Listen to this article
00:08:41
NEWS RELEASE
STRATFORD FESTIVAL
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The Stratford Festival announces the extension of its deliciously energetic musicals, scheduling Annie for an additional six weeks on stage and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels for an additional four weeks; this season’s much awaited take on Macbeth takes the stage for an additional three weeks, while the unmissable Anne of Green Gables will now run for an extended three weeks.
With a sensational cast of new and returning talent, “dizzying dance numbers” (Toronto Star), and a hopeful message, this production of Annie, directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, has charmed audiences and critics alike.
The production is led by Harper Rae Asch as Annie, Dan Chameroy as Oliver Warbucks and Laura Condlln as Miss Aggie Hannigan, featuring Amanda Lundgren as Lily St Regis, Jennifer Rider-Shaw as Grace Farrell and Mark Uhre as Rooster Hannigan.
Donna Feore is joined by Music Director Laura Burton, Set and Costume Designer Michael Gianfrancesco, Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell, Projection Designer Sean Nieuwenhuis and Sound Designer Haley Parcher. With new dance arrangements and orchestrations by Broadway’s David Dabbon, this Globe and Mail Critic’s Pick has audiences rising to their feet and leaving the theatre with a grin – likely humming along to the optimistic tunes of such hits as “Tomorrow” and “Never Fully Dressed without a Smile.”
The production is extended to Sunday, December 14, 2025 – making it perfect for a festive holiday outing or a memorable Christmas gift! Tickets are now available.
At the Avon Theatre, acclaimed Canadian director Robert Lepage is setting the stage ablaze with his “visually stunning” (BroadwayWorld) rendition of Macbeth. Created in collaboration with his company, Ex Machina, over the course of six years, this “epic endeavour” (Toronto Star) reimagines the Scottish play in the gritty midst of the 1990s biker wars.
In the title role of Macbeth, Tom McCamus leads the cast with “acerbic wit and cruelty” (The Globe and Mail) while Lucy Peacock captivates as Lady Macbeth. The production also features Graham Abbey as Banquo and Tom Rooney as Macduff.
Robert Lepage is joined by Creative Director Steve Blanchet, Set and Props Designer Ariane Sauvé, Costume Designer Michael Gianfrancesco, Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell and Composer, Sound Designer John Gzowski.
Described by Next Magazine as “jaw-dropping” and praised by Postmedia for featuring “one of the most impressive sets to ever dominate a Stratford Festival stage,” this thrilling production is a must-see event that promises to leave a lasting impression.
The production is extended to Saturday, November 22, 2025, and tickets are now on sale.
“If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud good time, spend an evening with these dirty, rotten scoundrels!” proclaims Postmedia about director Tracey Flye’s hilariously vibrant production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, playing this season at the Avon Theatre and winning a Critic’s Pick from The Globe and Mail.
Showcasing a knockout cast of Stratford favorites led by Shakura Dickson as Christine Colgate, Jonathan Goad as Lawrence Jameson and Liam Tobin as Freddy Benson, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels also features Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Muriel Eubanks, Derek Kwan as Andre Thibault, and Michele Shuster as Jolene Oakes.
Rounding out Tracey Flye’s creative team are Choreographer Stephanie Graham, Music Director Franklin Brasz, Set Designer Lorenzo Savoini, Costume Designer Sue LePage, Lighting Designer Michael Walton and Sound Designer Ranil Sonnadara.
Stamped “Certified Fresh” by the Toronto Star, this rollicking, high-energy musical keeps audiences laughing from start to finish – and delivers a surprising twist by show’s end. As The Globe and Mail declares, “Never before has cheering for the bad guys been so fun.”
The show is extended to Sunday, November 23, 2025, and tickets are now on sale.
Rounding out this exciting list of extended productions is the Stratford Festival’s world première of Anne of Green Gables in a fresh, new adaptation by playwright and director Kat Sandler. The Globe and Mail gave this “heartwarming, gut-wrenching, life-affirming” show a Critic’s Pick. The Toronto Star called it “unmissable” in a four-star review, adding that Caroline Toal “is Anne with every fibre of being.”
