October 17-19, 2008
Itinerary: This year we’ll see two plays on Friday (both musicals) and one on Saturday (a Shakespearean comedy). This leaves Saturday morning and afternoon free for shopping!
New Package Option. In response to the increased cost of this trip (weak U.S. dollar, etc.) and in an effort to make it affordable to more people, I’ve created a REDUCED PACKAGE that allows you to save money by eliminating one of the musicals offered in the STANDARD PACKAGE. (Dropping the Shakespeare play is NOT an option!)
Two Optional Tours. This year’s schedule allows me once again to offer two popular “extras” for theatre-lovers. Even if you’ve taken these tours before, they are worth taking again because different Stratford volunteers give different tours. The COSTUME WAREHOUSE TOUR is at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the FESTIVAL THEATRE BACKSTAGE TOUR is at 9 a.m. Sunday. Prices are a bargain!
The Music Man
Meredith Wilson’s flamboyant musical about what happens “right here in River City” when charming huckster Harold Hill arrives with a promise to teach the town’s youth to play in a marching band. The play’s appeal locally owes something to the fact that so many of us have fond memories of seeing it staged in our community. It’s a warm, zany and gloriously tuneful musical comedy with many highlights. Among my favorite numbers are “Lida Rose,” “Gary, Indiana,” “Till There Was You,” and of course, “Seventy-Six Trombones”!
Cabaret
Kander and Ebb’s hit musical of the 1966 Broadway season is set in 1929-1930 Berlin on the eve of the Nazis’ rise to power. If you’ve seen only the movie, you’ll be impressed with how the memorable tunes (“Cabaret” comes to mind) and the deliciously decadent dance numbers make this one of the most popular musical stage plays in modern times. The story focuses on young performer Sally Bowles (think Liza Minelli) and the gaudy nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub as the world is darkening under the sinister shadow of Hitler’s Nazis.
The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare’s no-holds-barred battle of the sexes is as hilarious as it is controversial. Katherina’s sharp tongue and fiery temper are no lure for suitors, who flock instead to her younger sister, Bianca. It looks as if the shrew may have met her match, though, in Petruchio, an adventurous newcomer in town who devises a startling new way of reaching her so carefully guarded heart.
Act Promptly! The bus is empty as I write this. Spaces will be awarded on a first-come basis (upon receiving your $125 per person deposit). I’ll confirm by email or telephone.
"PASSPORT UPDATE"
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H-G 2008 Stratford Festival Trip
(A handy reference guide for your convenience!)
1.
The Basics:
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The Dates: October 17-19, 2008
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The Plays: MUSIC MAN, CABARET and TAMING OF THE SHREW.
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The Transportation: Benedict's Bus Service
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The Accommodations: Albert Street Inn
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Standard Package (bus, hotel, & all 3 plays—no meals or tours)
$400 per person, double or triple occupancy
$510 per person, single occupancy
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Reduced Package (bus, hotel, & 2 plays—no meals or tours)
$330 per person, double or triple occupancy
$455 per person, single occupancy
- Hearing Receivers (includes all plays chosen): $6
- Costume Warehouse Tour: $6
- Backstage Tour: $6
- Deposit: $125 per person (due immediately; transferable to another
person but not refundable unless trip is cancelled)
- Deadline for Payment in Full: August 18, 2008
2. Tentative Itinerary
Friday, October 17
5:30 am Bus departs Whitneyville (Begin boarding 5 a.m.)
5:40 am Bus departs Mansfield
5:50 am Bus departs Tioga Junction
9:00 am Rest stop near Batavia
12:00 pm Arrive Stratford; check in Albert Street Inn
2:00 pm The Music Man (walk to Avon Theatre)
8:00 pm Cabaret (walk to Avon Theatre)
Saturday, October 18
10:00 am Costume Warehouse Tour (optional)
2:00 pm [Optional Caesar & Cleopatra (Festival) or
Moby Dick (Studio). Buy own tickets.]
8:00 pm Taming of the Shrew (ride bus to Festival Theatre)
Sunday, October 19
9:00 am Backstage Tour (optional)
11:00 am Bus departs hotel
2:00 pm Rest stop near Batavia
6:00 pm Bus arrives Whitneyville
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP. By the time of our trip, a new Federal regulation may be in effect. If it is, everyone crossing international borders must carry a valid PASSPORT or PASSPORT CARD (See "PASSPORT UPDATE".)
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FOR MORE INFORMATION about the 2008 season, check the Stratford Festival website at www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com. Contact me if you have questions about other travel or accommodation options.
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TRAVEL NOTES. In September I’ll send detailed travel notes and a final itinerary.
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Larry Biddison
Secretary and Theatre Excursion Coordinator
Hamilton-Gibson Productions
Home: 570-724-4586
