Stratford, Ont. — The Stratford Festival is making waves with a new musical that spans centuries, taking audiences from Renaissance England to the vibrant streets of 1940s New York. Directed and choreographed by the renowned Donna Feore, the production is being hailed as a groundbreaking feat of storytelling and performance.
A Journey Through Time and Genre
The musical seamlessly blends the elegance of the Elizabethan era with the jazz-infused energy of mid-20th-century America. Feore, who has been a driving force behind many of the festival's most successful musicals, described the project as both a challenge and a triumph. “We wanted to create something that would transport audiences not just to another place, but to another time,” she said in an interview at the Festival Theatre on May 7, 2026. “It’s about connecting two worlds that seem so different but share universal themes of love, ambition, and transformation.”
Innovative Choreography and Design
The production features a cast of 30 performers and a live orchestra of 20 musicians. Feore’s choreography draws on period-appropriate dance styles, from courtly pavanes to lindy hops, while the set design by Michael Gianfrancesco shifts from a Tudor palace to a neon-lit Manhattan nightclub. “The transitions are key,” Feore explained. “We use lighting and sound to bridge the centuries, so the audience feels like they’re traveling with the characters.”
Critical and Audience Reception
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The Toronto Star called it “a tour de force of musical theatre,” praising Feore’s “inventive staging” and the cast’s “electrifying performances.” Audience members have also responded enthusiastically, with many noting the emotional depth of the story. “I didn’t expect to be moved to tears by a show that spans 400 years,” said attendee Sarah Mitchell. “But it works on every level.”
Feore’s Legacy at Stratford
Donna Feore has been a fixture at the Stratford Festival for over two decades, directing and choreographing hits like Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and The Music Man. Her latest work underscores her reputation for pushing boundaries. “She’s not afraid to take risks,” said artistic director Antoni Cimolino. “This production is a testament to her vision and the incredible talent of our company.”
Show Details and Tickets
The musical runs until October 2026 at the Festival Theatre. Tickets are available online or at the box office, with prices starting at $45. The festival expects strong demand, given the buzz surrounding the production. “This is one of those shows that people will be talking about for years,” Feore added.
