June 18, 2010
2010 SHAKESPEARE CAST REVEALED
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the brilliant cast of this year's plays: The Merchant of Venice and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
The Merchant of Venice – Presented by SaskTel
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan welcomes back Henry Woolf to lead the cast of this magnificent play, taking on the challenging role of Shylock, the rich Jewish financier who lends money to his Christian rival, Antonio (the merchant, played by Shakespeare veteran Ralph Blankenagel). Antonio is borrowing on behalf of his good friend Bassanio (played by Matt Burgess), who plans to travel to Belmont to win the hand of rich heiress Portia (played by Angela Christie, last seen on the stage in 2004), but needs money to woo her in style. Shylock sees an opportunity to exact revenge on Antonio for past persecution, and sets the stakes of the loan high – should Antonio default on the loan, Shylock will extract a pound of his flesh. Meanwhile, Antonio's good friend Lorenzo (played by recent U of S graduate Ed Mendez) manages to catch the eye of Shylocks daughter Jessica (Jamie Lee Shebelski) and convinces her to escape with him and convert to Christianity - further fueling Shylocks contempt. Emerging artist Cassidy Thomson joins the cast for her debut performance as Nerissa, Portia's lady-in-waiting and love interest of Gratiano, friend to Bassanio played by Leon Willey (also performing for his first time on the Shakespeare stage). Theatre Ecstasis co-founder Josh Beaudry lends his comedic talents to play Launcelot Gobbo, one of Shakespeare's best clowns.
The Merry Wives of Windsor – Presented by PotashCorp
Robert Benz (Nick Bottom in last year's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream) returns for his fourth season under the big festival tent to play Sir John Falstaff, a boisterous scoundrel who has traveled to Windsor with a plan to swindle two wealthy women for their husband's money. Angela Christie tackles the role of Mistress Page, alongside Catherine Harrison (last seen in Shakespeare's "Titus" Project) as Mistress Ford - the two targets of Falstaff's plan. The women prove to be smarter than Falstaff, and quickly turn his plans against him – much to their amusement. Meanwhile, Mistress Page is engaged in a battle with her husband (Matt Burgess) over who should wed their daughter Anne, played by Jamie Lee Shebelski. Mistress Page favours Caius (Josh Beaudry), Master Page favours Slender (Ed Mendez), and Anne favours Master Fenton (played by newcomer Philip Stonhouse). Ralph Blankenagel plays the neurotic husband of Mistress Ford who fears that his wife will succumb to the charms of Falstaff, and Cassidy Thomson takes on the role of Mistress Quickly, the town's local busybody.
With Production Stage Management by Laura Kennedy (assisted by Jennifer Rathie-Wright) and an amazing design team, the 2010 season of Faire Faces and False Hearts will dazzle and entertain. Imaginative Mark von Eschen provides the Artistic Direction; with amazing sets by Carla Orosz, lighting by Stephen Wade, and remarkable costumes by Beverley Kobelsky.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan opens its gates in less than three weeks, with performances running in repertory from July 7 to August 22. Tickets are on sale now through the on-site box office (652-9100) or online (www.ticketmaster.ca). For more info visit: shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at: (306) 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
June 4, 2010
Guest Performers Join Shakespeare's Summer Line-up
Shakespeare
on the Saskatchewan is pleased to welcome DancEgypt, Dance Saskatchewan, and
the Upisasik Theatre Company to its stage this summer, fleshing out the
Festival's Monday schedule with exciting guest entertainment throughout July
and August.
DancEgypt Presents: The Circle of the Dance
July 12, 19, & 26 (8:00pm)
Relive the history of Egyptian Dance from its origins 3000 years ago
when it was an integral part of culture and ritual, to its migration through
Europe and North America where it became known as a form of entertainment
called Belly Dance, and finally back to its glory as a cultural dance where
thousands of people learn, practice, teach and perform it. Join us in a
Middle Eastern Dance spectacular as we meet our ancestors and move closer to
closing the Circle of the dance. Adult admission is $25; students and
seniors $20; and children get in for $12. Also take advantage of
Shakespeare's procrastinator week savings, and save $5 when purchasing tickets
for the July 12th performance.
