Tag Archives: Charlottetown Festival

The Red Head is Back

April 25, 2022 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ at The Charlottetown Festival

After a two-year hiatus, P.E.I.’s most iconic redhead is back with a talented cast of performers from across Canada.

Proudly sponsored by The Gray Group Real Estate & Development, The 2022 Charlottetown Festival includes seven productions across Confederation Centre of the Arts’ three venues – including Tell Tale Harbour, Betty’s Song, and Hey Viola!

Sponsored by CAA Atlantic, this summer marks the first time Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ has been staged at the Centre since 2019 due to COVID-related challenges.

The Centre previously announced that the titular role will be played by Kelsey Verzotti, a Calgary-born, Toronto-based performer who has entertained audiences across the country. The character’s best friend and kindred spirit, Diana Barry, will be performed by Emma Rudy, who returns after playing the titular character in the Festival’s 2019 production as well as the 2020 broadcast special Feelin’ Mighty Proud.

The ensemble features a mixture of Festival alumni and fresh faces. Laurie Murdoch and Islander Marlane O’Brien, who were originally cast in the cancelled 2020 production, will play reluctant adopters Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, with Justin Eddy as foe turned friend Gilbert Blythe.

Other Islanders in the cast include Cameron MacDuffee, Charlotte Moore, Kristen Pottle, and Charlottetown’s Nadia Haddad, who will make her mainstage debut after performing at the Centre’s Outdoor Amphitheatre. “I have always dreamed of being on the Centre’s mainstage,” says Haddad. “It is really special to have my debut in a show that means so much to P.E.I.”

Ten Island youth have also been cast as the children of Avonlea: Cole Brioux, Blaire Dudley, Nathan Dudley, Paige Dudley, Katie Grandy, Brielle Hunter, Adia Laureijs, James Morum, Hanaye Ono, and Zoe White.

Several Festival alumni are set to make their return, including Stephen Guy-McGrath, Alana Hibbert, Jacob MacInnis, Laurie Murdoch, Jamie Murray, and Nicole Norsworthy.

Cast members making their Festival debut include Michelle Bardach, Jahlen Barnes, Alexander Batycki, Lyndsey Britten, Justin Eddy, Taran Kim, Tama Martin, Trevor Patt, Shakeil Rollock, Brian Ross, Stéphanie Visconti, Marquita Walsh, and Alison Woolridge.

The musical will be directed by Adam Brazier, the Centre’s artistic director of performing arts. “We are so excited to bring the Island’s most beloved orphan back to the stage,” he says. “This talented ensemble will breathe new life into this classic show while honouring the cultural and historic importance of the piece.”

Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ starts previews June 18, with opening night slated for June 25. The production will run until September 3. For tickets and more information, visit confederationcentre.com or call the box office at 1-800-565-0278.

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News Flash

At a Glance

November 17, 2021 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

THE 2022 CHARLOTTETOWN FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

MAINSTAGE

Tell Tale Harbour

Musical adaptation by Adam Brazier, Alan Doyle, Bob Foster, Edward Riche

Based on the original screenplay The Grand Seduction by Ken Scott

June 14 – September 24 | Opening June 23

Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™

Book by Don Harron. Music by Norman Campbell. Lyrics by Don Harron and Norman Campbell. Additional lyrics by Mavor Moore and Elaine Campbell.

June 18 – September 3 | Opening June 25

THE MACK

Betty’s Song

Created by Ashley Condon

July 5 – 29 | Opening July 8

Hey Viola!

Created by Krystle Dos Santos and Tracey Power

August 3 – 13 | Opening August 4

OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE

Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq Voices

Created and performed by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors

July 6 – 22

Munschables

July 29 – September 1 | Opening July 30

Island Vibe

Written and choreographed by Dawn Ward and Joe Dames in association with Xclusiv Crew

August 5 – September 3 | Opening August 6

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On Stage

A Gem From Newfoundland

May 20, 2021 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

‘Between Breaths’: The Charlottetown Festival Returns with a Newfoundland Gem

-‘Breathtaking Performance’ coming to Confederation Centre’s Mainstage on June 3-

Inspired by the true story of Dr. Jon Lien – known as ‘the Whale Man’ – Between Breaths is a profound memory play that sails through Dr. Jon’s career and the death-defying work of saving whales trapped in fishing nets off Newfoundland.

“I have always been drawn to true stories in the theatre”, offers Artistic Director of Performing Arts, Adam Brazier. “Experiencing real life stories on stage connects me to our past while demanding creativity from both the storytellers and the audience. Between Breaths reminds us how small we are and the immense influence we can have.”

