Charlottetown – People and their stories is the theme of the Charlottetown Festival in 2008, and when those stories are told in song in British Invasion II: America Strikes Back! the audience is treated to 90 powerful stories in one night.
“We chose much of the music for America Strikes Back! for its audience appeal and impact on the listener. We favoured songs that had the potential to be enhanced and expanded by orchestration for our 19 piece orchestra,” says Don Fraser, music director at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. “With a 22 member cast, we also have a great opportunity to write more expansive vocal backing lines to really make the music soar. It's amazing when you hear the sound that 22 singers and a total of 22 musicians creates!”
Fraser says the show creates “incredible musical moments” with songs such as Ray Charles’ Georgia performed by Festival newcomer Derek Wiens accompanied by a full choral arrangement and full orchestra.
“The selection of songs such as You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin’ and The Sun Ain't Going to Shine Anymore gives us the opportunity to create something unique with full chorus, orchestra, and dance,” he adds. “Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge over Troubled Water also features a very special arrangement and a beautiful dance moment.”
British Invasion II: America Strikes Back! opens June 20 and plays on the Mainstage at the Confederation Centre of the Arts until August 29. Tickets are available at the box office at 566-1267 or at www.charlottetownfestival.com.
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Media contact: Dan Wall, publicist, Confederation Centre of the Arts, phone (902) 628-6135
Email: confederationcentre.com, web www.confederationcentre.com
or
Megan Gauthier, PR assistant, phone (902) 628-1864 ext 315, Email: confederationcentre.com