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The Shaw Festival: Extraordinary Theater and Nature in Niagara

Program Number: 10396RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/19/2013 - 8/23/2013; 9/23/2013 - 9/27/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Niagara Falls (Ontario), Ontario
Price starting at: $1,198.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Theater; History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 12; 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Renowned for its stylish productions, the Shaw Festival is home to one of North America’s largest repertory companies. Immerse yourself in theater with performances, backstage experiences and lectures by Shaw company members. Round out your stay in Niagara with visits to Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and a local winery for a tasting of Niagara’s renowned icewine.




Highlights

• Enjoy private pre-show introductions to each play and post-show chats with cast members.
• Complement your in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the Shaw Festival with orchestra seats to three performances.
• Experience more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies in a lush, rainforest setting, then walk the footpaths of the Botanical Gardens and one of Canada’s finest collections of ornamental trees, shrubs and roses.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to a few blocks; some stairs.




Date Specific Information

8-19-2013

Includes tickets for 3 performances at the Shaw Festival: Major Barbara, Lady Windermere’s Fan and Guys and Dolls.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



9-23-2013

Includes tickets for 3 performances at the Shaw Festival: Major Barbara, Faith Healer and Guys and Dolls.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Niagara Falls (Ontario)

Situated along the same latitude as Northern California, this world-famous destination attracts people to its wineries and local cuisine, as well as to its impressive natural falls, breathtaking scenery and great theater.
Accommodations
Centrally located hotel within walking distance of Niagara Falls.
Meals and Lodgings
   Old Stone Inn
  Niagara Falls, ON 4 nights
 Old Stone Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Old Stone Inn is a historical boutique hotel where hospitable staff will treat you as an honoured guest. Centrally located, and within walking distance of all major attractions including the Falls, the Old Stone Inn is a restful retreat from the tiring pace of our modern world.
  Contact info: 5425 Robinson Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7L6 Canada
phone: 800-263-6208
web: www.oldstoneinn.on.ca
  Room amenities: Remote controlled cable TV Some rooms with jacuzzi and fireplace
  Facility amenities: 114 rooms in hotel; Dining Room and Lounge on site Indoor/outdoor pool; whirlpool; Free on-site parking (outdoor); Free newspapers in lobby
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Ask for Road Scholar rate Additional room rates vary with day and time of year. Saturdays are more expensive than Fridays. There is an additional charge of 16% taxes added to room rate (13% HST + 3% Destination Marketing Fee). Only a limited number of rooms held at special reduced Road Scholar rate
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Ask for Road Scholar rate Additional room rates vary with day and time of year. Saturdays are more expensive than Fridays. There is an additional charge of 16% taxes added to room rate (13% HST + 3% Destination Marketing Fee). Only a limited number of rooms held at special reduced Road Scholar rate
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3 p.m. check-in at Old Stone Inn. You will be staying at Old Stone Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Lunch at 12:00 noon. Program ends following lunch. You will be staying at Old Stone Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A valid passport is required at all US border crossings - by air, land and sea. Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up-to-date info.
  Parking availability:
Parking at hotel is free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Niagara Falls, ON
  Nearest city or town:  Niagara-on-the-Lake
  Nearest highway: Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)
  Nearest airport:  Buffalo, NY
  From End of Program
  Location: Niagara Falls, ON
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Toronto

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111

 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 - 2 hours 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Buffalo, Hamilton and Toronto Airports. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com
 

East/West

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Greyhound Canada
phone: 800-661-8747

   

Greyhound Bus Lines offers regular service to/from Niagara Falls. www.greyhound.ca/en/
 

Buffalo

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111

 

Travel Time:

 

45 - 60 minutes 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Buffalo, Hamilton and Toronto Airports. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com
 
Driving Directions
  Detroit and Windsor When you cross the border into Canada at Windsor get on Highway 401. You will continue driving east on Highway 401 for about 3 hours. Watch for signs for Highway 403 to Hamilton and Niagara. You then travel east on Highway 403 for about ½ hour before you will merge with the QEW to Niagara. Once on the QEW to Niagara you are about 1 hour from the hotel. For balance of the trip please follow the same directions as From TORONTO.
  New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania Cross the Niagara River at one of the international bridges. The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls is closest to the hotel but there can be a large volume of traffic due to its proximity to the Falls and the casinos. The Whirlpool Bridge is primarily for commuters between Canada and the U.S. To use the Whirlpool Bridge you must be a member of the NEXUS program. If crossing at Buffalo(PEACE BRIDGE) follow the sign QEW to Toronto from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls. Watch for and take the exit marked HWY 420 (Bridge to the USA). Follow HWY 420 to Stanley Ave. Turn right on to Stanley Ave. and drive south passing through the 1st set of traffic lights which is Ferry St. The next set of lights is at Robinson St. Turn left and drive 1 block to Stop Sign. You will see the Old Stone Inn on the left corner. If crossing at Lewiston (QUEENSTON-LEWISTON BRIDGE) or Niagara Falls (WHIRLPOOL BRIDGE) follow the Niagara Parkway (also called River Road) south to Hiram St. Turn right onto Hiram and drive to traffic lights at Falls Ave. Turn left at the lights (stay to right of island) and drive to Stop Sign. Turn right at the Stop Sign (will see a sign that says QEW) You are now travelling west on Roberts St. When this street splits, stay to the left and continue on Roberts St. until you reach Stanley Ave. Turn left on to Stanley Ave. and drive south passing through the 1st set of traffic lights at Ferry St. The next set of lights is at Robinson St. Turn left and drive 1 block to Stop Sign. The Old Stone Inn on the left corner. If crossing at Niagara Falls (RAINBOW BRIDGE) drive straight ahead when exiting bridge and follow the sign HWY 420 to QEW. You are now travelling west on Roberts St. At the second set of traffic lights (Stanley Ave) turn left onto Stanley Ave and drive south passing through the 1st set of traffic lights at Ferry St. The next set of lights is at Robinson St. Turn left and drive 1 block to Stop Sign. You will see the Old Stone Inn on the left corner.
  Toronto Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) toward Niagara. The signage on this highway is excellent. You will cross both the Burlington Bay Skyway in Burlington and the Garden City Skyway in St. Catharines before you reach Niagara Falls. Continue on the QEW until you reach a sign for HWY 420 to Niagara Falls. You will take this exit and drive until you come to Stanley Avenue (major intersection with traffic lights). Turn right on to Stanley Ave. and drive south passing through the first intersection with traffic lights which is Ferry Street. At the next set of lights (Robinson Street) turn left on to Robinson Street. Drive one short block to stop sign. You will see the Old Stone Inn on the left hand side at 5425 Robinson Street. Local street maps are enclosed in Advance Mailing.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-In/Orientation
(Monday, August 19)
   
