The staff at Saint John’s Imperial Theatre have breathed a sigh of relief and boisterously announced “Woot! We made it!” alongside the schedule of artists who will be performing as part of the theatre’s 28th season.
“We have our most busy season yet. With artists taking so many financial hits during COVID we wanted to book everyone, so we did. This means you end up with LOTS to choose from.”
That’s no idle boast; from local heroes like Tomato/Tomato, Hauler, and Brent Mason to legends like Sarah Slean & Hawksley Workman, Chantal Kreviazuk and Fred Penner, and everything in between —looking at you, Maestro Fresh Wes — this is looking like an impressively packed season for the Imperial.
Check out their 28th Season below.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $30 ADULTS | $25 SUBSCRIBERS
HAULER
Seamlessly blending and bending roots, rock, and traditional Cape Breton Celtic music together into a hearty homemade soup that can dynamically have you hanging off every lyric – or knock you flat on your arse – Cape Breton’s contemporary Celtic trio Hauler has been simmering on the stove and are now ready to serve themselves up Familiar faces from saltwater funk trio Slowcoaster Steve MacDougall and Mike Lelievre have been sharing stages since long before they had any to play on, bringing hard-hitting pop-rock to the masses between Cheticamp and China for almost 20 years and this represents a timely and natural return to their acoustic roots. Teaming up with fiddler Colin Grant, the trio weaves traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, indie-folk originals, and traditional and contemporary tune instrumentals with a modern acoustic approach that proves Cape Breton music can reassuringly re-invent itself.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $32 ADULTS | $27 SUBSCRIBERS
ROLAND GRANT
An entertaining mix of brilliant guitar instrumentals from Latin-inspired pop to blues/rock, featuring exquisite guest vocals by Russia’s The Voice finalist, Elena Mehrjou, all backed by a stellar three-piece band. Roland’s virtuosic guitar talents and engaging stage presence, punctuated with a delightful sense of humour, take audiences on a joyous ride which brings them to their feet every time. Proudly hailing from Hants County, NS, Roland Grant’s music reflects his passion for Latin-infused melodies tinged with rock and classical influences. His shows feature a mix of instrumentals and guest vocals that rock the house – “think Santana only faster.”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
CHARLIE A’COURT & WITCHITAW: WHEN COUNTRY GETS THE BLUES
When Country Gets The Blues is the brand new performance concept designed by country-rock ensemble Witchitaw, and blues recording artist Charlie A’Court. Often stylistically compared to Otis Redding and Eric Clapton, A’Court is largely recognized as the proverbial force to be reckoned with. Planted at the crossroads of roots and soul, his mighty voice, fierce guitar work and contemporary songwriting place A’Court firmly on the world stage. His most recent album, Come On Over, won the 2015 Blues Recording of The Year at both the East Coast Music Awards and Nova Scotia Music Awards.
Witchitaw is a full-flavored, four-piece southern country-rock band from the heart of Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. Their latest album, “The Ride” garnered a 2018 Country Recording of the Year nomination from Music Nova Scotia for their original writing. Singles, “Posse” and “When Opportunity Knocks” are receiving praise from Sirius XM Canada and Canadian country music radio with more than 30 country stations adding Witchitaw to heavy rotation.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $30 ADULTS | $25 SUBSCRIBERS
TWIN FLAMES
Multi-award-winning, chart-topping Indigenous artists Twin Flames build bridges across cultures, continents, and styles. The husband and wife duo of Chelsey June, métis (Algonquin Cree) from Ottawa, and Jaaji, Inuk and Mohawk from Nunavik, are long celebrated for their sonic landscapes spanning Canada and the Arctic, and honouring their ancestors through song in English, Inuttitut and French. Twin Flames, brings together a richness of personal history and musical experience, 2x Canadian Folk Music Award recipients for Aboriginal Songwriters of the year and 3x Native American Music Award winners their songs tell stories of courage and survival. A beloved powerhouse with 24 Music award Nominations and having played more than 1000+ shows throughout Canada, Greenland, the United States, Australia and France they are well on their way to becoming a Canadian household name.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $42.50 ADULTS | $37.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $25 YOUTH | $120 FAMILY PACK (2 ADULTS + 2 YOUTH)
CIRQUE ALFONSE: ANIMAL: A FARM STORY
With Animal, A Farm Story, Cirque Alfonse takes us on a journey of discovery through a series of slightly surreal farm fables served up with a touch of irreverence, impressive virtuosity, and the company’s familiar comic touch. In this re-invented agricultural world, the farm is turned upside down and the barn turned inside out!
