As an optional prelude to Toronto Pursuits, July 17-22, we are offering a Stratford Shakespeare Extravaganza at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to take place from Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17.
We have only a limited number of coveted spots, so you will have to act now to snag one.
Cathy Wilkes and Gary Schoepfel will be your hosts. Cathy knows everything about and everybody in Stratford. She can open many front and back doors. Gary knows about play-making and is the perfect person to help Shakespeare come alive and sing to us in new and penetrating ways.
DATES: Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17 (Departing Toronto at noon on Friday and returning to Toronto by mid-afternoon on Sunday)
THEME: A Shakespearean Extravaganza
PLAYS: A+ seats for Twelfth Night and Richard III with option for Shakespeare’s Will, a new play by Vern Thiessen
PLAN: Depart Toronto at noon on Friday on comfortable private coach. Take back country roads to Stratford, stopping en route for a traditional Mennonite lunch in the village of St. Jacobs. Check-in at the Parlour Inn and Suites Hotel and time for a rest. Walk to nearby Festival Theatre for performance of Twelfth Night, starring the extraordinary Brian Dennehy. Enjoy a drink during intermission in private members lounge. On Saturday, we will see a matinee performance of Richard III with Stratford veteran, Seana McKenna playing Richard. We will gather for a leisurely brunch on Sunday morning before heading back to Toronto. And there is an option to see Shakespeare’s Will on Saturday evening or to linger over dinner at one of Stratford’s many great restaurants. Cathy and Gary will cook up lots of fun things to do both in front of and behinds the scenes.
NUMBERS: The extension will be limited to ten participants, plus Cathy and Gary. We will order six extra tickets for the third play option, Shakespeare’s Will.
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Round-trip transportation in private coach from Toronto campus of Victoria College, two-night’s stay at historic boutique hotel (double occupancy), lunch in St. Jacob’s on Friday, A+ ticket to Twelfth Night on Friday, intermission drink in members’ lounge, A+ ticket to matinee performance of Richard III, Sunday brunch, behind the scenes tours and talks and discussions, walking tour of Stratford. (These activities will be designed to accommodate the special interests of the group.)
COST: $966 CDN (Single occupancy available upon request).
WHY? World class theatre in the lovely historic village of Stratford. Three plays. A comedy. A tragedy. A new play. Three different theatre venues. World-renowned actors and directors. Unusual casting. Personal behind-the-scenes experiences and chance to discuss the plays and the productions with a convivial group of fellow travellers.
Please let me know if you wish to add this option to your regular week at Toronto Pursuits. Let me know, too, if you are interested in a ticket to the third play, Shakespeare’s Will at $80. We will try to find a roommate for you if you wish to share a room. ann.kirkland@classicalpursuits.com
Latest Updates
Seminars on literature from the ancient world to today
See the world through the eyes of visionary writers and artists
An annual gathering of lifelong learners
A 2021 participant
Lorna A.