Media Release #20

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, June 22, 2011… J.M. Barrie’s fantastical fable, The Admirable Crichton, begins previews today at The Shaw’s Festival Theatre.

Crichton (Steven Sutcliffe) is the perfect butler in the home of Lord Loam (David Schurmann), a lord whose radical desire to topple the natural order of things is completely at odds with his peers, not to mention his ultra conservative butler. Loam’s ideas suffer a serious rethink, however, when the family gets shipwrecked on a desert island far from the shores of England. Slowly the group surrenders to the natural order of things — British class distinctions disappear and the social order is challenged. Who will lead this new society? Indeed it is Crichton who ends up the master and man in charge, but when they are eventually rescued and returned to civilization, can they resume the roles they were born to play?

Inspired by Charles H. Bennett’s illustrated Aesops Fables, director Morris Panych, set designer Ken MacDonald and costume designer Charlotte Dean incorporate many of Barrie’s descriptive stage directions into the action of the play. Integrating animal masks and live music from the roaring 1920s, along with a few dreamlike dance numbers, results in an unconventional storybook frame for this delightfully subversive comedy.

The cast of The Admirable Crichton also features Nicole Underhay as Lady Mary Lasenby and includes Kyle Blair, Martin Happer, Marla McLean, Moya O’Connell and Cherissa Richards, with Guy Bannerman, Anthony Bekenn, Ijeoma Emesowum, Patty Jamieson, Melanie Janzen, Gabrielle Jones, Billy Lake, Colin Lepage, Anthony Malarky, Heather McGuigan, Katie Murphy, Gray Powell, Louie Rossetti, Kiera Sangster, Jonathan Tan, Devon Tullock, Kelly Wong, Ben Sanders and Kellan Ziffle.

The Admirable Crichton has lighting design by Alan Brodie, music direction by Ryan deSouza, sound design by Emily Porter and choreography by Valerie Moore. The stage management team includes Stage Manager Allan Teichman and Assistant Stage Managers Leigh McClymont and Kristopher Weber.

Suitable for families with children ages nine and up, The Admirable Crichton is another great play from the author of Peter Pan. Family friendly packages such as From Pauper to Proper and Upstairs/Downstairs are also available bringing participants further into the world of The Admirable Crichton.

Written in 1902, The Admirable Crichton was first produced in London, then in New York in 1903 and was produced at the Shaw Festival in 1976 (with Michael Ball as Crichton). The play was also made into a film called Paradise Lagoon in 1957, which starred Kenneth More as Crichton. 

The Admirable Crichton, which has already reached $1 million in ticket sales, begins preview performances Wednesday, June 22; opens Saturday, July 9; and plays in repertory until Saturday, October 29.

The Shaw Festival’s milestone season began April 7, 2011, runs until October 30, 2011 and also features productions of My Fair Lady, Candida, On the Rocks, Drama at Inish – A Comedy, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The President, Maria Severa, Heartbreak House, Topdog/Underdog, When the Rain Stops Falling on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages. The 2011 season also includes a special 50^th season two-day event, The Speed of Ideas: A Theatrical Forum featuring award-winning playwrights Tony Kushner and Suzan-Lori Parks and author and renowned theatre critic Michael Billington. For more information on our 50^th season celebrations, please visit www.shawfest.com/our-50th-season. For tickets and information on theatre packages, visit www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172 (local).

Visa Infinite is the official payment card of the Shaw Festival.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck 
Public Relations Director 
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222                   
odette@shawfest.com                                                      

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Media Bulletin #1

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, February 7, 2011. . . . The most talked about movie at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, winner of two Golden Globes and Oscar nominee for Best Picture, The Kids Are All Right, will be screened at the Festival Film Series in place of The King’s Speech on February 12, 2011 at 3 p.m. Due to a scheduling change, the award-winning documentary The Inside Job will now be shown on February 25, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Nic and Jules (three-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and four-time Academy Award nominee Julianne Moore) are married and share a cozy suburban Southern California home with their teenage children, Joni and Laser (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson). As Joni prepares to leave for college, 15-year-old Laser presses her for a big favour. He wants Joni, now 18, to help him find their biological father; the two teenagers were conceived by donor insemination. Against her better judgment, Joni honours her brother’s request and manages to make contact with “bio-dad” Paul (Mark Ruffalo), an easygoing restaurateur. As Paul comes into the lives of the forthright four, an unexpected new chapter begins for them as family ties are defined, re-defined, and then re-re-defined.