Yet again, the clan of family and friends that make up Cirque Alfonse has favoured its multidisciplinary approach where circus, song, dance, and theatre all come together, driven by original live music … an irresistible mix of trad and soul that the troupe calls ‘agricultural funk!
A production for young and old alike, ANIMAL is the farm gone haywire!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $32 ADULTS | $27 SUBSCRIBERS
GOD IS A SCOTTISH DRAG QUEEN 2: THE 2ND COMING
The great comedian Mike Delamont is God…as a Scottish drag queen. A hit sequel 2,000 years in the making! In the original God Is A Scottish Drag Queen, God gave answers to all of humanity’s questions, but it turns out people want to know more! In this all-new sequel, God comes down to expound on the Platypus, Joseph’s DreamCoat, Trendy Veggies, Burning Bushes, Vaccinations, Turkeys, Televangelists, the Amish, and so much more! The humorous and heartfelt way the character touches on subjects from the awkward to the mundane is what makes this show an original, hilarious, and unforgettable night of theatre. This sequel is a stand-alone show.
Audiences don’t have to see the first one to love the sequel.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 @ 7:00PM
TICKETS $20
HALLOWEEN DOUBLE BILL: FRANKENSTEIN (1931) + THE FLY (1986)
Frankenstein is accompanied once again this season by a live orchestra – SNB & Resonance New Music. Andrew Miller from Resonance Music has been instrumental (pardon the very bad pun) in this popular annual Halloween tradition. Live musical accompaniment to film was actually started here at Imperial Theatre by our founding GM Walter Golding and it is the ultimate nostalgic throw-back.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $47.50 ADULTS | $42.50 SUBSCRIBERS
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS – DAMN THE TORPEDOES
Note for note | Cut for cut Classic albums played in full by Canada’s best musicians.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $42.50 ADULTS | $37.50 SUBSCRIBERS
MAESTRO FRESH WES
Wes Williams (aka Maestro Fresh Wes) has recently become the first rap artist to ever have a song inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
His legendary single “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the first rap recording to reach Gold and Platinum status and is also considered to be a seminal intergenerational classic.
As an actor, Wes has appeared in several film and television projects, including eight seasons on CBC’s hit sitcom “Mr. D” playing the role of teacher/vice principal, Paul Dwyer.
Wes is also the author of the 2010 motivational book “Stick To Your Vision” and has been selected to do several national presentations, including the 2013 & 2017 Ted Talks on the subject of
Self-Revision Wes Williams has written theme songs for the 2014 Winter Olympics, 2015 Pan Am Games, as well as the 2016 Summer Olympics. His song “Underestimated” was included in the 2017 EA Sports NHL17.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
PERSON OF INTEREST
A background check was the ultimate weapon of war in this comedy drama of battling neighbours. Written & Performed by Melody Johnson Additional dialogue by Eric Woolfe / Original Direction by Rick Roberts / Produced by Lunkamud Melody A. Johnson – Actor Writer Educator
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
CHRISTINE TASSAN ET LES IMPOSTEURS
On stage, we bear witness to four musicians who have mastered their talents. They improvise with ease, interpret their repertoire with dynamism, and blend their voices together in refined harmonies. But it’s their communicative energy and the personal bond between them that hits home the most. Christine Tassan et les Imposteures, are first and foremost four friends who have
harnessed their energies and their voices to give rise to, year after year, the fruit of their creativity.