This dynamic memory play begins late in Dr. Jon’s life and moves backwards, to his first whale intervention. With his head down in freezing waters and armed only with a snorkel and knife, Dr. Jon would save the lives of over 500 animals and earn the hard-won respect of Newfoundland’s fishers. Featuring an evocative live score from Island favourites, The Once, Between Breaths weaves dynamically from the Whale Man’s origins in the American Midwest, throughout his incredible career, right up to the biggest fight of his life—facing dementia in his later years.

Directed by Jillian Keiley (Artistic Director of the National Arts Centre) Between Breaths plays June 3-19 in the Mainstage Theatre.

Sponsored by CAA Atlantic, the play features a tight-knit ensemble of Newfoundland-based actors and musicians. These include: Steve O’Connell as Dr. Jon Lien; Bernardine Stapleton as his wife and caregiver, Judy Lien; and Darryl Hopkins as Wayne the Fisher, and other roles. The actors are accompanied by Andrew Laite (vocals/guitar); Kelly McMichael (vocals); and Josh Sandu (mandolin/bodhran/vocals).

Patron capacities continue to be limited to 300 per-performance and theatre seats are safely staggered. Shows will be presented with no intermission and concessions are to be ordered online in advance. Mask-wearing and social distancing remains mandatory throughout the Centre.

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News Flash

Charlottetown Festival 2020 is Cancelled

April 24, 2020 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

For the first time in its 55-year history, The Charlottetown Festival will not entertain audiences from around the world this summer. Confederation Centre of the Arts CEO Steve Bellamy announced today the cancellation of the Festival along with changes to visual arts and heritage programming at the Centre in 2020.

“Our province has responded admirably to this unprecedented challenge, and we are grateful for the leadership they have shown to keep Islanders and visitors safe. Unfortunately, with the necessary restrictions on large gatherings and the need for social distancing remaining in place for some time, our ability is limited, not only to host audiences, but to prepare with rehearsals and construction in the months ahead of our performances”, says Bellamy.

He continues, “We are truly saddened not to be able to share in the joy of live theatre together this season and I want to express to all of our members, partners, patrons, and artists that we cannot wait to celebrate the arts as a community again when the time is right.”

Sponsored by CIBC, the Festival was slated to run from June 3 to September 26, featuring four major productions as well as the long-standing TD Confederation Centre Young Company. This marks the first time since 1965 that the Festival, and its flagship production Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™, will not be staged.

“With respect to the legacy of our crown jewel musical, we recognize the added weight of not being able to present the 56th season of this incredible production,” offers Artistic Director Adam Brazier. “Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ is a rite of passage for thousands of Islanders and visitors every year. While it is upsetting to put this legacy on hold, this is the right thing to do for the safety of all involved. Anne’s spirit, humour, and optimism are so deeply ingrained in our culture that whether she is on stage or not, her legacy lives on. Our patrons can be assured that Anne will be here in 2021.”

For those currently holding tickets please fill out the online form<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FestivalRefunds> for ticketing options. The Centre team is dealing with a high volume of bookings and greatly appreciates the patience and support of patrons in this process.

The Confederation Centre Art Gallery (CCAG) summer season is also being impacted, with major exhibitions A Life’s Work: Canadian Artist Robert Harris 1849-1919 and BGL: Two Thumbs Up Arts and Crafts being delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic. A revised schedule will be announced in the weeks ahead, offering alternative programming for when the Gallery reopens.

“We are looking forward to a time when we can once again welcome the community into the Art Gallery,” says Gallery Director Kevin Rice, “and in the meantime, we are continuing to work on future exhibitions and connect to our patrons through virtual projects.”

The CCAG is currently participating in FIELD TRIP<https://www.fieldtrip.art/field-trips/the-gallery-at-rest-a-tour-of-the-temporarily-darkened-confederation-centre-art-gallerynbsp>, an online national visual arts initiative, alongside more than 25 other Canadian galleries and museums, and also offering ‘Art Class from Home’ visual art activities, found here<https://confederationcentre.com/art-class-from-home/> on the Centre’s website.

In the weeks ahead, an announcement will also be made outlining summer presentations of the Confederation Players guided walking tours and the Confederation Chamber replica exhibition. The Centre is exploring options for presenting these celebrated heritage programs.

The Centre team continues to monitor the pandemic situation day-to-day and is accessing the potential for additional programming this summer. Please continue to visit the website<http://www.confederationcentre.com/> and social media for up-to-date information.