Generations of readers have cherished Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved coming-of-age story about a spirited red-headed orphan longing for a place to call home. This delightful reimagining of the classic tale is described by Next Magazine as “radically inventive and lovingly faithful,” and has captivated both long-time fans and newcomers to the story alike.
Anne of Green Gables features Caroline Toal as Anne Shirley, Tim Campbell as Matthew Cuthbert and Sarah Dodd as Marilla Cuthbert.
Kat Sandler is joined by Set and Costume Designer Joanna Yu 余頌恩, Lighting Designer Davida Tkach, Composer James Smith, Sound Designer Debashis Sinha and Movement Director Julie Tomaino.
The production is extended to Sunday, November 16, 2025, and tickets are now on sale.
Annie
Book By Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin
Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® by permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Director: Donna Feore
Choreographer: Donna Feore
Music Director: Laura Burton
Set and Costume Designer: Michael Gianfrancesco
Lighting Designer: Kimberly Purtell
Projection Designer: Sean Nieuwenhuis
Sound Designer: Haley Parcher
Additional Dance Music and Orchestrations: David Dabbon
Production Co-Sponsors: Robert & Mary Ann Gorlin, Riki Turofsky & Charles Petersen and Peter & Carol Walters and RBC Royal Bank
Now extended until Sunday, December 14, 2025!
Macbeth
By William Shakespeare
Created in collaboration with Ex Machina
Director: Robert Lepage
Creative Director: Steve Blanchet
Set Designer: Ariane Sauvé
Costume Designer: Michael Gianfrancesco
Lighting Designer: Kimberly Purtell
Composer and Sound Designer: John Gzowski
Production Underwriters: The Fabio Mascarin Foundation and Laurie J. Scott
Production Co-Sponsors: Sylvia Soyka, Carol Stephenson, O.C. and Catherine Wilkes in Memory of David
Now extended until Saturday, November 22, 2025!
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Book by Jeffrey Lane
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Based on the film “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” written by Dale Launer and Stanley Shapiro & Paul Henning
Original Broadway production directed by Jack O’Brien
Director: Tracey Flye
Choreographer: Stephanie Graham
Music Director: Franklin Brasz
Set Designer: Lorenzo Savoini
Costume Designer: Sue LePage
Lighting Designer: Michael Walton
Sound Designer: Ranil Sonnadara
Production Co-Sponsors: Sylvia D. Chrominska and The Whiteside Foundation
Now extended until Sunday, November 23, 2025!
SCHULICH CHILDREN’S PLAYS
Anne of Green Gables
A new adaptation by Kat Sandler
Based on the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery
A Stratford Festival commission
World Première
Director: Kat Sandler
Set and Costume Designer: Joanna Yu 余頌恩
Lighting Designer: Davida Tkach
Composer: James Smith
Sound Designer: Debashis Sinha
Movement Director: Julie Tomaino
Production Sponsor: The Schulich Foundation
Now extended until Sunday November 16, 2025!
The 2025 season also features As You Like It, The Winter’s Tale, Forgiveness, Sense and Sensibility, The Art of War, Ransacking Troy and Dangerous Liaisons. For more information, visit stratfordfestival.ca or call the box office at 1.800.567.1600.
The 2025 season is generously supported by Ophelia Lazaridis.
Proud 2025 Season Partners: BMO Financial Group, Canada Life and RBC Royal Bank.
Support for the 2025 season of the Festival Theatre is generously provided by Daniel Bernstein & Claire Foerster.
Support for the 2025 season of the Tom Patterson Theatre is generously provided by BMO Financial Group.
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Stratford Festival’s Meighen Forum heats up with July events
July 5, 2025
With CBC Ideas Week returning and Chris Jones leading thought-provoking panels, the tradition continues of blending performance with intellectual exploration
StratfordToday Staff
a day ago
NEWS RELEASE
STRATFORD FESTIVAL
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We’re turning up the heat at the Meighen Forum this July. The month kicks off with our Season Deep Dive Week, where artists and creatives pull back the curtain on the magic happening behind the scenes at the Stratford Festival.
