Stratford For All Seasons: Theatre & Arts. Phyllis Hinz

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      SEASON: Fall

      LOCATION: 55 Queen Street, Stratford Festival Theatre

      WEBSITE: www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/LeasedEvents/PAL

      HIGHLIGHT: An evening of entertainment created by the professional artists of Stratford

      Expect the Extraordinary, ETE for short, is an annual fundraising event for Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Stratford, a charitable organization that provides affordable housing and assistance to professional artists fifty-five years of age and older. Actors; prop-makers; set, lighting, and sound designers; composers and writers; and anyone else who has devoted their life to a profession in the arts of all genres can benefit from PAL.

      In the fall each year, for one special night, a Stratford Festival stage comes alive with energy, generosity, and creativity. A volunteer group of company members of the Stratford Festival, along with special guests, donate their time and talents. Backstage crew members and Festival staff members pitch in to bring it all together. “These people are our heroes,” says Arlene Jillard, PAL Board of Directors.

      Each Expect the Extraordinary production is titled with a theme. In 2019, it was “The PAL Kitchen Party.” In 2018 it was “He’s Our Man: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen.” In 2017, it was “All You Need Is Love … and The Beatles.” The person who volunteers as artistic director is responsible for creating and hosting the show.

      Before the show and during intermission, there is a silent auction with items provided by theatrical professionals, local businesses, and supporters. It is an opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind Stratford Festival treasures. If you are lucky, you’ll bid on and win a cast-signed poster from one of the season’s shows.

      HMS RAZZAMAJAZZ

      SEASON: Summer, Fall

      LOCATION: On the water, Avon River

      WEBSITE: Not available

      HIGHLIGHT: Summertime musical entertainment along the banks of the Avon River

      HMS Razzamajazz is a summertime musical attraction in Stratford that locals and returning visitors look for every year. Known affectionately as The Razz, the 25-foot by 10-foot floating stage cruises the Avon River, ducking under the bridge to Tom Patterson Island along the way. Jazz bands, one-man shows, and folk singers on the Razz entertain spectators along the riverbank. If there is a crowd in a particular area, The Razz lingers awhile before moving on. Whether you are walking the riverside path, sitting on a bench, taking photos of the swans, or lying on a blanket on the grass, you might find yourself tapping your toes or even putting out a dance step or two. People do!

      Performances run from the end of June to Labour Day in September. Weather permitting, the boat’s schedule is coordinated with evening performances at the Stratford Festival Theatre and the Tom Patterson Theatre Centre, launching at six o’clock and returning to the dock around 7:30 p.m. as people proceed to the theatres.

      In 2020, HMS Razzamajazz celebrated thirty years on the water in Stratford. She is owned by the city and operated by the Tillsonburg Power and Sail Squadron, formerly the Stratford Power and Sail Squadron.

      INNER CHAMBER

      SEASON: Spring, Fall, Winter

      LOCATION: 163 King Street

      WEBSITE: www.innerchamber.ca/

      HIGHLIGHT: The pleasure of chamber music performed by local professional musicians

      Inner Chamber events bring you classical chamber music with unexpected twists. The number of performers varies from event to event, as do the instruments, depending upon the theme, chosen composer, and innovation of the evening. Traditional instruments like violin, cello, horn, piano, percussion, bass, oboe, harp, viola, flute, and clarinet are sometimes joined by instruments like the banjo and harpsichord. Dancers, vocalists, and narrators often perform as guest artists.

      Most of the performances are held at Factory163, an old, arty building that has been gaining character since 1902. Wooden floors, overhead pipes, special lighting, and draped curtains create a cozy space. The intimacy is matched by friendly repartee by the musicians. The passion they have for their profession is evident as they provide interesting details on what you are about to hear. Casual, comfortable dress by both performers and audience completes the Inner Chamber experience.

      Six Inner Chamber events take place Sunday evenings, from October to May. If you buy your tickets in advance, you are provided a buffet meal before the performance. Dinner begins at six o’clock, music at seven. Tickets are available online or at the door.

      KIWANIS FESTIVAL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

      SEASON: Spring

      LOCATION: Various venues around the city of Stratford

      WEBSITE: www.kiwanisfestivalstratford.com/

      HIGHLIGHT: See and support local future performing arts stars

      Spring, the time of renewal and growth, is the perfect season for young performers to sharpen their skills and receive encouragement to persevere with their talents and dreams. The Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts hosts thousands of amateur performers, of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, on various stages around Stratford. For the budding artists, the exposure to competition and feedback from adjudicators is priceless. There are trophies and cash awards, and for those who perform exceptionally, there is the opportunity to go to provincial, even national championships.

      Competition categories reflect the latest trends in music, dance, and drama, from musical instruments to school choirs, musical theatre, composition, and speech. On performance days, you’ll see teachers and accompanists arriving for warm-ups. Young artists dressed in concert attire stand nervously in the wings while parents and supporters wait eagerly out front. Local newspaper pages are filled with photos and results in every category. Stratford residents volunteer, attend events, and billet competitors. The large local involvement ensures that the city’s arts scene will continue to flourish.

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