Tag Archives: Charlottetown Festival

News Flash

Festival Delivers the Goods

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Mamma Mia!, What a Season at The Charlottetown Festival

Confederation Centre in the home stretch of the Festival—closing September 28

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From Avonlea to the shores of a Greek Island paradise to the streets of St. John’s Newfoundland, The Charlottetown Festival is finishing off a world-wind trip of a season this month. While some Islanders are saying “Where did the summer go to?”,  there are still three weeks left to see the four productions playing at Confederation Centre of the Arts.

This year The Charlottetown Festival, sponsored by CIBC, launched an ambitious season with three musicals in the Homburg Theatre and two at The Mack. While Kronborg closed its run in July, the Festival continues through September 28. In the Homburg Theatre catch Mamma Mia!, for a sunny ABBA-driven tale of laughter, dancing, and (of course) love, with a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Sponsored by Tim Hortons, the blockbuster musical is an intoxicating experience, with big laughs and stunning design and choreography.

“This year’s mainstage productions were definitely influenced by popular demand, with Kronborg and Mamma Mia! being the most requested shows by Islanders for years,” remarks Adam Brazier, artistic director at Confederation Centre. “We’re very pleased with the richness and variety of programming, as we always strive to put forward something for everyone.”

Tickets for all productions can be found online at confederationcentre.com, by calling the Box Office at 1(902)566-1267 or 1(800)565-0278, or by visiting the box office in person.

Enjoying its 55th consecutive season is Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, the enduring story of an orphan girl who came from away and changed the Island forever. Sponsored by CAA, this is the first season with Stratford, Ontario native Emma Rudy starring as Anne, who has brought a new energy, humour, and vocal prowess to the iconic role.

At The Mack, patrons can take in two productions that will hit every East Coaster close to home. Spinning Yarns, by Festival favourite Stephen Guy-McGrath, is a hilarious one-man show that pulls the audience into the raucous world of Newfoundland in the early ‘80s with heartwarming songs and uproariously funny stories of childhood.

Atlantic Blue, presented by Juno-nominated and celebrated Island singer-songwriter Tara MacLean, explores the deep roots of the Atlantic Canadian music scene. The production boasts a full stage of performers and musicians from the Festival, with Tara and her squad breathing new life into treasured songs from East Coast legends as well as her own.

The Charlottetown Festival would like to extend sincere appreciation to all production sponsors, including SYSCO Food Services (production sponsor for Kronborg), Honibe (Atlantic Blue) and Key Murray Law (Spinning Yarns). Confederation Centre wishes to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support.

PEI Professional Theatre Network

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PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,
Confederation Centre for the Arts,
Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse
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On Stage

New Mama Steps Up

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Artistic Director Adam Brazier has announced a casting change for the forthcoming production of Mamma Mia! at The Charlottetown Festival.

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Opening this Friday August 9, Mamma Mia! is sponsored by Tim Horton’s and plays until September 28 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. The high-spirited musical stars Rebecca Poff as single mother Donna and Katie Kerr as her only child, Sophie, who is also the bride-to-be in this sunny ABBA-driven tale. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best friends–practical and no-nonsense Rosie, and wealthy, multi-divorcée Tanya–from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos.

Rosie is played by Festival favourite Nicola-Dawn Brook and stepping into the role of Tanya is Sara-Jeanne Hosie. The pride of Victoria, B.C., Hosie made her Festival debut earlier this summer in the much-acclaimed remount ofKronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical and also as Miss Stacey in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™.

Hosie steps in for the Festival’s Susan Henley who had to withdraw due to injury. “This is my first time performing in Mamma Mia!” she offers, during a break in rehearsals. “I admire Susan Henley so much and am honoured to step into her sequins and stilettos.”

The actor has spent the last 25 years performing nationally in such roles as Mary in Mary Poppins; the Villain in the acclaimed Ross Petty Panto; to Alison Bechdel in the Canadian premiere of Fun Home. Also an accomplished director and choreographer, Hosie was nominated for a 2019 Dora Mavor Moore award for her choreography in Kiss of the Spider Woman (Eclipse).

Hosie comes by her Charlottetown Festival connection honestly, as both of her parents performed here, including appearances in the original Kronborg and as Matthew in Anne™ for her father, Bill Hosie.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to perform here,” Hosie recalls. “I remember being in the audience as a child, and now I get to smile at my parents in photos backstage every day.” 

