Drowsy Chaperone joins Anne of Green Gables and world premiere of Dear Rita at Charlottetown Festival in 2020
Adam Brazier says “The Drowsy Chaperone” is the funniest musical written in the past 25 years. And the Charlottetown Festival artistic director is helping to bring it to the Confederation Centre’s main stage next summer.
Brazier revealed the playbill for the 2020 Charlottetown Festival during Sunday night’s annual Maud Whitmore benefit concert in the Homburg Theatre.
“For many years, I’ve been itching to do a large-scale musical comedy—a show that not only has great music but also some brilliant tap dancing and hilarious comedic characters,” Brazier said. “’The Drowsy Chaperone’ is exactly that show. I believe this is the funniest musical written in the past 25 years and it just so happens to be Canadian. This production will leave our audience happy, giddy, and sore from laughter."
The five-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows the tale of a glamourous celebrity bride and her impending wedding.
Hailed as “the perfect Broadway musical” this clever parody features a tap-dancing groom, bumbling best man, wise-cracking butler, desperate producer, misguided Don Juan, two goofy gangsters in disguise and a tipsy chaperone.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” will play opposite dates to “Anne of Green Gables – The Musical,” which returns to the Charlottetown Festival for its 56th consecutive summer.
What’s on stage
“Anne of Green Gables – The Musical” – Homburg Theatre - June 3 (previews) – Sept. 26
“The Drowsy Chaperone” — Homburg Theatre — June 30 to Sept. 26
“Dear Rita” – The Mack — June 25 to Sept. 25
“Bed & Breakfast” – The Mack – July 11 to Sept. 26
Meanwhile, over at The Mack, Brazier promises an intimate and inspiring new production celebrating the life and songs of beloved singer-songwriter, Rita MacNeil.
Developed closely with the family of the late singer herself, “Dear Rita” is a musical love-letter to a fixture of Canadian culture woven around a script from the Island’s own Mike Ross and Lindsay Kyte.
“Rita MacNeil’s contribution to Atlantic Canada is immeasurable,” Brazier said. “Her songs have inspired generations of Canadians and we are excited to share stories of her life and the iconic music she created.”
Also playing at The Mack is a new Canadian comedy, “Bed & Breakfast,” which was dubbed “a doozy worth of Faulty Towers” by the Toronto Star.
“This is a hilarious show that offers two tour-de-force performances,” explains Brazier. “Two actors play an entire rural community, switching from character to character at a break-neck speed.”
Further announcements will be made in the months ahead regarding casting, as well as a new 2020 production for the Confederation Centre Young Company.
Tickets for all productions will be on sale as of Sept. 18 and can be purchased through the box office or by visiting confederationcentre.com.
