Confederation Centre Lifts The Curtain On Charlottetown Festival 2019

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.

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.

Photo: Katie Kerr in The 2017 Charlottetown Festival production of Mamma Mia! (Louise Vessey photo)

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