Prince Edward Island's Own Aaron Hastelow to Debut as Gilbert in The Charlottetown Festival

For the first time in the 52 seasons Anne of Green Gables-The Musical has run in Charlottetown, an Islander will play Anne's beau. The Charlottetown Festival has announced that Aaron Hastelow will debut as Gilbert this summer opposite P.E.I.'s Jessica Gallant as Anne. This also marks the first time two Island natives have held the storied production's romantic leads.

Hastelow is no stranger to local audiences, having essentially grown up at Confederation Centre and performed in numerous productions, including in Ring of Fire, Anne & Gilbert, two seasons with the Young Company, and as the male lead in the Christmas musical, Cinderella. He recently spent three seasons at the Shaw Festival is currently performing in Evita for The Vancouver Opera.

"Playing Gilbert is the pinnacle of full circle moments for me," he remarks. "Having started with the Centre as a child of Avonlea when I was eight years old, to now, finally stepping into Gilbert's boots -- it really doesn't get much more meaningful. This is the role that inspired me to become an actor, and I can't tell you what it means to me to be given the opportunity to play this iconic Islander."

Gallant and Hastelow are both alums of Sheridan College and performed together in the 2010 Young Company. "I am so proud to be from here, and sharing the stage with my dear friend and fellow Islander, Jessica, just makes the moment even sweeter," he continues. "I feel like we are in for a truly golden summer!"

The Charlottetown Festival is presented by CIBC and Anne of Green Gables-The Musical begins previews on June 29. Directed by Wade Lynch, Anne plays select dates until August 27, 2016. Hastelow will also perform in the ensemble for the ABBA-inspired mega-musical, Mamma Mia!, which begins previews on June 1.

Says the Centre's Artistic Director Adam Brazier of the latest addition to his company, "It is always so encouraging for us to welcome Islanders back home to our festival. We take great pride in supporting and training the next generation of artists from our province. As one generation exits the stage, another must enter. It is our continued goal to help see that next generation flourish and grow."

Confederation Centre wishes to recognize Tim Hortons as the title sponsor for Mamma Mia! and 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.

Confederation Centre of the Arts is Canada's national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation, located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Home to The Charlottetown Festival - with the long-running Anne of Green Gables-The Musical as its crown jewel - and a major Canadian art gallery, this living memorial welcomes more than 250,000 visitors each year. First opened by HRM Queen Elizabeth II in 1964, Confederation Centre continues to present the finest in Canadian visual and performing arts, heritage, and arts education to visitors from across Canada and around the world.

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