Next up is CBC Ideas Week, with host Nahlah Ayed exploring this year’s theme of War and Peace through five thought-provoking discussions. Mid-month, we feature a special album release concert by Stratford’s own Dayna Manning followed by two unique events, The Words of War: A Churchill & Shakespeare Cabaret and Inside the Stories of Murdoch Mysteries. Wrapping up the month, the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones returns with insightful discussions on the themes and ideas shaping the 2025 season.
Season Deep Dive Week (June 30 – July 6) shines a spotlight on the artists and creatives behind our festival. Through intimate conversations, we uncover the creative forces behind the curtain – our esteemed composers, sound designers, gardeners and understudies – whose talents bring sensational theatre experiences to life.
CBC Ideas Week (July 7 – 13) welcomes host Nahlah Ayed back to the Meighen Forum for a compelling new series of five in-depth discussions. This year, the series explores four pivotal peace efforts from the past three decades, examining both their successes and shortcomings to uncover the lessons they offer for the future.
Chicago Tribune chief theatre critic Chris Jones returns to the Forum to host two stimulating conversations inspired by our 2025 season. In the first, he is joined by Macbeth’s Tom McCamus and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Jonathan Goad to explore our enduring fascination with morally complex characters. In the second, he takes audiences behind the scenes of Annie, charting the evolution of this beloved comic strip icon and its transformation from page to stage.
July’s Meighen Forum also includes crowd favourites such as Peer into the Playbill, Meet the Festival, Monday Night Music and exclusive backstage tours and song and dance workshops. Visit https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/Forum for details.
Season Deep Dive Week
June 30 to July 6
Events include:
Composers and Sound Designers for the Stage
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Friday, July 4
10:30 a.m. to noon
Music is not just a core component of musicals. In plays, a cello underscore can evoke a sense of melancholy for a character, or a chorus of trumpets might announce an approaching royal entrance. From music to sound effects, the creative and technical work of composers and sound designers translates theatrical works into multi-sensory experiences. Theatre enthusiasts will delight in hearing professionals Debashis Sinha (Anne of Green Gables sound designer) and Verne Good (2024's Twelfth Night sound designer) discuss their audio artistry while they learn how the subtle tranquility of birds chirping off stage compared to the rattling a scene gets from a jackhammer thumping throughout it, is designed to contribute to overall storytelling. The conversation will be moderated by Associate Forum Coordinator, James Hyett.
History and Design of Shakespearean Gardens
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday, July 5
10:30 a.m. to noon
Founding Artistic Director Tyrone Guthrie said, “The tent must have gardens around it. We don’t want people to think it’s a circus.” Since then, gardens have been a defining element of the Stratford Festival, drawing on a tradition of gardens stretching back to Shakespeare’s day. During a conversation with Stratford Festival Head Gardener Joelle Bulbrook, the Festival's former Head Gardener and designer of the Elizabethan Garden, Harry Jongerden, and University of Western Ontario Professor of English and Cultural Theory Allan Pero, audiences will be taken back through history to learn how this living art form has evolved from Elizabethan times through to the beauty of our Festival grounds. The panel will be moderated by M.J. Kidnie, Professor of English at the University of Western Ontario, who has published widely on Shakespearean performance, adaptation and textual studies.
Understanding Understudies: The Vital Role of Understudies in Theatre
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Sunday, July 6
10:30 a.m. to noon
What is an understudy? What is a swing? This in-depth conversation will feature members of the 2025 company and production teams sharing their own understudy stories. Learn about the discipline, dedication and commitment that allow these extraordinary artists to seamlessly step into a role, becoming the heroes who ensure that the show goes on. Speakers include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels stage manager Maxwell T. Wilson and swing, co-dance captain Anthony MacPherson, along with assistant director of The Winter’s Tale and Stratford Festival casting associate, Aaron Jan, and moderator Monique Lund, assistant director of Annie.
CBC Ideas Week: War and Peace
July 7 to July 13
What does it take to create peace? What ideas and values can knit a society back together – or at least make it possible for enemies to lay down their arms and live side by side? Past peace deals offer badly-needed models for our own time, but the process of making peace is often imperfect, and at worst, peace agreements can cement injustice and make future conflict all but inevitable.
