County Stage Announces 2023 Summer Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COUNTY STAGE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2023 SUMMER SEASON 

THE MESS HALL SESSIONS featuring Hawksley Workman, Rebecca Perry’s James Bond: The Songs of 007, Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner, and The Verandah Society

HAYMAKER COMEDY FESTIVAL featuring Colin Mochrie & Debra McGrath, Elvira Kurt and Danny Martinello

THE 39 STEPS by Patrick Barlow featuring Helen Belay, Ryan Hollyman, Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster and Courtenay Stevens 

LIVING WITH SHAKESPEARE a Driftwood Theatre Production, featuring Jeremy Smith

FLIGHT FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE featuring guest artists Ralph Escamillan, Groove Tonic, Beany John, Libydo, Jera Wolfe and Natasha Poon Woo

WAKEY, WAKEY by Will Eno, featuring Graham Abbey

April 5, 2023 – PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, ON:  Artistic Director Graham Abbey and Managing Director Vikki Anderson announced today County Stage’s ambitious 2023 Summer line up. Presented by BMO and Huff Estates, running from May 26 to September 9, the season brings an expansive lineup of theatre, dance, comedy and music to two different locations in Prince Edward County: The Eddie Hotel & Farm, in Bloomfield and at the newly renovated Sergeants Mess Hall at Base31, in Picton.

“We’re doing things a little different this year. We’re elated to announce that we have two venues in the County this season, allowing County Stage to reach a broader audience. We love being back at The Eddie and we’re thrilled to be a part of the new Base31 project,” says Abbey.

“We are also proud to introduce a new ticketing initiative offering lower admission prices for all shows and free admission to anyone 25 and under at our Eddie Pavilion events. We want families to bring their kids, we want teens and young adults to make theatre a habit. With our new lower general admission price, we want to remove as many barriers to entry as possible for our entire audience,” adds Anderson.

Abbey continues, “We are presenting over 60 performances, on three different stages, showcasing over 70 artists! 2023 is County Stage's largest season ever. Come enjoy intimate cabaret nights featuring iconic singer-songwriters and top comedians at Base31’s Sergeants Mess Hall; see theatre under the stars at the outdoor Eddie Pavilion including a comedy masterpiece, a world premiere and a dance festival; and enjoy a seldom performed off-Broadway hit in our new pub-theatre at The Eddie. We have more shows, more artists, more venues, and more ways to come out and enjoy live performing arts.”

“2023 is County Stage's largest season ever! We have more shows, more artists, more venues, and more ways to come out and enjoy live performing arts!”

The season begins in May with THE MESS HALL SESSIONS. This music series presented by County Stage and Base31 runs throughout the summer at the newly renovated Sergeants Mess Hall, an intimate indoor cabaret space featuring Hawksley Workman, Rebecca Perry’s James Bond: The Songs of 007, Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner and The Verandah Society.

Over Canada Day long weekend, the HAYMAKER COMEDY FESTIVAL takes over the Sergeants Mess Hall, featuring headliners Colin Mochrie & Deb McGrath, Elvira Kurt and Danny Martinello.

In July, County Stage presents the smash Broadway hit THE 39 STEPS at The Eddie Hotel & Farm Pavilion, a comedic tour-de-force for a 3-week run. 

In August, County Stage hosts Driftwood Theatre’s world premiere of LIVING WITH SHAKESPEARE featuring Jeremy Smith. It runs at the Eddie Pavilion before the show heads out on tour across Ontario.

FLIGHT FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE returns to The Eddie Pavilion in mid-August with classes, workshops, site-specific performances and an evening mainstage show. 

Finishing up the summer, County Stage also presents Will Eno’s critically acclaimed play WAKEY, WAKEY featuring Artistic Director Graham Abbey at the cozy Ruby’s Lounge in The Eddie Red Barn.

Education & Outreach

In addition to the 2023 Playbill, County Stage continues to invest in development and outreach projects including their annual INDIGENOUS THEATRE CREATOR PROGRAM, in collaboration with Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na, which awards an Indigenous creator funds and support from the County Stage team to create and workshop a new piece.

New Inclusive Ticketing with lower priced $30 tickets and a “25 & Under Free” Program at The Eddie Pavilion has been announced. County Stage is also hosting an array of interactive community programs for all ages, including a Summer Book Club in association with Books & Company, Picton.

