Trouble on Dibble Street,a play based on Prescott in 1910, helps account for the largest-ever ensemble of 23 cast members scheduled to appear in this year's St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival.
"It requires more people than other plays the festival has put on," general manager Jessie De Vries told the Recorder and Times on Friday after the annual release of the cast list.
De Vries said the play, based on theMerry Wives of Windsor, was commissioned by festival organizers and written by Kingston playwright and drama professor John Lazarus in tribute to Prescott's 2010 bicentennial celebrations.
"We're just one of the many bicentennial activities," said De Vries.
"But it's an interesting element we're happy to be a part of."
The other feature play in 2010 is the drama Macbeth,the festival's second venture away from Shakespeare comedies, after Romeo and Juliet.
The 2009 festival drew a record audience of 4,327 paid spectators and crowds have grown every year since it began eight seasons ago, noted De Vries.
With all the excitement generated by the bicentennial, she expects there's room for even more growth this year.
"It just keeps building every year. Our reputation gets better and better."
De Vries said the success helps draw talent. This year's auditions in Toronto, Ottawa and Prescott attracted hundreds of hopefuls, she said.
"Lots of people want to come here because the actors are treated very well.
Among the returning per-formers is Kris Joseph, who was featured in the 2009 production Measure for Measureand also appeared previously.
Joseph plays the title character inMacbethand admitted in a statement he is "flattered and terrified, but mostly terrified" at the challenge of playing an iconic role performed by many of the world's great actors.
"But I'm excited to explore the role with this company," added Joseph.
Other popular returning cast members well-known to faithful fans of the festival are Michael MacDonald, Warren Bain, Brent Buchanan and Alix Sideris.
MacDonald is one of the most recognizable cast members who has performed at the festival several years, said De Vries.
Meanwhile, Sideris has a key role inTrouble on Dibble Street which will also feature the festiv
al debut of Mo Bock, well-known in the region for his work with the Thousand Islands Playhouse, who will play the lead role of Falstaff.
Other notable newcomers include award-winning Ottawa actor Pierre Brault and recent National Theatre School grad Ron Klappholz making his professional debut.
On the local front, youngsters Cliff Bauder, Jill Foster, Jacob Isaac, Kayla Maggio and Logan Whyte have roles in one or both of the mainstage shows.
De Vries said accommodations are being sought for the visiting cast members and urged people who can spare a room or need a housesitter for 10 weeks to call her at 925-5788.
Donations to sponsor an actor will also be appreciated.
This year's festival runs July 10 to August 14 at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre at the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour.
The festival also boasts a popular Sunday series and young artists training program.
To book tickets or for more information, call De Vries at the phone number above or visitwww.stlawrenceshakespeare.ca.
nickg@recorder.ca