· Our Board of Directors, volunteers, billets, individual donors, cast, crew and our staff.
· 4th Line Theatre
· Angeline’s Restaurant &Inn
· ASTRO Summer Theatre
· Books and Company
· Canada Council for the Arts
· Chesterfield’s Homegrown Café
· The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward
· The County Cider Company
· CountyLive
· Daryl Kramp, MP
· The Devonshire Inn on the Lake
· Dollar Sign Rentals
· Driftwood Theatre Group
· Fields on West Lake
· Fields Farm House Inn
· Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Co.
· Huff Estates
· JB Printing
· KA Media
· Leona Dombrowsky, MPP
· Love Nest Studios
· MACV Holdings
· Mathers Law Office
· Mayor Peter Mertens
· Michael Grills Photography
· The Milford Bistro
· Mount Tabor Playhouse
· Odonata Marketing
· Ontario Arts Council
· Ontario Ministry of Tourism
· Picton Home Hardware Building Centre
· Picton Re/Max
· The Regent Café
· Rosehall Run Vineyards
· Rose Haven Farm Store
· Scout Design
· St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival
· Strum
· Taste the County
· Thousand Islands Playhouse
· Ton-Up Creative
· The Waring House
· Westben Arts Festival Theatre

…and the list goes on! To all of those who have contributed to the success of the season an uproarious chorus of thanks. Everyone who straightened a rack card, picked up an empty water bottle, dusted off a seat, smiled at their fellow audience member or leapt to their feet in applause… everyone who has helped to make this Festival what it has become and helped make it a wonderful experience for us all. Thanks.

L-R: Randi Helmers as Helen Black, Greg Campbell as Reverend Jacob Ladder, John Millard (musician), Rob Clutton (musician), Rebecca Auerbach as Jeeva, Rick Hyslop (musician) and Paul Rainville as Mister Fleas.

This week is your FINAL chance to see The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw at Rosehall Run Vineyards and the feedback from audiences is possibly the best we’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the wine, the tent, the TALENT, the music, but people are LOVING this show!

“Terrific, entertaining show! Very well done. Congratulations!”  

“Worth seeing twice! Thanks for a great evening!!!”

“Imagine sitting in a vineyard under a giant tent. You are watching a live performance of a bluegrass opera. The talent is amazing, the script touching and funny. It’s The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw at Rosehall Run near Wellington. Don’t miss it!”

“Just came from Opening Night at Rosehall Run, I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you GOTTA
see this production…fabulous. Bravo!” 

“Weedy Peetstraw is an outstanding production and a must see!!”

“Bringing friends to tonight’s performance of Weedy Peetstraw – looking forward to this amazing show again as you always see something more the second time around!”

Described as part bluegrass and part opera this witty, darkly comedic retelling of the Faust legend is sure to delight audiences young and old. The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw, by Peter Anderson and John Millard, tells the story of a young man who sells his soul to the devil to play the banjo.

For ticket and schedule information about the 2011 season please visit www.festivalplayers.ca or call 613.471.1991/1.866.584.1991. Buy tickets online today at www.countytix.ca.

*Image by Michael Grills Photography

L-R: Ryan Reid as Weedy Peetstraw & Paul Rainville as Mister Fleas

The feedback from audiences of The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw at Rosehall Run Vineyards, is possibly  the best we’ve ever had. Maybe it’s the wine, the tent, the TALENT, the music, but people are LOVING this show!

“Terrific, entertaining show! Very well done. Congratulations!”

“Worth seeing twice! Thanks for a great evening!!!”

“Imagine sitting in a vineyard under a giant tent. You are watching a live performance of a bluegrass opera. The talent is amazing, the script touching and funny. It’s The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw at Rosehall Run near Wellington. Don’t miss it!”

“Just came from Opening Night at Rosehall Run, I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you GOTTA see this production…fabulous. Bravo!”

“Weedy Peetstraw is an outstanding production and a must see!!”

Described as part bluegrass and part opera this witty, darkly comedic retelling of the Faust legend is sure to delight audiences young and old. The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw, by Peter Anderson and John Millard, tells the story of a young man who sells his soul to the devil to play the banjo.

For ticket and schedule information about the 2011 season please visit www.festivalplayers.ca or call 613.471.1991/1.866.584.1991. Buy tickets online today at www.countytix.ca.

*Image by Michael Grills Photography

L-R: Randi Helmers as Helen Black, Greg Campbell as Reverend Jacob Ladder, John Millard (musician), Rob Clutton (musician), Rebecca Auerbach as Jeeva, Rick Hyslop (musician) and Paul Rainville as Mister Fleas.

