The world premiere of On the Road with Dutch Mason is set to open at The 2018 Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre on June 30, and Islander John Connolly will star in the role of Dutch Mason.

After a slew of auditions this winter, Artistic Director Adam Brazier said it was a no-brainer to choose Connolly to play Dutch Mason.

“We needed to find an actor with remarkable musical skills with and an authentic voice and appreciation for the blues,” explains Brazier. He goes on to say, “Dutch Mason was charming, funny, captivating and could raise the roof off any building he performed in. What luck for us to find such a perfectly unique and experienced artist right here on the Island with John Connolly who brings a wealth of performance experience and a vast musicality to the complex title role.”

Connolly is looking forward to returning to the Festival after an eight-year break and couldn’t be more excited to play “The Prime Minister of the Blues.”

“A lot of people don’t know who Dutch Mason is, so this is a great opportunity to share his story and his phenomenal music,” says Connolly.

Connolly will be accompanied by a rock-star cast which includes Festival newcomer Hailey Gillis, and the return of Edward Murphy, Brendan Wall, Cameron MacDuffee, and Greg Gale.

Inspired by the non-fiction book “On the Road with Dutch Mason” by David Bedford and Harvey Sawler, the musical will take audiences on a fictional tour through Atlantic Canada with “The Prime Minister of the Blues.”

On the road with Dutch Mason is directed by Mary Francis Moore, musically directed by Bob Foster, with sets and costumes from Corey Sincennes, lighting by Michael Walton, and sound design by Peter McBoyle. Written by Wade Lynch and inspired by the non-fiction book “On the Road with Dutch Mason” by David Bedford and Harvey Sawler,

Special thanks are extended to the Government of Canada for their support of Confederation Centre; production sponsor, Tim Hortons; and The Charlottetown Festival sponsor, CIBC. Appreciation is extended to media sponsors Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, CTV, and The Guardian.