Stages Theatre Festival Comes to Scotiabank Stage

The 26th annual Stages Theatre Festival will introduce Halifax audiences to many new and exciting scripts by playwrights from Atlantic Canada and beyond. Beginning May 28 from the comfort of the Scotiabank Stage, audiences will be offered the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of programming which will include new plays by local writers, musicals in various stages of development, and touring productions from outside the province. This year, STAGES will also offer Professional Development classes to local artists, as well as, two community events; "Singing with Parkinson's" and "Crossroads," a workshop for newly arrived immigrants to Halifax.

Artistic Producer Sam Rosenthal has programmed some of Canada's most exciting theatrical offerings. "With this year's STAGES Festival, we're proud to continue our tradition of breaking new ground with productions that will challenge, engage and entertain our audiences. Canadian artists continue to be world leaders in producing daring, relevant theatre and we are thrilled to share these Wonderful Productions with our Halifax audience."

Week One of the Festival includes four productions. Country music fans will love Being Hank & Patsy by Laura Teasdale, a charming, intimate memoire about the power of music to bring people together (May 28-May 29). The Book Club (May 28-May 31) by Hello City brings you improvised stories made up on the spot, along with memories to last a lifetime. Scoop, a new play by Julie Vandervoort, is a story of a woman with a tumor that leaves her with one breast and one "scoop". Rounding out week one is Becoming Carol by Laura Caswell (Neptune, Diva Station), who presents in her original cabaret-style, a look back on her "time together" with Carol Burnett; from first seeing her on screen in Annie, to being introduced to the Carol Burnett show, to listening to her Broadway Albums.

Our first week also has a special FREE all-ages reading, sponsored by PGC PlayConnect called ?The Giant's Garden, written by Peter Fenton and Scott White.

Week Two of the Festival begins with the smash hit from the Toronto Fringe Festival, Judas Star Supersong. Imagined and performed by Paula Wolfson, this powerhouse performer takes on Judas in a one-woman take on Jesus Christ Superstar. Next up is ESCAPE TO FREEDOM, a Vocalypse Production. This is a workshop presentation of composer Sandy Moore's twelve scene opera based on the life of Mona Parsons (June 6 -8).

There will also be readings from EFT's Playwrights Unit supported by PARC and Theatre Nova Scotia, featuring Downed Hearts by Catherine Banks and Rock N Roll Saved My Life by Sam Horak. As well, there will be two additional readings, For the Love of Gracie Gray by Andrea Boyd and The Gun Shop written by T.H. Hatte.

Our very special community event and Festival favourite is back again, the Club Inclusion will be presenting Ghostbusters, scripted by the Club Inclusion's Theatre Program members.

For full line-up information, please visit www.easternfronttheatre.com. Tickets are on sale at Neptune Theatre Box Office, online, by phone (902) 429-7070, or in person at 1593 Argyle Street. Get the Festival Pass for $39, or individual tickets $10-20.

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