Victoria Playhouse Petrolia Announces Canadian Inspired 2017 Season

Co-Artistic Directors David Hogan & David Rogers are thrilled to announce the 2017 Season. 'Celebrate With Us' encompasses a Canadian theme as the VPP honours our country in its 150th year.

When asked about the line up for the upcoming season, Hogan said "Happy Birthday Canada - this season is dedicated to you. We wanted to give back to our great nation that has made us feel glorious and free. Everything in this season is written, composed, compiled, choreographed, directed, performed and/or put together by Canadians. We are thrilled to celebrate Canada." Director of Cultural Services for the Town of Petrolia, Richard Poore echoed Hogan's sentiments, saying, "I am so pleased and proud to be part of the 2017 VPP Summer Season announcement. I know our audiences will continue to be thrilled by the VPP experience."

MAY 2 -16

VPP favourite Jesse Grandmont leads us on a musical celebration from coast to coast. With glowing hearts, Jesse and friends put their exciting signature stamp on music by Neil Young, The Tragically Hip, Stompin' Tom Connors, The Guess Who, Barenaked Ladies, Johnny Reid, Ashley MacIsaac and many more great Canadian bands and artists...sharing humorous Canadian tidbits (and timbits) along the way.

MAY 30-JUNE 16

Come and celebrate one of Canada's finest up-and-coming playwrights. It's Mark Crawford's new hit comedy with a huge honeyed heart. Sarah just left her husband, Gail's been divorced for twenty years, Earl's on the look-out for a new gal, and Ben's about to get a major lesson in pollination! You'll laugh out loud as The Birds and the Bees tackles sex, love, family, beekeeping...and the artificial insemination of turkeys.

JULY 4-23

Remember when The Beatles, Tom Jones, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Graduate, Sea Monkeys and Expo '67 were all the rage? We're getting nostalgic as we travel back to the year Canada turned 100. It's a celebration of the timeless music, classic television shows, memorable movies and the pop culture of the day with great singing, dancing and stellar harmonies. We'll be so 'Happy Together' going back to 1967.

AUGUST 1-12

There's a special magic in folk music. Heaped with tradition, wonder and beautiful story telling, the vast treasure trove of folk songs is truly some of the best-loved, recognizable music ever. Honouring great Canadian Folk singers like Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Stan Rogers, Murray McLauchlan, Ian & Sylvia, Buffy Sainte- Marie and Leonard Cohen... along with other 'folks like us' such as Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Judy Collins, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul & Mary.

AUGUST 15-27

Celebrate Portia White, Canada's first Black singer to win international acclaim. With a voice considered "A Gift from Heaven", she began singing with her church choir in Halifax and rose to fame in the 1940's against all odds. Through the support of her parents, Izie and the Reverend Andrew White, and teacher Ernesto Vinci, we follow Portia's journey to greatness that was to inspire so many. Glorious Spiritual and Classical Music are the background for this heartwarming and joyful story of a Canadian Legend.

SEPTEMBER 5-24

The Rockin' MEN OF COUNTRY are back with some added Swingin' Girl Power. It's a wild meeting of western swing, rock and roll, jazz and popular standards from the 1920's right up to modern day. We're putting a fun new twist on some of your favourite tunes, all with multi-talented, awesome Canadian talent. You'll be toe tapping and finger snapping as we celebrate with music from Duke Ellington to Buddy Holly and from Lady Day to Lady Gaga. It's a potpourri of fantastic music as only our 'Men of Country' can serve up...with an added dash of some spicy, swingin' sweethearts.

Further casting details will be announced at a later date. Season Subscriptions and VIP member ticket sales begin November 1 and can be purchased via the Box Office. Tickets go on sale to the general public and groups beginning November 14. To purchase tickets, visit www.thevpp.ca or call the box office at 1-800-717-7694. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday with both matinee and evening options available.

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