Past Performances
Italian Funerals and Other Festive Occasions
"Big, sprawling, and as warm-hearted as a touching family reunion... Matheson is mesmerizing in his portrayal of a middle-aged man reminiscing on the highs and lows of his past. [He] evokes passion, intelligence, and humour with undeniable stage presence."
- Waterloo Chronicle
"...intense, raw, and warmly humourous, delivered with tenderness and passion... Standouts include Matheson, who manages to bring humour and candour into every scene he's in."
- Elmira Independent
"Matheson plays 'John' with charming conviction"
- Guelph Mercury
"Matheson... is perfect in the role, tugging at our heartstrings..."
- Entertain This Thought
"The Buddy Holly Story" (Theatre Aquarius, Hamilton)
Joe Matheson as 'The MC'
Music Man
Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival
“...The Music Man that opened last night at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival is so joyous, skilful, professional and perfect... the joy of the kind of all-star company you can only get at Stratford... W. Joseph Matheson is an eminently hissable villain...”
- Richard Ouzounian, Toronto Star
“ ...a first-rate cast... a big-hearted production that moves with a silken efficiency... - The Ottawa Citizen
Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival
“Yes, the Music Man is very entertaining. It’s also intelligent and moving. Who says musicals can’t be all three at the same time?" -Catherine Kustanczy, Side Street Review
“... guaranteed to rotate any frown by 180 degrees and put more spring in your step than a Swiss watchsmith maker turned shoe maker.” - J. Kelly Nestruck, Toronto Globe and Mail
“Stratford has delivered a production of distinction.” - Noah Millman, The American Scene
Moby Dick
Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival
How to adapt a 680 page novel into a 90-minute stage performance? Director Morris Panych chose to relate the story of Captain Ahab, the great white whale, and the loyal but conflicted crew through movement: no speaking, no singing, just mime, physical theatre, and dance - co-created by movement/mime teacher Wendy Gorling and choreographer Shaun Amyot - framed by the work of an all-star team of designers:
Set Design, Ken MacDonald; Costume Design, Dana Osborne; Lighting Design, Alan Brodie
Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival
As first mate - Starbuck - Joe Matheson presented a steadfast counterpoint to the charismatic but obsessed Ahab. His was not a mutinous role, but rather that role of a man unable to ignore his conscience: refusing to stay silent while Ahab gambled with their lives yet unwilling to dethrone the man to whom he had pledged his loyalty.
“...story-telling at its finest... MOBY DICK is a truly creative piece of theatre magic... I’m not going to mention any names, as I’d have to include everyone in the program.”
Connie Meng, NCPR Radio
Photo: David Hou, courtesy of The Stratford Festival
“(Ahab’s) good angel is convincingly externalized in the person of Starbuck, the first mate, played by W. Joseph Matheson..."
Robert Cushman, National Post
“a hugely talented and dedicated cast that includes Shaun Smyth as Ishmael, David Ferry as Captain Ahab, Marcus Nance as Queequeg, and W. Joseph Matheson as Starbuck.”
John Colbourne, Toronto Sun
“"... ambitious and audacious... from the stance of W. Joseph Matheson, the authority of first mate Starbuck comes through. “
Paula Citron, Toronto Globe and Mail
"... unusual artistic work, brimming with creativity and innovation... W. Joseph Matheson is convincing as Starbuck...”
Sharon Malvern, Stratford Beacon-Herald
