The Stratford Festival has announced the lineup of their 2023 season.
Publicity Director Ann Swerdfager, says the theme looks at duty versus desire, and was inspired by the pandemic. “That idea that yes we want to follow our desires, but I think now we realize that there are things we have to do for the greater good of society. Even simple things like getting vaccinated or wearing a mask,” she said.
She says their two musicals will likely draw a large crowd. “I’m excited to say that we’re having Rent! I know people write to us all the time asking ‘When is the Stratford Festival going to be doing Rent?’. Well finally, we are doing it. And another huge crowd pleasing musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot,” she added.
The 2023 season will run from mid-April through October, featuring four Shakespeare plays, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Richard II and Love’s Labour’s Lost, and two musicals, Rent and Monty Python’s Spamalot, along with Les Belles-Soeurs, A Wrinkle in Time, Frankenstein Revived, Wedding Band, Grand Magic, Casey and Diana and Women of the Fur Trade.
Swerdfager, says if you’ve never gone to the festival before, she recommends taking your time and seeing multiple plays during your visit.
“You could see an actor in a drama in a matinee, and in the evening you could see the same actor doing a role in a comedy! It’s really fun to watch them flex their acting muscles in that way,” said Swerdfager.
Early bird tickets for the 2023 season go on sale December 12th, but Swerdfager reminds residents there is still time left to catch one of this year’s shows before the 2022 season ends.
For more information or to purchase tickets, head to the Stratford Festival's website.