This series, moderated by Ideas host Nahlah Ayed, explores four pivotal attempts to make peace over the last three decades, and asks what we can learn from the best - and worst - thinking of the past. The series culminates in an exploration of what it takes to make peace in the fraught context of the 21st century.
The Good Friday Agreement
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Wednesday, July 9
10:30 a.m. to noon
Over three sleepless nights in 1998 – after years of failed negotiations – unionists and nationalists hammered out the final details of the Good Friday Agreement, bringing peace to Northern Ireland. It was a “masterclass in constructive ambiguity” that allowed different factions to hold on to core convictions while committing to resolve conflicts through peaceful means. Nahlah Ayed and guests Alan McConnell, David Wilson and Branka Marijan discuss the agreement that’s still hailed as a gold standard for addressing intractable conflicts worldwide.
The Oslo Accords
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Thursday, July 10
10:30 a.m. to noon
When Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat met in Washington, D.C. in 1993 to sign the first Oslo Accords, it was supposed to usher in a new era of peace and lay the groundwork for a Palestinian state. But three decades later, the Oslo Accords are primarily remembered as a failure, and the dream of peace is farther away than ever. Nahlah Ayed and guests Michael Molloy, Renée Worringer, Jeffrey Wilkinson and Raja Khouri discuss what went wrong, and what lessons the Oslo Accords hold for the future.
The Dayton Accords
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Friday, July 11
10:30 a.m. to noon
In 1995, rival Bosnian factions met in Dayton, Ohio to negotiate a ceasefire to a brutal war and decide on a new border. Today, the agreement is still holding – but only just. Nationalist fervor, genocide denial and the ghosts of the past still threaten a fragile peace, and the Dayton Accords are remembered as “a synonym for inertia, neglect and despair.” Nahlah Ayed and guests Payam Akhavan, Izabela Steflja and Branka Marijan consider the legacy of Dayton, the unresolved questions that remain today, and the decision to pursue peace before justice.
Peace, Truth, and Reconciliation in South Africa
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday, July 12
10:30 a.m. to noon
After Nelson Mandela was released from prison, the South African apartheid government and its opponents began negotiating the terms of the transition from apartheid to democracy. The 1991 National Peace Accords set a date for the first democratic election, established an interim constitution and, controversially, promised some form of amnesty to perpetrators. They also paved the way for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission that’s still praised as a model for healing – but according to Desmond Tutu, Mandela’s successors left the process “scandalously unfinished.” Nahlah Ayed and guests Kagiso Lesego Molope and Prakash Diar consider what other countries, including Canada, can learn from South Africa about how to dismantle injustice and build truly equitable, multiracial democracies.
Making Peace in the 21st Century
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Sunday, July 21
10:30 a.m. – noon
What can we learn from the successes and failures of the past about how to create a more peaceful world, from Gaza to Ukraine and beyond? What ideas do Indigenous leaders in Canada bring to the work of peace and rebuilding? Nahlah Ayed and guests Cesar Jaramillo, Beverly Jacobs and Payam Akhavan explore what peacemaking means in our own time, and try to chart a course for the future.
The Chicago Tribune at Stratford
July 25 to July 26
Award-winning journalist and chief theatre critic for the Chicago Tribune Chris Jones returns to the Meighen Forum to discuss the themes and ideas that resonate in our 2025 season.
Our Fascination with the Morally Corrupt
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Friday, July 25
10:30 a.m. to noon
Why are we drawn to characters who lack kindness or place their egos above all else? Where do morals reside within a character? How do characters navigate the line between desire and necessity in a play? Join theatre Critic Chris Jones for an engaging discussion with two veteran Festival artists, Tom McCamus and Jonathan Goad, both exploring what it means to do wrong this season in Macbeth and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels respectively, as they consider our love for hating villains.
