BEST BROTHERS Begins Previews at Stratford Shakespeare Festival Tonight, 6/26

Acclaimed Canadian dramatist Daniel MacIvor's new play BEST BROTHERS is a hilariously touching and emotionally compelling piece about a pair of brothers grieving the loss of their mother. The world première, which is directed by Associate Artistic Director Dean Gabourie, begins previews at the Studio Theatre tonight, June 26.

Written by Daniel MacIvor, Best Brothers tells the story of Hamilton and Kyle Best, two brothers with very different dispositions: one is more serious and introverted, the other ebullient. The siblings are driven together by their mother's accidental death, forcing them to contend with their different modes of mourning as they sort out the details surrounding the funeral – as well as who gets their mother's voraciously omnivorous dog.

"I adore Daniel's humour and his insights into how these two brothers deal with their grief," says Mr. Gabourie. "He shows such sensitivity and eloquence of emotion; it really is quite awe-inspiring."

Mr. MacIvor also performs in the production as Hamilton alongside John Beale, who plays Kyle.

"Daniel MacIvor is a truly brilliant playwright," says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. "He writes dialogue in a deceptively minimalist style that so delights us with its comedy that we are taken unawares by the powerful emotional payoff that he has been preparing for us all along. It's a tremendous privilege to be premièring his new work and to be welcoming him and John into our company."

"This is a deliciously funny and smart play about the unique and sometimes complicated relationships we have with our families," says General Director Antoni Cimolino. "It's a joy to watch Daniel MacIvor and John Beale create the dynamic between these two siblings on stage, and the result is a production that is as hilarious as it is tender-hearted. A glorious tribute to the complexities of family, this play is not to be missed."

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2012 season runs until October 28, featuring Much Ado About Nothing; 42nd Street, The Matchmaker; Henry V; You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Pirates of Penzance; A Word or Two; Cymbeline; Wanderlust; Elektra; The Best Brothers; Hirsch and The War of 1812. HeH

Cast (in alphabetical order)

Kyle Best................................................................................. John Beale

Hamilton Best.......................................................................... Daniel MacIvor

Artistic credits

Director................................................................................... Dean Gabourie

Set Designer............................................................................ Julie Fox

Costume Designer................................................................... Jessica Poirier-Chang

Lighting Designer..................................................................... Itai Erdal

Composer................................................................................ Jonathan Monro

Sound Designer....................................................................... Jesse Ash

Dramaturge............................................................................. Iris Turcott

Stunt Coordinator.................................................................... Todd Campbell

Assistant Director..................................................................... Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu

Assistant Lighting Designer....................................................... Sarah Mansikka

Stage Manager........................................................................ Marylu Moyer

Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................... Jessica Stinson

Production Assistant................................................................ Brenda Pilatzke

Production Stage Manager....................................................... Marylu Moyer

Technical Director.................................................................... Robbin Cheesman

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