Brief Encounters at the Festival Theatre
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 They are know for producing plays that other companies won't take on, and reviving plays that are seen as out of date.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.
Performances at the Festival Theatre
- Brief Encounters - Experience three separate stories from Noel Coward (Still Life, We Were Dancing, Hands Across the Sea) woven into one performance.
- Born Yesterday - A comedy performance detailing a well-to-do garbage man and his attempt to educate his girlfriend. Based off the 1946 play and 1950 film starring Judy Holliday.
- The Devil's Disciple - As Shaw's only full-length play set in America, The Devil's Disciple offers a comedic look at Dick Dudgeon as laughs and love are put on center stage.
Performances at the Court House Theatre
- Ways of the Heart - Showcasing three plays by Noel Coward (The Astonished Heart, Family Album, Ways and Means), you'll experience a range of themes touching on love as you experience the cast skillfully jump from roll to roll.
- A Moon for the Misbegotten - A touching tale of Josie and her father James as they struggle to live off the land, and how love can be found at any moment.
- Albertine in Five Times - Experience the unique dialogue of Albertine as she discussing her life with fellow versions of her self ranging in age from 30 to 70.
Performances at the Royal George Theatre
- Play, Orchestra, Play - The third performance featuring three of Noel Coward's plays pieced together (Red Peppers, Fumed Oak, Shadoow Play), Play, Orchestra, Play presents the one-act play in superb form.
- Sunday in the Park with George - This unique offering presents Shaw Festival go'ers with a musical that details painter George Seurat as he makes his masterpiece, A Sunday on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
- In Good King Charles's Golden Days - Set in on King Charles II, the founder of the Quakers, and a painter as they discuss varying topics of their day, and are occassionally interrupted to much whimsy by three of Charles's misstresses.
- Star Chamber - This Noel Coward play details a meeting of actors as they disccuss ways to refurbish Garrick Haven, a home for retired thespians. Of course, as with most thespians, narcissism leads way to comedic results.
Details:
- Price includes admission to selected show
- See schedule for exact dates and times
- Shows are appropriate for all ages
