40% off sale offered for closing run of two original Maritime musicals at The Mack 

(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – With The Charlottetown Festival in September twilight it’s last call on two Maritime musicals. On the Road with Dutch Mason and Stories from the Red Dirt Road both made world premieres at The Mack this summer, drawing accolades from patrons and critics alike.

Confederation Centre is offering a closing promo for these must-see productions. The Bringin’-it-Home Sale grants patrons 40% off tickets until closing nights, September 21 and 22, respectively. Patrons need only quote promo code ‘mack40’ when booking online or at the Centre’s box office.

Both musicals feature plentiful East Coast flavour. On the Road with Dutch Mason is inspired by true events and is peppered with quirky characters that patrons will find familiar and comical. Based on the book by David Bedford and Harvey Sawler, Dutch Mason was written and adapted by Festival favourite Wade Lynch and stars Charlottetown’s own John Connolly as the famous Halifax bluesman.

“It’s been an honour to perform as Dutch Mason with an incredible cast this summer,” reflects Connolly. “There is tremendous affection for him that audiences shared with us during every performance and post-show.”

Connolly notes how supportive the feedback has been. “I’ve met some large personalities and heard stories both hilarious and profound about Dutch; I spoke with many who travelled from other provinces to take in the show. It feels great to know that the music and the story resonate with people from all walks of life.”

He invites patrons to join him before the curtain falls on September 22. “Dutch followed the music, stayed true to himself, and always did everything he could to put on the best show possible. This summer we have tried to carry on in that tradition.”

Stories from the Red Dirt Road made its world-premiere in August. In their recent review, The Buzz contends that Stories “…sparkles and shines like so many diamonds” while The Guardian calls it “insightful and funny…an elegant experience that showcases the real craft of theatre.” The musical features a stacked cast of Festival vets and newcomers alike, including Sheldon Elter, Susan Henley, Katie Kerr, Connor Lucas, Andrea Menard, Marlane O’Brien, Melanie Phillipson, and Shawn Wright.

Set on Prince Edward Island, the production weaves together four main tales featuring women from a variety of perspectives. The musical was adapted by Marlane O’Brien from the Margie Carmichael book, Stories from the Quilt.

In Carmichael’s view, the collection highlights the stories of women that have often gone unnoticed – those that have lived in the shadows of others. “These women exist everywhere,” the Island writer and musician offers. “They’re family, they’re neighbours, they’re strangers; there is a familiar Island nature about them.”

One of these stories includes a woman with experience in a Residential School. The Stories cast and creative team visited Lennox Island to understand more about the life of First Nations women. “Going to Lennox Island was validation. It told me I did right by her,” asserts Carmichael, “that I honoured that particular character properly.”

Book now and save 40% off tickets; promo applies to Tier 1 tickets only and limited quantities are available. Book online at confederationcentre.com.

Stories from the Red Dirt Road is sponsored by Key Murray Law while On the Road with Dutch Mason is sponsored by Honibe. Special thanks are extended to the Festival’s title sponsor, CIBC. Confederation Centre is thankful for the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and the City of Charlottetown, as well as that of media sponsors Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, CTV, and The Guardian.

-30-

Photo Cutline: Charlottetown Festival company members share a moment in On the Road with Dutch Mason. Just like the featured Drew Nelson song, the musical will be ‘Going, Going, Gone’ by September 22 (Louise Vessey photo)

Media contact:
Fraser McCallum, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
T: 902.628.6135 (office) | 902.393.6783 (cell)
E: [email protected]
facebook.com/charlottetownfestival | Twitter: @confedcentre