Opening this Friday August 9, Mamma Mia! is sponsored by Tim Horton’s and plays until September 28 at Confederation Centre of the Arts. The high-spirited musical stars Rebecca Poff as single mother Donna and Katie Kerr as her only child, Sophie, who is also the bride-to-be in this sunny ABBA-driven tale. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best friends–practical and no-nonsense Rosie, and wealthy, multi-divorcée Tanya–from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos.

Rosie is played by Festival favourite Nicola-Dawn Brook and stepping into the role of Tanya is Sara-Jeanne Hosie. The pride of Victoria, B.C., Hosie made her Festival debut earlier this summer in the much-acclaimed remount ofKronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical and also as Miss Stacey in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™.

Hosie steps in for the Festival’s Susan Henley who had to withdraw due to injury. “This is my first time performing in Mamma Mia!” she offers, during a break in rehearsals. “I admire Susan Henley so much and am honoured to step into her sequins and stilettos.”

The actor has spent the last 25 years performing nationally in such roles as Mary in Mary Poppins; the Villain in the acclaimed Ross Petty Panto; to Alison Bechdel in the Canadian premiere of Fun Home. Also an accomplished director and choreographer, Hosie was nominated for a 2019 Dora Mavor Moore award for her choreography in Kiss of the Spider Woman (Eclipse).

Hosie comes by her Charlottetown Festival connection honestly, as both of her parents performed here, including appearances in the original Kronborg and as Matthew in Anne™ for her father, Bill Hosie.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to perform here,” Hosie recalls. “I remember being in the audience as a child, and now I get to smile at my parents in photos backstage every day.”

PEI Professional Theatre Network

28660348_162333201093170_735205771249634989_n

PEI Theatre is the Guild, Harbourfront Theatre,
Confederation Centre for the Arts,
Watermark Theatre, and the Victoria Playhouse

 

News Flash

Early Bird Gets the Worm

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‘A Season of Homecoming’: Islander Day Sale Announced for The Charlottetown Festival

Last major ticket sale of 2019 on offer for any show, any date of summer festival

With recent glacial temperatures driving many to dream of Island summer, Confederation Centre is rolling out a sale to give Islanders their first chance to plan some exciting summer activities. With ‘the Islander Day Sale’, the Centre is offering a can’t-miss deal: 30% off tickets for any show, any date of The 2019 Charlottetown Festival.

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This promo runs from Saturday, February 16 through Monday, February 18, and applies to all Festival performances at both the Mack and the Homburg Theatre. Patrons can access the sale by contacting the box office online, via phone at 902.566.1267, or in person, using promo code ‘ISLANDER.’ This is the last Festival-wide ticket promo for 2019.

Sponsored by CIBC, The Charlottetown Festival is the largest theatre festival in Atlantic Canada, and is staging a playbill of five shows celebrating homecoming. Come join us for a spell–have we got a story for you!

Included are all performances of Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, sponsored by CAA. The enduring story of an orphan girl who came from away and changed the Island forever has touched the lives of millions at the Centre. Running runs June 29 to September 28, the heartfelt and hilarious musical will be carried by newcomer Emma Rudy as “Anne with an E”.

Charlottetown favourite son Aaron Hastelow will star in the powerhouse rock show Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical,sponsored by SYSCO Food Services. Playing June 28 to July 20, this summer’s electrifying production follows the crown prince Hamlet (Hastelow) on a quest for vengeance upon his uncle (festival favourite, Cameron MacDuffee) for taking his father’s life.

Over at the Mack, July 20 through September 28, Spinning Yarns: Tales and Tunes from a Homesick Newfoundlander will shine a light on ‘the Rock’ in the early ‘80s: a world of boisterous adventures and dubious childcare! Presented by Key Murray Law, this hilarious evening stars Newfoundlander, Stephen  Guy-McGrath (Evangeline, Million Dollar Quartet) with Brendan Wall (Spoon River, Jesus Christ Superstar).

The Festival also welcomes Tara MacLean’s Maritime love-letter, Atlantic Blue this summer. Sponsored by Honibe, this celebration of East Coast songwriters will play from August 2 to September 28. MacLean explores the place and people behind classic songs like ‘Sonny’s Dream’, ‘Put Your Hand in the Hand’, ‘Fare Thee Well Love’, and more. Backed by the addition of more than a dozen members of the Festival company and orchestra, this new production will make every Atlantic Canadian proud.

Back by popular demand, is Mamma Mia! A mother, a daughter, three possible dads; and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Sponsored by Tim Hortons, this blockbuster musical will shake the house with all the ABBA jams from August 9 to September 28.

