Locals Know - Dangerous Liaisons

Usually when we write these reviews we totally agree what to write, but with this particular show we have a slight difference of opinion.

I really enjoyed this production. I would however offer a word of warning, This production doesn't hold anything back, and if you are at all uncomfortable with the lascivious content of this play you might want to steer clear of this production. Personally I was really looking forward to this play and I enjoy it immensely.

My partner on the other hand didn't enjoy the play as much as I did. He felt that this is a very intimate play, and thinks it might have been better suited to the Tom Patterson stage.

We did agree on the fact that the entire play could be tightened up, in terms of timing and pacing. But we did see the very first preview so I am quite confident that this will improve with time. Another thing we agreed upon was the performances of Seana McKenna, Sara Topham and Martha Henry are spectacular and the costumes and set are beautiful.

After we saw this play we had a very lengthy discussion about it with friends at dinner that evening. This play is going to be the topic of many discussions at our breakfast table for the remainder of the season and that is exactly what good theatre should do.

Locals Know - For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again

I realize that we keep gushing about everything we have seen this season, but we can't help it. As Ross wrote on the Festivals facebook page " It just keeps getting better and better! It is the cherry on top of an already brilliant season and must not be missed."

This play is a beautiful slice of life that made us laugh and cry. I think everyone will be able to identify with Lucy Peacocks character. She portrays an exuberant woman that every audience member will connect with, and she will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Tom Rooney has also hit his stride this season and we tilt our hats to his performance. This was the play that I was most looking forward to this season and it surpassed every expectation. We don't want to give too much away but what we will say is "DON'T MISS THIS PERFORMANCE."

Bieber Fever is Alive and Well

Stratford Ontario has become famous in a new generation. Not for the long standing and world renowned Shakespeare Festival, but as the home of the teen heart throb Justin Bieber. I love the thought that not so long ago Justin was just another local teen performing on the steps of the local theatre and look at him now. The local tourism association has had over 9,000 visits to the Justin Bieber map and has handed out over 1000 printed versions!

We too have seen the effect of "Bieber Fever."
A few days ago I received the following e-mail.

"hello, good night...
i seeing your room, and i feel interesting..... btw, its available a set a house, or just a room?... *thanks.. "

I was curious about the message so I replied;
"Thank you for your interest. At our B&B we rent out bedroom suites, but with that you do get to use parts of the house and grounds. If you would like to book please let us know."

This was the response I received;
"ouwh, yeah its so nice thankyou... :) :) and, yeah, its must be so great..., i like it soo much... :) btw, i live in Indonesia (asian)... sorry for bothering and ask alot... but, im sorry i cant rent it for now, cz im still 15 yrs old...
i just soo interesting with your place, when i take a look about Stratford Ontario.....
At first i just wanna see Justin Bieber's place, cz im a Huge Fan of Justin Bieber.. :))

thanks again.. :) i hope i can take a rent in your place soon with Justin Bieber. ;) jk,... :) :)"

I guess the old saying that any press is good press would apply to this interaction. Thank you Justin for exposing us to a new market.