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

L-R: Darryl Avalon Hopkins as Angus, Robert Wyatt Thorne as Men, Renee Hackett as Women, and Deidre Gillard-Rowlings as Myra*

Last night was the Opening Night of Theatre Newfoundland Labrador’s production of Tempting Providence! 

We had a packed house last night, to celebrate the first night that this beautiful production has set foot in the County. We would like to say a special thanks to Mark Henry & Lynne Ellis of Fields on West Lake (Venue Sponsor) whose lovely refurbished barn serves as a beautiful backdrop to this magical piece.  Also, thank you to Rosehall Run (Marquee Sponsor), Scout Design (Creative Sponsor), Michael Grills Photography (Photography Sponsor), JB Printing (Print Sponsor), Picton Home Hardware (Elemental Stage Sponsor), and Angeline’s Inn and Restaurant (Tempting Providence Opening Night Sponsor), and to all who came out and enjoyed! 

Tempting Providence is playing July 26-30, 2010  at 8pm, ONLY! With 2pm matinee performances daily from July 27-30. Please book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Tempting Providence, by Robert Chafe. Myra Bennett, a young British nurse, arrives on the rugged shores of Newfoundland in 1921. No roads, no electricity, no doctors for miles. She signed on for a year and stayed for a lifetime. A spell-binding tale of strength and heroism told with humour and elegant simplicity. 

To get tickets please call the Box Office at 613-471-1991/1-866-584-1991 or visit us in person at 289 Main Street, Picton (inside Books & Company). Want those tickets RIGHT NOW!? You can also buy safely and securely online via www.countytix.ca 

Get into the spirit of all things Newfoundland!

East & Main Bistro in Wellington is hosting “A Scoff & a Yarn” (A Newfoundland-themed, three course, pre-show dinner) for $35 on Wednesday, July 28, Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30. Click here for menu.

Reservations for the 5:30pm sitting are recommended, in order to have plenty of time before the 8:00pm performance of Tempting Providence. 

From the Farm Cooking School  is sponsoring this dinner/show event and applauds the local farmers and producers who’ve helped to make these exquisite meals possible. A portion of the dinner sales from the night will be donated to Festival Players