Category Archives: On Stage

Rainbows in November

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Rainbow Valley is a new musical with a truly PEI flavor. Based on the book of the same title by L.M. Montgomery, and adapted for the stage by Hank Stinson, Rainbow Valley brings a cast of delightful Montgomery characters to life, and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

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Director Hank Stinson describes the story: “There are many stories in Rainbow Valley. I’ve decided to focus this play on the story of the new minister, his children, and the people they most directly encounter in a small community where the past rules the present. Life presents them with gifts of opportunity and they must decide whether these ‘gifts’ are a blessing or a curse. The children have no problem knowing which is which. The adults, on the other hand, have history which weighs them down, makes receiving these gifts much more difficult. And yet, there is a moment in time when the gift received, (whether in thought, word or action,) will bring them happiness.”

Presented by ACT (a community theatre), Rainbow Valley will be the latest in ACT’s tradition of musicals, and promises to be a strong follow-up to Charlottetown’s summer roster of L.M. Montgomery-based theatre. The show strongly features a young company comprised of Hannah McGaughey, Joe Moak, Brooklyn Riley, George Woods, Fiona Moak, James Ronahan, Jace MacPherson, and Keili Johnston. Also starring Colin Hood, Samantha Bruce, Corin McFadden, and Shelley Tamtom.

Don’t miss this exciting new show at The Guild through November 17th! Young and old will love joining these touching characters as they find happiness down in Rainbow Valley.

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Hanging Up Her Hat

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One last week before Anne hangs up her hat for the season!
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Anne of Green Gables-The Musicial, Charlottetown Festival, 2018
Directed by | Adam Brazier
Choreographer/Associate Director | Robin Calvert
Set, Prop and Costumer Designer | Cory Sincennes
Lighting Designer | Michael Walton
Sound Designer | Peter McBoyle

 

A Rock Opera for the Ages

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A struggle between people in power and exploring the choices that define a person’s character and their future..Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera that you’ll never forget.

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(Brendan Wall + Aaron Hastelow, Jesus Christ Superstar, Charlottetown Festival 2018)

Don’t Miss the Myth

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A wonderfully titled comedy about parents who know too much or know too little about their kids and the journey of discovery, or: how to pull your head out of the sand and stop being an ostrich.

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But wait, the show tells us that is a myth. Just as it’s a myth to call this play by Matt Murray just a comedy. This is a comedy with heart.

The zany insightful show is at the Victoria Theatre through September 2nd.

Red Dirt Tales Told

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“The stories told here are all very different on the surface but there is a common thread running through them and that thread is one of perseverance and determination.”
-The Buzz

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Stories from the Red Dirt Road is a beautiful tapestry of women’s stories. See it at the Mack this summer. — with Katie Kerr.

House of Martin Guerre Debuts in Charlottetown

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The Confederation Centre of the Arts is bringing the critically-acclaimed and multi-award-winning The House of Martin Guerre toThe Charlottetown Festival this September. This intimate concert presentation, starring Adam Brazier and Josée Boudreau, is based on a true story from 16thcentury France and explores what limits an individual confronts to follow their heart.

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The original book was written by Leslie Arden and Anna Theresa Cascio, and then adapted to music and lyrics by Leslie Arden. The story follows a young peasant girl named Bertrande who is forced to marry the abusive Martin Guerre.  After years of unhappy marriage, he abandons her and their son; but years later a stranger returns claiming to be Martin Guerre. He is a transformed individual and Bertrande accepts this person, but then she declares him an imposter and he is sent to jail and trial.

“Making its Atlantic Canadian debut, The House of Martin Guerreis a powerful musical about community, tradition, and what we’re willing to believe for love,” says Adam Brazier, artistic director of The Charlottetown Festival and starring in this musical.

It is one of the most celebrated Canadian musicals ever written, but it was lost to the public for decades because rights of the piece were locked up by American commercial producers. The last productions were in Toronto in 1997 and in Chicago in 1996.  This production at the Confederation Centre, directed by Mary Francis Moore with musical direction by Wayne Gwillim, is a chance for local audiences to see this concert.

“I saw this inspired musical almost 20 years ago and it remains one of the best original Canadian musicals I’ve ever seen,” says Brazier.

Leslie Arden is one of Canada’s foremost musical theatre composers. Her extensive career has taken her around the world, but her love of theatre came from watching The Charlottetown Festival, where her mother, Cleone Duncan, performed for many years in Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™.

The House of Martin Guerre (Concert Presentation) comes to the Homburg Theatre on September 18 at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased now. Appreciation is extended to the title sponsor for The 2018 Charlottetown Festival, CIBC. Media sponsors are Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, and The Guardian.