Dance Saskatchewan Presents: Dance on the Saskatchewan
August 9 & 16 (8:00pm)
Dance Saskatchewan Presents Dance on the Saskatchewan. A
collection of performance works featuring a variety of dance genres from all
across Saskatchewan. Join us for DSI's first presentation of dance on the
main stage of the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival tent located on the
banks of the South Saskatchewan River in the heart of Saskatoon. Pre-Show
entertainment will commence at 6:30 p.m. with the main show starting at 8
p.m. Don't miss this celebration of Saskatchewan's growing, diverse and
vibrant dance community. Adult admission is $20; children and seniors get
in for $15.
Upisasik Theatre Company Presents: The Batoche Musical
July 26 (1:00pm)
Finally! The Batoche Musical returns to Saskatoon! Ernestine and Alphonse Pilon were the first couple to marry after the Battle of Batoche. Now they're celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary and you're invited! Join them as their story comes to life through song, dance and laughter. You'll see how the young Alphonse and Ernestine met and how the events of 1885 changed their lives. The Batoche Musical is more than a celebration of Alphonse and Ernestine. It is a celebration of metis culture. As part of their extended family, you are invited to join in the fun! Tickets: $22.50
The 2010 Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival runs
from July 7th to August 22nd on its beautiful riverbank
site next to the Mendel Art Gallery. Featured this year is The Merry
Wives of Windsor, a rollicking farce featuring the antics of the
incomparable rogue Sir John Falstaff, and The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare's
brilliant exploration of prejudice and usury. To take advantage of this
year's special Procrastinators' Week savings, visit any Ticketmaster
outlet and order your tickets now! For more information, visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at: (306) 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
May 31, 2010
RBC FOUNDATION SUPPORTING EMERGING ARTISTS AT 2010 SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Shakespeare
on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the latest artists to join the cast
of this year's season of Faire Faces and False Hearts, signed with
gracious financial support from the RBC Foundation through its marvelous new
initiative, the Emerging Artists Program.
Designed
to foster the growth of young performing artists in our community, the RBC
Foundation's Emerging Artists Program is an important new partnership that
has created a fantastic opportunity for recent (or soon to be) drama graduates
in our province to gain valuable experience on the Shakespeare stage. By
helping to defray the cost of employment, the RBC Foundation has allowed
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan to hire three up-and-coming actors to take on
challenging roles in this year's magnificent plays. The program falls in
line with one of the Festival's core guiding principles – to employ
Saskatchewan artists – and will expand on a long-standing tradition to hire at
least one apprentice actor each summer.
Auditions
were held in the spring, and this year's talented participants have now been
cast. Saskatoon's own Cassidy Thomson will be joining the crew to take on
the roles of "Mistress Quickly" in The Merry Wives of Windsor and
"Nerissa" in The Merchant of Venice. Cassidy recently earned her
B.F.A. in Acting at the University of Saskatchewan, and spent a special term
abroad at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (in the UK) that focused
solely on classical acting including Shakespeare and other Jacobean
works. Later this year, she is starting her own acting company, called
Thigh High Theatre, with a fellow U of S graduate.
Taking
on the role of "Fenton" in The Merry Wives of Windsor, and "Solanio" in The
Merchant of Venice, is Philip Stonhouse. Philip has lived in
Saskatoon for most of his life and has long had a passion for theatre. As
a teenager, he earned a special feature in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix for his
role in a high school production of It's a Beautiful Life. He also
spent several years performing at the Off-Broadway Dinner Theatre. After
a brief term at the U of S, Philip was accepted into a special Theatre and
Drama Studies Program at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) where
he has performed in a number of shows, including a special joint production of
Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, and The Taming of the Tamer (John Fletcher). Phillip has been training at UMT for three years.
Last,
but not least, is Ed Mendez, who will be playing "Lorenzo" in The Merchant
of Venice and "Slender" in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Ed is
no stranger to the Shakespeare stage. In 2008 (having just earned his
B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Saskatchewan) he performed for the
first time as a professional in Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's productions
of The Tempest and Henry IV: Part I. Since then, he has
been involved in a four-month long touring puppet show with Wide Open Theatre,
and performed with up-and-coming comedy sketch group, Skit Skit. Later
this year, Ed will be serving on the Board of Directors for the Live Five
Independent Theatre group.