The Centre complex itself remains closed to the public based on guidance from Public Health, but many staff are working from home and are available via email and phone.

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Music

Raising Up Rita

February 28, 2020 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Full Cast Announced For ‘DEAR RITA’ at The Charlottetown Festival

World premiere will feature six actor-musicians channeling Rita MacNeil’s songs and spirit

Tickets are ‘flying on their own’ for this summer’s new cabaret production,Dear Rita, playing June 25 to September 25 at The Charlottetown Festival. Sponsored by Key Murray Law, Dear Rita is a musical toast to Canadian icon and songwriter Rita MacNeil that celebrates the life, tenacity, and musical legacy of the late singer.

This week, the company and creative team are gathering together for the first time to workshop the new musical. Artistic Director Adam Brazier is pleased to reveal the full cast, including Islanders Mike Ross and Michelle Bouey; Alana Bridgewater; Quinn Dooley; and Sheldon Elter. All five are veterans of the Festival, known to patrons for a wealth of beloved shows.

This marks Ross’ first time performing at the Festival in over a decade. A Charlottetown native, he is a leading force as a performer and composer in Canada. The founding director of music at Soulpepper Theatre Company, his musical, Spoon River was a critic’s pick in the New York Times. He was an international fellow at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and also composes for the screen, having written the theme song for CBC’s Kim’s Convenience.

Dooley and Bouey’s repertory casting were both announced earlier this winter. Dooley recently appeared in the Grand’s Ring of Fire and performed in 2015’s Evangeline. Bouey recently performed in ROSE at Soulpepper and is an alumna of the TD Confederation Centre Young Company.

“It’s the kind of theatre that gives you more of a chance to connect with your audience,” she offers during a break from the workshop in Toronto. “I grew up listening to Rita McNeil and watching her Christmas TV specials. To think that a small group of us get to honour her legacy on East Coast soil is so special”

Sheldon Elter is a versatile actor, writer, musician, and comic, known nationally for his one man show, Metis Mutt, which he performed at the Festival in 2018. He also performed there inEvangeline and Stories from the Red-Dirt Road. His TV acting and writing credits include CAUTION: May Contain Nuts, Hank Williams’ First Nation, Delmer & Marta, and Hell on Wheels.

Alana Bridgewater has appeared at the Festival in Spoon River, Hairspray, and the Christmas panto Robyn Hood. An experienced professional, she has performed throughout North America with Soulpepper, Mirvish, and The Grand; live on live with Johnny Reid and others; and in TV and film.

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. Experience it all, this summer at The Charlottetown Festival, sponsored by CIBC. Dear Rita is developed in association with the Savoy Theatre in Cape Breton, and will play there from October 1-4, following its run on P.E.I.

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Riding the Rita Rodeo

January 29, 2020 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

The Charlottetown Festival and The Savoy Theatre Announce Dear Rita is Coming Home

World Premiere production will play June to September on P.E.I., then head to Cape Breton

Rita MacNeil is coming home. Today, The Charlottetown Festival, in association with The Savoy Theatre, is pleased to announce that the new musical celebration Dear Rita will make its Nova Scotia premiere in October 2020.

Sponsored by Key Murray Law, Dear Rita is a musical toast to Cape Breton superstar Rita MacNeil. Celebrating the life, tenacity, and music of the late singer, the production is being written by Cape Breton’s own Lindsay Kyte with creative new imaginings of Rita’s songs from P.E.I.’s Mike Ross.

“We are so excited to be sharing this work with The Savoy Theatre,” states Adam Brazier, artistic director of The Charlottetown Festival. “Rita’s home and heart were in Cape Breton and the Savoy was one of her favourite theatres. It is so very appropriate for this production to be shared on Cape Breton Island.”

Playing at The Mack, a part of Confederation Centre, from June 25 to September 25, the show’s 2020 season will now include an exclusive, one-week run in Glace Bay at the Savoy. The 760-seat Victorian theatre is Cape Breton’s premium entertainment and cultural showplace, and will play host to Dear Rita from October 1 to 4. Tickets for both theatres are on sale now.

“Rita MacNeil’s connection to The Savoy Theatre was very strong, and so we are beyond thrilled to be able to present Dear Rita on our stage, where Rita spent countless hours,” says Pam Leader, executive director of the Savoy. “We are also extremely grateful for the opportunity to co-develop this project with Confederation Centre. Rita’s incredible journey and her vast catalogue of songs deserve to be shared with anyone who will listen.”