Directed by Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon), The Kids Are All Right combines comedic surprise with poignant emotional truth in a funny, vibrant, and richly drawn portrait of a modern family.

Tickets for the Festival Film Series are $11 per person. Advance tickets and same day tickets can be purchased at the Shaw Festival Box Office or by calling 1-800-511-SHAW (7429) (locally 905-468-2172). Feature films are scheduled at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and documentaries screen at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, visit www.shawfest.com/films.

The Festival Film Series is generously supported by advertising sponsor, The Standard, St. Catharines’ daily newspaper.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck 
Public Relations Director 
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222                   
odette@shawfest.com                                                      

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, November 17, 2010 . . . Excitement and enthusiasm for the Shaw Festival’s upcoming golden 50^th season has been building exponentially since final details of the coming season were disclosed at The Shaw’s 2011 season launch in Toronto last week. A strong response to the entire playbill has resulted in ticket sales hitting the $1 million mark — an increase of 14% over the same time last year.

The Shaw Festival’s milestone season begins April 7, 2011, runs until October 30, 2011 and features eleven diverse productions on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages. The landmark season includes productions of My Fair Lady, Heartbreak House, The Admirable Crichton, Drama at Inish – A Comedy, On the Rocks, Maria Severa, Candida, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The President, Topdog/Underdog, When the Rain Stops Falling and a special 50^th season two-day event, The Speed of Ideas  – A Theatrical Forum. Shaw Festival Members were able to purchase tickets to the Shaw Festival’s 50^th season beginning November 6 and the response has been overwhelming.

After the successful hold-over of the audience and critical favorite Harvey, the Shaw Festival’s 49^th season closed on Sunday. Executive Director Colleen Blake today revealed that attendance for the 2010 season reached 262,000 or 67.3% of capacity for 749 performances, a 3.6% increase over last season’s attendance numbers (2009 attendance reached 253,000), and Box Office revenues reached approximately $14.1 million.

“We are thrilled that the 2010 season closed with such strong box office results,” stated Ms. Blake. “Though advance tickets sales for the 2010 season were slow, we made great strides in ticket sales once our productions began their respective runs and the season gained a momentum that is now carrying on in sales for our 50^th season.”

Beginning December 4, Visa Infinite cardholders can purchase tickets to the 2011 season by phone and online until December 23. Tickets go on sale to the general public online at www.shawfest.com beginning January 10 and by phone and in-person on January 15. Ticket prices range from $24 to $30 for youth, $41 for seniors and $32 to $106 for regular priced tickets. Call 1-800-511-7429 to become a Member or to order tickets.

Audited financial reports will be available January 28, 2011 at the Shaw Festival’s Annual General Meeting, to be held at the Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

As a Niagara Region tourism partner, the Shaw’s Box Office revenues translate to an overall economic impact of close to $100 million annually for the Niagara Region.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director 
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com                                                     

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Media Release #28

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, November 11, 2010 . . . The Shaw Festival is pleased to announce a three-season sponsorship designating Visa Infinite as the official payment card at the Shaw Festival.

“This is an exciting time for everyone associated with The Shaw and we are thrilled to have Visa Infinite join us to launch this sponsorship during our landmark 50^th season”, Executive Director Colleen Blake said, “As one of North America’s premier performing arts organizations, the Shaw Festival is proud to be working with our dedicated sponsors, such as Visa Infinite, who recognize the value of the arts in Canada.”

Visa Infinite cardholders are invited to join in the celebrations by taking advantage of the exclusive access this sponsorship offers. Cardholders can order the best seats in the house during a special pre-sale period beginning December 4 to December 23. Ticket prices range from $24 to $30 for youth, $41 for seniors and $32 to $106 for regular tickets. Visa Infinite cardholders can purchase tickets to the Shaw Festival’s 50^th Season by phone at 1-800-511-7429 and online at www.shawfest.com. Additionally, cardholders who purchase tickets or a Shaw Festival membership will receive 20 per cent off Shaw Festival – The First 50 Years, a commemorative book celebrating the Shaw Festival’s rich 50 year history.

