Des McAnuff

In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.

In early 19th-century France, the Marquis de Sade is confined to an asylum where his forbidden writings continue to circulate beyond its walls. As the authorities tighten control, a clash unfolds between the Marquis’ unyielding imagination, the reformist ideals of the Abbé in charge, and the repressive measures of a doctor sent to silence him. Desire, power, and censorship collide in a battle over freedom of expression.

Rocky and Bullwinkle have been living off the finances made from the reruns of their cartoon show. Boris and Natasha somehow manage to crossover into reality and team up with Fearless Leader, an evil criminal turned media mogul with some evil plans up his sleeve. Rocky and Bullwinkle must stop the three of them before they wreak havoc.

In 19th century Paris, Bette Fischer, a poor and homely spinster, forms an alliance with the seductive courtesan Valerie Marneffe to orchestrate revenge on her handsome and wealthy relatives.

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann is riveting as the title character of Gounod’s popular opera, seen in this Live in HD presentation of Des McAnuff’s thrilling 2011 production that places the mythical and timeless story in an early 20th-century setting. René Pape as Méphistophélès is menacing and elegant in equal measure, and Marina Poplavskaya delivers a searingly intense portrayal of the innocent Marguerite. Russell Braun as her brother, Valentin, shines in his Act II aria. On the podium, Yannick Nézet-Séguin brings out all the lyricism and drama of Gounod’s score.

Stratford Shakespeare Festival presents: Caesar and Cleopatra. Shaw's legendary wit turns political drama into sparkling comedy when veteran strategist Julius Caesar becomes mentor to the enchanting teenage queen of Roman-occupied Egypt. Their first encounter under a desert moon will lead to a shift in the course of history, as Cleopatra gradually overcomes her timidity to become a determined player in the game of power politics

Featuring a mesmerizing performance by Christopher Plummer as Prospero, Shakespeare's The Tempest is brought from the stage of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to the cinematic screen.

In 700 Sundays, legendary comedian and actor Billy Crystal tells the stories of his youth, growing up in the jazz world of Manhattan, his teenage years, and finally adulthood. The Tony Award-winning show is a funny and poignant exploration of family and fate, loving and loss.

Shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, Viola adopts a male disguise and enters the service of Duke Orsino, only to find herself part of a triangle of unrequited love. Meanwhile, in the household of the Countess Olivia, Sir Toby Belch and his unruly companions trick Olivia's strict and disapproving steward, Malvolio, into believing that she loves him.

A short BravoFACT adaptation of the 2010 Stratford Shakespeare Festival play 'As You Like It'.

Jersey Boys, The Who's Tommy, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays, and now, Canada's Stratford Shakespeare Festival. This is the world of Big Time Theatre, and Des McAnuff's creative fingerprints have been on all of them. Des knows better than most how to stage artistically and commercially successful theatrical shows, but who knew that this Canadian-born director could play a wicked red hot guitar? Des McAnuff - A Life in Stages takes you behind the scenes of the hottest stage director working today. With a soundtrack composed by Des himself, listen to Pete Townshend, Billy Crystal and Christopher Plummer explain how working with Des McAnuff has been a profound artistic experience. Thought provoking and often times hilarious, welcome to the life of Des McAnuff.

This short film is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to award-winning director, writer and composer Des McAnuff.