Variety of world-class artists to perform at the Algonquin Theatre, September through December
Summer coming to a close does not mean the end to entertainment opportunities.
The Huntsville Festival of the Arts has an aggressive fall program that offers a variety of world-class artists, all coming to perform in Huntsville’s lovely Algonquin Theatre.
Responding to many requests from theatre patrons, the festival is bringing in a professional theatrical production in late September. The iconic Canadian story of Anne of Green Gables is presented in three performances of Anne and Gilbert.
This new Canadian musical tells the story of Anne Shirley’s journey into young adulthood and her romance with Gilbert Blythe. After its inaugural presentation in the fall of 2005 at the Victoria Playhouse in Prince Edward Island, the play continued for 48 consecutive sold-out performances.
The Gananoque Theatre Festival acquired the rights to the play last season and decided to tour it throughout Ontario this fall, with Huntsville being the only Muskoka stop. There are evening performances on Sept. 23 and 24 and a matinee on the Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 24).
Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the writing of the original Anne of Green Gables books, this timely play is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Mark Friday, Oct. 3, on your calendar for the return of festival favourite Freddy Vette and the Flames. A great hit the last couple of years, Vette is returning by popular demand and will once again recreate all those rock and roll favourites by Buddy Holly, Elvis, Chuck Berry and Bill Haley, among others.
Vette’s rollicking piano playing, while sitting atop the piano, is worth the price of admission alone.
The next Friday, Oct. 10, Canadian fiddle supergroup Leahy will return to the festival after an eight-year absence. The festival first presented Leahy just as the group was gaining popularity. Since then, they have toured the world and played with a host of international stars, including a tour with Shania Twain.
All brothers and sisters, Leahy’s music features great fiddling and step dancing and their stage energy is unparalleled.
Closing the busy month of October is Spirit of the West, performing on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The ultimate feel-good party band, Spirit of the West became one of Canada’s most successful alternative rock groups, successfully blending hard rock, Brit-pop and Celtic folk influences.
Known for songs such as Home For a Rest, If Venice is Sinking, Five Free Minutes, Save This House, and The Crawl, their concert will be a must-see event.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, the Celtic Tenors return to the Algonquin stage. Following two previous sold-out shows, the Tenors provide a mix of amazing voices and a wide-ranging repertoire that goes from classical to pop. Originating in Ireland, this trio has performed internationally and establishing themselves as masters of their art.
Closing out the festival fall season is a very special presentation of the Soweto Gospel Choir on Saturday, Dec. 20. This 26-member ensemble is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.
With Archbishop Desmond Tutu as their patron, the choir performs in English as well as six of South Africa’s 11 official languages. The evening is sure to leave those in attendance stunned with emotion.
Tickets for all festival shows are available through the theatre box office on Main Street, by calling 789-4975 or online: www.huntsvillefestival.on.ca.
For more information on any of the shows visit the festival website.