“With a Visa Infinite card you can go from ordinary to extraordinary and our sponsorship of the Shaw Festival is no exception,” noted Brenda Woods, Head of Marketing, Visa Canada. “This sponsorship shines a spotlight not only on Visa’s commitment to the arts but also on our cardholders receiving exclusive access to unique Canadian cultural events.”

The Shaw Festival’s 50^th Season begins April 7, 2011, runs until October 30, 2011 and features eleven diverse productions on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages. This landmark season in the Festival’s history includes productions of Shaw re-envisioned by both directors and writers, newly commissioned works, plays by a new generation of provocative playwrights, re-explored classics, returning Festival favourites and a special 50^th season two-day event, The Speed of Ideas  – A Theatrical Forum. The playbill includes My Fair Lady, Heartbreak House, The Admirable Crichton, Drama at Inish – A Comedy, On the Rocks, Maria Severa, Candida, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The President, Topdog/Underdog and When the Rain Stops Falling. 

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, members of the media may contact:  

Odette Yazbeck 
Public Relations Director
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
905-468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, November 10, 2010 … Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell proudly announced today the casting and creative teams for the Shaw Festival’s 50^th season. This milestone season will run from April 7 to October 30 on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages and will feature a dazzling array of theatre. See Shaw re-envisioned by both directors and writers, newly commissioned works, plays by a new generation of provocative playwrights, re-explored classics, returning Festival favourites and a special 50^th season two-day event, The Speed of Ideas – A Theatrical Forum.

Alluding to the significance of this season, Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell stated: “Planning our 50^th season has been an amazing journey – how to combine a celebration of our illustrious past and provide a clear vision for the future – showing that we are up and ready to be a vital part of the national and international theatrical conversation for the next 50 years! We are confident that the following plays and the brilliant selection of theatre artists, who will put their hearts and souls into bringing them to you, will achieve all of the above and most likely more!”

The extraordinary collection of Canadian acting talent has been assembled and all are poised to bring this landmark 50^th season’s playbill to life. The Shaw warmly welcomes back 2010 Company members Michael Ball, Guy Bannerman, Neil Barclay, Anthony Bekenn, Kyle Blair, Donna Belleville, Wade Bogert-O’Brien, Norman Browning, Benedict Campbell, Krista Colosimo, Diana Donnelly, Saccha Dennis, Sharry Flett, Patrick Galligan, Jonathan Gould, Mary Haney, Deborah Hay, Patty Jamieson, Gabrielle Jones, Lorne Kennedy, Peter Krantz, Catherine McGregor, Patrick McManus, Thom Marriott, Julie Martell, Marla McLean, Jim Mezon, Peter Millard, Moya O’Connell, Laurie Paton, Melanie Phillipson, Gray Powell, Ric Reid, David Schurmann, Graeme Somerville, Ken James Stewart, Steven Sutcliffe, Wendy Thatcher, Jay Turvey, Mark Uhre and Jenny L. Wright. In keeping with the Festival’s emphasis on nurturing the careers of emerging theatre artists, participants of the Slaight Family Foundation’s 2010 inaugural Mandate Intensive — Julia Course, Ijeoma Emesowum, Robin Evan Willis, Billy Lake, Anthony Malarky, Craig Pike, Cherissa Richards, Louie Rossetti, Ben Sanders, Jacqueline Thair and Kelly Wong return, along with new members of the Company Colin Lepage, Heather McGuigan and Jonathan Tan.

The Shaw is also delighted to welcome back to its stages Andrew Bunker, Patricia Hamilton, Martin Happer, Jeff Irving, Claire Jullien, Corrine Koslo, Jeff Meadows, Tara Rosling, Nicole Underhay, William Vickers, Blair Williams and Nigel Shawn Williams, as well as Kevin Hanchard, who will make his Shaw Festival debut this season.