ABOUT FACE, is a multidisciplinary art engagement program that uses performing arts as a therapeutic tool to support and advance the holistic well-being of Canadian military members and veterans. The program will run free workshops with artists and therapist facilitators for local veterans in the fall.

A new Inclusive Ticketing Initiative with lower priced $30 tickets and a “25 & Under Free” Program at The Eddie Pavilion has been announced. County Stage is also hosting an array of interactive community programs for all ages, including a Summer Book Club in association with Books & Company, Picton.

Tickets for all announced programming are on sale now at https://countystage.ca

Single tickets priced from $30 to $55.

Those aged 25 and under are free at the Eddie Pavilion shows, but tickets must be obtained in advance, more information can be found at: https://countystage.ca/free-25-under

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For interviews, images, media tickets and more information, please contact:

Anges Bellegris, Publicity & Communications Director agnes@countstage.ca

The 2023 Summer Season

The Mess Hall Sessions

Presented by County Stage + Base31
May 26 to September 9, 2022 | 7:30PM

SERGEANTS MESS HALL, BASE31, PICTON

$35 General Chair Seating | $55 Preferred Table Seating 

Showcasing acclaimed Canadian singers and musical theatre performers, curated by County Stage Artistic Associate Beau Dixon, one of the creators and performers of last season’s hit The Shape of Home.

• THE VERANDAH SOCIETY | May 26 & 27 | 7:30PM 
In the vein of Stuart McLean's “The Vinyl Cafe”, The Verandah Society is a charming, humorous and heartfelt show that takes audiences on an entertaining journey with storytelling and song writing. Featuring the creators, Megan Murphy and Kate Suhr, with musician Leah Grandmont.

• HAILEY GILLIS & ANDREW PENNER | July 21 & 22 | 7:30PM

Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner bring you a reinvention of songs from this century’s greatest songwriters that both offer comfort and ask questions. Having worked together most recently in County Stage Company’s, critically acclaimed hit The Shape of Home, these award-winning virtuosic performers now offer you songs that reflect on every moment, big and small.

• JAMES BOND: THE SONGS OF 007 | August 11 & 12 | 7:30PM

Rejoicing in each of the inimitable theme songs from the beloved 25 Bond movies, multiple award-winning solo show playwright and performer Rebecca Perry sings each and every one, from pop songs to rock numbers to romantic ballads.

• HAWKSLEY WORKMAN | September 8 & 9 | 7:30PM

Boasting a catalogue of 17 solo records, Hawksley’s genre defying style strings together folk, chart pop and irrepressible cabaret. His show-stopping vocals on songs about weather, love, heartbreak and tales of end-times have garnered him a league of devoted fans.

Haymaker Comedy Festival

June 29 to July 1 2022 | 7:00PM & 9:00PM

SERGEANTS MESS HALL, BASE31, PICTON

$35 General Chair Seating | $55 Preferred Table Seating 

County Stage’s annual Haymaker Comedy Festival features Canada’s top stand-up comedians Colin Mochrie & Deb McGrath, Elvira Kurt and Danny Martinello at the newly renovated Sergeants Mess Hall at Base31, Picton. Comedy guests include Lexa Graham, Chris Lapointe, Faraz Niafattah, Cameron Phoenix, Anjelica Scannura and Jesse Singh. Sponsored by Everly Inn.

• DANNY MARTINELLO | June 29, 2023 | 7:00PM

with special guests Faraz Niafattah, Cameron Phoenix & Anjelica Scannura

• ELVIRA KURT | June 30, 2023 | 7:00PM

with special guests Lexa Graham, Chris Lapointe, Cameron Phoenix & Anjelica Scannura

• COLIN MOCHRIE & DEBRA McGRATH | July 1, 2023 | 7:00PM & 9:00PM

with special guests Jesse Singh, Cameron Phoenix & Anjelica Scannura

The 39 Steps
by Patrick Barlow

 July 16 – August 6 | 7:00PM

THE EDDIE PAVILION, BLOOMFIELD

The outdoor stage will host the award-winning, smash-hit comedy The 39 Steps directed by Monica Dotter and featuring Helen Belay, Ryan Hollyman, Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster and Courtenay Stevens. Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you’ve got The 39 Steps! This Tony Award winning play is a fast-paced, comedic romp through the dark world of espionage and adventure. Patrick Barlow’s playful adaptation of John Buchan's classic novel, combines edge-of-your-seat thrills with delightful humor, making for a night of pure theatrical joy. Generously sponsored by The Royal Hotel in Picton.

