A Captivating Union of Comedy, Music, and Family

Michel Tremblay’s tale of the hilarious misfortunes of one lady’s fortune is set to make its East Coast debut this month. Belles Soeurs: The Musical, a comedic and touching English musical performed by an all-female cast, opens at Confederation Centre next week, previewing September 13 and 14, before officially launching September 15.

Presented in partnership with Copa de Oro Productions and the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, Belles-Soeurs: The Musical comes to The Charlottetown Festival after two wildly successful runs at the National Arts Centre and in Quebec. Almost 50 years after its first publication, Tremblay’s celebrated story, following 12 wounded but willful women in 1960’s urban Montreal, continues to resonate with translations in over 20 languages and productions all over the world.

“I know I personally connect with these ladies. Even though it seems to be specifically French-Canadian, I see my grandmother and my mother in them, and they were these fascinating, complicated ladies who wanted something so much more than they had,” reflects Brian Hill, of the award-winning creative duo (Neil) Bartram & Hill, who are behind the English book and music adaptation for Belles Soeurs: The Musical.

Directed by René Richard Cyr, the central story zooms in on the life of Germaine Lauzon, a wife and mother, who feels stuck in a life of dull domesticity. Her luck finally changes when she wins 1 million trading stamps from the local grocery store – the ‘Jamie Oliver stamps’ of their day, coveted and tradeable for a treasure trove of goods. Feeling on top of the world, she invites family and friends over for a stamp-licking party to help her redeem her many prizes. The evening quickly becomes clouded by the realities of jealousy, neighbourhood gossip, and scheming between the 12 women. So distracted by what she’s won, Germaine must re-gain sight of all she stands to lose.

“This is a story about family,” reflects the Centre’s Artistic Director Adam Brazier. “About a daughter struggling to break free from her overbearing mother, and sisters learning to accept each other for who they are, and not who the other thinks they should be. Belles Soeurs is a hilarious and profound musical comedy straight from the heart of the Canadian spirit and we are thrilled to present it on Prince Edward Island.”

Belles Soeurs: The Musical plays select dates until October 1. To book tickets, confederationcentre.com or contact the box office, toll-free, at 1 (800) 565.0278. The Charlottetown Festival is presented by CIBC.

The Centre wishes to recognize the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support. Media sponsors are The Guardian, Hot 105.5, Ocean 100, and CTV.