Confederation Centre of the Arts is thrilled to welcome Tara MacLean’s ode to Canada’s East Coast to The Charlottetown Festival. Sponsored by Honibe, Atlantic Blue open this Friday August 2 at 7:30 p.m. and plays Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights through September 27, 2019 at The Mack. The title sponsor of The Charlottetown Festival is CIBC.

In this musical celebration of songwriters, MacLean explores the places and people behind iconic anthems like ‘Sonny’s Dream’, ‘Put Your Hand in the Hand’, ‘Fare Thee Well Love’, and many more. The JUNO-nominated performer and an all-star cast and band pay homage to those fellow musicians who found a way to create beauty from the challenging experiences in their own lives.

To say that anticipation is running hot for this new version of Atlantic Blue would be an understatement, with ticket sales flying all summer long and interested outside parties lining up to explore future touring for the new production.

After two years on offer at The Guild, some changes for the 2019 Festival version of this show include direction from Mary-Francis Moore; major visual design and structural changes; new musical orchestrations and arrangements; and the addition of four orchestra members and five back-up singers, who also provide narration.

These performers are all Festival favourites, and include Josée Boudreau (the star of 2015’s Evangeline), Alana Hibbert (‘Gertrude’ in this season’s Kronborg), Jacob MacInnis (Kronborg, Jesus Christ Superstar), Andrew McAllister (eighth season, Marcellus in Kronborg), and Brendan Wall (Spoon River, On the Road with Dutch Mason). Each are known for their powerful and signature vocal talents, presenting a stronghold of talent for MacLean and all the musicians to collaborate with.

Like these supporting voices, four members of The Charlottetown Festival Orchestra will also cross the street from regular performance with Anne of Green Gables—The Musical and Kronborg this summer. Joining in at The Mack are: Norman Adams (cello); Isabelle Fournier (violin); Karen Langilee (violin); and Susan Sayle (viola). Craig Fair is Music Director as well as the arranger and orchestrator for Atlantic Blue.

Returning at her side is MacLean’s ace band of Island musicians, known across the region for their individual careers spanning multiple genres and numerous accolades. The group includes band leader Deryl Gallant (bass); Todd MacLean (guitar, sax, piano); Cynthia MacLeod (fiddle, accordion);  and Jon Matthews (guitar/percussion).

The Creative Team for Atlantic Blue includes Fair; Scenic Designer Ken MacDonald; Lighting Designer Jason Hand; Projection Designer Aaron Collier; Costumes from Bonnie Deakin; and choreography from Brittany Banks.

Adam Brazier is artistic director of The Charlottetown Festival.

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