Their last opus, Entre Félix et Django (2016) is a tribute to two great musicians: Quebecois folk singer Félix Leclerc and the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. This last album just won the award « Jazz album of the year » at the Opus Prize 2017. Since the group tours outside of Quebec, they have decided to create an international version of their last CD, Django and Friends (2017), a marriage between Reinhardt and American swing standards.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $47.50 ADULTS | $42.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $25 YOUTH
THEATRE NEW BRUNSWICK: MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
Also being presented as a FREE School Show Dec 13th.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $47.50 ADULTS | $42.50 SUBSCRIBERS
CHANTAL KREVIAZUK: CHRISTMAS IS A WAY OF LIFE MY DEAR
From the urgent, heart-pounding opening chords of her new single “Into Me,” to the first time that famous voice surges like a king tide hitting a breakwater, the message is clear: Chantal Kreviazuk is back. After seven years, three kids and collaborations with superstars like Drake, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, Kendrick Lamar and Pink, the JUNO Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter’s latest just-for-herself album, Hard Sail, is like a freshman’s release of jaw-dropping hits all over again.Chantal has been hunkered with husband and Our Lady Peace frontman, Raine Maida, in Los Angeles to have three boys, Rowan, Lucca and Salvador. She’s acted in films. She’s dedicated herself to War Child and several other charities.
She started painting, appeared on Saturday Night Live and in 2014, was made, with Maida, a member of the Order of Canada.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $57.50 ADULTS | $52.50 SUBSCRIBERS
THE BARRA MACNEILS CHRISTMAS
2021 marks over 34 years for the Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island-based family group, the Barra MacNeils, in an outstanding recording and touring career.
As a group, the MacNeil siblings are widely regarded as one of the greatest live concert acts in the Celtic world. Hailing from Sydney Mines, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the family group is deeply rooted in Celtic music, culture, dance, language and history. Their numerous critically acclaimed recordings have included their own original songs as well as tried and true standards, both instrumental and vocal.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $45 ADULTS | $40 SUBSCRIBERS
A DOWN HOME CHRISTMAS WITH TOMATO/TOMATO & FRIENDS
A real Down Home show! Some of NB’s finest…Remi Arsenault, Christien Belliveau, and Dillon Robicheau, Ray Leger will be featured guest artists!
Atlantic Canada’s most entertaining duo return with a brand new, high energy album that feels as comfortable as it does fresh – bringing the sound of vintage rock n’ roll to the fore
with a barnstorming new roots/rock record.
The New Brunswick-based pair have built a reputation on a live show that is as much about the musical multi-tasking and vocal excellence, as it is the relaxed, off-the-cuff banter that carries on throughout the show. This compelling mix has seen the duo build audiences and develop friendships across Canada through performances at major venues and festivals, and win over international audiences with repeat visits to Australia and the UK.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 @ 2PM
TICKETS $15 | $50 FAMILY PACK (2 ADULTS + 2 YOUTH)
DUFFLEBAG THEATRE: ROBIN HOOD
While the King is away, the people of England suffer under the oppressive rule of his tax-happy brother, Prince John. Only a straight arrow like Robin Hood, the best archer in the land, can save England! By stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor, Robin keeps the spirit of justice alive, with the help of a few friends along the way, including Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, and Little John. But what if the Prince and the dreaded Sheriff of Nottingham lay a trap for our hero? With all the humour and fun you come to expect, DuffleBag hits the mark with this on-target tale of derring-do!
The “Nearly World-Famous” DuffleBag Theatre…has been performing since 1992 starting at the London International Children’s Festival, in London, Ontario, Canada. Now based in Toronto, DuffleBag performs over 600 shows a year, across Canada, the U.S., and internationally. Marcus Lundgren is the Artistic Director, and Rod Keith is the General Manager.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $35 ADULTS | $30 SUBSCRIBERS | $15 YOUTH
PEARLE HARBOUR’S AGIT POP!