Festival Players would like to send out a HUGE thank you to all who came to enjoy the very wet, but fantastic Opening Night of The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw by Peter Anderson & John Millard.

Thank you to everyone down at Rosehall Run Vineyards, our Official Season Wine Sponsor (and also home to Weedy Peetstraw for the month of August), Fifth Town Cheese (for providing some delicious cheese for the post-show reception), and of course the volunteers, staff, cast and crew for making last night a fabulous night despite the weather.

The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw will be playing from Aug 2-27, 2011 outdoors under a grand tent at Rosehall Run Vineyards (1243 Greer Rd. in Wellington). This is the third and final show of our 2011 summer season and it’s not one to be missed! A fabulous venue, delicious wine to enjoy while visiting, and a high energy show that will have your toe tapping from start to finish.

Get your tickets today online at www.countytix.ca or call 613-471-1991/1-8660584-1991 or stop by at the Box Office (289 Main Street Picton, inside Books & Co.).

We hope to see you there!

*Photo by Michael Grills Photography

In Prince Edward County, for the month of August, guests will be able to sip a glass, wander among the vines

Described as part bluegrass and part opera this witty, darkly comedic retelling of the Faust legend is sure to delight audiences young and old. The Ballad of Weedy Peetstraw, by Peter Anderson and John Millard, tells the story of a young man who sells his soul to the devil to play the banjo.

“The play is such fun. Brilliant music and a great story. It’s epic. And magical. Out at Rosehall Run, under the grand tent…it’s a recipe for a lovely experience indeed,” says Artistic Director Sarah Phillips.

Estelle Shook, who helmed the Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong, BC, where the show premiered years ago, directs a talented cast. Weedy and Jeeva, the young lovers at the center of the story, are played by Ryan Reid (Citadel Theatre, Arts Club, Playhouse Theatre) and Rebecca Auerbach (Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Charlottetown/Blyth/Drayton Festivals). Joining them in the cast are Greg Campbell (Theatre Passe Muraille, Theatre Aquarius, Sudbury Theatre Centre) as the Reverend Jacob Ladder, Randi Helmers (National Arts Centre, Stratford, Soulpepper) as Weedy’s mother Hazel, and Paul Rainville (Manitoba Theatre Centre, National Arts Centre, Canadian Stage) as the devil’s agent, Mister Fleas. Composer, music director and multi-talented musician John Millard leads the band and is joined by the brilliant Rob Clutton and Rick Hyslop.

For ticket and schedule information about the 2011 season call 613.471.1991/1.866.584.1991 or buy online at www.countytix.ca.

*Photo by Michael Grills Photography

Andrew Binks (Prince Edward County)
Krista Dalby (Prince Edward County)
Ned Dickens (Kingston)
Colin Frizzell (Prince Edward County)
Martha Ross (Toronto)

(Umbrellas are available to borrow should you need one. A small, fully refundable deposit is required for umbrellas and MP3 players.)

The walk begins at Books & Company (289 Main Street, Picton). Sounding Ground runs Fridays to Mondays from July 2-October 2. Tickets are $20.00 each.

Information and tickets for Sounding Ground are available at 613-471-1991/1-866-584-199?1 or www.countytix.ca.

Sheesham & Lotus*

The Festival Players Pig Roast and Square Dance Fundraiser, held last Friday at Fields on West Lake, was a grand time!

Thank you to Robyn Cakebread and the Regent Cafe for catering the event, the food was absolutely delicious and enjoyed by everyone!

Barn Dancin'*

Thank you to Sheesham & Lotus brought the barn down, and a good ol’ County time was had by all!  

Celeb. Pie Auction*

To add to the fun and (funds) we auctioned off pies created by some of the County’s most illustrious citizens. 

• Suzanne Latchford, Tall Poppy Cafe
• Monica Alyea, Running for Mayor!
• Lisa Sterling, Festival Players
• Krista Dalby, Small Pond Arts
• Caroline Granger, The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards and Estate Winery
• Dan Sullivan, Rosehall Run Winery
• Chef Tom Madden, Casa-Dea Estates Winery
• Sally Peck, Sugarbush Vineyards
• Jacqui Vickers, The Bloomfield Carriage House Restaurant
• Chef Michael Sullivan, The Merrill Inn
• Don Stanton, McDougall Stanton Insurance
• Ed Kraus, Ideal Bike
• and Lori Slik, Running for Mayor!

 A HUGE thank you goes out to the following people, whom without this fundraiser would not be possible. We truly appreciate your contributions, assistance, generosity and on-going support! 

