Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Equal parts political comedy and biographical drama, Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III explores the dangerous consequences when a king who loses control of his body, words and mind in the midst of his rule. The Madness of George III debuts at The Shaw’s Royal George Theatre on April 11.
The Madness of George III, directed by Kevin Bennett and starring Tom McCamus, depicts the king as a real human being, whose loss of sanity threatens not only his State but the people he loves.
Ken Macdonald’s set design extends the architecture of the Royal George theatre onto the stage with a King’s court featuring limited box seats on stage for audience members. Christopher David Gauthier’s lavish costume designs bring to life The Shaw’s rare involvement with this time period through such eighteenth-century must-haves as powdered wigs and regal garb. Alexis Milligan’s movement direction highlights the social performances of royalty in that period.
The Madness of George III is on stage at the Royal George Theatre (85 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from April 11 to October 15 (opening May 26).
This production is proudly sponsored by James and Diane King.
Cast (in alphabetical order):
Lisa Berry, Lady Pembroke
Ryan Cunningham, Sheridan
Rebecca Gibian, Greville
Cameron Grant, Fitzroy
Martin Happer, Prince of Wales
Marci T. House, Thurlow
Andrew Lawrie, Duke of York
Tom McCamus, George
Patrick McManus, Dr Willis
Jim Mezon, Fox
Chick Reid, Queen Charlotte
André Sills, Pitt
Creative & Production:
Kevin Bennett, Director
Ken MacDonald, Set Designer
Christopher David Gauthier, Costume Designer
Kimberly Purtell, Lighting Designer
Joseph Tritt, Music Arranger & Sound Designer
Alexis Milligan, Movement Director
Diane Konkin, Stage Manager
The Shaw Festival’s 2017 season is on stage April 5 through October 15. The playbill features Me and My Girl, Saint Joan, Dracula, 1837: The Farmers’ Revolt, Androcles and the Lion, Wilde Tales, The Madness of George III, Dancing at Lughnasa, An Octoroon, Middletown, 1979 and Secret Theatre.
Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express began April 5. Patrons can choose to come for one day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. A ticket to a 2017 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.
Tickets for the 2017 Festival season and Shaw Express are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.
Photo: Tom McCamus. ©2016 Christopher Wahl.
2017-04-06
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Previews begin for "The Madness of George III"