Developed closely with Rita’s son Wade Langham, Dear Rita features traditional and new, re-imagined arrangements of Rita’s songs. Director Mary Francis Moore, Kyte, and Ross will weave Rita’s lyrics and music into new perspectives, inviting her spirit into the room and letting her songs live on through the audience’s own experiences.

The cast includes actor-musicians who both sing and play instruments, channeling MacNeil’s stories and spirit through their own identities as oppose to a literal depictio of the Canadian icon herself. A full company casting announcement will be made in late February, during a week-long workshop in Toronto for this exciting new production.

For more on the historic Savoy Theatre, visit their website. 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. The title sponsor of The Charlottetown Festival is CIBC.

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A Closer Look

December 2, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

A Closer Look: Five Questions with P.E.I.’s Michelle Bouey

Islander talks ‘Dear Rita’, Soulpepper’s ‘Rose’, growing up at the Centre, and why representation in theatre matters

Islander Michelle Bouey will make her Festival debut next year, performing in the musical love-letter to icon, Rita MacNeil, Dear Rita at The Mack.

An alumna of the TD Young Company, Bouey effectively grew up at the Centre, including years of dance recitals and drama festivals. The Sheridan College graduate will also appear in Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ next summer, playing Prissy Andrews.

The Centre is currently offering the biggest Festival sale of the year. Until midnight on December 3 (tomorrow), patrons can purchase tickets for all four summer theatre productions at 50% off. Tickets can be accessed online, by phone at 1 (902) 566-1267, toll free at 1 (800) 565-0278, or at the box office. The sale is offered for select dates and is based on availability.

Q1: Michelle, you’re coming home in 2020. What’s your favourite thing about a PEI summer?

A: Seafood and the beach! I love being so close to some of the best beaches in the world and the sense of timelessness that goes with it. After a day at the beach it’s fun to have a drink with a friend, while listening to jazz on the Row. A classic Island experience is running into at least three people you know, almost anytime you walk around the downtown area. My favourite thing of all is being able to spend time with my family, who I don’t get to see as often as I’d like.

Q2: Do you have a cherished Centre memory?

A: So many…from dance recitals, summer camps, high school shows, fundraisers, drama fests, and being in the Young Company, it often felt like the Centre was my second home. My summer in the Young Company was my last on the Island before I moved to Toronto for college—what a summer it was! I had dreamed about being in the Young Company since the age of seven and I almost had to shake my head at times that it was me up there performing.

Q3: Are you excited to perform in two very different productions all summer?

A: This is my first time doing theatre in rep [two shows at once], so I actually can’t believe I get to live in two worlds at once. It’s thrilling to me. I love The Mack and the intimate safe space it creates. It’s the kind of venue that gives you more of a chance to connect with your audience.

I grew up listening to Rita MacNeil and watching her Christmas special. To think that a small group of us get to honour her legacy—on East Coast soil, none the less—is so special. For ‘Anne’, I’ve always wished I could be a part of that story. As a child, I never thought being in the show was something that could happen, because of my Asian heritage. Being in a space that feels like home, in a show I’ve cherished in my heart for so long, is special, full-stop. Also, there might just be that kid who looks a lot like me and has their own aspirations to be on stage one day.

Q4: What’s one thing you think many people don’t realize about Anne™?

A: I think many people go into the show thinking it’ll just delightful and fun—and it certainly is! But, I don’t think anyone can prepare you for the heartwarming, deep, emotional journey it takes you on.

I’ve seen the show every year and then some since 1997 and it never fails to touch me greatly. I didn’t think I would see it last year but, my good friend, Emma Rudy, took on the role and I had to go. She shone so brightly and captured the sparkly personality of Anne perfectly. I’m so excited to be working with her next summer.

Q5: You’re also an active songwriter, what were your personal highlights in 2019 and anything on the horizon to look out for?

A: 2019 has been, thankfully, a busy year. I would say that two things stand out and it’s interesting how they represent my two passions. Firstly, being part of Mike Ross’s new musical ‘ROSE’ at Soulpepper Theatre was incredible. Based on Gertrude Stein’s children’s book of the same name, Mike captured the magic and innocence of the book perfectly. I played many different parts, as well as my cello. The cast, the show, the magic…I’ll never forget.

The other amazing experience of 2019 would have to be taking part in Musical Stage Company’s production of ‘UnCovered.’ On the stage of Koerner Hall in Toronto, we sang the songs of Stevie Wonder and Prince, uncovering the different layers of their music in unique and personal ways. Working with Canadian musical icons such as Jully Black, Divine Brown, and Jackie Richardson was deeply rewarding.

