Lineup to replace Anne of Green Gables released
For the first time in decades, the Atlantic region’s most famous redhead won’t be returning to the big stage of the Charlottetown Festival next year, but it seems a break for “Anne of Green Gables” isn’t slowing things down.
In fact, the Confederation Centre of the Arts has released a full schedule, including a brand new show.
The world premiere of the musical “Maggie” will share the spotlight with the already popular “The Play That Goes Wrong,” headlining the 2023 festival.
“Maggie” tells the story of a mother raising her boys in post-war Scotland, and is based on the real life grandmother of Scottish-Canadian musician Johnny Reid.
“A working-class story -- a story about the celebration of life, the human spirit, friendship,” Reid tells CTV Atlantic. “And homage to the strong women who helped raise us all.”
It's another new show from the centre they're hoping will follow in the footsteps of the last festival premiere, “Tell Tale Harbour.”
“It’s rare that I come across a show that I believe so firmly in. ‘Tell Tale Harbour’ was another one where we really believe that the show will achieve what it needed to achieve and be as grand as we wanted it to be, and that show appears to be having a long life after the centre,” said Adam Brazier, Artistic Director for the performing arts at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. “I have the utmost confidence ‘Maggie’ will do the same.”
The festival’s shows will heavily feature Islanders this year. Many of them will have all-Island casts, even though the most famous fictitious Islander doesn't appear.
“Doing a season without Anne is definitely different for Charlottetown, for sure, and for the festival,” said Dawn Ward, Confederation Centre of the Arts Associate Artistic Director. “But I think that we’re coming out of this in a positive way by bringing more of the community into the theatre and into the festival.”
It’s a change, but the feeling here is that it’s a good one.
“Change is always hard for people, and uncertainty is inevitable in life and unescapable in life” said Brazier. “But this summer is going to be an amazingly fun, uplifting, and inspirational summer.”
They say it opens the festival up to tell more Island stories.
“There is so much more to P.E.I. than just ‘Anne of Green Gables,’ even though it’s a big part of our history and our culture,” said Ward. “I know there’s so much more that we can do, and that’s opening the doors for more musicals and for more talent.”
That includes shows like “The Songs of Johnny & June” on the Mack stage, another show featuring a strong female character.
Despite “Anne of Green Gables” not taking the stage next year, the message of female empowerment with shows focusing on the lives of strong women remains.
“Anne of Green Gables” is set to return to the big stage in 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.