Nothing is so good as a getaway with an old friend, so when I hit the road for London, Ontario, and a three-day visit with my friend Suzanne, I knew I was in for a good time! After all, who wouldn't love a scene like this? The sky was as dramatic as the theatre I knew we would soon enjoy!
Oh yes, anyone headed to the Stratford Festival is in for some terrific theatre.
First up was the wonderful George Gershwin musical, "Crazy for You." This pastiche of the Mickey and Judy/Fred and Ginger musicals had just about every favorite Gershwin song ever. And a ton of tap dancing!
As we waited for the overture to start, I couldn't help but think how lucky we were to have tickets to a show that got reviews like this!And it did not disappoint! Incredible music and dance -- the audience was on its feet!
Then time for a walk around the theatre and around town. One will always expect to see swans around Stratford!
I wish the color had been a bit more intense. I think we missed the peak by about a week (next week).
But the town is lovely. A small city with a good deal of charm, but not phony charm. I call it gritty/pretty.
Dinner -- pizzas and giggles!
Suzanne and I have known each other since high school, both sharing a love of film, books and drama. We knew each others' parents, all of whom have since passed. When we get together there's none of that "what do I say when we haven't seen each other for awhile." We just start and don't stop till we say goodbye!
Then it was time for "Man of La Mancha." I've loved this show for a long while and this production didn't disappoint. Neither did the set! Every inch of this set worked itself into the show.
As you can see below, the drawbridge/stairs come down and up periodically, very effectively. And Quixote fans will remember that Don Quixote tilted at windmills. The one in back is a gentle reminder.
Tom Rooney, the actor playing Cervantes/Don Quixote was versatile. His rendition of "The Impossible Dream" (which can be an impossible mess when overplayed) was done with understatement but power.
The next day we were off shopping. The Covent Garden market in downtown London did not disappoint.
This indoor market was filled with stalls for veggies, flowers, specialty items and cheese.
Oh, the cheese counter! To die for!
Then off to the book store and home again, only to get ready to leave the next day. The roadtrip home is a boring one but for me with quite a panic on bridges, waiting in this line to get over the bridge at the border was a bit of a terror. I was clutching the wheel even when the car was standing still! It seemed that anyone who passed in the NEXUS lane beside me rattled the whole bridge!
Of course, I didn't have it nearly so bad as whomever happened to be on this bus when something happened that caused it to be hauled across the border by a tow truck.
Goodbye, Canada! I miss you already!
After all, with good friends, good theatre, a good market and a safe road trip? Who could ask for anything more?
(Stratford photos by Michael Cooper)
29 comments:
What a marvellous post! When I was planning for TIFF, I'd thought about heading to Stratford but the schedules just couldn't fit in. What an amazing theatre. I've been to Stratford Upon Avon in England, but have never been to our own Stratford, or our own London. I must see them the next time I head to Ont. Thanks for these 'promo' pics. Jeanie. ;)
Jeanie, your trip looks and sounds amazing, I loved travelling to Stratford with you and meeting your friend, what a great place to visit.
What a lovely trip - thanks for sharing. I have never been to Stratford and really must go sometime. I, too, love Man of La Mancha.
YES! What a lovely and lively activity and do you ever look happy, Jeanie! Great first shot with that barn. Have a super day!
Sounds like you had a great time.
Have been to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford upon avon here in UK lots of times, but quite fancy visiting your alternative!
And those are the friendships you cherish, the pick up where you left off type.
Heather :)
A wonderful trip!
There's something so satisfying about picking up an old friendship just as though you saw each other every day! One of my long-time friends calls it the never-ending conversation. :-)
Thanks for taking us along to the theater productions, the market, the restaurants....
A lovely time. :-)
What a wonderful trip, made especially sweet by sharing it with you long time friend.
You couldn't ask for more! I had to go back and see all your lovely photos again, without reading the second time. Great fun indeed. Like a trip for us too! Those pumpkin (wooden) people are just too cute!
Wonderful trip! I have been to Vancouver, BC and to Toronto, and should explore the rest of Canada. Hubby's mother was born in Calgary and his father in New Brunswick.
Oh my what a fantastic weekend! A girl getaway sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my blog!
What a beautiful, fun trip! And what colors at the markets. I'm glad you had such a wonderful time, Jeanie! I love the theater too. Every year, Ashland, Oregon hosts a Shakespeare Festival, and Duane and I have gone a couple of times. Such fun!
London and Stratford in one place? And Covent Garden?
Were you time travelling?
The pictures are lovely and as you had such a good time, the trip was well worth it.
btw: no musicals in the real Stratford!
Always lovely to read about your doings Jeanie, and you're also getting such a lot out of retirement! I passed so near that theatre once and never got there, I was on my way to somewhere else. Wish I had now!
I could feel your energy through this entire post. What a great time you had. Don't you just love being with those high school girl friends? You are right. Who can ask for anything more? Great getaway.
What fantastic photos of your trip, Jeanie. The theater experience sounds awesome. You gals both have great smiles!
Hi Jeanie! Oh, what a marvelous trip you must have had! So many fun things. I love stage productions and this looks like a winner.
Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)
Looks like a lively, restorative trip -- SO vibrant, Jeanie, and so much fun -- LOVE these pictures!
Jeanie,
What a fantastic trip... Such entertainment! How nice to meet up with an old friend..
Thanks for taking me along.
Blessings,
Penny
What a wonderful trip you had. And look, on that menu. Buffalo mozzarella! I've heard it's the best ever, but I've never been able to find any. There it was, just for you!
And tap-dancing, too. What more could a girl want?
Such beautiful/vivid photos. Your a very good photographer, they look magazine ready!
How I would have enjoyed this trip. Love live performances, though I don't go much anymore. The colors in your photos were just magnificent. What a lovely, lovely trip and spending it with a good friend is even better.
Oh, what fun! You get up to some great things and got to some great places, Jeanie! Always a treat to see... And that market!! Oh, but LOVE, love, love those BIG skies... *sigh*... Happy Days ((HUGS))
Yes, who could ask for anything more? That's how my San Francisco trip felt for me! I am glad that you had such a fun away, got to see a dear friend and do some of your favorite things! Life is good! :)
I love those friendships where you can just pick up where you left off. I have found in the last couple of years that it's just not possible to talk regularly with all of the friends I have but I feel fortunate that when our paths cross, it is as if no time has passed! That is the mark of a true friendship!
i love musicals with dance numbers - makes my heart and feet happy!
i love musicals with dance numbers - makes my heart and feet happy!
What a great post about a great trip! I loved the photos...wow.
We don't really need much or more. Sometimes, a good company completes it all. But those places you visited, shows you watched are all a big bonus to your wonderful trip. 😊
What great photos of your fun fun time. How nice to meet a friend and get to enjoy special times!
oxo
We've had so much fun there!
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