Cast of RENT to join in Stratford Winter Pride this weekend

At its January 9 meeting, Stratford City Council adopted a resolution to proclaim February 9-12 as Winter Pride Days in the City of Stratford. The morning of February 3, Mayor Martin Ritsma raised the Pride Flag at City Hall in advance of Winter Pride Day

An event-filled weekend became that much more special when Stratford Pride announced on Monday that members of the cast of the Stratford Festival's 2023 production of the beloved musical RENT will perform at the sold-out Rainbow Gala dinner and cabaret show on Saturday night, February 11th. Based on advance ticket sales, RENT is forecasted to be the smash hit of the 2023 Stratford Festival season.

The fancy dress Gala dinner and cabaret is one part of the annual Stratford Winter Pride - Love Is Love -- four days of events to raise funds for the Stratford Pride Community Centre (SPCC).

The cast members will sing the musical's signature tune, "Seasons of Love". Hosted by international cabaret star Sharron Matthews, the show features veteran queer stage singer Sherry Sylvain and introduces to Canadian audiences the voice of Mira Fantasy, well-known on stage in Toronto's Gay Village. The Gala takes place in the Lazaridis Hall in the Tom Patterson Theatre. 

While the Gala is sold out, the SPCC has opened a wait list that is accepting names; simply send your name and two ways to contact you to info@stratfordpride.com.

Stratford Winter Pride’s four days of events are highlighted by the following:

Thursday, February 9

Though it’s likely you are reading about this in the Stratford Times one day too late, Stratford Winter Pride kicked off on Thursday at the Copperlight Banquet Hall with Canadian Comedy Award Winner Robert Watson welcoming one of Canada’s top comics, Elvira Kurt, Just for Laughs favourite Ted Morris, and Cliff Knight for a fun filled night of Comedy.

Friday, February 10

Troy Boy Entertainment will be at the Copperlight Banquet Hall for a drag entertainment show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $30. For purchase details and more information, please visit stratfordpride.com/winter-pride-23.

Saturday, February 11

Saturday is full of activities for all ages and tastes. 

An alcohol-free, all-ages, drop-in party will take place at Stratford Pride Community Centre from noon to 10 p.m. This free event will include soft drinks, snacks, a morning movie screening, light lunch, and a 2 p.m. Drag Storytime. 

Meanwhile at the Copperlight Banquet Hall, put on your best rainbow colours and dance from 9 p.m. ‘til midnight with Star Toronto DJ Chiclet at the licensed Snow Ball Dance Party. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door, with Gala ticketholders gaining free admission.

The aforementioned sold-out Gala Dinner will take place in Lazaridis Hall at Tom Patterson Theatre.

Sunday, February 12

 There will be a morning Ecumenical church service at Avondale United Church. Please check back at stratfordpride.com/winter-pride-23 for exact start time of this service.

These four days that comprise Stratford Winter Pride ’23 celebrate the contributions of the local LGBTQ+ community and demonstrate that Stratford is truly a place to find diversity, love and welcomeness.

All proceeds from Winter Pride go to benefit the not-for-profit Stratford Pride Community Centre and Stratford Pride Guide.