PRESS RELEASE: Dora Award Winners Return to The County to perform.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 4, 2023

Excellence Takes Centre Stage as The Shape of Home Wins for Outstanding Musical Direction and Outstanding Performance at the Dora Awards and the winners return to The County to perform at Base31.

Toronto, ON – The Shape of Home, an extraordinary theatrical musical brought to life by County Stage, was nominated for nine prestigious Dora Awards and has won two Doras. This remarkable musical, born out of the challenges posed by pandemic lockdowns, saw a collective of brilliant creatives come together and create a magical, beloved show about the County’s own, Al Purdy.

The annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards, hosted by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, celebrate excellence on Toronto stages and are the oldest and largest professional theatre, dance, and opera awards program in Canada.

The Shape of Homes’s virtuosic co-creators Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner are returning to The County this July 21-22 to perform their reinvention of songs from this century’s best songwriters.

Our exceptional ensemble of directors won Outstanding Musical Direction: Raha Javanfar, Hailey Gillis, Beau Dixon, Andrew Penner and Frank Cox-O’Connell. (Missing from photo: Marni Jackson)

Hailey Gillis won for Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role.

“This is an amazing first for County Stage! Performing our Shape of Home in Toronto at Crow’s Theatre, allowed us to be eligible for these outstanding awards. I can’t thank the folks at Crow’s enough for letting us perform our County creation in the big city.

Everyone extended themselves to work collaboratively during challenging times and created something magical. I couldn’t be more thrilled or proud of our team.”

– Graham Abbey, Artistic Director

Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner return to The County

The Shape of Home’s award-winning musical collaborators, Hailey and Andrew bring a reinvention of songs from this century’s greatest songwriters that both offer comfort and ask questions weaving together a sweet and raw mixture of duets.

Lost Together…

Together, they breathe new life into songs that hold a special place in your heart. Don't miss this rare musical event – an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring melodies.

Hailey is a true creative force. As a performer, composer, singer and writer, she has left an indelible mark on stages across Canada, from Charlottetown to Vancouver and even off-Broadway (where she earned her a New York Times 'Critics Pick' award). With a decade of experience in composing music and collaborations with renowned international producers, Hailey is an enchanting blend of emotion and innovation.

Andrew is an award-winning performer, musician, composer, sound designer, music director and producer who can be heard on over 50 albums and has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe. He’s also know for his Americana duo Harrow Fair and the folk rock band Sunparlour Players, along with many notable film and TV projects.

County Stage + Base31 present THE MESS HALL SESSIONS

Showcasing acclaimed Canadian singers and musical theatre performers, curated by Beau Dixon, at The Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31 in Picton.

Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner
July 21 & 22, 2023
7:30PM

Location

Sergeants Mess Hall, Base31

26-343 County Road 22, Picton, ON K0K 2T0

Ticket Pricing

$35 General Admission

$55 Preferred Table Seating with waiter bar service

Click here for Tickets
https://base31.ca/event-details/?slug=hailey-gillis-andrew-penner

More info and full bios with headshots

https://countystage.ca/cabaret-2023

Promotional Blurb Descriptions

Join Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner for an Unforgettable Evening of Soul-Stirring Melodies in The County! Hailey and Andrew bring a reinvention of songs from this century’s greatest songwriters that both offer comfort and ask questions weaving together a sweet and raw mixture of duets.
A Night of Musical Magic in The County! Hailey Gillis and Andrew Penner are back in The County to deliver a one-of-a-kind cabaret experience that will touch your heart and have you singing along to old standards and favourites.

Links to performances by Hailey Gillis & Andrew Penner

Hailey singing “Here You Come Again” at UnCovered: The Music of Dolly Parton, Musical Stage Company
Hailey & Andrew performing “Wondering Where the Lions Are” at Porchside Songs, Musical Stage Company
Andrew’s sneak peek of “Peace Train”, Musical Stage Company

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Agnes Bellegris

(226) 971-0727

agnes@countystage.ca

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About County Stage Company

County Stage (formerly Festival Players) is a thriving performing arts organization located in the scenic region of Prince Edward County. With 17 seasons of experience, we bring together prominent Canadian artists to showcase their talents against the backdrop of The County's beautiful rural landscapes. Our work is deeply rooted in the community, inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of pride. We produce innovative and imaginative theatre for audiences seeking engaging experiences.

Since 2006, County Stage has presented over 100 performances in unique venues, serving both local residents and cultural tourists. With values of responsibility, inclusivity, and respect, we aim to establish Prince Edward County as a nationally recognized centre for artistic excellence.

Canada’s best, onstage and under the stars.