As far as my own music goes I’ve released three singles on the usual platforms and a few more are on their way. Aaron Hastelow, no stranger to Island audiences, and I will also be performing a cabaret at The Guild on January 3^rdand 4^th in the New Year. I may just be revealing a new song or two…

Special thanks are extended to Festival title sponsor, CIBC, and to Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ sponsor CAA Atlantic. 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.

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On Track to Festival 2020

November 22, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Select Casting and 50% Off Sale Announced for Charlottetown Festival 2020

Confederation Centre offering half-priced tickets from now until December 3

Artistic Director Adam Brazier has revealed select casting for The 2020 Charlottetown Festival, including the leads for Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Brazier also announced details on the biggest Festival sale of the year. From now until December 3, patrons can purchase tickets for all four summer theatre productions at 50% off. Tickets can be accessed online, by phone at 1 (902) 566-1267, toll free at 1 (800) 565-0278, or at the box office. The sale is offered for select dates and is based on availability. Members of Confederation Centre were given advance access to this sale as of November 18. For show descriptions, see addendum.

Returning as the precocious orphan who changed the Island forever is Emma Rudy, who dazzled audiences last summer. The Buzz dubbed Rudy “the Festival’s best Anne in ages”, raving about her soaring voice, sharp comic sensibility, and well-timed intensity. The Stratford, Ontario native will be back starring in the Homburg Theatre as of June 3, as the 2020 festival begins previews earlier than usual.

“It is such an honour to bring this complex and vivacious redhead back to life through new eyes,” glows Rudy. “I can’t wait to come back.”

Opening June 30 is five-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. ”This is the funniest musical written in the past 25 years,” states Brazier. “This show will leave our audiences happy, giddy, and sore from laughter.”

The Drowsy Chaperone will mark the return of Festival favourite Réjean Cournoyer. The Nova Scotia native had major roles here in Evangeline, A Misfortune, and Mamma Mia!, and nationally with Mirvish, Elgin, the Citadel Theatre, and Theatre Calgary. Cournoyer will star as ‘Man in Chair’, a witty theatre aficionado who mourns the end of the Golden Era, narrating the entire musical comedy while listening to its record on vinyl.

Also joining The Drowsy Chaperone in the title role is Island native Catherine O’Brien, returning to the Centre after several years with other Island theatres including in Fascinating Ladies, Young At Heart, and the Victoria Playhouse. O’Brien has performed with The Shaw Festival, Canadian Stage, and Manitoba Theatre Centre. Her previous credits with the Festival include Hairspray, Anne™, and The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom.

Over at The Mack, Islander Michele Bouey will make her Festival debut, performing in the musical love-letter to icon, Rita MacNeil, Dear Rita. Bouey will pay homage to MacNeil as member of a six person ensemble, similar in form to the Festival’s Atlantic Blue in 2019.

A Young Company alumna, Bouey has performed coast-to-coast, including with Soulpepper, Panasonic, and Drayton. She also writes and records her own music, with singles out now on Spotify and Apple Music.

As the Festival is repertory, each of the announced performers will also appear in other productions next summer, to be detailed at a later date.

The Festival’s 50% off sale also applies to the 2020 new production Bed and Breakfast, playing July 11 to September 26 at The Mack.

Special thanks are extended to Festival title sponsor, CIBC, and to Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ sponsor CAA Atlantic. 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.

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Around the Corner

November 21, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

The 2020 Charlottetown Festival Playbill

Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™ – Homburg Theatre, June 3 to September 26

The Festival’s crown jewel will return for its 56^th consecutive season next summer, a testament to enduring story of an orphan girl who came from away and changed the Island forever. The classic is a humorous, touching, and truly athletic musical that will inspire your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and mesmerize you with both graceful and exhilarating singing and dancing

The Drowsy Chaperone – Homburg Theatre, June 30 to September 26

You’ve never seen a show like this! A loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. This clever parody will sweep audiences away with show-stopping song and dance numbers. The cast is complete with a tap-dancing groom, bumbling best man, wise-cracking butler, desperate producer, misguided Don Juan, two goofy gangsters in disguise, and a tipsy chaperone!

Dear Rita – The Mack, June 25 through September 25

Making its world premiere in 2020 is an inspiring new production celebrating the life and songs of one of the Maritimes’ most fierce and iconic singer-songwriters, Rita MacNeil. This musical love letter features traditional and new, reimagined arrangements of Rita’s songs weaving her lyrics into new perspectives and inviting her spirit and stories into the cabaret theatre.

