NEWS

Resurgence Theatre Company announces talent line up for 2009 professional theatre season including a special funding announcement

May 12, 2009 - News Release, Resurgence Theatre Company

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Resurgence Theatre Company is proud to announce an exciting line up of talent for the ELEVENTH ANNUAL York Shakespeare Festival. The Festival will run from July 14 to August 23, 2009 under a tent at Fairy Lake in Newmarket, Ontario and will feature:

THE LITTLE PRINCE
Adapted from the novella by Antoine de Saint Exupéry by Luciana Burcheri
Directed by Kelly Straughan
"One cannot see clearly except with the heart," says Resurgence co-Founder Anthony Leo, "it’s probably the most famous line from this enchanting and magical fable. The story of The Little Prince is one of the extraordinary power of the imagination and the indestructible bond of friendship - two reasons why it continues to be cherished by children and adults alike 65 years after it was first published."

Kelly Straughan, current Assistant Artistic Director of Toronto’s prestigious Tarragon Theatre, will helm a production starring Simon Rainville (recently appeared in Wild Mouth at the Tarragon Theatre) and Shane Carty (Stratford Festival, Citadel Theatre).

ROMEO & JULIET
By William Shakespeare - Directed by Lee Wilson
Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tragedy will be directed by Lee Wilson - a co-founder of Resurgence Theatre Company and Newmarket native. Over the past four years, Mr. Wilson has become the only artist in Canada to have completed three of the nation’s top directing internships, including the Shaw Festival Director’s Project, The Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training at the Stratford Festival of Canada and the Urjo Kareda Residency Grant at the Tarragon Theatre where he worked under Artistic Director Richard Rose. He is currently completing a residency with the Grand Theatre in London as Associate Artistic Director.

The cast will feature Lara Jean Chorostecki as Juliet (Mary in RTC’s The Secret Garden, Stratford Festival), Shaun McComb (Feste in RTC’s Twelfth Night, Stratford Festival), Jeffrey Wetsch (Dirty Dancing, Orpheus Descending - Mirvish Productions) and Jane Spence (Bard on the Beach Vancouver, Stratford Festival).

Newmarket native James Wallis will play the role of Benvolio. Mr. Wallis is a recent graduate of Ryerson Theatre School and is also one the first graduates of Resurgence’s Youth Theatre Programs to appear in a main stage production.

SPECIAL FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Ontario MPP Julia Munro appeared at Resurgence Theatre Company’s offices today for a special funding announcement. Through the Celebrate Ontario initiative, the Province seeks to recognize the important economic benefits that events such as the York Shakespeare Festival, have for our communities - attracting new visitors from across Ontario. In recognition of Resurgence Theatre Company’s efforts to enhance tourism in the Newmarket area and give visitors new reasons to travel to Ontario, Julia Munro announced financial support from the Province to Resurgence in the amount of $22,000. These funds will be used to increase attendance to the York Shakespeare Festival by creating incentives for visitors to stay overnight and see more than one performance and will also allow Resurgence to add additional performances.

2009 BOX OFFICE INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased online at www.resurgence.ca or by calling the Newmarket Theatre Box Office at 905-953-5122.

CELEBRATING SUPPORTERS FOR THE ARTS
Eleven years of producing theatre is a significant feat for any professional theatre company in Canada. This accomplishment is shared and celebrated equally with the Town of Newmarket and the York Region Media Group who have supported Resurgence’s efforts since the very beginning. Together we have benefited thousands of patrons and young people and continue to reach for excellence in the arts.

Resurgence also acknowledges the extraordinary support of Festival Sponsor iPLANcorp who has made a five year financial commitment to the York Shakespeare Festival. In addition, Resurgence is proud of ongoing support from dedicated partners such as Lead Patron Keith Fernandes, the Province of Ontario, Midpoint International, Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home, Southlake Cinemania, Regal Tent Productions, TD Friends of the Environment and Willow Springs Winery.

For more information, please visit www.resurgence.ca or call our Admin Office.

Media Contact: Anthony Leo - anthony@resurgence.ca.