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2021-22 Spotlight series offers an exciting lineup full of diverse artists

It’s back! After missing a full season and a half, the Fredericton Playhouse has announced the new lineup for the 2021-22 Spotlight series. This season features 28 professional performances in music, theatre, circus, comedy and dance from across Canada and around the world.

In addition to a full Spotlight Series, the Fredericton Playhouse has five scheduled performances as part of the Kidstage Series, as well as a number of shows offering “Pay What You Will” ticket pricing. There is truly something for everyone in Fredericton to experience this year at the Playhouse!

Tickets are available now to Spotlight Members, and to the public on October 1. Click here for the Spotlight Series guide and membership order form.

Comedy

God is a Scottish Drag Queen 2: The Second Coming– Canadian comedian Mike Delamont returns with his character of God, dressed in a floral power suit in the hilarious sequel 2000 years in the making!

Person of Interest – Canadian “kook supreme” Melody Johnson tells her one-woman true story (with comedic embellishments) of the worst kind of neighbours- ones who are the reason a well-meaning woman becomes a “person of interest”

Pearle Harbour: Agit Pop! – Drag “tragicomedienne” Pearle Harbour’s Agit-Pop! is a collection of her heart-wrenchingly hilarious short acts told with her signature acid-wit.

The Debaters Live – two comics go head to head in this CBC comedic showdown hosted by Steve Patterson. This event is not a CBC taping.

MIDDLE RAGED – Geri Hall and Gary Pearson’s sketch comedy show that explores life between 30 and 65- from raising kids, to financial stress, to dealing with elderly parents, to going to more funerals than weddings, and even trying to keep romance alive through ‘Outlander’ roleplay in the bedroom.

Dance

RUBBERBAND: Vic’s Mix – This Montreal-based dance company expertly blends contemporary and urban dance with theatricality and highly athletic segments.

Ballet Kelowna: Mambo & Other Works – The contemporary ballet company from BC makes it Fredericton debut with Mambo & Other Works, showcasing a blend of contemporary and neo classical works.

Red Sky Performance: Trace – Rescheduled from the 2019 Spotlight Series, this award-winning Indigenous contemporary dance company returns to Fredericton with their newest work, Trace, a highly kinetic work inspired by Anishinaabe sky and start stories.

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet – Based on the beloved Canadian novel, Anne of Green Gables — The Ballet™ follows the adventures of Anne Shirley in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island.

Music

Twin Flames – multi-award-winning Canadian husband and wife duo, Twin Flames sings songs in English, French and Inuttitut. The pair pushes the boundaries of contemporary folk, with songs that incorporate both Western and traditional instruments.  

Frankenstein (1931) with live orchestration – NB composer Andrew Reed Miller has created this original music to be performed by core members of Symphony NB, along with a screening of the 1931 classic film, Frankenstein.

Christine Tassan et les Imposteures – with a mix of virtuosity, daring, and humour, the string band draws inspiration from Gypsy jazz, bringing together some of the best works by Django Reinhardt, Félix Leclerc, and American swing composers.

Myles GoodwynJust Between You and Me – In Just Between You and Me, singer, guitarist, writer, and leader of the band April Wine, Goodwyn shares the story of his upbringing, first at home in rural New Brunswick, and then in the music business as the lead singer of one of Canada’s most popular bands ever.

Hawksley Workman & Sarah Slean– For the first time, Sarah Slean and Hawksley Workman are set to share the stage, performing together from their musical repertoires. Both Slean and Workman have become staples in the Canadian music and arts scene, with careers spanning over 20 years.

Raine Hamilton String Trio – Resonant, acoustic chamber folk with an otherworldly edge, and a lyric presence that cuts deep. Sounds like: a string quartet + Sarah Harmer + Joni Mitchell.

Ben Caplan – Ben Caplan has an uncanny ability to channel both wild abandon and quiet introspection. His contemporary folk songwriting pulls from many diverse influences but both his music and his lyrics regularly draw from his Jewish heritage.

Beverly Glenn-Copeland – In partnership with Fredericton Pride, the Fredericton Playhouse presents transgender artist Beverly Glenn-Copeland in concert with his band Indigo Rising. During his lifetime thus far, Glenn has written a large body of music for adults, film, and children, recorded six albums of his songs, and been the recipient of multiple composition awards.

