New musical MAGGIE coming to The Charlottetown Festival

– Contest launched for Maritimers to win a trip to opening night – 

April 20, 2023 – A new Canadian musical from the originating producer of Come From Away and celebrated recording artist Johnny Reid is set to play in Charlottetown this summer.

Set in post-war Scotland, MAGGIE tells the inspirational tale of a fiery school cleaner living in the mining town of Lanarkshire. After suffering an unthinkable loss, she must rely on her strength, sense of humour, and fiercely loyal group of friends to raise her boys and protect them from the harsh and ever-changing world around them. The heartfelt show features a soul-stirring score by award-winning recording artist Johnny Reid, a Scot who immigrated to Canada as a teenager. The musical is based on the true story of his grandmother.

“MAGGIE celebrates not only my Gran and her life, but also an entire generation of women who fought through some tough times by keeping faith, hope, love, family, friendship, and humour close to heart,” says Reid. “It reminds us that joy and laughter can be found, even in the darkest of times.”

The musical was first workshopped as part of Sheridan College’s Canadian Music Theatre Project, a program that incubated new musicals and launched the global hit Come From Away. The originating producer of Come From Away, Michael Rubinoff, is producing MAGGIE with Reid.

“The emotional connection has resonated through every draft of this musical, I am so moved by it,” says Rubinoff. “I am excited that a wider audience will finally be able to experience the joy of this show.”

MAGGIE is co-produced by Confederation Centre of the Arts and Theatre Aquarius in Hamilton, Ontario, where the musical recently premiered. The production’s music is written by Reid, Matt Murray, and Bob Foster. It is directed by fellow Scot Mary Francis Moore, who is the artistic director of Theatre Aquarius.

“I have loved this musical since I saw the first reading of it, and we are proud to be presenting it at The Charlottetown Festival,” says Adam Brazier, artistic director of performing arts at Confederation Centre of the Arts. “Over a third of Prince Edward Islanders are of Scottish ancestry, and I know they will see themselves reflected in the history of this powerful show.”

Sponsored by The Gray Group – Real Estate & Development, tickets for all performances of MAGGIE at The Charlottetown Festival are on sale now at confederationcentre.com. The studio cast recording is available on all digital platforms.

To celebrate the launch of this new musical, the Centre is holding a contest for the opening weekend of The 2023 Charlottetown Festival. Open to residents in the Maritimes, one winner will be drawn to receive a prize package that includes hotel accommodations, a gas card, Confederation Bridge pass, a $600 Canada’s Food Island gift card, tickets to see MAGGIE and The Play That Goes Wrong, and more. The contest runs April 20 – May 23. For full details and entry, visit confederationcentre.com/contest.

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Cutline: Dharma Bizier and William Lincoln. Photo: Sheridan College/John Jones.

Media Contact:
Emily McMahon, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
[email protected] | 902-628-6135