Downie Street South
Stratford, Ontario, Canada

Phone: 519-271-6376
Fax: 519-271-0682
E-mail: info@swanmotel.ca

The Swan Diary

Twelfth Night - the musical???

I was delighted to see that  this Twelfth Night  has been updated to more modern times with the addition of original music composed by its director, Des McAnuff, and performed by a talented troupe of musicians, featuring Ben Carlson as Feste, the fool.   Carlson's Bob Dylanish voice is lovely.  My Stratford's got talent! Stephen Quimette as Sir Andrew Aguecheek gets laughs with his expressions alone. I've seen the play with "the twins" many times and always felt it got bogged down in places but this production, with the addition of musical numbers and Jersey Boys type flash keeps the audience engaged.  There is good delineation of characters who often get confused in some of the comedies.  This production is a fresh and new interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies and really rocks the house. 

Posted on Aug 2, 2011 - 1:18 pm

Titus Andronicus

Titus Andronicus is truly Shakespeare's bloodiest and goriest play and not for all tastes, no pun intended...  Darko Tresnjak does an excellent job of directing many of Stratford's finest actors in what has always proven to be a difficult play.  John Vickery gives a strong performance in the title role as does Amanda Lisman as his daughter, Lavinia.  Other cast members, including the evil Aaron played by Dion Johnstone, and the naieve Emperor, played by Sean Arbuckle, elevate this wordy piece into a compelling story of bloody revenge.  The Patterson stage is well utilized and the set design, also by Tresnjak, though minimalist, serves to help the audience focus on the text.  This show is not for the faint of heart and I had to cover my eyes at times.  That said, any lover of Shakespeare should see this early tragedy  when the opportunity presents as it is rarely produced.  This production is superbly acted and should not be missed.  As for the blood, guts, gore and more, they are all part of the story.  Consider this show a rite of passage...

Posted on Jul 20, 2011 - 3:38 pm

My Mistake!

I just noticed upon reading my JCS blog that I made a small error.  Josh Young plays Judas and does a fabulous job!  Please read "Josh" Young and not "John".  I was typing too quickly--again!!!   So sorry Josh...

Posted on Jul 13, 2011 - 8:45 am

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