It’s all systems go at Confederation Centre of the Arts as the staff, cast, orchestra, and crew prepare to launch their 55^th theatre season of The Charlottetown Festival, sponsored by CIBC.

Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical

Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical :  Opening Friday June 28 in the Homburg Theatre and playing until July 20 is the much anticipated Kronborg—The Hamlet Rock Musical, sponsored by SYSCO Food Services. “This is a ghost story, a story of family, power, revenge, and sacrifice,” remarks Adam Brazier, artistic director.

This electrifying staging of Shakespeare’s famous Hamlet was a breakthrough for Confederation Centre when it first premiered here in 1974, later becoming the first Canadian musical to ever play on Broadway. Originally written and conceived by Cliff Jones, the 2019 production promises to entrance a whole new generation of theatre-lovers. This epic rock’n’roll-powered production is directed by Mary Francis Moore with music direction from Craig Fair.

“This new staging has been fully re-orchestrated and re-arranged musically by Craig Fair—new life breathed into a Canadian classic,” offers Moore. “The inspiration for these changes all come from the beautiful lyrics and melodies Cliff wrote 45 years ago.”

See the full creative team in addendum and read full casting online.

TD Confederation Centre Young Company

The TD Confederation Centre Young Company : The TD Young Company returns this weekend, kicking off their 2019 season on Saturday June 29 at 12 noon in the Centre’s outdoor amphitheatre. Made up of returning members and new faces, the 2019 Young Company hail from all corners of Canada and collectively speak no less than eight languages.

This summer, the troupe presents Aqsarniit, (or, “the Northern Lights” in Inuktitut), Monday to Saturday at 12 noon from until August 17. This provocative and thoughtful musical weaves music and dance through stories of our collective histories from across Turtle Island.

Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™

Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™. : Sponsored by CAA Atlantic, the international sensation Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ opens its 55^th consecutive summer season on Saturday night, playing through September 28 in the Homburg Theatre.

The timeless musical follows P.E.I.’s favourite red-headed orphan as she searches for belonging in her new home of Avonlea. This summer, Emma Rudy takes on this role for the first time.

Says Rudy, “I’ve loved Anne dearly since childhood, and have always imagined what it would be like to play her, but it’s genuinely been the most rewarding role I’ve ever explored. The depth that Anne has is deeper than I had ever anticipated, so delving into her world has been incredibly eye-opening.”

With a company of 28 amazing Canadian talents and a 14-member live orchestra, this treasured Canadian musical is a humorous, touching, and truly athletic experience that will inspire and mesmerize patrons of all ages with both graceful and exhilarating song and dance. See the complete cast list online.

For more info and a full listing of everything happening at the Festival, including The Confederation Players, Mamma Mia!, Atlantic Blue, and Spinning Yarns, visit the Centre online or in person at the Box Office.

Confederation Centre of the Arts wishes to acknowledge the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Government of P.E.I., and the City of Charlottetown for their continued support.

Production Teams

Anne of Green Gables—The Musical™ is directed by Brazier, Music Director Bob Foster; Choreographer Robin Calvert; Costume & Scenic Designer Cory Sincennes; Lighting Designer Michael Walton; Sound Designer Peter McBoyle; and Conductor Craig Fair.

Kronborg is led by Mary Francis Moore, Music Director Craig Fair; Choreographer Robin Calvert; Anita Nittoly is Fight Director; Brian Smith is Scenic Designer; Lighting Designer is Kim Purtell; Sound Designer is Peter McBoyle; Cliff Jones wrote the Book, Music, and Lyrics and Additional Music and Lyrics, Arrangements and Orchestrations are also by Craig Fair.

Aqsarniit is written by Mary Francis Moore and Adam Brazier. The Young Company’s creative team is composed of Matt Murray (director), Colleen Dauncey (music director), Sam McCue (set and costume designer), and Adam Sergison with Julie Pellisier-Lush (choreographers).