Creative teams and primary and secondary castings for the 2011 Season are as follows:

FESTIVAL THEATRE

My Fair Lady
By Frederick Loewe (music) & Alan Jay Lerner (adaptation & lyrics)
Based on Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw
Previews – April 13  Opens – May 28  Closes – October 30
Sponsored by: TD Bank Group

Directed by Molly Smith, musical direction by Paul Sportelli, choreography by Danny Pelzig, set design by Ken MacDonald, costume design by Judith Bowden, lighting design by Jock Munro, sound design by John Lott, projection design by Adam Larsen. Featuring Deborah Hay as Eliza Doolittle, Benedict Campbell as Henry Higgins, Neil Barclay as Alfred Doolittle and Patrick Galligan as Colonel Pickering, with Sharry Flett, Patty Jamieson and Mark Uhre.

Heartbreak House
by Bernard Shaw 
Previews – May 10  Opens – May 25  Closes – October 7
Sponsored by: CIBC

Directed by Artistic Director Emeritus Christopher Newton, designed by Leslie Frankish, lighting design by Lighting Design Director Kevin Lamotte. Featuring Michael Ball as Captain Shotover, Deborah Hay as Hesione Hushabye and Robin Evan Willis as Ellie Dunn, with Benedict Campbell, Patrick Galligan, Patricia Hamilton, Patrick McManus, Laurie Paton, William Vickers and Blair Williams.

The Admirable Crichton
by J.M. Barrie
Previews – June 22  Opens – July 9  Closes – October 29

Directed by Morris Panych, set design by Ken MacDonald, costume design by Charlotte Dean and lighting design by Alan Brodie, with music direction by Ryan deSouza, choreography by Valerie Moore. Featuring Steven Sutcliffe as Crichton, David Schurmann as The Earl of Loam and Nicole Underhay as Lady Mary Lasenby, with Kyle Blair, Martin Happer, Marla McLean, Moya O’Connell and Melanie Phillipson.

 
COURT HOUSE THEATRE

Drama at Inish – A Comedy 
by Lennox Robinson 
Previews – May 6  Opens – May 27  Closes – October 1

Directed by Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, designed by Director of Design William Schmuck, with lighting design by Louise Guinand. Featuring Ric Reid as hotel owner John Twohig, Mary Haney as his sister Lizzie Twohig, Thom Marriott as Hector de la Mare and Corrine Koslo as Constance Constantia, with Donna Belleville, Julia Course, Diana Donnelly, Peter Krantz and Craig Pike.

On the Rocks
by Bernard Shaw
New version by Michael Healey
Previews – June 14  Opens – July 8  Closes – October 8
Sponsored by: Producers Circle

Directed by Joseph Zeigler, designed by Christina Poddubiuk, with lighting design by Louise Guinand. Featuring Peter Krantz as Sir Arthur Chavender and Steven Sutcliffe as Sir Dexter Rightside, with Guy Bannerman, Anthony Bekenn, Mary Haney, Thom Marriott, Marla McLean, Cherissa Richards and David Schurmann.

Maria Severa 
Book, music & lyrics by Jay Turvey & Paul Sportelli
Previews – July 19  Opens – August 5  Closes – September 23
World Premiere

Directed by Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, set design by Judith Bowden, costume design by Sue LePage, with lighting design by Kevin Lamotte and choreography by Eda Holmes. Featuring Julie Martell as Maria Severa and Mark Uhre as Armando, with Neil Barclay, Saccha Dennis, Sharry Flett, Jonathan Gould, Jeff Irving, Jacqueline Thair and Jenny Wright.

ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE 

Candida
by Bernard Shaw
Previews – April 7  Opens – May 28  Closes – October 30 
Sponsored by: Scotiabank Group

Directed by Gina Wilkinson, designed by William Schmuck, with lighting by Jock Munro. Featuring Claire Jullien, as Candida, Nigel Shawn Williams as the Reverend James Mavor Morell and Wade Bogert-O’Brien as Eugene Marchbanks, with Norman Browning, Krista Colosimo and Graeme Somerville.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof  
by Tennessee Williams 
Previews – May 3  Opens – May 26  Closes – October 23
Sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and ArcelorMittal Dofasco

Directed by Eda Holmes, designed by Sue LePage, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte, original music composed by John Gzowski. Featuring Moya O’Connell as Maggie, Gray Powell as Brick, Corrine Koslo as Big Mama and Jim Mezon as Big Daddy, with Patrick McManus and Nicole Underhay.

