2019 - 2020

Tickets - $60 Members - $54 Under 19 - $30

Welcome to the 2019-20 Spotlight Series, our flagship program at the Playhouse. This season we invite you to join us for an exciting lineup featuring critically-acclaimed artists from close to home, across Canada, and the world over.

The Spotlight series plays an important role in achieving our goal to provide the community with enriching live performance experiences. We believe these experiences enhance our lives in meaningful ways – developing a stronger sense of self, learning and shaping the way we look at the world, connecting people, and providing a healthy dose of escapism. Personally, I like to think that we are helping make “the good life” in Greater Fredericton even better.

We want everyone in the community to see the Playhouse as a place where they are welcome.

That’s why the offerings this season are so diverse. We truly have something for everyone, including classical, contemporary and traditional performances in music, theatre, dance, and circus.

I would like to thank the people and organizations that make this award-winning series possible. Our sponsors, donors (the Friends of the Fredericton Playhouse), funders and other partners continue to be there for us, and for you, the audience.

I hope you enjoy these performances as much as we enjoy presenting them to you.

Tim S. YerxaExecutive Director

Media Partners

Welcome to the 2019-2020 Spotlight Series

Funding Partners

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Become a

Join today and receive…• First access to the best seats and special pricing* on all Spotlight Series and Special Presentation performances

• Special savings for Spotlight Partner series**

• No return fees

• Special offers for Experience More! enrichment programs and other select performances throughout the year

* Maximum 6 tickets per membership per performance ** Theatre New Brunswick, Atlantic Ballet Atlantique Canada, New Brunswick Country Showcase and Symphony New Brunswick

Membership $55

Want the Best Seats at Discounted Prices?

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Tuesday, September 24 Jenn Grant Great Lake Swimmers A Double Bill ConcertTickets - $38 Members - $34 Students - $19

A heralded singer and songwriter from Prince Edward Island, Jenn Grant is embarking on a new journey with her best collection of songs to date. The Juno nominated artist’s new album, ‘Compostela,’ which translates to Field of Stars, teeters on psychedelic folk and welcomes you into a balladry of melodic storytelling. Grant is joined by her talented band of players who help to create the colors and textures of her captivating live show. Inspired by the wilderness of the forest and eastern seas of her new home in Nova Scotia, ‘Compostela’ explores time, courage, healing, wonder, and of course love.

Toronto-based, Great Lake Swimmers, have established themselves as a beloved indie folk act in Canada and beyond. Their new album ‘The Waves, The Wake’ sees the group branching out to include new sounds such as harp, lute, pipe organ, woodwinds, and percussion, alongside the more familiar flecks and chimes of the banjo, piano, and electric guitar. The Juno award nominees have shared the stage with musical luminaries like Robert Plant, Feist, and Calexico, and have appeared as headliners for many of Canada’s major Folk Music festivals. Exclaim has described them as a “cherished blend of folk and orchestral indie pop.”

In partnership with

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EXPERIENCE MORE

Authentic Mexican Street Food ExperienceSaturday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.Fredericton PlayhouseTickets required/$15 ($12 Members)

Saturday, October 5 Mariachi Herencia de Mexico

Tickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Nobody could have anticipated the success of the first album by Mariachi Herencia de México, an ensemble of student musicians from Chicago’s Mexican-American neighbourhoods. Released in 2017, their debut album, Nuestra Herencia (Our Heritage), received a Latin

GRAMMY nomination, attracted local and national news coverage, and created new demand for appearances around the country. The group has performed alongside major artists like Lila Downs, Aida Cuevas, Pedro Fernández, as well as some of the most respected mariachi groups

from both sides of the border. This group of students has the talent, training and bravado to hold their own with the best in the world.

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Thursday, October 17 Mary’s Wedding Atlantic Repertory TheatreTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

On the night before her wedding, Mary dreams of a thunderstorm, during which she unexpectedly meets Charlie sheltering in a barn beside his horse. With innocence and humour, the two discover a charming first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. Together, they attempt to hide their love, galloping through the fields for a place and time where the tumultuous uncertainties of battle can’t find them. A play with a heart as big as the skies that serve as its stage, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.

