Stars who stayed at 112 Huron Street
Before Alban Abbeys was bought by the McFarlane family, it was owned by the Bomasuit family, and operated as a guest house "Braeside Manor" by Irene Ruchetta (Bomasuit) for actors attending the Festival from the second year of "the Tent" to 1995. Five or six budding actors, as well as some established names stayed each year for over 40 years.
The Bomasuits bought the house from Mr. Gillis, owner of a cinema which became the Avon Theatre. He was a founder of the Avon theatre. During reconstruction of the Avon Theatre, Mr. Gillis put the boiler from the Avon into 112 Huron. So our connection to theatre goes back even beyond the Festival!
Duke Ellington was commissioned to write "the Stratford Suites" and lived at 112 for two seasons. He loved Stratford because of the lack of discrimination he met here. He liked to compose naked, or dressed in an open dressing gown, so visitors were well advised to be wary of knocking on his door!
Louis Armstrong stayed for the jazz performances also.
Bruno Gerusi (the Beachcombers etc.) as a young Shakespearean actor (Twelfth Night) stayed with his wife, child and dog - much to the chagrine of the other actors who liked to rise late - and dogs do not!
SirAlec Guiness before his knighthood was a visitor to the Manor when he played in the early years of the Festival.
Tania Moiseiwitsch the first artistic director stayed in what is now the Ireland Suite for three years. She is responsible for the "thrust" stage at the Festival Theatre, simulating that of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Cecil Clarke, the first assistant director of the Festival, stayed in Scotland suite for three seasons.
William Shatner and his sister were here.
John Kean who sang tenor in the Mikado.
William Hutt visited often, and lived nearby.
Christopher Plummer stayed in the first of his appearances.
Gwenlyn Little came during her divorce with her children.
Lorne Green before fame and fortune came as a CBC radio person.
Brian Bedford, actor and director.
Rod Beattie stayed 4 years and still lives nearby.
Bill Needles.
James Mason came for Mrs. Bomasuits spagetti and meatrballs!
Eric Donkin Pirates of Penzance.
Robert Goulet came to visit Bruno Gerusi then starred in Carousel and became famous.
Karen Kane visited as a guest of John Kean.
Kate Reid was around the house frequently.
Tony Van Bridge in a cast including Bruno Gerussi, Martha Henry, William Needles,
Gordon Pinsent.
Marcel Marceau.