A ward-winning drag tragicomedienne Pearle Harbour presents her cabaret spectacular Agit-Pop! – musical meditations for the pre-post-apocalypse. Developed over five years of live performance, Agit Pop! is an ever-changing collection of Pearle’s favourite, best, and most heart-wrenchingly hilarious short acts.
Weaving her signature acid wit and demented storytelling through the day’s headlines, Pearle takes on the world, from our mounting ecological anxiety to nuclear tensions (past, present, future), from the well-trod tactics of strongmen to digital escapism.
With live accompaniment by musical director Steven Conway, Pearle serenades audiences with new arrangements of old classics and little-known gems by David Bowie, Judy Garland, Tom Waits, and many more.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $20 YOUTH
RUBBERBAND DANCE: VIC’S MIX
With both humorous and serious moments, Vic’s Mix is a kind of “best of” spanning the immense creative territory explored by Victor Quijada, extracting jewels from the choreographer’s repertoire. In a remix of his own work, orchestrating the clash between urban pop and classical composition, Quijada goes further in his experiments defying notions of theatricality and audience expectations, while making sure that each body gravitating onstage in the highly athletic segments exemplifies the RUBBERBAND Method.
Vic’s Mix is a RUBBERBANDance Group production supported by Festival international DansEncore, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, and the Ontario Arts Council.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $47.50 ADULTS | $42.50 SUBSCRIBERS
PIAF! THE SHOW
With a million tickets sold in more than 50 countries and acclaimed reviews worldwide PIAF! THE SHOW – a musical celebration of the life and music of the legendary French chanteuse EDITH PIAF – actually in world tour.
The highlight of the American leg of a 300 performance global tour was the special presentation at Carnegie Hall on January 6, 2017 on the 60th anniversary of Edith Piaf’s last performance at the famous venue.
Conceived and directed by the Nice-based theatrical maverick Gil Marsalla and starring Anne Carrere, a young French performer hailed as “Edith Piaf’s legitimate musical heiress” PIAF! THE SHOW premiered in 2015 as a tribute to “The Swallow of Montmartre” on the centennial on her birthday and was inspired by the award-winning movie La Vie En Rose.
THUSDAY, JANUARY 27 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $35 ADULTS | $30 SUBSCRIBERS
REENY SMITH
Reeny Smith is a powerhouse on the stage and in the studio. A songwriter, musician, and producer, Reeny delivers magic every time she hits the stage. Her extraordinary vocals, confident presence, and energetic live show make for a truly unforgettable, entertainment experience.
Accolades for her talents are piling up. At the 2019 East Coast Music Awards in Charlottetown, Reeny’s stunning performance at the Awards Show brought her a standing ovation topped off with two trips to the podium to take home a pair of trophies. She was also named to the top 10 of CBC’s national Searchlight.
Reeny’s first full-length album, WWIII: Strength Courage Love was released in 2018 and her songwriting took her to Germany and Japan. She has collaborated with artists such as Quake Matthews and Anderson Paak and has recently performed in concert and in the recording studio with Matt Andersen. Her new single, “Love Trumps Money,” has just been released and was recently featured on CBC Radio’s Q.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $30 ADULTS | $25 SUBSCRIBERS *ADULT THEMES AND LANGUAGE
BREASTMILK & TEARS
Hilary Ladd is shedding her indie, folk music roots and jumping headfirst into the spotlight with her first entirely pop music-based performance.
From explosive dance numbers to raw, personal moments, Breastmilk + Tears is a full-blown concert experience with a side of vulnerable, poignant storytelling. It’s a show that defies genre that will leave you cry-dancing in the aisles. Don’t miss this one-night-only experience, live at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3 @ 7:30 PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
NAGASH ENSEMBLE: SOUNDS OF ARMENIA
The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism, and the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol and piano play new music based on sacred texts by the medieval Armenian mystic poet and priest, M’krtich Naghash.
