STAGE / FILM
 |
| Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre will present Cranked on the Confed Mainstage. |
Cranked – Confed Centre
Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre returns to PEI with three performances of a hip hop cautionary new tale for young people. Cranked plays on the Confederation Centre of the Arts Mainstage Theatre with matinee performances May 13 and 14. This newly commissioned play examines the rising epidemic of crystal meth use by teens. Using spoken word and hip hop, playwright Michael P. Northey and Green Thumb Theatre offer a dramatic exploration of addiction and drug culture. Stan a.k.a. “definition” was a rising freestyle MC who loses it all because of his meth habit. He confronts his demons as he preps for an upcoming competition without the “fix” that has dominated his life. Memories of the highs and the rush of music all collide as he struggles to recapture what he once had. Running Time is 50 minutes for age range Grades 7 to 12. Show takes place May 13 at 11 am and May 14 at 9:45 am and 11:15 am. For more information, call 902-629-1163.
High School Musical – Montague Regional HS
Disney’s High School Musical, a production by students of Montague Regional High School, will be performed in the school’s cafeteria May 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to attend.
The production is well underway with students working very hard at their singing and dancing rehearsals. The lead roles are played by David Sheppard (Troy Bolton) and Caleigh Burhoe (Gabriella Montez). These two unlikely lovers are thrust into the school’s limelight as they act on their private desire to battle against the status quo. In the background, Sharpay (Sarah MacPhee)and Ryan (John McCormac) secretly plot to foil any plans to allow groups to intersect. After all ?You gotta stick to the status quo?. There is a host of supporting cast members—cheerleaders, skater dudes, jocks, thespians and brainiacs with power and energy galore.
The talented pit band is conducted by Rachel Beck-Colwell. The construction crew is led by Bobbi Van-Dyke and stage direction is led by student stage manager Terri McGarry. Bobby Nicholson directs and musical director is Christie Beck.
Back To The 80s – Confed Centre
Charlottetown Rural Goes Back To The 80s. From the era that brought the world the Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comes this “totally awesome” musical in the style of movies such as Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Karate Kid and the Wedding Singer. Join the graduation class of William Ocean High School as they live through their final senior year—as they experience the fun, the heartbreak, the loves and the loneliness of growing up—all set to the biggest hits of the 80s.
Director Richard Haines leads a cast of approximately thirty Rural students as they bring this exciting stage production to life along with the Rural band under the musical direction of Mark Parsons.
Back to the 80s, written by Neil Gooding, will be presented over three evenings at the Confederation Centre Mainstage: May 8, 9, 10 at 8 pm. Tickets are available at the Confederation Centre Box Office.
Peter Pan – Harbourfront
The Harbourfront Theatre, in conjunction with Spotlight Productions, presents Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie’s literary classic, adapted for the stage by David Barrett, and sponsored by Aliant, on May 9 and 10 at the Summerside theatre.
Reasha Walsh, owner-operator of Spotlight Productions and director of the two-act musical, says rehearsals are well underway and going very well. “We are working on not just the acting and speaking facets of the show,” states Walsh, “but the singing and dancing elements as well. Our cast ranges from young school age to teen, and these youth hail from various communities all over the Island, so it takes a great deal of organization putting this whole project together.”
Performances will take place on May 9 at 7 pm, and May 10 at 2 pm and 7 pm. For information on Spotlight Productions, contact Reasha Walsh at 902-432-9602.
Footloose – Harbourfront
Three Oaks Senior High School presents, Footloose, The Musical May 29, 30 and 31 at 7 pm at the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside. Stage adaptation of the show is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. Music is by Tom Snow with lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman.
Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town—Bomont, Texas. Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school, but what he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local laws, including a ban on dancing. The ban is the brainchild of a preacher determined to exercise the control over the town youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the Reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her cap for Ren, her “roughneck” boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. This timeless story celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and the importance of guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Tickets go on sale May 5 at the Harbourfront Theatre Box Office.