By Keith Tomasek, June 11, 2025
The 2025 Stratford Festival season opened with a lineup that had audiences and critics buzzing.
From Shakespearean classics to crowd-pleasing musicals and a fresh adaptation of a Canadian classic, the Festival’s first set of opening nights offered a mix of bold choices and familiar favourites. The Festival’s 2025 season features 11 productions, five have opened with six more openings to come. I’ve read every show review and publish them on this website’s “Shows” page.
Before I get to my summary, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
Trying to capture the spirit of a theatre production just by reading reviews is a bit like the story of those five blind guys describing an elephant — everyone’s got a different take, and none of them are quite the whole story. So, what follows is just my perspective, based on what I’ve read and heard. It’s not the full picture of the beast.
Here’s a look at what the critics are saying.
SHAKESPEAREAN SURPRISES
As You Like It at the Stratford Festival
Under the direction of Chris Abraham, this production reimagines the pastoral comedy as a politically charged narrative. The first half presents a dark, militaristic setting, while the second half shifts to a lighter, more whimsical tone. Critics have noted the contrast, with some feeling the two halves don’t quite mesh.
Performances, particularly by Sara Farb as Rosalind, Makambe K. Simamba as Celia, and Aaron Krohn as Jacques have been consistently praised.
Writing in The Globe and Mail Aisling Murphy sums up the performances with this line: “As You Like It is a production of extremes, and Abraham’s cast, a veritable “greatest hits” of Stratford Festival actors and frequent Toronto players, drives the tale home without any weak links.”
Until Oct. 24 at the Festival Theatre.
Macbeth at the Stratford Festival
Robert Lepage’s ambitious reimagining of “Macbeth,” set against the backdrop of 1980s Quebec biker gangs, has received mixed reviews.
Critics are unanimous in praising the concept as bold and agree the production is visually striking; some critics feel the execution doesn’t fully capture the intensity of Shakespeare’s text, especially since Lepage has trimmed dialogue and cut entire scenes.
Writing in the Toronto Star, Joshua Chong pulled no punches: “Indeed, it’s an expensive, extravagant and altogether epic endeavour. And yet, this highly anticipated staging amounts to nothing more than a feeble letdown, despite some glimpses of brilliance and its starry cast of Stratford favourites. ”
Until Nov. 2 at the Avon Theatre.
The Winter’s Tale at the Stratford Festival
Antoni Cimolino’s direction of “The Winter’s Tale” has been met with acclaim. In a season dominated by high-profile productions, Cimolino’s nuanced and visually elegant staging offers a quiet counterpoint. Sara Topham’s portrayal of Hermione and Graham Abbey’s performance as Leontes have been praised as particularly compelling.
Writing in Stratford Today, Daphne Gordon observes that Antoni Cimolino explores themes of redemption and grief noting that Graham Abbey, as the tyrannical King Leontes, grounds the production with a compelling performance. Gordon adds that “we still don’t talk much about male grief. This play carves out a moment to wonder why that is.”
Until Sept. 27 at the Tom Patterson Theatre.
MUSICALS THAT HIT THE MARK
Annie at the Stratford Festival
Directed and choreographed by Donna Feore, critics are celebrating “Annie” for its vibrant energy and strong performances. In the title role, Harper Rae Asch has garnered consistent praise for her stage presence and vocal ability.
Writing in Broadway World, Lauren Gienow highlighted the astounding dance and acrobatic skills of the young artists portraying the orphans, noting, “The performers who received the most cheers on Opening Night, however, were most certainly the orphans. Along with Asch, Cydnee Abbott, Evonny Harker, Harmony Holder, Isla Horner, Sofia Grace Otta, Olivia Padfield, Jessica Reddy, and Addison Wagman are utterly stellar every moment they are on stage.”
Until Nov. 2 at the Festival Theatre.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Stratford Festival
This production has garnered attention for its comedic timing and engaging performances. Liam Tobin (Book of Mormon on Broadway and North American Tour), as Freddy Benson, has been singled out for his energy and charisma.
The show earned a “Critic’s Pick” from The Globe and Mail’s Aisling Murphy, who enjoyed director Tracey Flye’s production so much that she wrote, “I’ll probably catch it again before it closes this fall: Never before has cheering for the bad guys been so fun.”
Until Oct. 25 at the Avon Theatre.
Anne of Green Gables at the Stratford Festival
Kat Sandler’s new adaptation of “Anne of Green Gables” offers a fresh perspective on the beloved story. Some are suggesting that this show is the surprise hit of the Festival. Critics are celebrating Caroline Toal’s portrayal of Anne with some emphasis on Toal’s dynamic energy and emotional depth.
Here’s what Joshua Chong wrote in the Toronto Star: “No matter if you love the book or hate it, or are totally unfamiliar with its story, Sandler’s new production is unmissable. It’s charming, tender and incredibly heartfelt, and it left me laughing in one moment and in tears by the next.
Sandler’s updates, while respectful of the original material, breathe new-found relevance into this classic Canadian tale. And it’s all told by a wondrous company of actors who are not only immersed in the storytelling but also seem to have a deep love for the story itself. ”
Until Oct. 25 at the Avon Theatre.
REMAINING OPENINGS:
Forgiveness
Opens June 18
Runs May 23 – September 27
Sense and Sensibility
Opens June 19
Runs May 28 – October 25
The Art of War
Opens August 20
Runs August 1 – September 27 |
Ransacking Troy
Opens August 21
Runs August 6 – September 28
Dangerous Liaisons
Opens August 22
Runs August 6 – October 25
What did you think?
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