Written by Armenian-American composer John Hodian, The Naghash Ensemble’s “Songs of Exile” is a profound meditation on man’s relationship to God from the perspective of a monk forced to live in exile for many years. Part folk music, part classical, and profoundly moving.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
LAILA BIALI TRIO
Laila’s live show is eclectic and energetic, a true representation of her on and off stage. Melodies take thrilling left turns and pre-choruses give way to instrumental interludes. One minute Biali is soaring over a bluesy storm of handclaps and hard-charging keyboard riffs, the next she is pouring out her soul on an impassioned ballad. It’s jazz, it’s pop, it can’t be put into a box but it’s beautiful.
Multi-award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts and supported international icon Sting.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $45 ADULTS | $40 SUBSCRIBERS
LÚNASA WITH ANDRÉ BRUNET
Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honour of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing the band as an “Irish music dream team”. From the start, the band’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional music and energized audiences the world over. Critical acclaim followed, The Irish Echo describing the band as “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet”; MOJO magazine named the band “the new gods of Irish music,” adding that “nobody since the Bothies has wielded such a thrilling rhythmic underlay.” Billboard raved that “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.”
Touring with Lúnasa is the world renown Québécois fiddler André Brunet.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $45 ADULTS | $40 SUBSCRIBERS
MYLES GOODWYN TRIO
Singer, guitarist, writer, producer, and leader of the band April Wine, Myles Goodwyn’s passion and drive shaped and directed the group from its earliest beginnings. He is the only remaining original member of the group since the inception of April Wine in 1969. Goodwyn grew up poor and is the classic “small-town kid makes good” success story. As a young teen, Goodwyn honed his skills, playing in bands such as East Gate Sanctuary and Woody’s Termites. From the very beginning, Goodwyn plotted the course of the band. His unique but classic rock voice gives April Wine a
distinct and immediately recognizable sound.
He has penned virtually every April Wine song. He has a knack with words and seems to have an ability to write a catchy tune at will. Through the ups and downs and changing faces of the band, the one thing that has remained constant is Myles Goodwyn. Even today and with their latest release and shift in direction, his voice is as strong and apparent as ever.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $20 YOUTH
BALLET KELOWNA: MAMBO & OTHER WORKS
The MAMBO and Other Works program features a meticulous blend of contemporary and neo-classical works by Canada’s leading dance-makers. With the thrilling tango-inspired Cuatro Estaciones by Simone Orlando, Guillaume Cote’s mesmerizing Bolero, and Alysa Pires’ vivacious audience favourite MAMBO, this high energy program promises to please a wide range of spectators.
Founded in 2002, and under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO (AD/CEO) Simone Orlando since 2014, Ballet Kelowna delivers compelling and inspiring performances to regional, national, and international audiences.
SUNDAY, MARCH 6 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $20 YOUTH
RED SKY PERFORMANCE: TRACE
We are traceable to the very beginnings of the universe, our ancestral origins stretching across the Milky Way to the atoms burning inside of us in the ‘here and now’ on earth. Trace is a highly kinetic contemporary dance work inspired by Indigenous (Anishinaabe) sky and star stories, offering a glimpse into our origin as well as our future evolution.
Winner of two Dora Mavor Moore Awards and nominated for four Dora Awards. Now in their 20th year of performance (dance, theatre, music and media), Red Sky’s work highlights the originality
and power of contemporary performance, enabling new creations to expand the breadth and scope of Indigenous-made work in Canada.