Little Orphan Annie: From Poem to Musical
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday, July 26
10:30 a.m. to noon
Join us for an unforgettable dive into the world of Annie! From James Whitcomb Riley’s original poem to Harold Gray’s beloved 1924 comic strip and the hit musical that captured hearts everywhere, Annie’s transformation from page to stage is a remarkable journey through American pop culture. Don’t miss this exciting event where renowned theatre critic Chris Jones will discuss the stories and the fascinating evolution of an icon with Chicago Tribune Visual Reporter Kori Rumore and Senior Visual Editor Marianne Mather. Whether you are an aspiring young performer or a longtime Annie fan, this family-friendly event is your chance to discover the layers of history behind one of the most enduring characters in entertainment.
Other Events Coming this Month
The Words of War: A Churchill & Shakespeare CabaretFeaturing Geraint Wyn Davies and Friends
Studio Theatre
Monday, July 7
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join us for a captivating evening dedicated to exploring the life of Winston Churchill. Through conversation about the 2025 themes of war, love and harmony, which happened to define Churchill's legacy, we will peel back the layers of the historical figure’s complex character. Curated and directed by Richard Ouzounian, this event promises an engaging blend of storytelling, music and insightful commentary, featuring a talented cast led by Geraint Wyn Davies (Autolycus in the 2025 season production of The Winter’s Tale) with Laura Condlln (Miss Aggie Mannigan in Annie), Jonathan Goad (Lawrence Jameson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Benjamin Kersey on piano.
Though Churchill was no saint, his journey as a leader was marked by triumphs and tribulations that share their DNA with Shakespearean drama. Peer into Churchill's world through his own eyes, by way of speeches, diaries and letters, interwoven with the timeless verses of Shakespeare. The evening’s words will find joyful companionship in music hall songs and Gilbert & Sullivan—a true reflection of Churchill’s own love for the arts.
Enjoy reflection and laughter while gaining a deeper understanding of an iconic individual and the parallels between his pursuit of meaning and inspiration and that of Shakespeare’s. A truly unique exploration of history, literature and the human spirit!
Dayna Manning Album Release Concert: Field Notes
Tom Patterson Theatre
Monday, July 14
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Discover the newest melodies from Stratford's beloved Juno-nominated singer-songwriter, Dayna Manning, as she pushes the boundaries of her soaring voice and fingerpicking skills to new heights on her eighth studio album, Field Notes. True to form, Manning will be joined by some of Stratford’s finest musicians and her close friends.
Peer into The Playbill
Origins of the Orphan Literary Trope
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Thursday, July 17
10:30 a.m. to noon
In this informative discussion, we’ll dive into the inspiration behind Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables and uncover the origins of Annie. A celebration of child protagonists in literature and beyond, the discussion brings together Professor Mavis Reimer, from the University of Winnipeg, and Professor Michelle Ann Abate from Ohio State University to explore the historical threads in these stories and how they have been woven into the fabric of early 20th-century culture with lasting legacy. The panel will be moderated by this season's Miss Hannigan (Annie) Laura Condlln.
The Art of Movement and Choreography for the Stage
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Thursday, July 24
10:30 a.m. to noon
Join choreographer Stephanie Graham, dancer Sarah O’Brecht (co-founders of Theatre Making Movement), and Adrienne Gould, Stratford Festival choreographer and movement coach as well as a former actor, as they explore the vital role of movement in theatre. From a Shakespearean battle march to the iconic “Exit, pursued by a bear” in The Winter’s Tale, movement directors enhance physical storytelling and deepen emotional connections between actors and audiences. Discover how they choreograph movement beyond dance to elevate theatrical performances.
Celebrated Speakers
Celebrating Oscar Peterson at 100
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Friday, July 18
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Join us for a captivating journey through the life and career of the legendary Oscar Peterson. This unique event will feature rare footage of Oscar Peterson, personal stories and performance video clips. With special guests, including Kelly Peterson, the evening will delve into Oscar's artistic journey through personal anecdotes, providing a deeper connection to his enduring legacy. This celebration hosted by Lee Mergner is part of the global festivities honouring Oscar Peterson's 100th birthday in 2025.
Inside the Story of Murdoch Mysteries
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Saturday, July 19
10:30 a.m. to noon
After attending the Meighen Forum in 2023, Murdoch Mysteries creator and award-winning author Maureen Jennings was inspired to write a Shakespearean episode of Murdoch Mysteries - “Shakespeare's Beard”.