One-Act Lunchtime:

The President  
by Ferenc Molnár
Adapted by Morwyn Brebner 
Previews – June 3  Opens – July 9  Closes – October 9
Sponsored by: Vintage Hotels

Directed by Blair Williams, designed by Cameron Porteous, lighting design by Jennifer Jimenez. Featuring Lorne Kennedy as President Norrison, with Julie Martell, Jeff Meadows, Peter Millard and a bevy of Ensemble members in multiple roles.

STUDIO THEATRE

The Shaw’s on-going exploration of contemporary Shavians continues with the Canadian premieres of two productions by two current celebrated playwrights.

Topdog/Underdog 
by Suzan-Lori Parks
Previews – July 19  Opens – August 6  Closes – August 27 
Sponsored by: Paradigm Capital Inc.
Canadian premiere

Directed by Philip Akin, designed by Camellia Koo, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte. Featuring Kevin Hanchard as Booth and Nigel Shawn Williams as Lincoln.

When the Rain Stops Falling 
by Andrew Bovell 
Previews – August 11  Opens – August 26  Closes – September 17
Sponsored by: Paradigm Capital Inc.
Canadian premiere

Directed by Peter Hinton, designed by Camellia Koo, lighting design by Kevin Lamotte. Featuring Donna Belleville, Wade Bogert-O’Brien, Diana Donnelly, Jeff Meadows, Peter Millard, Ric Reid, Tara Rosling, Graeme Somerville and Wendy Thatcher.

A number of special events and exhibits are planned to commemorate and celebrate this milestone 50^th season including:

The Speed of Ideas – A Theatrical Forum
July 23 – July 24, 2011
A 50^th season celebratory event, this unique two-day forum of debate and discussion celebrates the core of the Shaw Festival’s mandate – the necessity of provocative ideas, and features two of North America’s most thought-provoking playwrights Tony Kushner and Suzan-Lori Parks, along with renowned theatre critic and commentator Michael Billington of The Guardian.

Commemorative Book: Shaw Festival – The First 50 Years
Written by Shaw scholar Leonard Conolly and designed by Scott McKowen, Art Director of The Shaw’s house programmes, this commemorative book tells the story of the Shaw Festival from its beginning to the present day celebrating its rich 50-year history. Scheduled to be released in April 2011.

The Shaw Festival welcomes Visa Infinite as a Major Sponsor and acknowledges the generous support of the following sponsors for the 2011 Season:

Major Sponsor
Official Payment Card – Visa Infinite

Major Supporter
The Slaight Family Academy – The Slaight Family Foundation

Production Sponsors
My Fair Lady – TD Bank Group
Heartbreak House – CIBC
On the Rocks – Producers Circle
Candida – Scotiabank Group
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
                                        – ArcelorMittal Dofasco
The President – Vintage Hotels
Topdog/Underdog – Paradigm Capital Inc.
When the Rain Stops Falling – Paradigm Capital Inc.

 Project Sponsors
Education Partner – Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life
Theatre Programs for Youth – Lombard Insurance Company
Arts Accessibility Program – Sun Life Financial
Apprenticeship Program – RBC Foundation

Media And Product Sponsors
CTV
Toronto Star
98.1 CHFI
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
Inniskillin Winery

Tickets for the Shaw Festival’s 50^th Season went on sale to Shaw Festival Members on November 6. Visa Infinite cardholders can purchase tickets by phone and online beginning December 4. Tickets to the general public go on sale January 10 and can be ordered by mail, fax or online at www.shawfest.com. Tickets orders by phone or in person will be accepted beginning January 15. Ticket prices range from $24 to $30 for youth, $41 for seniors and $32 to $106 for regular tickets. Call 1-800-511-7429 to order tickets or to become a Member.