Beginning
in June, this year's Emerging Artists will begin four weeks of intense
rehearsals before appearing on stage with their professional acting partners in
front of a live audience on the 7th of July. The process will
be challenging; not only will they be working with some of Saskatchewan's
finest professional artists – they'll be performing material written by the
greatest and most influential playwright to have ever lived. Learning two
plays in a four-week period is no easy task; however, by the end of the
Festival's seven-week run, the actors will have performed in front of nearly
12,000 people on one of Saskatchewan's most demanding stages, allowing them to
gain a wealth of new experience and exposure that is certain to help propel
their professional careers.
The 2010 Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival runs
from July 7th to August 22nd on its beautiful riverbank
site next to the Mendel Art Gallery. Featured this year is The Merry
Wives of Windsor, a rollicking farce featuring the antics of the
incomparable rogue Sir John Falstaff, and The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare's
brilliant exploration of prejudice and usury. To take advantage of this
year's special Procrastinators' Week savings, visit any Ticketmaster
outlet and order your tickets now! For more information, visit www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at: (306) 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
December 10th, 2009
AGM REVEALS BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors was pleased to present this year’s annual report to its membership Wednesday December 9th. The company had a very successful year artistically; and despite poor weather in July it faired well financially as well.
Board president Don Greer spoke of the successful twenty-fifth anniversary season featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Antony & Cleopatra. Based on the recent success, he anticipates great prosperity over the next twenty-five years. Greer thanked board, staff, volunteers, and artists for a great year and led members in a round of applause for the work of Mark von Eschen, Artistic and Executive Director.
Darren Howarth, Treasurer, presented the financial statements and was pleased to announce that the company was successful in achieving the ambitious budget for the twenty-fifth anniversary year. Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan records a $14,000 profit for the year and is slowly building a reserve fund to insure financial security in the future. A recently developed capital fund will be used to purchase and/or replace much needed equipment for the company.
Artistic and Executive Director Mark von Eschen credits the company’s success over the last five years to building a successful team within the company that is supported by an incredible set of local sponsors that believe in the importance of Shakespeare in our community.
Elections were held for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors. The Board’s Executive team will remain the same; President Don Greer and Secretary Jessica Hughes were re-elected for two-year terms along with members-at-large Marc Bourassa and George Haines. The Board is also excited to welcome two new members to its team; Bill Quine and Karen Pitka bring with them a wealth of combined experience that will make them a great addition to the board.
Audience survey statistics for the past season were also presented to the members. Overall impressions of the festival were very positive; over 90% of respondents rated quality of production as excellent and over 95% said that they would attend the festival again. The Festival entertained people from all across Canada as well as visitors from the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at: (306) 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
November 12th, 2009
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL REVEALS
FIRST CAST MEMBER FOR 2010
Earlier this morning, media and supporters of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan gathered at the company's new home in Saskatoon's Dance Saskatchewan building to listen in on a major announcement regarding plans for next year's festival.
Executive and Artistic Director Mark von Eschen has revealed the first cast member to join the team; former Artistic Director Henry Woolf is returning to the Festival – this time to lend his talents as an actor, taking on the challenging role of Shylock in next season's thrilling production of The Merchant of Venice.
Woolf has acted and directed for over fifty years, and holds a long list of credits in both film and television as well as on the stage. He has been living and working in Saskatoon for nearly 30 years, and during that time has shown great leadership in the City's vibrant theatre scene. From 1983 to 1997 Woolf served as an educator at the University of Saskatchewan, (eventually becoming the head of its Drama department) where he went on to help many aspiring actors improve their craft. In 1994 he received the University's Master Teacher Award for his distinguished service. During this same time-frame Henry also became involved with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and in 1991 he became the Festival's Artistic Director, where he would lead the company to great success over the next decade.
Since leaving the festival in 2001, Woolf has continued to lead an active career in theatre. Earlier this year Henry toured Ireland in Samuel Beckett's Endgame (Henry is a self proclaimed "Beckett Freak" after playing in Beckett's Waiting for Godot at Persephone Theatre last year). He recently took part in two commemorative performances for famed British playwright Harold Pinter (Pinter and Woolf were lifelong friends and collaborators) in New York and England, where he received unwavering praise for his work.
