ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Summer in Charlottetown means a bounty of arts programming at Confederation Centre of the Arts. Along with visual arts exhibitions and many art and heritage educational activities, the Centre is home to The Charlottetown Festival, the largest theatre festival in Atlantic Canada. Founded in 1965, the Festival produces popular shows from abroad but is known for its commitment to telling Canadian stories and showcasing the best in Canadian musical theatre. From Canada’s smallest province, the Festival has launched more than 85 original productions, with many touring across the country and beyond its borders. Among its latest successes is Tell Tale Harbour which premiered at the Festival in 2022. A musical comedy starring Alan Doyle, the show is funny, heartfelt and bursting with Music and Laughter Take Centre Stage At The Charlottetown Festival Words by Crystal Smith | Photos by Louise Vessey
East Coast pride. After touring the region, Tell Tale Harbour makes its triumphant return to
“When a new musical is being developed, it is typical to present it at several regional theatres,” notes Brazier. “This allows the creative team to see how audiences react to the show and adjust accordingly.” These “out-of-town tryouts” help get a production ready for larger commercial markets, like the one where Tell Tale Harbour is headed next. After its run on the Island, the show will make its mainland debut in Toronto this fall with Mirvish Productions. “Mirvish Productions is the largest commercial theatre producer in Canada,” notes Brazier. “It is a huge achievement for a show from Atlantic Canada to be part of their season.”
Charlottetown this summer with some exciting changes.
“In addition to new design elements, we have written a new song and are leaning more intentionally into the musical comedy form. Everything is heightened; there are bigger laughs, more dancing, and everything is more theatrical,” says artistic director Adam Brazier. The journey of Tell Tale Harbour proves the maxim that there is no such thing as an overnight success. Behind every production, there are years of workshopping.
Kale Penny and Melissa Mackenzie in Tell Tale Harbour (2025). Photo by Louise Vessey.
PEI LIVING MAGAZINE / 52 / VOL 9 . ISSUE 1
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