Stratford prepares for new director as season opens

High-profile director Des McAnuff is entering his final season as artistic director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival with the opening of Much Ado About Nothing Monday evening.

Thecompany announced a settlement with its call centre workers on Sunday, avertinga strike that might havedisrupted the series of gala openings planned for this week.

McAnuff, who earned two Tony Awards on Broadway for direction of musicals, has been successful in directing international attention to Stratford productions.

Hollywood stars like Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy have been coaxed onto Stratford stages and McAnuffs production of Jesus Christ Superstar went on to Broadway.

But at the end of this season, hell hand the reins to his successor Antoni Cimolino, a former actor who has been general director of the festival. Critics are wondering if Stratford will maintain its dazzle under a new hand, CBCs Deana Sumanac reports.

Cimolino is a strong supporter of Stratfords classical canon, including works such as Shakespeares Cymbeline, which he is directing this season.

Actors such as Cynthia Dale, who returns to the festival this year after a five-year absence, say theyre confident in his leadership.

Cymbeline opens Thursday, one of four openings planned for the week Mondaymarks the debut ofShakespeares Much Ado About Nothing, Tuesday is 42nd Street, the seasons big musical and Wednesday is Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown, a childrens play based on the Charles Schultz comic strip.