The Atlantic Repertory Company helps young professionals with strong ties to Atlantic Canada bridge the gap between advanced training and a steady career path in theatre. Their projects expose these emerging artists to new ideas and insightful guidance from leading directors, writers and mentors that travel here from across the country. Providing paid opportunities to emerging professionals and graduates, the company is a key contributor to the burgeoning theatre scene in New Brunswick and the Atlantic provinces. All the world’s a stage, and the Atlantic Repertory Company is committed to developing the players of tomorrow.

Contains mature themes or subject matter.

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Friday, October 18 Ashley MacIsaacTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Ashley MacIsaac plays the fiddle with an intensity, authenticity and passion that is hard to deny. He learned his chops at an early age mentored by some of the legendary greats of the area, performing all over Prince Edward Island in halls, clubs, barns and kitchens. ‘Hi How Are You’ was released in the mid 90’s and the accolades rolled in, the awards, the touring, the interviews and appearances, the persona took shape and the legend took hold. Ashley continues today with the same passion and dedication to his fans, his craft and his country.

Dining Partner

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Saturday, October 26 Rachel Beck With Atlantic String MachineTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

Glowing with catchy pop hooks, Rachel Beck’s distinctive piano melodies and emotive vocals are captivating audiences across Canada. The Prince Edward Island songbird’s first single, Reckless Heart, hit #1 on the CBC Music Top 20 after earning the most online votes for six weeks straight. Beck’s multi award-winning debut lures listeners into an ethereal and enveloping soundscape, as the songs take you on a trek across a wide emotional range – from regret and grief to wonder and joy. Her hook-driven, emotive piano pop melodies captivate and when you see her live, you are not only brought under her vocal spell, but are an instant fan.

In this special concert, Rachel will be performing in harmony with Atlantic String Machine. Known for their other pop music collaborations, ASM produces their own concert series each season and enjoys collaborating with musicians across musical genres, including jazz guitarist Duane Andrews, pop group Paper Lions, folk group The Once and singer songwriters such as Matthew Byrne. Each member of the group brings considerable professional experience in several musical genres, having performed with internationally recognized symphony and chamber orchestras, ensembles and individual artists – including Barbara Streisand, Steven Page, Ron Sexsmith and Andrea Bocelli.

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Wednesday, October 30 Juliet & Romeo Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Tickets - $32 Members - $29 Students - $16

In this original dance piece, inspired by the classic tale of the star-crossed lovers, Kimberley Cooper has created a new world for these themes of love and violence to wrestle and play. Adapted by Cory Bowles, with original live music by Nick Fraser, this work gives new breath to one of Shakespeare’s best known and loved works.

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is one of the only companies worldwide with jazz dance and music as its raison d’etre. Performing both in its hometown of Calgary and on tour across Canada and beyond, they’ve produced more than 60 original works since its inception in 1984, many with live music. The company’s high energy and unique style have caused people to describe their work as “music for the eyes.”

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Saturday, November 2 The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari A Special film screening with live orchestration Featuring members of Symphony New Brunswick and ResonanceTickets - $26 Members - $23 Students - $13

Symphony New Brunswick joins forces with New Brunswick-based experimental and new classical music company Resonance for this innovative performance. A nine-piece live orchestra performs an original score by New Brunswick composer Andrew Miller alongside the screening of the 1920 silent horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. This German Expressionist film shares the story of a murderous hypnotist and is considered one of the most influential films of all time.

Resonance supports the creation and production of experimental music, improvised music, artistic collaborations and new classical music in New Brunswick. Almost 100 works have been premiered for various projects: written by composers across Canada.

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Thursday, November 7 Tara MacLean’s Atlantic Blue The Stories of Atlantic Canada’s Iconic SongwritersTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Celebrated PEI born singer/songwriter, Tara MacLean, takes you on a journey into the past, telling the story of how music arrived and thrived on the East Coast of Canada. Atlantic Blue is about the place and the people behind classic songs like Sonny’s Dream, Put Your Hand in the Hand, Fare Thee Well Love, Movin’ on, Working Man, and many more, who found a way to create beauty from the challenging experiences in their own lives.

