THEATRE "The Tempest" starring Christopher Plummer

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend The Tempest starring Christopher Plummer at the Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario. As its run is quickly drawing to a close (the last performance is this Sunday), it has already been long reviewed by such distinguished critics in such venerable publications as Charles Isherwood in the New York Times. I would, however, like to reiterate that this production, by Des McAnuff, is a complete feast for all of the senses. Rarely have I seen such a beautifully articulated production. From the costumes, to the interpretation of these familiar characters, The Tempest serves as a reminder of why Stratford has gained its world renowned reputation.


The Tempest, Shakespeare's great play about the usurped duke of Milan, has often been a swan song for many great actors of the stage. However, Christopher Plummer, never one to adhere to what others have done, has vowed that his Prospero on stage will not be his last; he has no intentions of retiring from the profession he loves. Indeed he will reprise his Tony award winning performance from 1997, the title role in Barrymore, the two man play about another great Shakespearean actor, John Barrymore, at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto for thirty performances. I can't wait.