‘Something Rotten’ kicks off Stratford’s 2024 festival season
‘Something Rotten’ kicks off Stratford’s 2024 festival season
There is a buzz - and some brass - in the air in Stratford as the doors opened to audiences on Tuesday for the first preview shows of the 2024 festival season.
This year, CTV News has followed the cast of Something Rotten as they went from their first rehearsal to live on stage.
“We are just so excited,” one audience member told CTV News.
But it’s not just the audience that’s filled with excitement.
“So you can hear the mumbling from the audience, the energy, the laughter, the discussions,” said Something Rotten actor, Dan Chameroy. “The city starts to come to light, the downtown area starts to come to life, like energy is palpable in here.”
Just over two months ago, the cast and crew of Something Rotten met for the first time.
“I'm so excited,” said actor Henry Firmston. “We've been rehearsing for what feels like a year.”
Since then, they’ve added a set orchestra and costumes.
“I think the costume for me in this show at least made me so much more brave as a performer,” said actor Olivia Sinclair Brisbane.
The cast added the final element Tuesday.
“We have our first big audience today,” Brisbane said. “It’s the final piece of the puzzle, it’s the final cast members as some people say.”
For Brisbane and Firmston, being cast in Something Rotten is like a high school reunion.
“So, Olivia was the older kid and I was a scared little boy,” Firmston said. “I don’t know about cool kid, but was certainly older.”
12 years ago, the two H.B. Beal Secondary School students shared the stage in a high school play.
“And it's kind of surreal to actually get to meet back up and be doing what we knew we were going to do,” Firmston said.
It’s a familiarity off stage that became a secret weapon on stage.
“I would say, because we feel comfortable enough to be the same kids that we were when we were in high school just doing a show together,” Brisbane said. “But it also brings a kind of sense of security.”
The two talented local actors are getting to live out a dream.
“I think the two of us knew this is what we wanted to do,” Firmston said.
A testament that although hair styles change, dreams don’t have to.
“Even if you think it sucks and you think you're no good at it, you have to keep going,” Brisbane added. “It never comes down to the people who are good at it right away, because if you're good at it right away, then you never have to fight for it.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.