News Flash

Rudy the New Shirley

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Introducing Emma Rudy: The Charlottetown Festival Announces new Anne Shirley for Flagship Musical

Stratford, ON native will star in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, June 24-Sept 28

 

It’s official, there’s a new Anne in town. Artistic Director of Confederation Centre of the Arts, Adam Brazierannounced today that Emma Rudy will take centre stage in the treasured Island musical this summer. Following an exhaustive casting search, Miss Rudy will become the 19th actor to play Anne Shirley in the celebrated history of Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ at The Charlottetown Festival.

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Confederation Centre’s crown jewel musical returns for its 55th consecutive summer–a testament to the global appeal of “a classic inspired by a classic”. Following Anne’s search for love and belonging in her adopted home of P.E.I., the musical has been redesigned by Brazier and his team, with thrilling new choreography, all new sets and costumes, and a must-see revolving stage, showcasing the Green Gables house like never before.

“Emma Rudy is an extraordinary talent with a stunning soprano and is a very strong actress,” offers Brazier, who will again direct the storied musical. “Her approach to the material showed a maturity of thought without losing the youthful joy and optimism that carries Anne through her life.”

He continues, “What set Emma apart from the many wonderful actors that auditioned was the reverence with which she approached the role and audition. Emma understands the significance of playing Anne at The Charlottetown Festival.”

Born and raised in Stratford, Ontario, Miss Rudy is a Toronto-based performer and recent Sheridan College graduate. Currently, she is starring in nearby Moncton, New Brunswick as ‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast at the Capitol Theatre. Other credits include ‘Marty’ in Grease (Wintergarden); Honour (Stratford Masonic Hall); and Rumspringa Break! (Theatre Passe Muraille).

For her part, Miss Rudy is delighted to be making her Festival debut. “I can’t wait to fall in love with Prince Edward Island the same way Anne did, and to discover the beauty the world has to offer through her eyes,” she offers. “Having the opportunity to play the imaginative, adventurous, stubborn, intelligent, and passionate Anne is truly a childhood dream manifesting itself into reality,” she beams. “I have held her story dear to my heart for my entire life, and I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.”

The Charlottetown Festival’s crown jewel musical, sponsored by CAA, returns June 24 to September 28 in the Homburg Theatreat Confederation Centre. Choreography is from Robin Calvert, music direction from Craig Fair, sound design by Peter McBoyle, costume and scenic design from Cory Sincennes, and lighting design by Michel Walton.

The title sponsor of The Charlottetown Festival is CIBC. Stay tuned for more Charlottetown Festival lead casting announcements in the coming months.

News Flash

Save On Next Year’s Shows

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Purchase your 2019 Charlottetown Festival tickets from November 17 to December 1 and SAVE 50% off the regular price on select performances!

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Kronborg-The Hamlet Rock Musical  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for  July 3, 4, 5, 6 performances.

Anne of Green Gables-The Musical™  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for June 29, July 1, 2 ,3 performances.

Mamma Mia!  |  Applies to Tier 2 & 3 seating for August 14, 15, 16, 17 performances.

Spinning Yarns  |  Applies to Tier 1 seating for July 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, August 3 performances.

Atlantic Blue  |  Applies to Tier 1 seating for August 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 performances.

News Flash

Casting Announced for 2019 Charlottetown Festival

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Select Casting Announced for Mamma Mia! and Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical

The 2019 Charlottetown Festival launching 50% off sale, November 17 to December 1

Artistic Director Adam Brazier, on behalf of Confederation Centre of the Arts, has announced select casting for The 2019 Charlottetown Festival. Sponsored by CIBC, the Festival includes six productions and runs June 28 to September 28.

Rebecca Poff and Katie Kerr will star as mother and daughter Donna and Sophie in Mamma Mia!, a co-production with the Grand Theatre in London, playing in the Homburg Theatre August 9 to September 27. Poff turned heads in the Festival’s  2018 concert performance of The House of Martin Guerre and also appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar and Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™. A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Poff has performed throughout the continent, including in the Canadian National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera and the U.S. National/Broadway tours of Show Boat.

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Kerr returns to the Greek Islands of Mamma Mia!, having previously starred as Sophie in the blockbuster 2016 production in Charlottetown, as well as with two other theatres. Kerr’s other credits consist of multiple roles in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, including the title role from 2013-14, and in the world premiere of Evangeline. “Sophie is really the driving force in Mamma Mia!” says Brazier, who will once again direct the musical. “It’s no wonder Katie has since played the role across Canada; she is a tour de force as Sophi

The Festival’s new production of Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical runs June 28 until July 20 in the Homburg Theatre. Directed by the Festival’s associate artistic, Mary Francis Moore, the powerhouse rock musical is an electric experience, following Hamlet’s quest for vengeance upon his uncle Claudius for killing his father. Aaron Hastelow stars as Hamlet and will also appear in Mamma Mia! as Sophie’s beau, Skye. 