The depth of this show comes from Tara’s own relationship with each of these writers. To ensure historical accuracy, she worked with those living songwriters and the families/representatives of those who are no longer with us. Using film for the biographies of these brilliant writers, and live music to illustrate their work, Tara’s epic voice transports the audience, locals and tourists alike, to a place of deeper understanding and connection with Atlantic Canada and our most treasured music. Atlantic Blue is a captivating experience that is sure to bring Atlantic Canadians together in celebration and solidarity for our way of life and the songs that helped the world fall in love with us.

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Tuesday, November 12 Matt MaysTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Halifax rocker, Matt Mays, best known for his hits with award-winning rock group Matt Mays & El Torpedo, is back with an acoustic reimagining of his album Once Upon a Hell of a Time… The recording came amidst a particularly busy time for Mays who was headlining his first Massey Hall concert and supporting sold out shows with The Gaslight Anthem all over North America. Matt teamed up with co-producer Eric Ratz to record at studios around Toronto between touring commitments. Twice Upon a Hell of a Time… was originally conceived as a straight-up solo interpretation, but as the songs took shape, he decided to incorporate extra vocals and instrumentation. The album’s arrangements are lush and large without straying from the ‘unplugged’ vibe he sought from the outset.

In partnership with

Dining Partner

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Thursday, November 14 Jeremy Dutcher with Symphony New BrunswickTickets - $46 Members - $42 Students - $23

Performer, composer, activist, musicologist — these roles are all infused into Jeremy Dutcher’s art and way of life. His music, too, transcends boundaries: unapologetically playful in its incorporation of classical influences, full of reverence for the traditional songs of his home, and teeming with the urgency of modern-day struggles of resistance. A member of Tobique First Nation, Dutcher studied music in Halifax before taking a chance to work in the archives at the Canadian Museum of History, painstakingly transcribing Wolastoq songs from 1907 wax cylinders. Long days at the archives turned into long nights at the piano, feeling out melodies and phrases, deep in dialogue with the voices of his ancestors.

These “collaborative” compositions, on his debut LP Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, are like nothing you’ve ever heard. Delicate, sublime vocal melodies ring out atop piano lines that cascade through a vibrant range of emotions. The anguish and joy of the past erupt fervently into the present through Jeremy’s bold approach to composition and raw, affective performances enhanced by his outstanding tenor techniques. The album has garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2018 Polaris Music Prize and a JUNO award for Indigenous Music Album of the Year. In this special show with Symphony New Brunswick, Dutcher will perform his own original music, all accompanied by the orchestra.

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Friday, November 15 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS Credence Clearwater Revival: Green RiverTickets - $44 Members - $40 Students - $22

A perennial Playhouse favourite, Classic Albums Live presents skilled musicians who recreate the greatest albums of the ’60s and ’70s live on stage – note for note, cut for cut. Don’t look for costumes and look-alike theatrics at these rock recitals, just pure musicianship and songs that shaped a generation.

Creedence Clearwater Revival was America’s greatest band. Their music reached out and got an entire continent rocking. Hit after hit, no other band delivers that big a collection of instantly recognizable, toe tapping songs. Classic Albums Live will honour the legacy of CCR by performing their ‘Green River’ album with joy and dedication.

Dining Partner

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In partnership with

Thursday, November 21 Formidable!Tickets - $36 Members - $33 Students - $18

From the producers of Paris! The Show, Formidable! The Musical will take you back to the time of “La Bohême.” Formidable! tells the incredible story of Charles Aznavour through his most powerful, memorable and iconic songs. Considered one of the most famous musical legends of our time, alongside the likes of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, he sold more than 180 million records around the world. During his 70-year career, he wrote more than 800 songs and recorded more than 1,200 in a variety of languages. From the revival of the songs to the beautiful imagery, video and set, this musical has become the most wonderful tribute ever dedicated to the career of Charles Aznavour.

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Friday, November 22 The East PointersTickets - $28 Members - $25 Students - $14

There’s a reason, beyond their dazzling musicianship and wildly entertaining live shows, that The East Pointers have connected with audiences right across the globe, making new, original roots music the hippest, most vibrant thing going. The reason? The JUNO award-winners write about real life, sketching out its joys and sorrows in vivid strokes. That palpable authenticity makes their instrumental tunes practically cartwheel and infuses their lyric-driven songs with poignancy.

