Four Island productions

Four shows full of Island talent will play at The Mack this summer as part of The 2025 Charlottetown Festival. 

In addition to Tell Tale Harbour and Million Dollar Quartet at the Sobey Family Theatre, the Confederation Centre of the Arts’ main stage, The Mack will host four productions featuring comedy, music, and Indigenous storytelling. 

Based on the book written by Lennox Island’s Richard Pellissier-Lush, The Creator’s Plan explores his coming of age as a Mi’kmaq. Richard grew up looking different than other Indigenous children, but his mother continually reminded him that he was part of the Creator’s plan and empowered him to embrace his culture, no matter what he looked like. Performed by the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors, this story of encouragement and identity is told in an interactive show for all ages. The Creator’s Plan runs June 30–August 1 with admission by donation. 

Island comedian and storyteller Justin Shaw will return to the Festival with Have Jokes, Will Travel—a new show with tales that celebrate the experience of being an Islander on the mainland. A rising star heralded as the next Stuart McLean, Shaw is back after a sold-out run of 70 Mile Yard Sale last summer. Have Jokes, Will Travel runs July 12–26. 

Written by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford, Chase the Ace is a solo comedy show featuring 17 colourful characters in a story of greed and a local lottery. Directed by Charlottetown’s Charlotte Gowdy, the show follows a big-city radio personality who is forced to take a gig managing a small-town station after losing his job. A global pandemic begins during his first week, and he finds himself chasing a story of municipal corruption. Chase the Ace runs July 30–August 9. 

Back by popular demand after a sold-out run at The 2024 Charlottetown Festival, Islander Jessica Gallant returns with the heartfelt and high-energy cabaret show Becoming Dolly. She takes a musical journey through the life of country music legend Dolly Parton with renditions of iconic songs like “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colours,” “Jolene,” and more. Becoming Dolly runs August 13–30. 

More Island talent will be in main stage shows, with Melissa MacKenzie and Kristen Pottle in Tell Tale Harbour, and Jacob Hemphill set to play Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet. The Festival kicks off with Tell Tale Harbour, running from June 14–August 29. Million Dollar Quartet runs from June 17–August 30. 

Tickets for all Festival shows can be purchased at the Centre’s box office, online at confederationcentre.com/festival25, or via phone at 1-800-565-0278.