• Mark Henry & Lynne Ellis, Fields on West Lake
• Robyn Cakebread and the Regent Café
• Highline Mushroom Farm
• JC Nyman Farms
• Honey Wagon Farms
• Vicki’s Veggies
• Campbell’s Orchards
• Don Heathcote
• Rosehall Run Winery
• Michael Grills Photography
• Taste the County 

We are pleased to announce that approx. $3000 was raised at the fundraiser for Festival Players!

A big thank you to Fields on West Lake, Robyn Cakebread/The Regent Cafe, Highline Mushrooms, Campbell’s Orchards, Vicki’s Veggies, Honey Wagon Farm, JC Nyman Farm, Taste the County, Michael Grills Photography, Rosehall Run Winery, Don Heathcote, the board members, staff, volunteers and Celeb. Pie Makers too, for all their help and generous contributions to the fundraiser. We truly appreciate your support and generosity!

We are currently in the process of getting some pictures and details up soon!

Sheesham & Lotus*

The Taste! Celebration weekend kicks off next Friday with Festival Players’ Pig Roast and Barn Dance featuring old-time duo Sheesham & Lotus! Have you got your tickets yet? This event sold out last year – book your tickets early to avoid disappointment! You’ll have one heck of a time!

First comes the pig roast – fill your plate with fine local fare including stacks of fresh heirloom tomatoes, mouth-watering roast pork, steaming hot corn on the cob and much more (we will be offering a Veggie option). Keep yer fork cause there’s pie!

Then comes the dancing - old-time music duo Sheesham and Lotus will entertain and inspire us with their downright fabulous playing. Then up you get (should you feel moved) to join in with your fellow revelers as they attempt to allemande left and swing their partner (managing to keep a straight face some of the time).

And don’t forget the Celebrity Pie Auction – to add to the fun (and funds), we’ll be auctioning off pies created by some of the County’s most illustrious citizens, businesses, and artists. Here are a few of the fine folks who are baking up a storm for the Festival Players fundraiser:

• Tall Poppy Cafe a funky, family-friendly restaurant on Main Street in Wellington. They offer flavourful fare with ingredients fresh from their farm!
• Monica Alyea is a woman of many hats. She is running for Mayor of P.E.C. and still has the time to make us a pie!

More celebs and pies to be announced soon!

This event is a fundraiser for Festival Players of Prince Edward County. If last year’s event was anything to go by, people will have a whale of a time. No experience required. Sheesham & Lotus will give us the step by steps to kick up our heels and have a ball. This event sold out last year – book your tickets early!

Friday, September 24, 2010 – 7PM
Fields on West Lake (15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON, K0K 1G0).
Tickets- $50 each (dinner/dance) or $75 a couple. There are a limited number of children’s tickets available for $25 each, book early to avoid disappointment.

To book your tickets today please visit the Box Office at 289 Main Street, Picton (inside Books & Co.) or call 613-471-1991/1-866-584-1991. You can also buy tickets online at www.countytix.ca 

*Photo courtesy of Michael Grills Photography. 

.
ATTENTION:
.
CELEBRITIES & PIES WANTED

We are looking for a couple more “celebrities” who are interested in creating pies to auction off at our Barn Dance & Pig Roast Fundraiser! If you are interested in making a pie for Celebrity Pie Auction or have any suggestions, please contact Lisa at lisa@festivalplayers.ca . Your participation would be appreciated!

Sheesham & Lotus*

Fun for all and all for fun! Join us for the Festival Players Barn Dance & Pig Roast Fall Fundraiser!

First comes the pig roast – fill your plate with fine local fare, including stacks of fresh heirloom tomatoes, mouth-watering roast pork, steaming hot corn on the cob and much more. Keep yer fork, cause there’s pie too!

Then comes the dancing – old-time music duo Sheesham and Lotus will amuse and enthuse, entertaining us with their downright fabulous tunes. Then up you get (should you feel moved), to join in with your fellow revelers as they attempt to allemande left and swing their partner right (managing to keep a straight face some of the time).

Then, the Celebrity Pie Auction – to add to the fun (and funds), we’ll be auctioning off pies created by some of the County’s most illustrious citizens. Pies/Celebrities to be announced soon!

This is going to be so much fun!

So come on out and show your support for Festival Players and professional theatre in Prince Edward County.. and have a darn good time while you’re at it!

Celebrity Pies*

Be there or be square… dancing!

Dinner- 7:00pm
Dance- 8:30pm

Tickets-
$50.00 each (for dinner & dance)
$75.00 a couple (for dinner & dance)
*Limited number of tickets available.

To get yours call 613-471-1991/1-866-584-1991, or buy online RIGHT NOW via www.countytix.ca (click the events tab).

This event is a fundraiser for Festival Players of Prince Edward County.

*Last years photo by Michael Grills Photography