Shaw Festival

The Shaw Festival is a long standing tradition in the Niagara Falls area. When it began in 1962 it was just a small production of two plays under the direction of  a local lawyer and playwright. That small festival has grown to almost cult status. Thousands flock to Niagara Falls each year to take part in the non-profit festival. They are know for producing plays that other companies won't take on, and reviving plays that are seen as out of date. Each year between 10 and 12 plays are produced for the festival. The productions take place in three theaters. The Festival Theater is the larges theater seating up to 856 people. The Court House Theater has 327 seats, and the Royal George Theater, which was built in 1915, seats 328.

Ten different performances will be put on this year at the Shaw Festival. Below they are listed in groups by which theater the productions will be shown in.

The Festival Theatre

• Saint Joan- One of Bernard Shaw's most acclaimed plays, this production is so much more than just a depiction of the life of Joan of Arc. Nationalism, hero worship, and religious fervor are all deeply rooted in the dialogue and storyline of this play.
• Mack and Mabel- This musical takes a comedic look at how movies are made and the people who make them. Meet Mack, who searches for all kinds of talent, and Mabel, who ultimately becomes his love interest. The ups and downs of this musical will have you on the edge of your seat.
• Hotel Peccadillo- This farce takes a hilarious look at the unusual situations that people can get themselves into. Two old friends, along with their lovers and assorted family members accidently meet at hotel where many unexpected twists and turns develop.

The Royal George Theater

• The Circle- True love is put to the test in this emotion-filled production. The return of family members takes a toll on a married couple. This stress leads to many comedic moments that will have you laughing until your sides hurt.
• The Philanderer- Feisty women, a clever young man, and a club set on its hills bring to life this Shaw classic. A wonderful mix of comedy and serious acting, "The Philanderer" is not a play to be missed.
• Summer and Smoke- See if true love prevails in this classic by Tennessee Williams. A gossip hungry town, unstable mother, and two potential lovers who have been friends since childhood come together in a gripping production that will have you talking about it for days.

The Court House Theatre

• A Month in the Country: After Turgenev- Love, marriage, family, and more are all tackled in this play about a young woman desperately looking for love. A heart rendering production shows how far some women will go to find the perfect love.
• The Cassilis Engagement: A Mother's Comedy- When a mother is looking out for her son's best interests, nothing is off limits. When her son decides he is going to marry a girl from the city Adelaide arranges for her to spend a few days at their country home. Hilarity ensues!
• Tristan- A love story sure to warm the hearts of the entire audience. The story follows a poet who meets a vibrant, married woman at a spa in the Swiss Alps. Will Gabrielle choose her new found love, or go home to her husband?
• The Kiltartan Comedies- Have a front row view of a small Irish town's every action. This hilarious look at small town life will have you wondering what parts of the story are true, and which aren't.

Details

• Price includes admission to selected show
• See schedule for exact dates and times
• Shows are appropriate for all ages