Their new album What We Leave Behind reflects on the traditions of Canadian Celtic music, where it comes from, and what it means to the people, but also strides in new directions. With a captivating balance between their traditional-sounding instrumental tunes, and catchy radio-ready songs, The East Pointers reach out with open arms to a wide range of listeners, inviting them to discover a new love of folk music.

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Tuesday, December 3 A Holly Cole Christmas Tickets - $44 Members - $41 Students - $22

You can bet that when Canadian Jazz icon Holly Cole and her impeccable band come to town to spread a little “naughty and nice” that like Santa, they will get you into the holiday spirit! Holly brings fresh faces to well-worn standards and an eclectic selection of holiday material with an uncanny combination of sensuality, innocence, originality and sheer musicality.

Cole has a long and storied international career, having sold hundreds of thousands of recordings in the U.S., Japan and Germany and having been signed to the highly acclaimed New York based Jazz label, Blue Note Records, for over a decade. At home her success’ include multi-platinum sales awards, three JUNOs and two Gemini Awards. She’s also a recipient of the prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Award. Previous award winners include Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick, Jr., Etta James and Tony Bennett – pretty fine company.

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Friday, December 20 George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett 12 Days of ChristmasTickets - $44 Members - $41 Students - $22

To call George Canyon “accomplished” would be the understatement of the century. Throughout his career he has won many awards for his music, including Junos, CCMAs, and ECMAs. Cayon has been inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, recorded 12 albums, performs regularly all over the world — and has acted in a number of films, television shows, and stage plays. He is a highly regarded humanitarian, strong supporter of the military, and, most important, a proud father and devoted husband.

Aaron Pritchett’s legacy continues to be unstoppable as he continuously adapts, and evolves, while refusing to abandon the down-home sincerity that became his trademark. With a mix of chart-topping anthems and powerful hits, Pritchett has something for everyone. His latest album, “The Score,” released shortly after opening multiple sold out shows for Garth Brooks, debuted at #1 Canadian on the country charts, marking his first return to the Top 10 in over 8 years.

Join George and Aaron as they share the stage, stories and songs together In this fun-filled holiday concert.

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Friday, January 17 Tentacle Tribe GhostTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

In this new work, Tentacle Tribe combines elements of contemporary dance, street dance and martial arts in a physical score that echoes the subtle pulse of respiration. Inhalations and exhalations sculpt the group’s gestures and movements. The interconnected bodies form striking human structures that shift, alter, evolve in synergy with the music. The invigorating power of the breath and its circulation in the organism is embodied and magnified by the energetic, almost architectural dance.

Six of Montreal’s best street dancers immerse themselves in the mysterious mechanics of breathing – interpreting its life-giving rhythm. Choreographers Emmanuelle Lê Phan (Canadian) and Elon Höglund (Swedish) have produced an imaginative and uncommon language of movement. From technical feats to dreamlike sequences, Ghost is a welcome breath of air.

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Saturday, February 1 The DreamboatsTickets - $44 Members - $40 Students - $22

Great balls of fire! The Dreamboats are bringing back good ol’ fashioned Rock n’ Roll with a sound reminiscent of music legends like Chuck Berry & The Wonders. This quartet of handsome young Mississauga boys delivers a high energy, nostalgic show that has audiences dancing and singing the night away.

What brings these four youngsters together to play music that was much before their time? A true passion for an era when ice cream cost a quarter, milk was delivered to the door, and people danced to live music! The Dreamboats capture this era at live shows through their angelic harmonies, rockin’ guitars, matching uniforms, and contagious dance steps!

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EXPERIENCE MORE

Traditional Hula Dance WorkshopTuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.Fredericton PlayhouseNo experience required/Must be 18+/Registration required/$20 ($18 Spotlight Member)

Wednesday, February 5 Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’oleTickets - $30 Members - $27 Students - $15

A riveting performer, Kaumakaiwa creates some of the most original work to emerge in contemporary Hawaiian music, drawing from ancestral memory and hula practice as chant transforms to melody. Kaumakaiwa seamlessly melds Hawaiian culture and modern sensibilities in deeply powerful music.

Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole has been on stage since she could walk. A charismatic dancer and singer, with an impressive vocal range from tenor chant to Hawaiian falsetto singing, she is a five-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano [Hawaiian “Grammy”] Award-winner with 3 solo CDs to her name. Her vocal performances are an outgrowth of the Hawaiian art of chant and songwriting, with roots in rhythms and metaphors of hula. Honoured with a Native Arts & Cultures Foundation Fellowship Award, Kaumakaiwa, a modern transgender Hawaiian, is a vibrant keeper of culture, and an authentic innovator. She engages indigenous thought to address today’s issues through music, chant, and sharing of spirit, with plenty of humor, she provides wry commentary and stories to give context to her songs.

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Thursday, February 6 Ladom EnsembleTickets - $30 Members - $27 Students - $15

The eclectic cultural richness of Ladom Ensemble’s music is a reflection of our country’s cultural diversity. They share a passion for creating a sound that draws from their unique musical experiences, a sound that incorporates inspirations from Argentinian jazz, classical tango, Serbian folk dance, Persian classical dulcimer, amongst others. The group was formed, not to define or represent one specific tradition, but rather, to express what is a modern and authentic Canadian experience – a musical identity blossoming from many sources that reflect a beautiful new world. This elasticity of styles is their musical foundation. With their vast experiences, Ladom creates a new sound and experience that will appeal to all audiences.

The newest member of the ensemble, Michael Bridge is lauded as “a wizard of the accordion.” Named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30,” Bridge purchased his first accordion at a garage sale for $5 when he was five-years-old, and two decades later, he’s redefining the perception of his traditional instrument.

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Friday, February 14 Gravity & Other Myths BackboneTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Internationally renowned circus company, Gravity & Other Myths pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus. Formed in Adelaide, Australia in 2009, they’ve rocketed to stellar acclaim with a series of disarmingly accomplished ensemble works. Their work utilises an honest approach to performance, to create shows with a focus on human connection and acrobatic virtuosity.

In their latest piece, Backbone, a high-octane spree of physical virtuosity, they test the limits of strength: physical, emotional, individual and collective. This award-winning show is staged with a deceptively DIY aesthetic and dispensing of trickery and distraction, this is circus that goes straight for the jugular and leaves no viewer unmoved. Backbone is the culmination of all that’s gone before: a celebration of human connectedness and the meaning of strength. Sexy but sincere, raw yet utterly disciplined, Backbone is proof you can’t do the impossible without spending a little sweat.

Dining Partner

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Thursday, March 19 Red Sky Performance TRACETickets - $30 Members - $27 Students - $15

Red Sky Performance is a leading company of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide. Their work highlights the originality and power of contemporary Indigenous dance, theatre, music and media, enabling new creations to expand the breadth and scope of Indigenous‐made work in Canada. The Dora Award-winning company’s newest work, Trace, is a highly kinetic contemporary dance work inspired by Anishinaabe sky and star stories offering a glimpse into our origin and our future evolution.

With creator Sandra Laronde (Teme‐Augama Anishinaabe – People of the Deep Water) at the helm, they have delivered more than 2,582 performances across Canada and internationally, including the Cultural Olympiads of Beijing and Vancouver, Expo 2010 in Shanghai, and with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall. Their work has been recognized across the globe with two Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, three International Youth Drama Awards from Shenzhen, China, and the Smithsonian Expressive Award, among other recognitions.

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Friday, March 20 Carl DixonTickets - $34 Members - $31 Students - $17

Carl Dixon’s powerful vocals, artistry and stage presence have put him at the forefront of the Canadian rock industry for three decades. One of Canada’s most respected musicians, he’s renowned as both a solo artist and band member of groups such as Coney Hatch, The Guess Who and April Wine.

A child of the sixties, Dixon was enchanted with the sounds of the Beatles, the Stones and The Guess Who. The next heavier wave of bands like Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin crystallised his desire to be a player, not just a fan. Throughout his early music career, he toured with heavy metal icons such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Triumph, Ted Nugent, and Krokus. In the 1990’s and 2000’s he showed his versatility recording and touring with April Wine and The Guess Who. Dixon was the lead singer for Canada’s world-chart toppers The Guess Who for eight years, until a shocking car crash left him hospitalised for months. Since recovering from his accident Dixon has toured across Canada and the US, written and produced new music and tours as an inspirational speaker – proving that there’s no stopping Carl Dixon!