Bed & Breakfast – The Mack, July 11 through September 26

When Brett inherits the family home, he and Drew move out of fast-paced Toronto to set up a B&B in a picturesque tourist town. But will these big city boys face friction in their new community? With dozens of hilarious characters, all portrayed by two actors, Bed and Breakfast is a heartwarming comedy about being out in small town Canada, family skeletons in the closet, and finding a place to call home.\

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Lifting the Curtain

September 19, 2019 Edward Staskus Leave a comment

Confederation Centre Lifts the Curtain on The 2020 Charlottetown Festival

The Drowsy Chaperone brings major musical comedy to the Homburg; Dear Rita to make world premiere at The Mack; Anne™ returns for season 56

An uproarious homage to Jazz Age musicals. A fiery redhead. An icon of East Coast anthems. A madcap comedy about being out in rural Canada. Have we got a story for you!

Artistic Director Adam Brazier has revealed the playbill for The 2020 Charlottetown Festival, sponsored by CIBC. Featuring five productions across the Centre’s three stages, P.E.I.’s original summer festival offers a wealth of Canadian theatre experiences.

Tickets for all productions will be on sale as of September 18, 2019 and can be purchased through the box office at 1 (902) 566-1267; toll free at 1 (800) 565-0278; in person at the counter; or by visiting confederationcentre.com

“For many years, I’ve been itching to do a large scale musical comedy—a show that not only has great music but also some brilliant tap dancing and hilarious comedic characters,” offers Brazier. “The Drowsy Chaperone is exactly that show. I believe this is the funniest musical written in the past 25 years and it just so happens to be Canadian. This production will leave our audience happy, giddy, and sore from laughter.”

The five-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows the tale of a glamourous celebrity bride and her impending wedding. Hailed as “the perfect Broadway musical” this clever parody will sweep audiences away with show-stopping song and dance numbers. The cast is complete with a tap-dancing groom, bumbling best man, wise-cracking butler, desperate producer, misguided Don Juan, two goofy gangsters in disguise, and a tipsy chaperone! The Drowsy Chaperone plays the Homburg Theatre June 30 to September 26, 2020.

Making its world premiere at The Mack in 2020 is an intimate and inspiring new production celebrating the life and songs of the Maritimes’ most beloved singer-songwriter, Rita MacNeil. Developed closely with the family of the late singer herself, Dear Rita is a musical love-letter to a true fixture of Canadian culture, a soft-spoken and passionate performer whose songs were international hits, inspiring people around the world.

Woven around a script from the Island’s own Mike Ross and Lindsay Kyte, this cabaret musical will feature a cast of five and play June 25 through September 25 in the cabaret theatre. “Rita MacNeil’s contribution to Atlantic Canada is immeasurable. Her songs have inspired generations of Canadians and we are excited to share stories of her life and the iconic music she created,” says Brazier.

Also playing at The Mack from July 11 through September 26 is a heartwarming new Canadian comedy, Bed & Breakfast, dubbed “a doozy worth of Fawlty Towers” by the Toronto Star.

“This is a hilarious show that offers two tour-de-force performances,” explains Brazier. “Two actors play an entire rural community, switching from character to character at a break-neck speed.”

With more than a few unexpected and hilarious plot-twists, we follow big city boys Brett and Drew over the course of one year as they endeavour to run a rural B & B. We see them struggle from renovation hell to their farcical opening weekend, and encounters with small-town prejudice—all the way to their big decision: do they stay here or do they pack it all in? “This charming and heartfelt comedy is a perfect fit for our island,” adds Brazier, “it’s funny, relatable, topical, and very entertaining.”

The Festival’s crown jewel Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™will return for its 56^thconsecutive season next summer, a testament to enduring story of an orphan girl who came from away and changed the Island forever. Sponsored by CAA, Anne™ returns to Confederation Centre a bit earlier than usual next year, beginning previews on June 3, and showing through September 26.

The full-scale classic is a humorous, touching, and truly athletic musical that will inspire your imagination, tickle your funny bone, and mesmerize you with both graceful and exhilarating singing and dancing. New set and costume designs will be added in 2020, completing a three-year reimagining of the production led by designer Cory Sincennes. Sponsored by CAA, Anne™ returns to Confederation Centre a bit earlier than usual next year, beginning previews on June 3, and showing through September 26.

Further announcements will be made in the months ahead regarding casting, as well as a new 2020 production for the Confederation Centre Young Company.

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.

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