Woolf's very first job as a professional actor was touring Shakespeare in Ireland way back in 1957; The Merchant of Venice if you would believe it, as Launcelot Gobbo. Now, a mere half-century later, he is pleased to re-visit the play as he takes on the challenging role of Shylock.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's 2010 season of "Faire Faces and False Hearts" is scheduled to run from July 7th to August 16th in the heart of Saskatoon and will feature The Merchant of Venice, a witty combination of comedy and tragedy, playing alongside The Merry Wives of Windsor, a fast-paced farce that will have audiences rolling with laughter.
September 11th, 2009
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2010 LINEUP
It has only been a matter of weeks since Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan closed its gates and called it a "wrap" for one more season; but with the tents packed away and the dust beginning to settle, the company is already eager to get started on plans for next summer.
This year's festivities marked Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's 25th anniversary and featured two of the bard's most brilliant plays: A Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony & Cleopatra. Stellar reviews and positive audience feedback helped to boost mainstage attendance to over 11,000 for the season (about a 30% increase over last year); however poor weather in July caused overall ticket sales to fall a few thousand dollars short of projections (about 2%). All things considered, festival organizers believe the event faired quite well in a time when tough economic conditions are forcing many organizations to report sales declines of 20% or more. The Festival managed to finish the summer debt-free and in stable financial shape.
It'll be another year before Shakespeare's tents rise again on the sunny banks of the South Saskatchewan River, but eager theatergoers will have an amazing summer to look forward to. Dubbed the season of "faire faces and false hearts", Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce next year's exciting lineup featuring The Merchant of Venice, a witty combination of comedy and tragedy that is certain to enthrall, and The Merry Wives of Windsor, the hilarious and fast paced farce that will have audiences rolling with laughter.
More details about Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's 2010 season will be announced in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Festival would like to thank all of the sponsors, funders, donors, and volunteers that helped make this year a success.
August 18th, 2009
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL WRAPS UP 25th SEASON
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan celebrated its last performance of the summer this past Sunday, wrapping up another thrilling season along the river’s edge and marking the end of the company’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Despite cold, wet weather, the tents were packed and spirits were high.
This year’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Antony & Cleopatra (both proudly presented by SaskTel) got off to a slow start, but quickly gained momentum as the weeks rolled by. Cold and dreary weather in the early part of July caused many eager theatergoers to become cautious, with many opting to hold out for sunnier conditions before purchasing their tickets. Stellar reviews and outstanding audience response helped to give the shows a much needed boost, however, and by the last weeks of the festival the company was able to fill its house to capacity fifteen times, including ten of the last twelve performances.
Overall the season was a much-needed success. Mainstage attendance rose upwards of 11,000 for the season - about 2500 more than last year. 6938 patrons attended A Midsummer Night’s Dream, filling the house to 80% capacity over 31 showings. This year’s tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra, filled the house to 70% capacity over 20 performances with just under 4000 attendees in total. Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s Community Showcase Stage, which features a variety of pre and post-show entertainment, attracted another 3000 visitors.
Financially, the Festival is expecting to break even this year and will continue to operate debt-free. Plans are already underway for next summer’s festivities - details will become available in the coming months.
August 7, 2009
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT TO CATCH SHAKESPEARE!
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s twenty-fifth anniversary season is busily underway, but time to take part in the fun is quickly running out! The Festival ends on August 16th, leaving only a few opportunities left to experience the magic and charm this year’s magnificent productions. Tickets are selling fast – book your seats now before summer slips away!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s quintessential romantic comedy, has been playing to sold-out audiences and rave reviews after opening in the beginning of July. Dazzling costumes and remarkable tunes set the tone for a hilarious production that StarPhoenix critic Cam Fuller described as "a wonderfully satisfying mixture of love and laughs". Award-winning Shakespeare veteran Robert Benz delivers an unforgettable performance as the hilarious Nick Bottom; and rising star Kaitlyn Semple (who can be seen competing on CBC’s "Triple Sensation") makes her standout debut as the cute and loveable Helena.
"Great costumes and humour, complete with song and dance routines, make A Midsummer Night’s Dream an outstanding theatre experience"
– Jenn Sharp, Verb News
Playing in repertory with A Midsummer Night’s Dream is this summer’s fast-paced presentation of the classic love story: Antony and Cleopatra. With exceptional performances delivered by an outstanding ensemble cast, this rarely performed masterpiece is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Talented Amy Matysio (as the exotic and beautiful Queen Cleopatra) steals the show with an emotionally-charged performance that critics have called "awe-inspiring", "commanding" and "impressively bipolar".