*Information accurate as of November 10, 2011.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Theatre Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
1-800-657-1106 or 905-468-2153 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
1-800-657-1106 or 905-468-2153 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, November 3, 2010…Harvey, the whimsical theatrical gem that has delighted sold-out audiences since previewing in April, will continue to enchant audiences at the Royal George Theatre until November 14 . Don’t miss the Mary Chase Pulitzer Prize-winning play about mild-mannered eccentric Elwood Dowd and his best friend Harvey that’s been a certifiable hit with audiences and critics alike.

Directed by Joseph Ziegler, Harvey features Peter Krantz as Elwood Dowd, Mary Haney as his sister Veta Simmons, Norman Browning as Dr Chumley, as well as Guy Bannerman, Zarrin Darnell-Martin and Gray Powell, with Donna Belleville, Jennifer Dzialoszynski, Peter Millard, Jennifer Phipps and Tim Ziegler. Marla McLean takes over the role of Nurse Kelly originally performed by Diana Donnelly.

The additional performances are as follows:

• Tuesday through Friday at 2 p.m. for two weeks ($23 student and $40 senior tickets available)
• Saturday, November 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• Sunday, November 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are selling fast! To purchase tickets now to Harvey, please contact the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW (7429) or order online at www.shawfest.com.

Harvey is sponsored by Scotiabank Group.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Reltions Director
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, September 29, 2010 . . . Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival’s namesake, once wrote: “the greatest of our evils, and the worst of our crimes is poverty”, and so on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 8 p.m. at the Royal George Theatre, the Shaw Festival will proudly present the 22^nd Annual Festival for Freedom Benefit Concert in support of Amnesty International’s campaign to Demand Dignity.

Hosted by Shaw Ensemble member Norman Browning (Harvey and Half an Hour), this evening of family-friendly entertainment will feature the range and diverse talents of the 2010 Company.  Gloria Nafziger, Coordinator for Refugees and Migrants, will be the evening’s guest speaker.

Amnesty International continues its campaign to Demand Dignity, which ensures that human rights are at the heart of the global effort to end poverty which has been envisioned by the Millennium Development Goals. In Canada, a major focus of the campaign will be to address the connections between poverty and the failure to protect the land rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“We will contribute to the achievement of universal primary education, gender equality, better access to fair employment, improvement in healthcare for women and children, better and more secure housing, and adequate provision of food, water and sanitation”, explained Local Amnesty Chair Martha Cisneros. “Amnesty International believes that upholding human rights is essential for ending poverty.”

Since 1989, The Shaw has raised well over $101,000 for Amnesty International through this event.  Shaw Festival Company members from all departments donate their time and talents supporting this worthy cause.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Martha Cisneros at 905-468-0481 or in-person at the Shaw Festival Shop (cash only). 

Amnesty International is a world-wide movement of people dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights, campaigning to free prisoners of conscience and end political killings, “disappearances” and torture. Those interested in joining the local chapter of Amnesty International may contact Martha Cisneros at 905-468-0481.

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In the spirit of George Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.  

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
1-800-657-1106 or 905-468-2153 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand    
Public Relations Coordinator      
1-800-657-1106 or 905-468-2153 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com    

Martha Cisneros
Chair
Amnesty International – Group 137
Niagara-on-the-Lake Chapter
905-468-0481

 Media Release #25

My roots are in the past: my hopes are in the future.” ~ Bernard Shaw

Welcome to the Shaw Festival’s 50th season — one which celebrates the past, while looking enthusiastically forward. As explained by Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell, “This milestone season gives us an opportunity to honour the extraordinary achievements of our past, while creating vivid new signposts for our future, showing how the Shaw Festival will play a leading role in the theatrical conversation of the next 50 years and more.”

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, September 21, 2010 . . . The 2011 Season will feature eleven diverse productions that include: Shaw re-envisioned by both directors and writers, newly commissioned works, plays by a new generation of provocative playwrights, re-explored classics and returning Festival favourites appearing on the Festival’s four Niagara-on-the-Lake stages: the Festival Theatre, the Court House Theatre, the Royal George Theatre and the new Studio Theatre.

