The Stratford Competition is taking part in Canada’s nationwide anthem earlier than each efficiency of the musical Annie this season — a customized often reserved for opening evening performances.
Competition organizers have modified their tune this yr to push again in opposition to the repeated annexation taunts from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“We felt it was a galvanizing second,” stated Anita Gaffney, the pageant’s govt director. “We discover audiences leaping to their ft and singing alongside.”
When the orchestra hits the primary few notes, the viewers is shocked. Then, almost in unison, all of the patrons rise to their ft and begin belting out O Canada.”
Annie is the one manufacturing on the pageant this season set within the U.S.
“We thought (taking part in O Canada) can be a extremely neat counterpoint,” Gaffney stated.
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‘The Canadian in me popping out’
“I’m glad (the Stratford Competition) is taking part in the Canadian nationwide anthem,” Mark Tullis stated on his approach into the theatre.
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Mark and his spouse Bettie are twin Canadian Americans who stay in South Carolina.
When requested if the deliberate show of patriotism earlier than a theatre efficiency would possibly put her off, Bettie gave a agency “no” — instantly apologizing after, quipping, “It’s the Canadian in me popping out.”
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The pageant’s first manufacturing hit the stage on July 13, 1953. The objective was to stimulate the town’s financial system.
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At this time, American patrons buy round one-fifth of the tickets on the pageant — a very important monetary stream for Stratford.
Gaffney stated she has been amazed by the assist from Individuals, with many writing messages to the pageant quickly after Trump began making his “51st state” threats.
International Information has agreed to protect the anonymity of those Individuals on the pageant’s request.
“Regardless of the whole lot taking place with our authorities,” a customer from Michigan wrote, “we’ll take two journeys to Stratford this yr as an alternative of 1.”
“So sorry about Trump, our nationwide embarrassment,” a patron from Virginia wrote. “Your work is protecting me sane.”
Trump supporter Wealthy Greiner has been attending the Stratford Competition for the previous 40 years.
The Michigan native says America desires “to be pals” with Canada however acknowledges Trump’s taunts to soak up Canada have gone too far.
“I don’t agree with the whole lot (Trump) says,” Greiner stated.
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