"Sharp, direct – and highly entertaining"
– Mike Thompson, Planet S (on Antony & Cleopatra)
Both of this season’s magnificent plays are proudly presented by SaskTel. Tickets are on sale now through the on-site Box Office (652-9100) or any Ticketmaster outlet.
July 2, 2009
SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL OPENING THIS WEEKEND
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is ready to kick things off for another exciting season of outdoor theatre fun! Returning again for its twenty-fifth summer along the sunny banks of the South Saskatchewan River, this year's exciting celebratory season will feature two of Shakespeare's most famous works with official opening performances set for Friday July 3rd (The Magical Comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream) and Saturday July 4th (The Heart-Wrenching Tragedy Antony & Clepatra).
On Sunday the Shakespeare crew will also host the first of two Medieval Feasts scheduled for this season (the second will take place on July 26th). Catered by the magnificent staff at Rembrandt's Dining Room, the annual Feasts are one of the most popular events to take place at the site each year. Only a handful of seats are still available – don't miss out on this spectacular opportunity!
This year's brilliant productions will play in repertory throughout the season until August 16th. Tickets for the Main-stage shows and Medieval Feasts are on sale now – call the on-site box office at 652-9100 to arrange your seats!
June 25, 2009
SHAKESPEARE ON THE SASKATCHEWAN MEDIA CALL
A Sneak-Peak At This Season's Shows!
Where: Shakespeare Site (Next to the Mendel Art Gallery)
When: Tuesday June 30, 2009
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Come join us for our media call on Tuesday June 30th. The cast will perform a short scene from each of this season's plays, and there will be several opportunities to capture video and take photographs. There will also be an opportunity for interviews within a limited time frame, and we will try to accommodate everyone as best we can.
***Scenes for both plays to be announced***
Thank you and we hope to see you all there!!!!
To arrange interviews please contact Trevor Broughton at 653-2300 or shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
June 19, 2009
2009 SHAKESPEARE CAST REVEALED!
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the
brilliant cast of this year’s plays: A
Midsummer Night’s Dream and Antony & Cleopatra!
Antony & Cleopatra
Experienced Shakespeare veteran Tom O’Hara joins the
cast of this heart-wrenching tragedy to re-visit the role of Mark Antony; Rome’s
most honored soldier who - following the events of Julius Caesar - rules the Roman Empire alongside Octavius
Caesar (nephew of the late Julius Caesar played by Festival newcomer Rob van
Meenen), and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (played by fan-favorite Alphonse Gaudet).
In spite of his heroic past, Antony’s reputation
begins to slide when his growing love for Cleopatra - the exotic Queen of Egypt
played by beautiful and talented Amy Matysio (last seen on the stage in 2003) -
causes him to neglect his duties to Rome. Kaitlyn Semple joins the cast from
Regina to mark her Festival debut as Octavia Caesar (sister of Octavius); and Robert Benz (who
received critical praise for his work as Prospero in last year’s The Tempest) returns to take on the role
of Enobarbus.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Joshua Beaudry (co-founder of Theatre Ecstasis and member of the Saskatoon Soaps) returns for his fourth season with
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan to take on the role of Puck; the
mischievous fairy jester whose devious antics set the tone for this charming and
magical comedy. Matthew Burgess plays Oberon, the disgruntled Fairy King whose
ongoing feud with the beautiful Fairy Queen Titania (skillfully played by Cheryl
Jack) leads to an unexpected night for two unsuspecting parties. Practiced
Shakespeare veterans Amy Matysio and Aaron Hursh team up with newcomers Duncan
Fisher and Kaitlyn Semple to form the love-struck quartet of Hermia, Lysander,
Demetrius, and Helena. Expert Ralph Blankenagel (the brilliant mind behind last
year’s Falstaff) takes on the role of Peter Quince; the so-called leader behind
a group of low-ranking soldiers that are preparing to perform a play in honor of
the upcoming wedding between Duke Theseus (Matthew Burgess) and Princess
Hippolyta (Cheryl Jack). Robert Benz tackles the challenging role of pompous
(and utterly incompetent) Nick Bottom; Bob Wicks lends his talents as Robin
Starveling; and Joel Bernbaum returns to follow up last year’s Festival debut as
Snug.