In this exclusive event, Maureen Jennings, director Laurie Lynd, cast member Daniel Maslany (Detective Llewellyn Watts), Festival company member Andrew Chown (who plays actor Allen Courtland in the episode) and Christina Jennings, Chair and President of Shaftesbury, the production company behind Murdoch Mysteries, discuss the beloved Canadian television series, the inspiration behind the storylines, characters and Shakespearean influence. The panel is moderated by Festival actor and former Murdoch Mysteries guest star, Laura Condlln.
Monday Night Music
Guitars From The Pit
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Monday, July 21
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Kevin Barrett, Terry McKenna, Dave Thompson and Michael McClennan have played in the "pit" orchestras for dozens of shows over several decades, both in Stratford and elsewhere. Hear what happens when they go “off book.”
Special Lobby Talk
Mars: The Astrological Key to Macbeth
Lazaridis Hall, Tom Patterson Theatre
Thursday, July 31
10:30 a.m. to noon
Discover the hidden astrological influences woven into Shakespeare’s works! Renowned speaker and author Priscilla Costello, M.A., will illuminate how Shakespeare’s knowledge of astrology shaped his characters and inspired his storytelling. In this captivating talk, Costello reveals how an understanding of Mars brings new layers of meaning to Macbeth while exploring Venus’s sidelined role—and her pivotal presence in The Winter’s Tale. Join us for an eye-opening journey into the celestial symbolism of the Bard’s timeless creations.
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It’s a week of ‘opening nights’ at the Stratford Festival
Monday, May. 26th, 2025
Sara Farb as Rosalind and Christopher Allen as Orlando in As You Like It. (Stratford Festival 2025. Photo: David Hou)
Shakespeare’s As You Like It starts a week of ‘opening nights’, as the Stratford Festival’s 73rd season officially launches tonight with a 7:30 p.m. performance at the Festival Theatre.
Festival Publicity Director Ann Swerdfager told MyStratfordNow guests can expect a glamourous experience with Stratford Police Pipes and Drums on hand, television and media interviews and everyone dressed to the nines.
“People love to come and watch the red carpet moments. It’s a really fun night.”
Swerdfager said although there are previews running beforehand, opening week is the culmination of a lot of hard work from a diverse group of festival employees, from the props department to maintenance, the box office and company actors.
“Everybody is firing on all cylinders as we prepare for this important week where so many of our shows open.”
Tuesday evening sees the opening of the much-anticipated musical Annie, also at the Festival Theatre.
The Avon Theatre officially opens for the season Wednesday with Macbeth, followed by the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Thursday.
Tom Patterson Theatre is the venue for the opening of The Winter’s Tale on Friday and it’s Anne of Green Gables on Saturday at the Avon Theatre.
Forgiveness, Sense and Sensibility, The Art of War, Dangerous Liaisons and Ransacking Troy open later in the Stratford Festival season.
Glitz, glamour and a show: Stratford Festival begins 73rd season
Tuesday, May. 27th, 2025
Popping the Prosecco to signify the start of another Stratford Festival season. (Paul Cluff photo)
Excitement was in the air on Monday night as the Stratford Festival officially started their 73rd season with a red carpet welcome at the Festival Theatre.
Actors from various productions were dressed in Oscar-worthy attire, with sharp suits and dresses for a mass of fans and media who gathered to snap some photos.
Various company members pose for a photo ahead of Monday’s performance of As You Like It. (Paul Cluff photo)
Once inside, guests were treated to a performance of As You Like It.
Opening nights continue Tuesday with Annie at the Festival Theatre.
The Avon Theatre officially opens for the season Wednesday with Macbeth, followed by the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Thursday.
Tom Patterson Theatre is the venue for the opening of The Winter’s Tale on Friday and it’s Anne of Green Gables on Saturday at the Avon Theatre.
Forgiveness, Sense and Sensibility, The Art of War, Dangerous Liaisons and Ransacking Troy open later in the Stratford Festival season.
