Monthly Archives: March 2017

News Flash

Going Once Going Twice…

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The Watermark Theatre is holding an online auction to help raise funds for our 10th Anniversary 2017 summer season. We’re auctioning off exciting items both local to PEI and further afield. Travel, sports, theatre, and restaurant options are all available at incredible prices.

Sam Marshall of Hudson & Marshall (not seen) prepares to drop his gavel signaling bidding is over and another house is sold at an auction of foreclosed homes in Denver

April 3rd to 6th – Viewing Only (no log-in necessary)
April 7th to 24th – Bidding

Go to: watermarktheatre2017.eflea.ca

– One Week Cottage Stay On PEI’s North Shore
– One Week Grand Bend Ontario Vacation
– Deep Sea Fishing
– Sailboat Cruise from Souris to Bay Fortune
– Dinner for six at the home of Watermark Founding Artistic Director,
Duncan McIntosh
– Theatre tickets to the Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Charlottetown Festival, Victoria Playhouse, Guild Theatre, and Blyth Festival
– Toronto Theatre Tickets to Tarragon Theatre and Theatre Passe Muraille
– Tickets to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Island Storm
– A night’s stay and dinner at The Inn at St. Peters
– Golfing at Anderson Creek, Glasgow Hills, and Rustico Resort
– Dinner at The Pearl, PEI Preserve Company…
……And Much Much More!

Funds are supporting our 10th Anniversary Season:

Great classical theatre! Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon & Mrs Warren’s Profession by George Bernard Shaw
The Play Reading Series is coming back to introduce classic Canadian plays to our audience
Classic Music Reignited music series celebrating Canadian icons for Canada’s 150th
Watermark Gallery with a retrospective of our 10 Seasons as well as a celebration of the history of the building in North Rustico
The Theatre Production Mentorship Project, training young theatre artists to become the leaders of tomorrow
The Acting Conservatory, a two week acting intensive for young students
Chinese sur-titles on selected performances

Posting on all community events boards and broadcasting on all community service announcements would be much appreciated.

Watermark is a proud member of the PTN – Professional Theatre Network of PEI.

For more information please contact Andrea Surich at 902-963-3963 or generalmanager@watermarktheatre.com.

Holiday Season

Mass for Peace: The Armed Man

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The Choral Music Programme with Confederation Centre of the Arts presents Choral Music For A Holy Day, this year featuring the Karl Jenkins epic Mass for Peace : The Armed Man. The concert will be held at historic Trinity United Church, in Charlottetown on Good Friday, April 14, at 7 p.m. Maritime Electric Company is the generous sponsor for the Choral Music Programme.

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The Confederation Singers under the direction of Donald Fraser will be joined by guest soloists Suzanne Campbell, Shannon Scales, Masoud Fahandezhsaadi; members of the Atlantic String Machine; a percussion ensemble lead by Dave Shephard; and Sarah Chace, flute, Laura MacLeod, trumpet, and Frances McBurnie, organ.

A Mass for Peace : The Armed Man was commissioned by the Royal Armouries to mark the transition from one millennium to another. It reflects on the passing of “the most war-torn and destructive century in human history” and looks forward in hope to a more peaceful future. The Armed Man is dedicated to the victims of the Kosovo conflict, whose tragedy was unfolding as the piece was being composed. It was first performed in 2000 by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, conducted by the composer himself.

The text incorporates words from various religious and historical sources, including the Islamic call to prayer, the Bible, and the Mahabharata. Writers whose words appear in the work include Rudyard Kipling, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Sankichi Toge, who survived the Hiroshima bombing but died some years later of leukemia.

Admission is $20 and tickets are available at the Centre Box Office, (902) 566-1267, online at confederationcentre.com or at the door of Trinity United on the day of the concert. Choral Music for a Holy Day is presented by Sobeys LIVE @ the Centre.

The concert will be held at historic Trinity United Church on Good Friday April 14 at 7 PM.

Funniness

Having the Last Laff

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Don’t miss The Last “Laff” show. Newfoundland’s longest touring entertainers plunge into some new and classic material. You’ll be treated to new ballads and be delighted to hear some old classics including: Sarah, Saltwater Joys, Da Barbacue.

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Buddy delivers a side-splitting dissertation on the life of BAACH and he and Chaulkie give mainlanders some crucial advice when encouraging a story from a Newfoundlander. Ray has a few new titillating tunes on the Carbonear computer as well as a dandy recitation. And Chaulkie might sing the blues as well as a new song about beautiful Corner Brook.

Come witness the spectacle which is Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers. These three musical and comedic craftsmen are assisted as always by their venerable bassist, Byron Pardy.

From Sketch comedy to poignant ballads dressed in sweet harmony, their ranting and raving has something for everyone. You will certainly connect or reconnect to The Rock.

