Theatre by the Bay Announces New Venue for The Tempest

Theatre by the Bay has announced that its upcoming production of William Shakespeare's The Tempest, will now be performed at the Georgian Theatre in Georgian College, 1 Georgian Drive in Barrie, rather than the Downtown Theatre as previously announced. The production will still open on July 2 and run to July 16 but will preview on July 1 only.

The Tempest stars acclaimed stage, film and television actor Robert Joy (six seasons of CBS's "CSI: New York," Land of the Dead, Desperately Seeking Susan) as Prospero, with his real life daughter Ruby Joy (CBC-TV's "Republic of Doyle") playing Prospero's daughter Miranda.

The Tempest was to be the first production in Barrie's new Downtown Theatre but, due to unforeseen circumstances, that venue will not be ready in time for the opening of the show.

"The City of Barrie has worked diligently with the construction team to try to have the space ready for us and we thank them for their efforts," says Theatre by the Bay Associate Producer Glenn Coulson. "We all want to ensure the quality of the build and give the utmost attention and respect to the high building code standards. This multi-use facility is an important part of the downtown's revitalization and it will serve as a focal point of culture and activity in the Barrie's core for many years to come. Theatre by the Bay looks forward to making the Downtown Theatre its permanent starting with its 2012 season."

Shakespeare's The Tempest tells the story of the deposed Duke Prospero and his daughter Miranda who are stranded on an island full of spirits and mysticism. Through his magical powers, Prospero conjures a storm to bring the men that conspired against him to the island. Once they arrive, the conspiracies, betrayals and deceit begin as Prospero attempts to return his family to power. Romance, comedy and action abound in this classic Shakespeare play.

The play also stars Jennifer Toulmin (Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival, Mamma Mia! touring production) as Ariel, Ryan Hollyman (Andromache for Necessary Angel/Luminato, The Mill parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 for theatrefront/Young Centre) as Caliban, Caden Douglas (CanStage's The Rocky Horror Show, Mirvish Productions' Mamma Mia!) as Ferdinand, Michael Rawley (The Lion King Toronto and touring productions, The Taming of the Shrew for Theatre by the Bay) as Alonso, Sheldon Davis (Leading Ladies for Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, Honk! For Globe Theatre) as Antonio, Richard Alan Campbell (Obsidian Theatre's Ruined, VideoCabaret's The Great War) as Sebastian, John Dolan (Dora winner for Oliver Twist, over 20 productions at Stratford Festival) as Gonzalo, Scott Hurst (Peter Pan and King of Thieves at Stratford Festival) as Trinculo, Kristian Bruun (Evil Dead the Musical at Diesel Playhouse, Soulpepper's Hamlet) as Stephano and Alex Dault (Theatre by the Bay's As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing) as the boatswain.

Robert Joy currently stars as Dr. Sid Hammerback in "CSI: New York." He has also made notable appearances in the films Desperately Seeking Susan, Atlantic City, Land of the Dead, Ragtime, Radio Days and the Canadian film Ticket to Heaven, as well as in television series such as "Medium," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Boston Legal," "Without a Trace," "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Law and Order." A member of the Newfoundland comedy group CODCO for four years, his stage appearances include Peter in Toronto and New York productions with Eli Wallach of The Diary of Anne Frank (for which he was named one of the New Faces of the Theatre Season by the New York Times), Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at the La Jolla Playhouse (for which he won a Drama Logue Award), Huck Finn in the world premiere of Big River (Cambridge's American Repertory Theatre) and the title role in the Broadway comedy The Nerd.

Artistic Producer Larissa Mair and Nick Baillie founded Theatre by the Bay, Barrie's first Shakespeare Company, in 2002 to bring high-quality professional theatre productions to Barrie and area at affordable prices.
Theatre by the Bay presents William Shakespeare's The Tempest, starring Robert Joy as Prospero.
Also starring Kristian Bruun, Richard Alan Campbell, Alex Dault, Sheldon Davis,
John Dolan, Caden Douglas, Ryan Hollyman, Scott Hurst, Ruby Joy, Michael Rawley and Jennifer Toulmin.
Directed by Brett Christopher.
Composer and musical direction by Jonathan Monro. Stage managed by Lindsay McIntosh.
Previews from July 1, Opens July 2 and runs to July 16, 2011
At the Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Drive, Barrie, Ontario. Sponsored by TD.
Mon to Sat at 8pm; Matinees Wed at 2pm.
There is an additional 2pm matinee on Monday, July 11 with proceeds going to the Actors' Equity Fund.
Tickets: $25 Adults, $23 students/seniors, $21 for groups of 10 or more.
Mon July 11, 2pm matinee is PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN.
Box Office: 705-735-9243. More info at www.theatrebythebay.com

To post a comment, you must register and login.