Brent Mason’s Bob Dylan Birthday Bash – For the first time ever, Brent Mason, Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade, and Grant Heckman will be joined by local Fredericton favourites to hold a musical event celebrating Bob Dylan’s 81st birthday.

International

Piaf! The Show – Starring Anne Carrere, a young French performer hailed as “Edith Piaf’s legitimate musical heiress” Piaf ! The Show narrates the Parisian singer’s career through her unforgettable songs, complemented by a visual tapestry of previously unreleased photographs and images of famous Parisian locations of the Edith Piaf era.

Naghash Ensemble: Sounds of Armenia – The Naghash Ensemble combines the earthy spirituality of Armenian folk song, new classical music, contemporary post-minimalism and the energy of rock and jazz. Three brilliant female vocalists and some of Armenia’s finest instrumentalists on duduk, oud, dhol and piano.

Lúnasa: Wild Irish Coast – One of the most influential bands in traditional music, Irish acoustic band Lúnasa’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional music, and have energized audiences the world over.

Wesli – Haitian-born musician Wesli delivers a rich, festive, and engaging sound. Be it acoustic or with his big band, he unites Haitian voodoo and rara styles with roots, Afrobeat, and hip-hop styles.

Holidays

Fredericton Symphony Orchestra [Special Presentation] – The Fredericton Symphony Orchestra returns with its annual fan-favourite seasonal concert! Start your holiday season with a full symphony orchestra sound playing seasonal musical favourites. Good fun for the whole family!

Chantal Kreviazuk: Christmas is a Way of Life, My Dear – One of Canada’s most accomplished songwriters and recognizable voices comes to the Fredericton Playhouse this season! In time for the holidays, Chantal Kreviazuk brings songs from her holiday album “Christmas is a Way of Life, My Dear”, as well as her latest album “Get to You”, released in the summer of 2020.

Tomato/TomatoA Down Home Christmas – Expect jaw dropping multitasking, dynamic guitar arrangements, and soaring vocal harmonies. Stitch these elements together with compelling, heartfelt songwriting and you have an unforgettable musical experience.

Circus

KNOT – Knot is the internationally acclaimed debut circus and dance work in which performers/creators Nikki & JD use hand-to-hand circus skills, dance, and storytelling.

Bromance: Barely Methodical Troupe – Bromance is the exhilarating UK-based circus show using b-boying, tricking, hand-to-hand acrobatics, Cyr wheel, and more.

Family night

Fred Penner [Special Presentation] – Calling all Fred Heads! 2020 marked the 40th Anniversary of the Cat Came Back, and Fred is launching a national tour to mark the celebrations.

KidStage

The Playhouse is thrilled to offer Pay What You Will pricing on all Kidstage Series shows.

DuffleBag Theatre: Robin Hood – DuffleBag Theatre brings the classic story of Robin Hood to life, with plenty of hilarious twists along the way! Suitable for all ages; tickets for this performance will be available November 15, 2021.

L’Aubergine’s Ripopée – In this clownesque fable about the strength of friendship, four artists fall asleep in a theatre waiting for their guests. To their surprise, the audience is already there when they wake up! In the hands of these pals, everyday objects like musical instruments and masks become the tools for creating a wacky universe. Suitable for ages 5-12; tickets for this performance will be available January 14, 2022.

Somebody Loves you Mr. Hatch – See the popular children’s book come to life on stage! Mr. Hatch leads a predictable and dreary life. One Valentine’s Day, he unexpectedly receives a heart-shaped package with an anonymous note that whispers, “somebody loves you,” and everything changes. Suitable for ages 4- 10; tickets for this performance will be available March 18, 2022.

Classic Albums Live

A perennial Playhouse favourite, Classic Albums Live presents skilled musicians who recreate the greatest albums of the ‘60s and ‘70s live on stage — note for note, cut for cut. Don’t look for costumes and lookalike theatrics at these rock recitals, just pure musicianship and songs that shaped a generation.

This season, Classic Albums Live presents Tom Petty: Damn the Torpedoes, and Led Zeppelin II.

Become a Spotlight member

For only $55, Spotlight members receive early access to the best seats in the house and special discounted pricing on Spotlight Series, Special Presentations and Spotlight Partner performances (New Brunswick Country Showcase and Symphony New Brunswick).

Tickets are available now to Spotlight Members, and to the public on October 1.

Any questions?

For more detailed information on 2021-22 Spotlight Series performance check out our season guide or contact the box office.