The last Laff is at The Harbourfront Theatre Saturday, April 8th, at 8 PM.

Music

Live Classic Albums Live

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The Eagles have been hailed by many as the greatest American band, and their songs endure and will continue to endure for generations to follow.

Hotel California is one of the greatest albums ever made. There’s a reason why ‘New Kid in Town’ won a Grammy. The deep cuts – the ones that don’t get radio play – those are the ones that are like finding gold on a beach. ‘Wasted Time’ is the ultimate heartache song. ‘Pretty Maids All in A Row’ is Joe Walsh’s tour de force and ‘The Last Resort’ should be taught in schools.

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We all have our personal image of what the Hotel California looks like. We can see ourselves in the lobby, we know what the staff looks like. We feel the vibe. That’s the secret ingredient in making a Classic Album – being able to insert yourself into the album.

Classic Albums Live is simple in its quest: note for note – cut for cut. When you have amazing songs, a perfect album and a deep love of music – there’s nothing else needed. ‘Hotel California’ features CAL at its best. We plan to continue to pay this great work of art the ultimate respect.

Classic Albums Live is at The Harbourfront on Wednesday, April 5th, at 7:30 PM.

Funniness

Alls I’m Saying

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Alls I’m Saying is brazenly tentative! Like a sniper with the hiccups, Derek Edwards takes aim at life’s galling moments, exhales slowly and jerks back the trigger. A riotous evening of homegrown comedy — like taking a ride in an open golf cart with a good friend and a 6 pack.

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From Vegas to St. John’s, this Just For Laughs veteran is universally considered to be among the comic elite. Certainly his peers think so, as evidenced by the fact that he’s a four-time nominee, and winner of Best Standup Comic – Canadian Comedy Awards, as well as a multiple Gemini nominee for Best Performance in a Comedy. As Rick Mercer says, “Everyone knows Derek is the funniest man in Canada.”

Clearly the critics agree: “5 STARS – the funniest man on earth” – Winnipeg Free Press; “4 STARS – the crowd howled” – Victoria Times Colonist; “still the funniest man in Canada” – Toronto Sun; “Edwards reigns as the King of Canadian comedy” – Charlottetown Guardian; “Derek Edwards is hysterical” – Calgary Sun; “Edwards takes stand-up to next stage” – Georgia Straight; “the epitome of timing & storytelling” – Halifax Chronicle Herald; “the comedian’s comedian” – London Free Press.

Alls I’m Saying – Derek Edwards’ new 90-minute stand-up comedy show, …a richly textured and enthralling ‘cut above,’ delivered with pace and authority by the consummate Canadian Comedian.

Derek Edwards is at The Harbourfront on Sunday, April 2, at 7:30 PM.

News Flash

Colonel Gray Studio 10 Opening Reception

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Colonel Gray High Studio 10 invites everyone to visit and enjoy a varied display of artwork, including paintings, drawings, printmaking and photographs. These original student artworks, produced by CGHS’s grade 10 art classes and IB Visual Art classes, will be on display from March 29 until April 9th.

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A special invitation is extended for parents of Grade 9 students who are thinking about selecting Art as an elective as they register for high school next year. Come out and see some of the impressive work these students have created.

The Opening Reception at The Guild is March 29, 7-9pm.

News Flash

Save Money on the Million Dollar Show

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Three leads and 40% off tickets promo announced for Million Dollar Quartet 

Confederation Centre has revealed three of the leads for this summer’s mega-concert musical, Million Dollar Quartet. The Charlottetown Festival is introducing talented Centre newcomers, Greg Gale as Johnny Cash and Matthew Lawrence as Elvis Presley.

Opening June 14 in the Homburg Theatre, Million Dollar Quartet is a rock’n’roll hits musical inspired by the true story of the famed 1956 recording session where producer Sam Phillips brought together the “godfathers of rock” – Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins – for one unforgettable jam session.

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The musical has brought audiences to their feet across the country. Featured are such hallmark classics as Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Hound Dog, Great Balls Of Fire, Walk The Line, and Folsom Prison Blues. These iconic songs and many more will be brought to life by an all-star cast with Gale as Cash; Lawrence as Elvis; Festival favourite Alicia Toner as Elvis’s flame, Dyanne; and more.

Also launching this week is a special spring ticket promo, offering patrons 40% off the new musical. The 40% off promo will run from Saturday March 25 to April 8, 2017, valid for Tier 1& 2 seating during the month of June. To access this one-time offer, patrons can use the promocode ‘million’ when contacting the box office, online at confederationcentre.com, in person, or at 1.800.565.0278. Million Dollar Quartet is sponsored by Tim Horton’s.