Brazier is pleased to welcome back Festival favourite Cameron MacDuffee opposite Hastelow as Claudius, King of Denmark. MacDuffee recently appeared as a scene-stealing King Herod in the Festival’s Jesus Christ Superstar, and has performed across Canada, including four seasons at Shaw Festival. His Charlottetown highlights include turns in Evangeline, Ring of Fire, and On the Road with Dutch Mason. He will also reprise his role as Harry in Mamma Mia! at the 2019 Festival.

Making her mainstage debut in Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical will be Kimberly Truong as Ophelia. Truong hails from Prince Rupert, B.C. and was previously part of the Confederation Centre Young Company in Les Feux Follets. She has appeared in productions of Les Misérables, West Side Story, and A Chorus Line. Last year, she made her Broadway debut in the celebrated revival of Miss Saigon. “It is thrilling to have Kimberly back at The Charlottetown Festival,“ remarks Brazier. ”She has an extraordinary voice and an undeniable presence onstage.”

The other big news is that the Festival is once again offering a ‘50% Off Sale’ ticket sale for the 2019 Festival. This sale is a favourite for Islanders searching for tickets every summer and is on sale for a limited time only. From November 17 to December 1 these can be purchased at the Centre box office, online, or by phone at 1 (902) 566-1267 or 1 (800) 565-0278. This sale is available for Founders’ Circle members as of November 16.

Additional casting, including a new leading star for Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ and a new Gilbert, will be announced in the months ahead.

News Flash

Lifting the Curtain

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A fiery redhead. A grieving son. A gregarious family on the Rock. The musical pull of the Atlantic. A young woman’s search for family. Sit a spell. Have we got a story for you! Confederation Centre has announced the playbill for The Charlottetown Festival–the largest musical theatre festival in Atlantic Canada.

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Sponsored by CIBC, the Festival will commence June 28 with the much anticipated return of Kronborg–The Hamlet Rock Musical. This original Canadian work has become a cult favourite for Islanders who recall the 1975 production starring Brent Carver and Beverly D’Angelo. This remains the only production in the history of the Festival to be produced on Broadway.

Based on the Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet, originally written by Cliff Jones, this musical rocked the rafters in 2017, selling out a concert presentation at the Historic St. Mary’s Church in Indian River and later packing the Homburg Theatre. Next summer’s fully realized production will weave the story of a prince who plots revenge on his uncle for taking his beloved father’s life.

Festival favourite and Island son Aaron Hastelow, coming off rave reviews as the lead in this season’s Jesus Christ Superstar, will return to star as Hamlet next year. Additional major casting information will be revealed later this fall, when the Centre offers a ‘Buy-1-Get-1’ sale for a limited time only, from November 17 to December 1. The Festival will also announce production information on the 2019 Confederation Centre Young Company.

The Festival’s crown jewel Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ will return for its 55th consecutive summer, a testament to the global appeal of a classic inspired by a classic. This enduring story of an orphan girl who came from away and changed the Island forever will run June 29 to September 28.

A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Back to the Centre by popular demand, it’s Mamma Mia! This sunny ABBA-driven tale follows a daughter’s quest to find her father by inviting three men from her mother’s past to her wedding. Presented as a co-production with the Grand Theatre in London, Mamma Mia! will play on P.E.I. from August 9 to September 28.

Over at The Mack, the Festival is thrilled to welcome Tara MacLean’s Maritime love-letter, Atlantic Blue. This celebration of East Coast songwriters previously played at The Guild, and will show from August 2 to September 28. MacLean explores the place and people behind classic songs like ‘Sonny’s Dream’, ‘Put Your Hand in the Hand’, ‘Fare Thee Well Love’, and more. The Island songwriter celebrates those who found a way to create beauty from the challenging experiences in their own lives. With the addition of members of the Festival and its orchestra, this new production will make every Atlantic Canadian proud.

From July 20 through September 28, Spinning Yarns will shine a light on Newfoundland and Labrador in the early ‘80s: a world of raucous adventures, death defying escapades, and dubious childcare! This hilarious evening of story and song stars festival favourite, Stephen Guy-McGrath (Evangeline, Million Dollar Quartet). Through it all shines a fierce love of family and a boundless longing for home.

The Centre wishes to acknowledge 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.