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Tuesday, March 31 God is a Scottish Drag Queen 2 The Second ComingTickets - $30 Members - $27 Students - $15

God, dressed in a floral power suit, returns to skewer everything from Platypus to Pocahontas in a hilarious sequel 2,000 years in the making! Fans across North America fell in love with the original show and this sequel has become even more popular!

Mike Delamont has had a meteoric rise to fame since beginning his stand-up career in 2011. He has performed at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York, and the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles. He has been nominated for three Canadian Comedy Awards, and has appeared on CBC’s The Debaters and on Just for Laughs.

★★★★★ “I LAUGHED SO HARD I CRIED!” Edmonton Journal

Please be advised this performance contains frequent use of strong language and mature themes or subject matter.

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Wednesday, April 1 Michael KaeshammerTickets - $38 Members - $35 Students - $19

Internationally acclaimed musician Michael Kaeshammer has toured the world showcasing his talents as a singer, songwriter, pianist & producer. A spellbinding artist, Kaeshammer’s performances and recordings are intimate and inviting affairs, whether in a small club, large theatre or on home stereo.

His album, SOMETHING NEW, is a new musical adventure. Produced by Michael himself, it features 10 original songs about love, life, travel and politics. Recorded at the historic Esplanade Studios in the heart of New Orleans’ Treme district, Kaeshammer along with Big Easy legends Cyril Neville (The Neville Brothers), George Porter Jr (The Meters), Johnny Vidacovich (Professor Longhair), Mike Dillon (Primus), the New Orleans Nightcrawlers Brass Band and Canadian bassist David Piltch (k.d. lang) create an electric sonic ride. Very special guests include Colin James, Randy Bachman, Curtis Salgado, Jim Byrnes, Amos Garrett and Chuck Leavall of the Rolling Stones.

It is easy to distinguish great music upon first listen, regardless of genre labels and titles. Kaeshammer’s passion for writing, performing and producing exceptional music is abundantly clear. Flavours of jazz, boogie-woogie and blues combined with passion and meticulous detail, Michael Kaeshammer is unafraid of crossing genre boundaries and uses his many influences to take the listener along on a memorable journey.

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Thursday, April 2 Scottish Fiddle OrchestraTickets - $36 Members - $33 Students - $18

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra is one of Scotland’s foremost traditional music organisations. Formed in 1980, its origins stem from traditional Fiddlers’ Rallies which were – and still are – held throughout the country. After one of these Rallies, a group of enthusiasts met to consider the formation of an orchestra. Made up of more than 100 musicians, the group has toured to Ireland, Canada, China, Australia, New Zealand, Orkney and Shetland. They also perform a series of concerts across Scottish cities and work together to create the finest possible standard of orchestral fiddle playing without detracting from the strong traditional strains of Scottish music.

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Tuesday, April 7 Anne of Green Gables - The BalletTM Canada’s Ballet JörgenTickets - $44 Members - $40 Students - $22

Choreographed by Bengt Jörgen, Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™ is a playful, colourful and evocative production that will transport audiences to early 20th century Atlantic Canada. Based on the beloved Canadian novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™ follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl sent to live on a farm in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island.

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™ will be the first time the story has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet and is made possible through the assistance of the heirs of Lucy Maud Montgomery and in partnership with the heirs of Norman Campbell and Don Harron.

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Thursday, April 9 Mission Songs ProjectTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

Jessie Lloyd’s profoundly moving Mission Songs Project reveals what daily life was like for Indigenous Australians on Christian missions and state-run settlements. Through the discovery of rare secular songs that were sung after church, audiences can gain a deeper understanding about the history of elders, families and communities, from cultural identity to love and loss.

Searching for the secular songs that were sung after church, Mission Songs Project looks to explore the day to day life of the mission days, from cultural identity to love and loss. These unique songs consist of almost forgotten stories that can now shed light into the history of their Indigenous elders, families and communities. Mission Songs Project faithfully explores the musical journey of Indigenous Australian music as Jessie Lloyd connects the traditional with contemporary, revealing the continuation of cultural practice and song traditions into the 21st Century.

