Mary’s Musings

Annie By Mary Alderson “This is not your Granny’s Annie.” So says 11-year-old Harper Rae Asch, who has the role of Annie at Stratford’s Festival Theatre. By that, she means It isn’t like productions you may have seen in the past, nor is it like the movie versions. Harper knows; she has watched the various […]

Macbeth By Mary Alderson Shakespeare’s Macbeth takes us back to 11th century Scotland for a bloody battle when an ambitious General, abetted by his cruel wife, decides he wants to be King and kills all those who might stand in his way. But the Macbeth on stage this season at the Stratford Festival is a

Anne of Green Gables  By Mary Alderson When Caroline Toal was told, over a Zoom call, that she was going to be Canada’s newest Anne of Green Gables, she cried tears of joy. She had been dreaming of the iconic role, and when some time had passed without hearing any news, she had given up

By Mary Alderson The experience of being in a play together performing as sisters has turned two young women into the closest of friends. Jessica B. Hill and Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane have the roles of Elinor Dashwood and Marianne Dashwood respectively. They obviously love each other like sisters and love the show that brought them together.

The Art of War  By Mary Alderson In 2000, playwright Yvette Nolan visited the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, and happened to notice a display of art which depicted Canadian soldiers in World Wars I and II. “What? We sent painters to war?” Nolan asked. Who knew? Well, apparently talented young artists knew they

Ransacking Troy By Mary Alderson It’s evident that Maev Beaty and Irene Poole appreciate the concept behind Ransacking Troy. The two women, both brilliant, long-time actors at the Stratford Festival, are obviously enthused about their roles in Erin Shields’ play, premiering this year. Shields has a talent for re-writing the classics, giving them a refreshing,

How the Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn May 30 – June 22 Spirnger Theatre Britain’s brilliant comic genius, Sir Alan Ayckbourn serves us a fast-paced and hilariously funny theatrical meal. This classic modern comedy is a portrait of three very different marriages that turns into a spirited game of mixed doubles involving sex, jealousy

Desperate to be Doris by Sue Ryding & Maggie Fox May 29 – June 7 Canadian Premiere A feelgood comedy set in a pajama factory. Featuring the songs of Doris Day sung by a community choir! Come Down from Up River by Norm Foster June 25 – July 5 A heartfelt comedy of family and belonging, from Canada’s

Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt is proud to announce the company’s 2025 season. The playbill is once again set to deliver Blyth’s signature mix of laughter, tears, and celebration of Canadian history. Garratt says he’s chosen the five shows on next season’s playbill to highlight our constant need to change and adapt to new realities

The OOH! is boasting three hit shows in their 2025 season. A Woman’s Love List by Norm Foster July 3 to 18, 2025 Megan and Carly write down a list of qualities that describe the Perfect Man, and much to their surprise, he appears! This hilarious comedy explores a woman’s quest for the perfect mate.