Three plays by Shaw on three Festival stages

Heartbreak House
by Bernard Shaw
Directed by Christopher Newton
Festival Theatre                         
Previews – May 10   Opens – May 25   Closes – October 7

Bernard Shaw’s epic masterpiece returns for our 50th season. An unexpected family reunion leads to fireworks both indoors and out.

On the Rocks
by Bernard Shaw
Directed by Joseph Zeigler
Court House Theatre
Previews – June 14   Opens – July 8   Closes – October 8

Bernard Shaw’s political comedy gets a “contemporary remix” by Dora-award winning playwright Michael Healey. This re-envisioned version of Shaw’s play asks the question: when the citizens are about to revolt, what’s better — a Prime Minister with too many ideas or not enough of them?

Candida
by Bernard Shaw
Directed by Gina Wilkinson
Royal George Theatre
Previews – April 7   Opens – May 28   Closes – October 30

The delightful comedy that opened the Shaw Festival’s first season returns for the Festival’s 50th — the classic story of a love triangle about a dutiful wife torn between her pastor husband and the ardent love of a young poet.

Two musicals: a timeless classic re-envisioned; the other a world premiere

My Fair Lady
by Frederick Loewe (music) & Alan Jay Lerner (adaptation & lyrics).
Based on Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw
Directed by Molly Smith
Festival Theatre
Previews – April 13 Opens – May 28 Closes – October 30

Making its much anticipated first appearance at the Shaw Festival, the glorious music, book and lyrics of the Lerner and Loewe musical that is based on Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion is celebrated in a fresh new vigorous production of this beloved story.

Maria Severa
book, music & lyrics by Jay Turvey & Paul Sportelli
Directed by Jackie Maxwell
Court House Theatre
Previews – July 19   Opens – August 5   Closes – September 23
World Premiere

A romantic new musical about the legendary Maria Severa and the birth of Fado, the Portuguese music of the street that touched the heart of a people, makes its world premiere at The Shaw.

50th Season also features comedies, drama and a remount of the 2008 hit The President

The Admirable Crichton
by J.M. Barrie
Directed by Morris Panych
Festival Theatre
Previews – June 22   Opens – July 9   Closes – October 29

An aristocratic lord’s theories of class equality are put to the test when they are cast out of civilization and left shipwrecked on a desert island. Only their butler, the admirable Crichton knows what to do; but when they return home will this new island hierarchy survive amongst Victorian society? A hilarious social satire.

Drama at Inish – A Comedy
by Lennox Robinson
Directed by Jackie Maxwell
Court House Theatre
Previews – May 6   Opens – May 27   Closes – October 1
Canadian Premiere

Introducing a delightful Irish ensemble gem, Drama at Inish – A Comedy. When the usual visiting comedy troupe is replaced by the De La Mare Repertory Company and their serious dramatic fare, the citizens of Inish are mesmerized and transformed, with hilarious results. A play that speaks to the power of theatre.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Eda Holmes
Royal George Theatre
Previews – May 3   Opens – May 26   Closes – October 23

Mendacity and money pit Brick against Maggie the Cat and Big Daddy. The tension-laden Pulitzer Prize winning family drama brings the sultry heat of Mississippi Delta and Tennessee Williams’ rich language back to the Shaw Festival. The last Tennessee Williams work presented at the Shaw Festival was 2007’s Summer and Smoke.

The President
by Ferenc Molnár
Adapted by Morwyn Brebner
Directed by Blair Williams
Royal George Theatre (Lunchtime)
Previews – June 3   Opens – July 9   Closes – October 9

Following audience and critical acclaim, the inspired one-act whirlwind about a bank CEO who transforms a lowly cabdriver into a suitable suitor for the girl in his charge returns to the Shaw Festival. This hilarious, must-see production was a smash hit of the 2008 season.

The exploration of provocative, subversive contemporary playwriting continues

Topdog/Underdog
by Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Philip Akin
Studio Theatre
Previews – July 19   Opens – August 6   Closes – August 27
Canadian premiere
Presented in association with Obsidian Theatre

This award-winning play by one of North America’s most thought-provoking playwrights features a dark comic portrait of two brothers, sardonically named Lincoln and Booth, their struggle to survive and their confrontation of history, family and the future. A Canadian premiere this season at the Shaw Festival.

