Richard III premiered Saturday night at the intimate Tom Patterson Theatre.
Floor to ceiling windows, wooden flooring, detailed design features and a garden terrace attracted the attention of many. Tuxedos and floor-length gowns were the norm for the evening's black tie event.
Barbara Schubert, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio, has attended the Stratford Festival since 1963. She said the opening of the theatre is not only a gift to the community of Stratford, but to the entire country.
“People will come from all over to see this theatre. Siamak Hariri is an incredible architect and he loved every moment — it was deeply part of him to do this project,” said Schubert.
Schubert and her family are sponsors of Death and the King’s Horseman. She tends to sponsor plays that do not yet have sponsors, noting it is important for every show to have the needed funds.
Brigitte and Peter Westaway have attended the theatre for decades. Residing in Toronto, the couple saw several previews in the new theatre. They described the new theatre as “unbelievably fabulous."
“It fits the site so well. It is glamorous and spectacular. I am looking forward to seeing a production,” said Brigitte Westaway. “Stratford has such a wonderful cast of actors and so many are in the production tonight.”
Playing Richard III is Colm Feore, Michael Blake is the Duke of Clarence, Ben Carlson is Lord Hastings and Jessica B. Hill is Lady Anne.
“They have every name in Stratford in this show,” said Peter Westaway.
The show is directed by Antoni Cimolino. Cimolino, artistic director of the festival, and executive director Anita Gaffney, helped launch a $100 million campaign to both build the Tom Patterson theatre and create an endowment fund for it.
Saturday’s premiere ended with a ten-minute light show above the Avon River. The “Celebration of Light” represented the wonders of the festival.