THURSDAY, MARCH 10 @ 7:30 PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS | $20 YOUTH | $100 FAMILY PACK (2 ADULTS + 2 YOUTH)
MATT JOHNSON
Escape Artist & Illusionist Matt Johnson is originally from the UK and now resides in Canada. Matt has been performing and perfecting his craft in the art of Magic and Escapology for more than 20 years. Over the past 20 years, he has literally traveled the globe. Matt has performed in exotic locations such as Japan, UK, Canada, Dubai, Italy, Argentina, and Australia and for companies such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Mercedes, Ford, AT&T, KIA, Toyota, and Microsoft to name just a few.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $50 ADULTS | $45 SUBSCRIBERS
THE DEBATERS LIVE
The Debaters Live is the comedy stage show where comics go toe to toe in a battle of laughs and logic and the audience picks the winner. This special live event features host Steve Patterson
and two of his favourite comics performing stand-up and two hilarious debates in the format made popular by the hit CBC Radio One program.
This event is not a CBC Radio taping.
Some language may be inappropriate for younger audiences.
Enough said.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $42.50 ADULTS | $37.50 SUBSCRIBERS
A MUSICAL EVENING WITH SARAH SLEAN & HAWKSLEY WORKMAN
For the first time, two of the finest voices in Canadian music are set to share the stage. Sarah Slean and Hawksley Workman will perform together from their respective musical repertoires, accompanying each other and singing together. Expect the evening to be filled with unforgettable music, storytelling, and soaring voices.
Sarah Slean is no longer the “Sweet Ones” pop ingenue. She is a composer and a unique artistic force.
Hawksley Workman is a JUNO Award-winning and Gold Record certified singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $30 ADULTS | $25 SUBSCRIBERS | $15 CHILD (12 & UNDER) | $70 FAMILY PACK (2 ADULTS + 2 YOUTH)
FRED PENNER: THE CAT CAME BACK 40TH ANNIVERSARY
4-time Juno award winner Fred Penner is a gentle giant with an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself. This musical master brings 40+ years of commitment, consistency, and depth to a career that blends the many genres of performing and communication.
From delivering a prolific 13 CD’s to families across North America to countless energetically live shows for eager audiences; to 13 seasons of Fred Penner’s Place TV series – CBC (Canada) and Nick. Jr. (USA), to composing the music for YTV’s Tipi Tales, as well as keynote presenter at numerous early childhood conferences, he has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene.
THURSDAY, MARCH 17 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
NIKKI & JD: KNOT
Physically exhilarating and touchingly poignant, Knot is the internationally acclaimed circus and dance work by Nikki Rummer and JD Broussé. These talented performers use hand-to-hand circus skills to tell the tale of an impossible choice: How can we be honest with ourselves without hurting those we love? Knot is a finely crafted theatrical journey through the struggles of commitment.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $35 ADULTS | $30 SUBSCRIBERS
EVANS & DOHERTY
Kevin Evans & Brian Doherty have been an integral part of the East Coast music scene for thirty-five years. They have been together as Evans & Doherty for Thirty years. To capture the essence of an Evans & Doherty performance, take a lively blend of traditional, original and contemporary songs, add a liberal sprinkling of stories and humour, then sit back and enjoy these fine entertainers. After all of the mess of COVID it is nice to welcome these old friends back to our stage!
MONDAY, MARCH 28 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $30 ADULTS | $25 SUBSCRIBERS
RAINE HAMILTON STRING TRIO
Resonant, acoustic chamber folk with an otherworldly edge, and a lyric presence that cuts deep. Prism-clear vocals and strings, anchored in the ancient mountains, reaching out beyond the earthly. SOUNDS LIKE: A string quartet + Sarah Harmer + Joni Mitchell. Raine is part prairie songstress, part story weaver; Each song has a story, delivered between songs with humour and grace. Raine invites her love of the violin into the singer-songwriter genre, writing for violin and voice, as well as for guitar and voice. Joined by cello and upright bass, expect string arrangements that push and pull, that move as they console.
