Coyne is the respected actress and writer who played an administrative assistant on TV's "Slings and Arrows," but is also known for many classical modern roles in Canadian theatre.
Stratford veteran actress-director Martha Henry directs the 1901 Russian play. "The play tells the story of a family seeking meaning and purpose when traditions shift in an increasingly modern world," according to Stratford.
The production features seasoned Festival actors Lucy Peacock as Masha and Irene Poole as Olga, as well as Dalal Badr, a member of the Festival's Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre, as Irina.
James Blendick plays Chebutykin, the doctor who has been the girls' surrogate father since before their mother died, and Tom McCamus (one of Henry's "sons" from Long Day's Journey Into Night on stage and film) as Vershinin, the married officer who falls in love with everyone he meets. The company also includes Juan Chioran, Sean Arbuckle, Gordon Miller, Robert King, Joyce Campion and Kelli Fox (as Natasha, "the local girl who eventually usurps the household").
The creative team includes designer John Pennoyer, lighting designer Leigh Ann Vardy, composer Marc Desormeaux, sound designer Todd Charlton, stage manager Ann Stuart and production stage manager Janine Ralph. Three Sisters runs until Oct. 3. Opening night is June 3.
For tickets, call the box office at (800) 567-1600 or visit www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.
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General director Antoni Cimolino and artistic director Des McAnuff's 2009 season is dedicated to Richard Monette, the Festival's longest-serving artistic director, who died on Sept. 9, 2008, less than a year after retiring from his post.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s 2009 season runs until Nov. 1, featuring Macbeth; West Side Story; Cyrano de Bergerac; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; The Importance of Being Earnest; Julius Caesar; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Three Sisters; Bartholomew Fair; Ever Yours, Oscar; Phèdre; The Trespassers; Rice Boy; and Zastrozzi.