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Wednesday, April 15 Between Breaths Artistic Fraud of NewfoundlandTickets - $36 Members - $33 Students - $18

Known in Newfoundland as the Whale Man, Dr. Jon Lien pioneered techniques for rescuing whales trapped in fishing nets. Often risking his life in the water with these formidable and frightened animals, Dr. Lien would seek to earn their trust as much as the fishermen’s. His ability to free more than 500 whales, while doing as little damage to the fishing gear as possible, won the hard-earned respect of the island’s fishermen. Despite his risky work, Dr. Lien’s biggest fight came at the hands of a lengthy illness. He passed away in 2010, but not before his body was slowly conquered over 8 years by immobility and dementia. Between Breaths jumps backwards, from the final moments of Dr. Lien’s life – in a wheelchair and dealing with brain damage – to his very first whale intervention. As his life becomes further and further confined, his mind stretches itself in memories of release and salvation.

Over the past twenty years, Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland has come to be hailed as one of Canada’s most daring and innovative companies garnering high acclaim and awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama. Since their inception the company has been developing a unique brand of choral stage work. With minimal props and technical elements, the work is effortlessly organic; a performer driven stage where spectacle meets story.

Please be advised this performance contains occasional use of strong language.

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Thursday, April 16 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE PERFORMS Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Damn the TorpedoesTickets - $42 Member - $39 Student - $21

A perennial Playhouse favourite, Classic Albums Live presents skilled musicians who recreate the greatest albums of the ‘60s and ‘70s live on stage — note for note, cut for cut. Don’t look for costumes and lookalike theatrics at these rock recitals, just pure musicianship and songs that shaped a generation.

It’s been 40 years since ‘Damn the Torpedos’ was released. The sound of the critically-acclaimed album conjurs up the 70s, a time when punk, disco and new wave were all exploding but Tom Petty stayed the course and wrote a perfect rock album. This first Top 10 album for the group is recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Dining Partner

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EXPERIENCE MORE

Mask Performance WorkshopSunday, May 3 at noonFredericton PlayhouseMust be 12+/Registration required/$12 ($10 Spotlight Member)

Saturday, May 2 The Wonderheads Grim & FischerTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

In this loving tale Grim meets his match in Mrs. Fischer – a stubborn senior whose will to live is a force to be reckoned with. Equal parts hilarious and touching, this award-winning physical comedy is the story of a tenacious granny who comes face to face with the Grim Reaper himself and must put up the fight of her life to escape his definitive grip.

The CBC called Grim and Fischer – “utter magic”; and a review in the Edmonton Sun said “Anyone who has lost someone they loved should expect to be deeply moved by this imaginative encounter with the Grim Reaper. You will laugh, you will cry, you will stand in awe that two mimes in masks can evoke such powerful feelings.”

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Tuesday, May 12 Beyond Bollywood A Musical Journey About Love and LegacyTickets - $32 Member - $29 Student - $16

Take a magical journey across India with Beyond Bollywood: A Musical Journey About Love and Legacy. In this fusion of music and dance, mesmerizing singers and dancers will lead you across the country — from the expressive ‘Bharatanatyam’ of the south to the vibrant and energetic ‘bhangra’ of the north. Join the cast of Beyond Bollywood as they walk you through the rich heritage of India.

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SPECIA

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Friday, December 6 Fredericton Symphony Orchestra with Fredericton Choral Society Tickets - $36 Members - $33 Students - $18

The Fredericton Symphony Orchestra has been giving concerts regularly in Fredericton since 1976. Orchestra members are a group of professional musicians and accomplished amateurs who have studied music and performance conducted by Musical Director Richard Hornsby. The FSO performs three to four times a year, and frequently collaborates with the Fredericton Choral Society to present magic works for choir. In ths special holiday presentation, the Orchestra will deliver Rimsky Korsakov’s Christmas Eve Suite before being joined with the Choral Society following the intermission. Together they will deliver selections from Handel’s Messiah and a selection of well known holiday favourites that everyone can sing along to.

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Designed to capture the imaginations of children, the Kidstage Series is the perfect

way to introduce young audiences to the magic of performing arts. With four theatrical performances, families to create lasting memories children will

treasure for years to come.

The Playhouse is thrilled to offer Pay What You Will pricing on all Kidstage Series shows.

*Tickets for Kidstage Series shows will be available 6 weeks before each performance.