With Production Stage Management by Laura Kennedy
(assisted by experienced Shakespeare actor Angela Christie) and an amazing
design team, this twenty-fifth anniversary season will dazzle and entertain.
Imaginative Mark von Eschen provides the Artistic Direction; with amazing sets
and lighting by Stephen Wade and
remarkable costumes by Beverley Kobelsky (Antony & Cleopatra) and
Carla Orosz (Midsummer Night’s Dream). Fight
Choreographer Daniel Ford Beavis directs the action in Antony & Cleopatra; and Dance
Choreographer Shannon Miko lends her expertise in the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Tickets are on sale now through the on-site Box Office (652-9100) or any Ticketmaster outlet.
June 10, 2009
Shakespeare Box Office Now Open!
With only weeks to go before the big opening night, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that the on-site box office is now open!
From July 1st to August 16th Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan will be celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary in the heart of Saskatoon. Featuring the magical fan-favorite A Midsummer Night's Dream playing in repertory with the heart-wrenching tragedy Antony & Cleopatra, this season is lined up to be one of the greatest yet!
Those eager to purchase tickets can visit the friendly box-office staff on-site; or give them a call at (306) 652-9100. The box office will be open every day from noon to 6:00pm.
May 29, 2009
Free Family Matinee Tickets July 5th to August 9th
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, with the assistance of the Community Initiatives Fund is making 100 free tickets available to Métis and first Nations Families. The program is intended to introduce families to Shakespeare’s plays as exciting entertainment, as he intended: performed live by professional actors.
To obtain free tickets you must attend as a "family." You can be a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, older cousin or sibling (or even a close friend of the family) and attending with a student or youth to
qualify as a "family".
Performance dates – all matinees are at 1:00 pm
- Sunday July 5 – Antony and Cleopatra
- Sunday July 12 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Sunday July 19 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Saturday July 25 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Sunday July 26 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Saturday August 1 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Sunday August 2 – Antony and Cleopatra
- Sunday August 9 – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is celebrating its Twenty-fifth Anniversary this summer. Come take part in the festival! A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s most loved comedy; Antony and Cleopatra is a heart-wrenching tragedy.
These tickets are only available through Maureen Belanger, Program Consultant. Contact Maureen at: 230-3348 or r.m.belanger@shaw.ca
or
Through the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan office at:
653-2300 or shakespeare@sasktel.net
May 22, 2009
Shakespeare Tent to rise this Tuesday for 25th Anniversary Season!
The sizzling summer heat is just around the corner, and what better way to usher its arrival than with the annual rise of Shakespeare's Festival Tent this Tuesday, May 26th.
The big white tent is expected to attract over 12,000 enthusiastic theatergoers to the sunny banks of the South Saskatchewan River this summer to celebrate the Festival's twenty-fifth anniversary, featuring brilliant productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and Antony and Cleopatra (both proudly presented by SaskTel) running from July 1 to August 16.
Weather permitting; the big tent will go up at 10:00am on the Festival's beautiful riverbank site nestled between the University Bridge and the Mendel Art Gallery in the heart of Saskatoon. Those interested are invited to witness the event!
April 27, 2009
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Tickets on Sale Now!
Tickets for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan’s 2009 season are on sale now through Ticketmaster outlets everywhere. This summer, Saskatoon’s premier outdoor theatre festival celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary along the sunny banks of the South Saskatchewan River with two magnificent plays: the great romantic tragedy Antony and Cleopatra plays in repertory with the magical fan-favourite A Midsummer Night’s Dream, both proudly presented by SaskTel.
Mainstage performances run from July 1st to August 16th with admission ranging from $8.50 to $29.00 (Don’t forget to ask about the exciting new PotashCorp Family Matinee Discounts!). Also featured at this year’s big event are two Medieval Feasts (July 5th and 26th) along with various festive activities on the Community Showcase Stage and guest performances by DancEgypt. For tickets call Ticketmaster at: 938-7800 or 1-800-970-7328 or visit: www.ticketmaster.ca
April 13, 2009
Shakespeare Festival Hosts Annual Birthday Bash Fundraiser with a Little Help from Hollywood
On Saturday April 25, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan will say “Happy 445th Birthday!” to the immortal bard as it kicks off its fifth annual charity fundraiser event, the Bard’s Birthday Bash. Fans of the Festival will gather at the Delta Bessborough Hotel for cocktails and dinner, followed by a fun-filled night of games and festivities including Shakespeare trivia and the ever-popular Shakespeare Idol Contest judged by Alphonse Gaudet, Garth Materie, and Vic Dubois. Also on the agenda is a silent auction with great prizes to be won; this year a number of big-screen celebrities have shown their support with autographed donations including an autobiography from James Earl Jones, movie posters from Annette Bening, and photographs from the cast of Desperate Housewives.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary this season from July 1st to August 16th. Proceeds of the Bash will go towards this year’s exciting summer productions: the great romantic tragedy Antony and Cleopatra and Shakespeare’s most popular magical comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Tickets are $65 - Call (306) 653-2300 to order
(deadline is April 21st).