 Arrive To: ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN: Independent arrivals to Niagara Falls in the afternoon; check-in to the hotel after 3:00 p.m. The front desk will let you know where to register, meet the Road Scholar Coordinator and residential host. The coordinator will distribute and discuss the itinerary with the group; and be available for any questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible and appreciate your understanding.
 Dinner: Plated dinner (3 choices) to be served in hotel dining room
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Group Introductions followed by short video of Shaw Festival.
   
Accommodations: Old Stone Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Shaw Festival Theatre Backstage/Matinee Theatre Performance - Major Barbara
(Tuesday, August 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in hotel dining room. Participants dine at own convenience.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Backstage Tour of Festival Theatre (main theatre) PRESENTATION: George Bernard Shaw & Pre-Show Chat. Lecture & pre show chat about George Bernard Shaw and the matinee presentation we will see today. Performances will be announced in the New Year.
 Lunch: Lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake
 Afternoon: THEATRE PERFORMANCE: Shaw Festival. This afternoon we attend a matinee performance at the Shaw Festival - Major Barbara. Have your ideals tested and your beliefs turned on their head in one of Shaw’s wittiest and most provocative plays. When arms dealer Andrew Undershaft is reunited with his Salvation Army daughter Barbara, each is sure the other’s profession is a source of immorality. She invites him to visit her shelter – he agrees as long as she will come visit his cannon works. They are both convinced that the other will be converted. But who is right, who is wrong, who is good, who is evil is never – typical of Shaw – as simple as it seems.
 Dinner: Plated dinner served in hotel dining room (3 choices of entree)
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Free evening to explore the area.
   
Accommodations: Old Stone Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shaw Seminar/Winery Tour & Tasting/Evening Theatre Performance - Lady Windermere's Fan
(Wednesday, August 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in hotel dining room. Participants dine at own convenience.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Shaw Seminar-Production Chat. PRESENTATION: Pre show lecture about the play we will see this evening. Performances will be announced in the New Year.
 Lunch: Lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake
 Afternoon: EXCURSION: Winery Tour & Tasting. This afternoon we will visit a local winery for a tour and tasting.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: THEATRE PERFORMANCE: Shaw Festival. Tonight we attend an evening performance at the Shaw Festival - Lady Windermere's Fan. Oscar Wilde is at his bitingly satirical best targeting Victorian morals (especially marital) in this comic thriller that made him an overnight star. We meet rich, stunning, recently wed Lady Windermere on the day of her birthday ball when a notorious gossip drops by to announce that her new husband is betraying her — with a mysterious woman who is coming to the ball. Be ready for jealousy, intrigue, twists, turns, and massive doses of Wildean wit.
   
Accommodations: Old Stone Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shaw Seminar/Matinee Theatre Performance - Guys and Dolls
(Thursday, August 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in hotel dining room Participants dine at own convenience.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Rehearsal Process. Shaw seminar on the Rehearsal Process PRESENTATION: Pre Show Chat. Pre show chat about this afternoon's performance. Performances to be announced in the New Year.
 Lunch: Lunch in Niagara-on-the-Lake
 Afternoon: THEATRE PERFORMANCE: Shaw Festival. We attend a matinee performance at the Shaw Festival - Guys and Dolls. In New York City, you’ll meet wise guys and chorus gals, gamblers and actresses, cops and bobby-soxers. Pious Sarah Brown, a sergeant at the Save-A-Soul mission, wants to save their souls while Nathan Detroit needs $1000 to save the city’s oldest floating craps game. Enter high-roller Sky Masterson who takes Nathan’s crazy bet – to woo the virtuous Sarah! Who will take a real gamble on love? Will luck be a lady tonight? Guys and Dolls has been called the “greatest of all American musicals.”
 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Old Stone Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Botanical Gardens/ Butterfly Conservatory/Independent Departures
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in hotel dining room between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. Participants dine at own convenience.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Niagara Parks Commission Botanical Gardens. Established in 1936, visitors enjoy 40 hectares (99 acres) of beautifully maintained gardens, including perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, an aviary as well as our world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses. Footpaths wind past the Butterfly Conservatory and butterfly garden, ponds and an arboretum featuring one of Canada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.
 Morning: EXCURSION: Butterfly Conservatory. Enjoy a video and self-guided excursion at the Butterfly Conservatory: This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!
 Lunch: 12:00 p.m. Plated lunch (3 selections) served in hotel dining room. Box lunches can be arranged for those leaving the program early. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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