Posted by quinn on May 21, 2009, 7:21 pm
Message modified by board administrator May 21, 2009, 7:28 pm

Stratford restores 7 cancelled performances Large scale advertising blitz boosts ticket sales in April by 13 per cent; 17 fall performances still remain in limbo by James Bradshaw Toronto — From Friday's Globe and Mail, Thursday, May. 21, 2009 04:37PM EDT Citing stronger sales, the Stratford Festival has restored seven more of the 30 performances put on hold last month after ticket sales for the season got off to a rocky start. Stratford organizers had previously reinstated all six performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream that had been held after the federal government gave the festival $3-million from its new Marquee Tourism Events Program. The two announcements mark a return to a full summer lineup, though 17 more fall shows originally scheduled for September and October remain in limbo, their fate hinging on tickets sales from this point on. In April, Stratford sold 13 per cent more tickets than in the same month last year thanks largely to a widespread advertising blitz. That elevated level of advertising will continuing thanks to the federal funding, as well as more than $500,000 received from Ontario's Ministry of Tourism earlier this month. Stratford spokeswoman Ann Swerdfager said May sales continue to be strong.

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