March 10, 2009
Titus Andronicus Tickets On Sale Now!
Elizabethan's had a hunger for blood and spectacle and Shakespeare delivered what the masses craved with this early play that propelled himself to stardom in his day. Proving itself too violent for the Restoration and Victorian stages, it sat collecting dust until the twentieth century when public favor shifted back to horror spectacle in film and on stage. Titus Andronicus is too violent to be suited for summer entertainment but is perfect for the cold winds following the Ides of March. Tamora seeks revenge for her murdered son; Titus seeks revenge for the rape and dismemberment of his daughter: Aaron enjoys villainy more than anything - how many bodies will litter the stage by the final curtain?
This special rehearsed reading of Titus Andronicus brings Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan to the BackStage Stage in the Frank and Ellen Remai Arts Centre for two performances only.
Call 384.7727 to order your tickets now!
Saturday, March 21st - 8:00pm
Sunday, March 22nd - 1:00pm
Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors
Come out and enjoy Shakespeare's bloodiest revenge tragedy!
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net.
January 20, 2009
Shakespeare Begins New Year with New Board
As we hastily settle into a busy new year, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan is pleased to welcome a brand new panel of enthusiastic members to its board of directors!
Elected in late December of last year, Shakespeare's new board possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help push the company forward through its exciting twenty-fifth season. Leading the group is the company's new president, Don Greer; an architect with P3 Architecture and long-term supporter of the festival. Don will bring new enthusiasm to the company alongside Ron Morrison, the company's new Vice President. Jessica Hughes returns from the previous board to take on the role of Secretary. Newcomer Darren Howarth, a Saskatoon-based lawyer with Robertson Stromberg Pedersen LLP, will serve as the new Treasurer.
Eager to support the new leadership are the Members at Large, who bring a diverse range of talents and energy to the table. Marc Bourassa joins with a background in structural engineering; Brenda Fitzgerald is a retired CEO of St. Paul's Hospital; Nancy Grummett is an accomplished artist; Catherine Gryba is the manager of Leisure Services in Saskatoon; George Haines is a small business owner; Brent Nelson is a university English professor; and Ken Tickner joins as a retired Architectural Technologist.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan looks forward to the new ideas, creativity, and perspectives that the board will provide in 2009.
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net.
January 9, 2009
Shakespeare Fans Have More To Look Forward To
Than The Ides Of March!
For most people in Saskatoon, summer couldn't come soon enough! The relentless barrage of cold winter weather has sunk the city into a deep, dark freeze leaving the next few months looking pretty grim. In spite of Mother Nature's cruel winter plans, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan has a little something in the works that should help brighten the futures of chilly Saskatoon theatergoers.
While it will still be some time before Saskatoon can expect to see Shakespeare's bright summer tents along the sunny Meewasin Trail, the company is pleased to announce a new opportunity for enthusiastic fans to enjoy the magic of Shakespeare during the cold winter months: a winter reading of the brutal and bloody tragedy Titus Andronicus. Two performances are scheduled for the weekend of March 21st and 22nd and will be Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's first opportunity to take advantage of Persephone Theatre's newly-completed Backstage Stage.
Modeled after a series of play readings in New York City, this experimental new project is a major step in expanding Shakespeare beyond the summer months and will allow the company to explore seldom performed works that are inappropriate for its regular summer setting. With the help of an important capacity building grant from SaskCulture, this project is designed to “test the waters” for community interest and future viability and is also a fun way to warm fans up for Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan's upcoming twenty-fifth anniversary season.
For more information contact Trevor Broughton, Marketing and Public Relations, at shakespeare.pr@sasktel.net
