#bench strength

"It can be a hard demographic to hold onto,” said Cimolino. “Good actors in that age bracket can usually write their own ticket and, if you’re in demand for movies or TV, it can be hard to commit to eight months or more at Stratford.” That’s what happened to Abbey, a Stratford native who made his stage debut at 11 as one of the fairies in The Merry Wives of Windsor and spent 15 of the next 32 years working at Stratford, interrupted for projects like his three-year stint on the CBC-TV series The Border. This season, he’s playing Philip the Bastard in King John and Count Johan Oxenstierna in Christina, The Girl King. Abbey strongly feels this is now “the best of times” to be a member of the Stratford company. “It’s the strongest I’ve seen the company from top to bottom and there’s a real ensemble feel to the place. It’s wonderful to be a part of it.” Being one of the “Five Guys” is an important part of the picture. “You look around and we’re all different kinds of actors. It’s great to know that someone can fill in the gaps that you’re not capable of doing and vice versa. I think we’re such a great team because we have affection and respect for each other.” And where does Abbey see himself in Cimolino’s Yankee lineup? “I’m a relief pitcher. Not a starter or a closer, but I can provide the solid middle innings."