Raine believes that music is for everyone and that we all have something to share so they offer concerts with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. ALSO: we are presenting Raine as a FREE School Show as well.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
BROMANCE
Barely Methotical Troupe first show BROMANCE opened at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014, opened the London International Mime Festival in 2015 and has toured internationally ever since, most recently completing a 3 week run at the New Victory Theatre in New York. The show fuses Hand-to-Hand and Cyr wheel with parkour, b-boying, tricking, and contemporary dance giving a fresh
perspective on the material they create.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
BEN CAPLN
Ben Caplan is both the roar of the hurricane and the eye of the storm. He has an uncanny ability to channel both wild abandon and quiet introspection. Ben released his first studio album in 2011 and has spent the last ten years recording music and performing to ever-growing audiences in music clubs and theatres around the world. For the ten year anniversary of his first release, Caplan has recorded a retrospective collection of stripped-back reinterpretations of songs from across his catalogue. The album, entitled Recollection, will be released in October of 2021 followed by an extensive European and Canadian tour.
FRIDAY, APRIL 8 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $47.50 ADULTS | $42.50 SUBSCRIBERS
CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: LED ZEPPELIN – LED ZEPPELIN II
Note for note | Cut for cut Classic albums played in full by Canada’s best musicians.
THURSDAY, MAY 5 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $32 ADULTS | $27 SUBSCRIBERS
IRISH MYTHEN
Irish was born in Ireland and now resides in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
“This Island creates music and musicians, art and artists. I found a shift to take things more seriously when I moved here.”
And she did just that. Her latest release, the self-titled Irish Mythen, gained her recognition around the globe with nominations and wins coming from Music PEI, East Coast Music Association, Folk Alliance International, and Socan. Write-ups in Australian Guitar Magazine, Rollingstone, and a plethora of online publications world-wide have helped plant Irish firmly on the map of ‘Must See Artists’. Irish has three full-length albums and two EPs to her name.
SATURDAY, MAY 7 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $25 ADULTS | $20 SUBSCRIBERS
12TH ANNUAL BOB DYLAN BASH
Brent Mason & a pile of great local musicians play and pay tribute to the legend Bob Dylan. A SJ tradition that just gets better each year.
SUNDAY, MAY 15 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $37.50 ADULTS | $32.50 SUBSCRIBERS
BEVERLEY GLENN-COPELAND & INDIGO RISING
“There’s a lot of noise around Glenn-Copeland: a career-spanning compilation, two documentaries, rapturous performances, sold-out vinyl editions of old and more recent recordings, a
coffee mug with his name on it.”
It’s a story of a decades-long career, multiple albums, films, and experiences, 25 years on Mr. Dressup, and an unexpected resurgence as “cool”. The music is at the centre of this show but the story of the musician makes it all that much sweeter.
THURSDAY, MAY 19 @ 7:30PM
TICKETS $40 ADULTS | $35 SUBSCRIBERS | $20 YOUTH | $100 FAMILY PACK (2 ADULTS + 2 YOUTH)
CANADA’S BALLET JÖRGEN: ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – THE BALLET
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.
RETRO FILM SERIES
TICKETS $10 (UNLESS NOTED BELOW)
Monday, September 27 @ 7pm – 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Monday, November 8 @ 7pm – Paths of Glory (1957)
Monday, December 6 @ 7pm – White Christmas (1954)
Monday, January 31 @ 7pm – Brazil (1984)
Monday, February 28 @ 7pm – Poetic Justice (1993)
Wednesday, March 09 @ 2pm – Stuart Little (1999) FREE
Monday, April 11 @ 7pm – Grease (1978)
Tuesday, May 31 @ 7pm – An Affair to Remember (1957)
Sunday, June 19 @ 2pm – Blade Runner (1982)
Monday, June 27 @ 7pm – American Graffiti (1973)
To purchase tickets or learn more regarding the Imperial Theatre’s season of programming, workshops and series of free school performances, visit them online at imperialtheatre.ca.