Living With Shakespeare
by Jeremy Smith and Steven Gallagher

Driftwood Theatre Group Production

August 9 & 10, 2023 | 2:00PM & 7:30PM

THE EDDIE PAVILION, BLOOMFIELD

Driftwood Theatre Artistic Director Jeremy Smith reckons with his life-long relationship to the Bard of Avon. Weaving scenes, passages, and music from Shakespeare’s greatest plays with personal stories, Living With Shakespeare is an exploration of our continuing fascination with the world’s most recognizable playwright.

Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance

August 15 – 20, 2023 | 5:00pm & 7:00pm

THE EDDIE PAVILION, BLOOMFIELD

County Stage will once again host the annual Flight Festival, an outdoor celebration of contemporary dance, featuring a diverse lineup of dancers, including Carol Anderson, Arwyn Carpenter, Jordana Deveau, Sophie Dow, Ralph Escamillion, Kristen Foote, Groove Tonic, Beany John, Libydo, Jera Wolfe and Natasha Poon Woo. Flight prioritizes Indigenous artists, artists of colour, and legacy dance. Enjoy classes, workshops, site-specific Flight on Site shows performed on the grounds of the farm and the pond, and the Flight on Stage evening mainstage program all week long. Sponsored by Everly Inn.

Wakey, Wakey
by Will Eno

August 23, 25 & 27, 2023 | 2:00PM & 7:30PM

RUBY’S LOUNGE THE EDDIE HOTEL, BLOOMFIELD

September 27 – October 1, 2023 | 2:00PM & 8:00PM

LAZARIDIS HALL, STRATFORD FESTIVAL

With an hour left to live, Guy is on a quest to determine what makes life worth living. Critically acclaimed Wakey, Wakey leads the audience on an irreverent and moving celebration of life. Performed by County Stage’s Artistic Director, and Stratford Festival favourite, Graham Abbey, Guy is brought to life with curiosity, wonder and humour. The production will tour to the Stratford Festival in September after opening in The County.

Venues

The 2023 County Stage Season takes place at two County venues. In 2021, County Stage teamed up with The Eddie Hotel & Farm to build a new open-air pavilion on their grounds. The Eddie Pavilion is now a permanent fixture in The County, and County Stage has expanded their programming to include other spaces and venues on their property. This season, County Stage has begun a new collaboration with Base31; a highly anticipated development project at the former Picton Airbase. They will present at the newly renovated Sergeant’s Mess Hall, an intimate indoor cabaret space.

The Eddie Hotel & Farm

15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield

• featuring the outdoor Eddie Pavilion (150 seats) and Ruby’s Lounge (40 seats) 

Situated on a 78-acre farm between Wellington and Bloomfield, The Eddie is one of the best examples of Loyalist architecture in the area, inside and out. Dating back to 1860, when the main house and the iconic Red Barn were built by the Oosterhout Family, these buildings stand as some of the most recognizable and beloved in The County. The barn hosts a cozy pub and a a large, airy event space. The property also features a pond, orchards, access to the Millennium Trail, expanded gardens, a cheese boutique, enhanced amenities and the Eddie Pavilion outdoor stage.

Base31

7-343, County Rd 22, Picton
• featuring the Sergeants Mess Hall at Base31 (175 seats)

The 175-seat Sergeants Mess Hall at Base31 is the newest performance venue to open in Prince Edward County. This architectural gem has been renovated and repurposed as a unique and intimate concert venue, featuring state-of-the art sound and lighting, with its original historic charm and character retained. Now with an alluring, cabaret lounge feel and  elevated bar service, this gem of a venue ensures a sophisticated, enjoyable and warm concert experience. The space features both reserved seating at cabaret tables and general admission seating ticket options. Enjoy some of the most legendary and impressive names in music, sharing the music you already love, along with your favourite tunes revisited by new artists we know you’ll become instant fans of. The Sergeants Mess Hall is an up-close and personal experience with the best of the stage in a beautifully reimagined setting. An unforgettable entertainment experience; it doesn’t get any better than this. The Sergeants Mess Hall has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1939. The building was originally built as a mess hall for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School during World War II. During the war, the building served as a gathering place for the sergeants who were stationed at the base. It was a place where they could relax, eat meals, and socialize with their fellow soldiers. After the war, the base was decommissioned and the building served a variety of purposes over the years, including as a community center, a school, and a storage facility.

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