When the Rain Stops Falling
by Andrew Bovell
Directed by Peter Hinton
Studio Theatre
Previews – August 11   Opens – August 26   Closes – September 17
Canadian premiere

Celebrated Australian playwright Andrew Bovell’s compelling generational epic When the Rain Stops Falling will make its Canadian premiere at the Shaw Festival. An epic and intimate journey that crosses two continents, spans four generations and weaves an intricate story of connections, loss and mystery begins with a son trying to reconnect with his father and a fish that falls from the sky.

Tickets for the Shaw Festival’s 50th Season go on sale to Shaw Festival Members beginning November 6. Tickets to the general public go on sale in January. Ticket prices will range from $24 to $30 for youth, $41 for seniors and $32 to $106 for regular tickets. Be the first in line to order tickets to The Shaw’s landmark 50th season. Call 1-800-511-7429 to become a Member.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Media Release #24

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, September 15, 2010. . .Are you a shower soprano? A bathroom bass or baritone? A timid tenor? Ever wondered if you could sing like the pros? The Shaw Festival invites all singers of all levels to take part in a free musical theatre workshop on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Festival Theatre’s rehearsal hall as part of the inaugural national Culture Days.

Conducted by Music Director Paul Sportelli and Associate Conductor Ryan deSouza, members of the Shaw Festival’s ensemble will guide participants through the process of how to Sing Like the Pros! and provide a rare behind the scenes glimpse into the world of musical theatre. Enter through the stage door and become part of The Shaw’s renowned acting ensemble for the day.

“Culture Days is an exciting national initiative that places arts and culture in the forefront; reminding us that the arts play a significant role in our everyday lives, not only providing entertainment, but enlightenment and inspiration,” says Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell. “It is through the arts that communities learn about each other, come together and thrive. The Shaw Festival proudly opens its doors and welcomes all participants of the Culture Days festivities and looks forward to taking part, in what I hope, will become annual celebrations.”

For more information, please visit www.shawfest.com or contact the Box Office at 1-800-511-7429 (local 905-468-2172).

Culture Days is a collaborative pan-Canadian volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.

For a full listing of Culture Days events, please visit www.culturedays.ca.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, or to download images from our image bank to accompany this release, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com

Media Release #23

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, September 8, 2010. . .Budding actors in grades 3 to 12 can discover the exciting world of theatre through the Shaw Festival’s ten-week theatre program for young people beginning Saturday, October 2, 2010.

Conducted by members of the Shaw Festival’s ensemble, this engaging and interactive program is designed to complement the student’s already existing classroom experience, while encouraging the discovery of new theatrical skills, exploration of inner creativity and development of self-confidence. 

Classes will be held every Saturday at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake beginning October 2 until December 11. Class level, times and pricing (pre-taxed) are as follows:

• Junior Company I (Grades 3 – 4): 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., $195.00
• Junior Company II (Grades 5 – 6): 10 a.m. – 11:30am, $195.00
• Intermediate Company (Grades 7 – 8): 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., $195.00
• Senior Company (Grades 9 – 10): 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., $236.00
• Musical Theatre (Grades 11-12): 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., $236.00.

 For more information, please visit www.shawfest.com/theatreschool or contact Suzanne Merriam at 1-800-657-1106 (local 905-468-2153) x 2265.  To register, please call the Box Office at 1-800-511-7429 (local 905-468-2172).

 The Shaw Theatre School for Young People is part of the Slaight Family Academy.

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In the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival provokes the mind and stirs the soul through a theatre experience so compelling that, year after year, ever-broadening groups of artists, audiences and supporters are drawn to our work in Niagara-on-the-Lake and beyond.

Please visit our website at http://www.shawfest.com/news for other Shaw Festival media releases. For more information, members of the media may contact:

Odette Yazbeck
Public Relations Director
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2222
odette@shawfest.com

Jenniffer Anand
Public Relations Coordinator
(905) 468-2153 or 1-800-657-1106 ext. 2224
janand@shawfest.com