Prince Edward County, ON – Artistic Director Heather Braaten and Managing Director Kristen Leboeuf announced today County Stage Company’s exciting 2024 Summer Season line-up. The season runs from June 27 to October 26 at a variety of well-known Prince Edward County locations including The Eddie

Hotel & Farm in Bloomfield, Base31 in the Pilot’s Lounge, The Regent Theatre in Picton, and The Grange of Prince Edward Winery in Hillier.

“2024 marks an exciting new chapter for County Stage, with new management, fresh ideas, new venues and an exciting lineup of diverse presentations taking place across the County!” says Artistic Director Heather Braaten. “With our popular comedy festival, a new hit musical theatre production, a laugh out loud theatrical comedy under the stars, cabaret brunches, play readings at local vineyards, and not-to-be-missed music concerts… County Stage has something for everyone this summer!”

Braaten continues, “My hope is to build upon the incredible work that Graham Abbey has accomplished since 2016, and I am excited about the future of County Stage, with plans to expand our programming to include year round events including theatre for young audiences and holiday programming.”

COUNTY STAGE COMPANY 2024 SEASON

HAYMAKER COMEDY FESTIVAL

Thursday, June 27 – Friday, June 28 • 7:00 pm

Saturday, June 29 • 7:00 pm & 9:00pm

Red Barn Theatre, Eddie Hotel & Farm, 15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON

County Stage Company’s 3rd Annual Haymaker Comedy Festival is back! Hosted by Anjelica Scannura and featuring some of Canada’s top stand-up comics including Dan Guiry, Fiona O'Brien, Cameron Phoenix, Jordan Policicchio, Tamara Shevon, Al Val, Mike Wilmot, and Kyle Brownrigg fresh from his Juno Award win for Best Stand-up Comedy Album.

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CABARET BRUNCH AT BASE 31

A brand new County Stage Event, Cabaret Brunch at Base31 will showcase music theatre performers and storytellers, while offering our guests a delicious brunch.

Sunday, July 7 • 10:30am & 12:30pm

Base31 in The Pilot’s Lounge, 343 County Road 22, Picton

Featuring Holden & Finn: Golden Age Musical Duo

Two-time Broadway World Best Cabaret Toronto winners Amy Holden & Tom Finn are Canadian crooners who will swing you back to the Golden Age of music with their charming ode to old Hollywood. Singing the legendary songs of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Louis Prima & many more.

August 18 • 10:30am & 12:30pm

Base31 in The Pilot’s Lounge, 343 County Road 22, Picton

Featuring Jennifer Stewart: Confessions of Motherhood

Confessions of Motherhood, written and performed by Jennifer Stewart is an intimate recollection of the trials, frustrations and uncertainties experienced during one woman's journey to motherhood. Interspersed with theme-appropriate songs from the music theatre canon, this personal story questions what it takes to become a mother in the twenty-first century and at what cost.

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OUR LITTLE SECRET: THE 23ANDME MUSICAL

Thursday, July 11 - Saturday, July 13 • 7:00pm

Red Barn Theatre, Eddie Hotel & Farm, 15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON

Written by and Starring Noam Tomaschoff, Composed by Ryan Peters, Developed with Russell Citron

What does a 31-year old theatre kid do when he finds out his parents aren't quite who he thinks they are? Write a musical, of course! Our Little Secret: the 23andMe Musical (Winner, Best of Fringe Toronto 2023) is the hilarious, moving, and completely true story of the suddenly not-so-only child Noam Tomaschoff as he grapples with questions of family, identity, and just how many brothers and sisters he really has. With a deft blend of comedy, drama, and wide ranging musical styles, Noam takes the audience on the roller coaster ride of emotions he experienced over a year of discovery, ending with a message of optimism that is sure to make you hold your family just a little bit tighter. Catch this award-winning musical before it heads to the Edinburgh Fringe. Produced by Russell Citron.

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SCRIPTS AND SIPS - Play Reading Series

Friday, July 26 with more dates to be announced

Various wineries throughout Prince Edward County

A Play reading Series curated by Artistic Director Heather Braaten

Experience the harmony of captivating and innovative Canadian plays set against the stunning backdrop of Prince Edward County's renowned winery estates. Guests can enjoy exquisite local wines, while taking in play readings of new and fresh theatrical works. This unique event offers a memorable evening of culture, talent, and gastronomy.

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THREE MEN ON A BIKE

Thursday, August 8 - Sunday, August 18 • 7:00pm

Eddie Pavilion, Eddie Hotel & Farm, 15786 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield, ON

by Mark Brownell, based on the writings of Jerome K. Jerome

County Stage Company is proud to present the Guild Festival Theatre production of Three Men on a Bike written by Mark Brownell based on the writings of Jerome K. Jerome. Jay, George & Harris embark on an ill-fated cycling holiday in this comedic adventure about three mismatched friends navigating the open road and the absurdities of life. This laugh-out-loud comedy captures the spirit of friendship and adventure as our trio find themselves in one hilarious predicament after another, testing their patience, wit, and friendship. The play features performances by Jack Copland, Azeem Nathoo and Suchiththa Wickremesooriyais, and is directed by Sue Miner.

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FEELING BUBLÉ - A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL BUBLÉ

(a co-production with The Regent Theatre)

Saturday, October 26 • 8:00pm

The Regent Theatre, 224 Picton Main St, Picton

Performed by Jay Davis

Join us for a feel-good evening of music featuring Michael Bublé’s greatest hits performed by Jay Davis and his world-class jazz band - a co-production with The Regent Theatre in Picton. A veteran of the stage and screen, Jay can be seen in TV shows including Designated Survivor, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Warner Brothers new superhero series Titans. He has performed in London’s West End, in productions including Miss Saigon, and Jesus Christ Superstar. And more recently Jay performed in the first international production of the Tony award-winning Dear Evan Hansen in Toronto. Feeling Bublé is a fun, energetic and touching concert filled with many of Bublé’s popular songs including Moondance; Haven’t Met You Yet; Home; and Save The Last Dance. You’ll laugh, cry, and want to sing and dance along.

Tickets for all shows go on sale on Thursday, May 2 at https://countystage.ca. Cabaret Brunch at Base31 tickets can be reserved through Base31 and Feeling Bublé tickets can be purchased through The Regent Theatre.

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In addition to the 2024 Playbill, County Stage Company continues to invest in development and outreach projects including the 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; the About Face, Military Arts Therapy Program, running free workshops with artists and therapist facilitators for local veterans, generously supported by the True Patriot Love Foundation; as well as the 25 & Under Free Ticket Program at our Eddie Pavilion events which allows the whole family to enjoy theatre together!

ABOUT COUNTY STAGE COMPANY:

County Stage (formerly Festival Players) is a thriving performing arts organization located in the scenic region of Prince Edward County. For 18 seasons, we have been bringing together prominent Canadian artists to showcase their talents against the backdrop of The County's beautiful rural landscapes. We continue to produce innovative and imaginative theatre and shows for audiences seeking engaging and creative live performances and experiences.

Since 2006, County Stage has presented over a hundred 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.

Visit countystage.ca.