Series Partner

Friday, December 27 | 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sleeping Beauty DuffleBag Theatre Tickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

This holiday season, DuffleBag Theatre brings the classic story of Sleeping Beauty to life, with lots of hilarious twists along the way! DuffleBag’s fractured fairy tales are an annual favourite, full of spontaneous fun and audience involvement.

*Tickets for this performance will be available November 15.

Sunday, February 23 | 2 p.m. The Joshua ShowTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

Spend an afternoon with the charming Joshua Holden and his musical sidekick Alex Knapp as they share a heartwarming story about friendship, confidence, and the value of being yourself. How do you cheer up when life gets you down? Find out in this whimsical production featuring puppetry, live music, physical comedy, and tap dancing!

*Tickets for this performance will be available January 10.

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EXPERIENCE MORE

Magic in Minutes with Ordinary ObjectsSunday, May 3 at 1 p.m.Fredericton PlayhouseAges 6+/Registration required/$5

Sunday, March 29 | 2 p.m.

Terzetto l’AubergineTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

Founded in 1974, L’Aubergine has set itself the objective of dramatizing clowning arts through the creation, production and dissemination of high-quality shows that combine various disciplines of the performing and circus arts, all of which are used to serve the characters. In this piece, Terzetto, the very different worlds of three clowns will collide. Gradually forgetting their own individuality, they build rapport around what they hold most dear: their playfulness, their ‘joie de vivre’ and an uncontrollable imagination.

Through various scenes forged with humor and flair, this performance examines the topic of human relationships. It inspires playfulness, joy, and—most of all—lots of laughter, as these three clowns have a few tricks up their sleeves.

*Tickets for this performance will be available February 14.

Sunday, May 3 | 2 p.m. The Amazing MaxTickets – Pay What You Will – Tickets required

“The Amazing Max” is known for his extraordinary skills as a magician and ability to entertain adult audiences while keeping the little ones spellbound. Max combines magic and comedy for a high-energy, interactive and all-around silly show that is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

*Tickets for this performance will be available March 20.

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It’s A Wonderful LifeDecember 12 – 14

December 7

January 18

February 22

Timeless EleganceOctober 25

Jeremy DutcherNovember 14

The Christmas ConcertDecember 21

The Family ConcertMarch 21 (10:30 a.m.)

Spring Fling April 28

Beethoven’s Birthday!May 29

Atlantic Ballet Fall CelebrationOctober 24

AmadeusFebruary 27

Bolero & The Four Seasons With Symphony NB

May 6

SymphonyNew Brunswick

NEW BRUNSWICKCountry Showcase

Visit www.theplayhouse.ca for regular and discounted ticket prices. Special Spotlight Member prices can be found on the order form in this guide.

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Tickets All prices subject to 15% HSTBy Phone (506) 458-8344

In Person 686 Queen Street

Online www.theplayhouse.ca

Showtimes unless otherwise indicated, all performances begin at 7:30pm

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Jenn Grant & Great Lake Swimmers September 24

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico October 5

Mary’s Wedding October 17

Ashley MacIsaac October 18

Rachel Beck with Atlantic String Machine October 26

Juliet & Romeo October 30

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari November 2

Tara MacLean’s Atlantic Blue November 7

Matt Mays November 12

Jeremy Dutcher with Symphony New Brunswick November 14

CAL performs CCR’s Green River November 15

Formidable! November 21

The East Pointers November 22

A Holly Cole Christmas December 3

Fredericton Symphony Orchestra with the Fredericton Choral Society December 6

George Canyon & Aaron Pritchett December 20

Tentacle Tribe January 17

The Dreamboats February 1

Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole February 5

Ladom Ensemble with Michael Bridge February 6

Gravity & Other Myths February 14

Red Sky Performance March 19

Carl Dixon March 20

God is a Scottish Drag Queen 2 March 31

Michael Kaeshammer April 1

Scottish Fiddle Orchestra April 2

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet April 7

Mission Songs Project April 9

Between Breaths April 15

CAL performs Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Damn the Torpedoes April 16

The Wonderheads May 2

Beyond Bollywood May 12

2019-2020 Series-at-a-Glance

For more performances, visit www.theplayhouse.ca