Charlottetown Festival 2017 Will Be a Celebration of Rock, Laughter & Canada's 150th Anniversary

Confederation Centre of the Arts has announced a dazzling lineup for next summer's Charlottetown Festival, presented by CIBC. The 2017 Festival will run June 3 to September 24 and include the 53rd season of the international sensation Anne of Green Gables--The Musical; the iconic rock 'n' roll mega-concert Million Dollar Quartet; the return of two beloved Festival-spawned musicals, Bittergirl and Glenda's Kitchen; and a new Young Company production that will tour the country.

Million Dollar Quartet is a hit musical inspired by the true story of the famed 1956 recording session in which producer Sam Phillips brought together the "godfathers of rock 'n' roll" - Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley - for one unforgettable jam session. Set in a Memphis studio, this story-and-song musical brings to light an extraordinary tale of broken promises, secrets, and a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four friends that is both poignant and heartwarming. Featured are such hallmark hits as Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Fever, Great Balls Of Fire, Walk The Line, Folsom Prison Blues, and many more.

Presented in rep with Quartet is the Island festival's crown jewel, Anne of Green Gables--The Musical. For the first time, the internationally acclaimed musical will be directed by Artistic Director Adam Brazier, leading a company of 23 amazing triple threats from across the nation. Having delighted more than 2.5 million people over 3,200 times at the Centre, Anne of Green Gables--The Musical remains the quintessential Canadian musical, and Brazier is thrilled to put his creative stamp on the iconic piece.

"2017 is a year to celebrate Canada and being Canadian, and this storied musical rests at the very heart of our national identity," says Brazier. "Searching for love and belonging in a time of strife and strain, Anne represents all Canadians coming to this country, or those searching for light every day in their own trials."

He continues, "Million Dollar Quartet is an electrifying true story perfectly built for our Homburg Theatre and our Island audience. Presley, Cash, Lewis, and Perkins -- this is one unbelievable studio session that changed rock'n'roll forever."

Back at The Mack is the howlingly funny cabaret show on getting over getting dumped -- Bittergirl: The Musical. This Canadian-made comedy virtually sold out its entire run when first premiering at the Festival in 2015. Having now played Edmonton's Citadel Theatre and headed for Winnipeg and a tour of British Columbia, it will return in 2017 with new songs and scenes, and the same great soundtrack of doo-wop favourites, including I'm Gonna Make You Love Me, Ain't No Mountain High Enough, I Will Survive, and Too Many Fish In The Sea.

Also playing The Mack, will be the world premiere of a new Canadian musical, A Misfortune. The story follows a young lawyer and a married woman in pre-revolutionary Russia on a walk through the woods; their friendship has reached an impasse. Soon they gather with three friends for a night in the country, discussing the inanity of their lives over an evening drink-and with each drink, more sordid secrets are revealed. Adapted from a short story by Anton Chekhov, one of the world's most celebrated and enduring writers, A Misfortune is a romantic, bittersweet musical about small moments and momentous decisions.

Returning to the intimate Studio 1 theatre is Glenda's Kitchen offering curious patrons a taste of the Island, literally and culturally! Festival icon, Glenda Landry and The Charlottetown Festival Orchestra lead this charming musical, exploring the many bounties of P.E.I.'s people, deep-seated traditions, and world-famous food. This afternoon cabaret is a must-see for Islanders and travelers alike and will feature new tunes and tales from Glenda and cast.

The Centre has already announced a new national touring production for the Young Company -- Dream Catcher. With support from the Canada 150 Fund, the Centre will engage youth from across the country to create a new musical inspired by their dreams for Canada's future. Around 20 young professional artists, who reflect the country's cultural diversity, will be cast in two Young Companies - one touring and one on P.E.I., supported by TD. Participants will meet with Indigenous artists who will speak to them about the symbolic importance of dreamcatchers in their cultures. Small dreamcatchers will be created and integrated into an immense visual that will be on display outdoors at the Centre in 2017.

"We are thrilled for the 2017 Young Company to hit the national stage to celebrate the dreams of our nation's founders, those of our youth, and those of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada, with a Canada-wide tour and original musical theatre project," says Jessie Inman, CEO. "Continuing our long history of national touring, Dream Catcher will seize the momentum of Canada's sesquicentennial and engage young people from every province and territory, channeling their bold hopes and dreams for our nation's future."

Additional announcements will be made in November centering on more special anniversary programming for Canada's 150th birthday, held across the Centre and including visual arts and heritage programming. See addendum for full show calendar for the Festival.

The Charlottetown Festival is presented by CIBC. 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.

N.B. The Pick 3 Pass is back! Pick three Charlottetown Festival shows and pay only $129. The Pick 3 Pass and Festival tickets go on sale to members of CCOA October 20. Public tickets go on sale October 22. Patrons can choose three shows from all those listed below, excluding Dream Catcher --

· Million Dollar Quartet: June 15 - September 23 (1:30/8pm). Previews: June 15 & June 16 | Opening June 17 - Homburg Theatre.

· Anne of Green Gables--The Musical: June 26 - September 23 (1:30 pm/ 7:30 pm). Previews: June 26, June 27, June 30 | Opening July 1 at 1:30 pm - Homburg Theatre.

· Bittergirl: The Musical: July 5 - Aug 26 (7:30 pm). Previews: July 5, July 6 | Opening July 7 - The Mack.

· Glenda's Kitchen: July 13 - September 1 (1:30 pm). No Previews | Opening July 13 - Studio 1.

· A Misfortune: September 7 - September 22 (7:30 pm). Previews: September 7, Sep 8 | Opening September 9 - The Mack.

· Dream Catcher - Confederation Centre Young Company: June 21 - August 19 (12 noon) - Outdoor Amphitheatre.

Pictured: After playing in Edmonton, Winnipeg, and touring B.C., Bittergirl: The Musical will be back at The Mack (Louise Vessey photo, Charlottetown Festival).

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