The 7:30 PM Oct. 21 tribute, to be held at the Festival Theatre, will include readings and celebrations from Hutt's theatrical family, including Brent Carver, Richard Monette, Martha Henry and Peter Hutt, who is also William Hutt's nephew.

Hutt, who died June 27 after a brief illness, was a legend at Stratford and in the Canadian theatre community. As a founding company member, director and actor, he participated in 39 seasons and 130 productions. He was skilled at dramatic and comedic roles.

As noted on his tombstone, with the epitaph "Soldier Actor," Hutt was also a member of the military, serving in the Second World War from 1941-46. He was a member of the 7th Canadian Field Ambulance in Italy, France, Belgium and Holland, and was awarded the Military Medal.

The celebration of Hutt's life and career is open to the public, with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that the tribute had originally been planned for Oct. 28, but a conflict with the Gemini Awards forced a change of date, as Hutt has been nominated for an award for his performance in the television program "Slings and Arrows." In addition to his late-career work on "Slings & Arrows," Hutt's performance as James Tyrone (seen at Stratford) was captured in a film version of that Eugene O'Neill play.

For more about the Stratford Festival, Hutt's longtime artistic home, visit www.stratfordfestival.ca.