Set in a Memphis studio, this story-and-song production brings to light an extraordinary tale of broken promises, secrets, and a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four friends that is both poignant and heartwarming. The ensemble is rounded out by “First Wildman of Rock,” Jerry Lee Lewis; rock guitar pioneer and scribe behind ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ Carl Perkins; lead character and record executive, Sam Philips; and others. Casting for these roles and additional leads in Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Gale is reprising two celebrated turns as Cash in Million Dollar Quartet (the Royal Manitoba Theatre and Citadel Theatre) and has made appearances in Kiss (CanStage), and with the Thousand Islands Playhouse and Factory Theatre. Also making his Charlottetown debut is Collingwood, Ontario’s Lawrence, who has performed as Elvis in Legends of Rock N Roll (StageWest); along with The Things We Do For Love (Odyssey Theatre); Romeo and Juliet (Humber River); and on TV’s The Story of Us (CBC).

Toner is a five year veteran of #ChFest, having wowed audiences in Spoon River, Evangeline, Canada ROCKS!, and Ring of Fire, as well as performing in the Dora-winning smash, Once (Mirvish).

Million Dollar Quartet launches previews June 14, playing the Homburg Theatre until September 23. Appreciation is extended to the title sponsor for The 2017 Charlottetown Festival, CIBC and to production sponsor Tim Horton’s. Media sponsors are Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, and The Guardian.

News Flash

Working Your Way Up

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Leah Pritchard returns to the Watermark Theatre this summer playing the lead role in both main stage productions and she couldn’t be more thrilled. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing two women who are such polar opposites,”says Leah. “I think it’ll be a summer season filled with fun and romance, as well as a healthy dose of girl power!”

Entering her fourth season with the company, Leah will play the perky Corie Bratter in Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park and the complicated Vivie Warren in George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession.

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After three summers of incredible performances, Artistic Director Robert Tsonos thought it was time to give Leah a high profile opportunity. “Leah has stood out in every role we have given her and I thought she was ready to carry an entire season”, says Tsonos. “She’s versatile, absolutely magnetic on stage, and exudes an intelligence and warmth that audiences have really responded to.”

Last summer, Leah brought an incredible vulnerability and sense of wonder to her portrayal of Laura in The Glass Menagerie, and great comic timing to the dual roles of Edith and Mrs. Bradman in Blithe Spirit. She first graced the stage of the Watermark as the plain spinster, Lizzie, in The Rainmaker, and then demonstrated her considerable acting range as the elegant Alais in The Lion in Winter, Peter and Balthazar in Romeo and Juliet, and the vibrant and witty Mabel Chiltern in An Ideal Husband.

Leah is a Halifax actor, originally from Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. She has worked throughout the Atlantic provinces with such companies as Gros Morne Theatre Festival, and Hard Ticket Productions in Newfoundland; as well as Neptune Theatre, The Villian’s Theatre, And DMV Theatre, in Nova Scotia. In the fall of 2014, Leah sang with Xara Choral Theatre Ensemble on their debut album Here On These Branches, which was nominated for best classical recording of 2015 at the East Coast Music Awards.

When not on stage, Leah has also been a teaching assistant for Neptune Theatre’s youth theatre workshops, and has helped lead Watermark’s youth theatre acting conservatory for the past three summers.

The Watermark is delighted to have Leah back for the 2017 summer season.

For more information, or to set up a phone interview with Leah Pritchard please contact Andrea Surich at 902-963-3963 or generalmanager@watermarktheatre.com

Watermark is a proud member of the PTN – Professional Theatre Network of PEI.

News Flash

Birds and Bees Tackle Love, Family, and Sex

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Sarah, a turkey farmer, has just left her husband and moved back home to live with her mom Gail. Gail’s a divorced beekeeper and she has other things to worry about—like why her honeybees are dropping dead.

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Then there’s Earl: Gail’s neighbour, farm tenant, and the ex-husband of Gail’s ex-husband’s new wife. In these past twenty years, he’s been keeping himself mighty busy with the ladies, but Gail has just never really got back on that horse…so to speak. And finally, there’s Ben: a naive 23-year-old Masters student, here to study the collapsing bee colonies. He’s about to get a big lesson in pollination…if you know what we mean.

The Birds and the Bees tackles sex, love, science, family, and the artificial insemination of turkeys. It is a boisterous comedy with brains… and a huge, honeyed heart.

The Birds and the Bees by Mark Crawford is at the Victoria Playhouse June 22 – July 30.

“The Birds and The Bees starts out as a wild and wooly sex farce but deepens to touch the heart in equal measure with the funny bone.” – Reid Between The Lines

“Belly laugh after belly laugh in this outstanding, warm-hearted comedy that confirms Mark Crawford as one of this country’s finest up-and-coming- playwrights.” -London Free Press