John Gray, celebrated playwright and composer, is coming to town as part of the Festival Players Playwrights Reading Series. Gray’s new version of his musical Amelia: The Girl Who Wants to Fly, plays in the 2010 season. Gray will be at Books & Company in Picton, on Thursday, April 29^th at 7pm. Admission is free and there will be a wine and cheese reception. 

Halifax-born, Vancouver-based playwright and composer John Gray is best known for his award-winning and internationally acclaimed musical about a World War I flying ace, Billy Bishop Goes to War. Gray recently reprised his original role in that show, with co-creator Eric Peterson, over two sold-out runs at Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto. 

Come meet the playwright, and be treated to a preview of the show itself. Eliza-Jane Scott, who starred in both Ship of Fire and Colours in the Storm in 2009 and who will take on the title role in Amelia this year, will perform a brief excerpt from the play. 

Gray has garnered many prestigious awards for his work, including Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Rock and Roll, and the Los Angeles Critics Drama Award, the Governor General’s Award, and the Chalmers Canadian Play Award for Billy Bishop Goes to War. He has won several National Magazine Awards and penned a popular series of Victorian mystery novels. Gray was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2000. A legend in Canadian theatre, he will regale you with tales sure to amuse and inform. 

Amelia is the story of the meteoric rise and mysterious disappearance of the legendary Amelia Earhart, pioneering aviatrix. Earhart rose to unimaginable heights, literally and figuratively. This new musical re-imagines her transformation from the “girl next door” to the iconic first woman in flight. Inspiring, insightful and entertaining. It’s part biography, part love story, part thrill of the flight – and chock full of wonderful music. 

For more information: 613.399.5677 or www.festivalplayers.ca 

Playwrights Reading Series Thursday, April 29, 7pm
With Amelia playwright John Gray
Books & Company, 289 Main Street, Picton 

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
ELIZA-JANE SCOTT RETURNS TO PLAY AMELIA EARHART

Prince Edward County, ON, (January 21, 2010): Festival Players has just announced that actress Eliza-Jane Scott will return to the County in 2010 to play iconic aviatrix Amelia Earhart.

Ms.Scott, who impressed audiences in 2009 with her work in Ship of Fire and Colours in the Storm, returns to take on the starring role in a new musical by playwright John Gray. Audiences worldwide have long applauded Gray’s award-winning musical Billy Bishop Goes to War and Amelia brings his songwriting and script writing talent to bear on the story of this ‘girl-next-door’ turned celebrity. The 2010 Festival Players production marks the world premiere of this newest version of the play. It’s part biography, part love story, part thrill of the flight and chock full of wonderful music.

Tickets for the 2010 season go on sale in the spring but those who want a great deal can get on board early and purchase a Flex Pass. The Flex Pass is redeemable for 3 regular priced tickets to the season and is currently offered at $71 (a 20% discount). Simply call 613.399.5677 or email boxoffice@festivalplayers.ca to order your 2010 Flex Pass. Pass prices go up on February 14.

Festival Players, now into their fourth season, will be presenting three outstanding Canadian plays between June 29 and August 28, 2010. Check out their website for details, www.festivalplayers.ca.

*hi-res photos attached –  Eliza-Jane Scott and Stephen Sparks in the 2009 production of Colours in the Storm, and promo shot of Eliza-Jane Scott

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Contact: Yorrick da Silva, Festival Players of Prince Edward County
613.399.5677 or yorrick@festivalplayers.ca