Christopher Plummer in Stratfo

Christopher Plummer backstage at the Stratford Theater with his daughter Amanda Plummer in 1963.

Christopher Plummer to perform in Ottawa this July

Canadian cultural icon and renowned stage and film actor, Christopher Plummer, will be presenting his Shakespeare and Music program at the Music and Beyond festival for two nights on July 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Dominion-Chalmers United Church.

The Oscar-winning actor, known for his nearly 60-year career as one of theatre’s most respected actors, and a veteran of over 150 motion pictures, will perform some of his favourite scenes and sonnets from Shakespeare’s plays, paired with orchestral music inspired by the same works. The New York Times has called him “The finest classical actor in North America.”

Shakespeare and Music is one of only a handful of live appearances Mr. Plummer will make throughout the world in 2016. The program will see him deliver selections from such plays as Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew,Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado about Nothing and The Tempest seamlessly with music from the Music and Beyond Festival Orchestra, made up of some of the best Canadian musicians.

Mr. Plummer developed the program in collaboration with the festival’s Artistic Director, Julian Armour, and performed the piece with over 25 different musicians for the sold out Opening Gala at Music and Beyond’s 2011 festival. In 2013, this show was revised and performed at the Banff Centre.

Of the show, Calgary entertainment blog May I Presentwrote:

“If you ever have a chance to see this production, do not hesitate, do not delay. Christopher Plummer is still at the very top of his game, and I guarantee, you will feel the hairs rise on your neck when his voice booms throughout the room. Nothing short of amazing…”

Shakespeare and Music will be filmed for television and DVD release, and recorded for CD. All will be distributed internationally.

Happy Birthday Christopher Plummer

December 13th, 2015: Happy 86th birthday Christopher Plummer!

ABOUT
Longtime actor whose prominent roles include Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and his Academy Award winning portrayal of Hal Fields in the 2010 film Beginners. His other notable films include The Return of the Pink Panther, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and The Man Who Would Be King.

BEFORE FAME
His role as Mr. Darcy in his high school production of Pride and Prejudice garnered the attention of theater critic Herbert Whittaker. He made his film debut in the 1858 movie, Stage Struck.

TRIVIA
He won a number of awards for his role in the 1999 Michael Mann film The Insider.

FAMILY LIFE
His great-grandfather was former Canadian prime minister, Sir John Abbott. He had a daughter named Amanda Plummer in 1957 with Patricia Lewis.

Christopher Plummer website

Watch the new Christopher Plummer website

Christopher Plummer Will Present Helen Mirren with The Shakespeare Medal

Christopher Plummer Will Present Helen Mirren with The Shakespeare Medal 

On June 1, 2015

Most recently, Mirren earned both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for her performance in The Last Station, playing Sofya Tolstoy, opposite Christopher Plummer's Tolstoy. Mirren has also worked extensively in the theatre. Most recently reprising her role of Queen Elizabeth II in The Audience in London's West End, for which she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress.