Charlottetown – J.D. (he says call him ‘Jack’) Nicholsen steps into some pretty big shoes this summer. Or perhaps that should be boots. J.D. Nicholsen stars as Stompin’ Tom Connors in the Charlottetown Festival’s production of The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom onstage at The Mack this summer.
Based on Stompin’ Tom’s own books, this biographical play celebrates the musician and his fascinating life from his early years in Skinner’s Pond, PEI to his musical breakthrough and international fame. Nicholsen is only the second actor to play the lead role in this recent play and was Connors’ original choice for the role. Nicholsen stepped into the famous boots at the Drayton Festival Theatre earlier this year before arriving in Charlottetown.
"I've had an absolute blast playing this show in Ontario over the past seven weeks and can't wait to play it in Tom's ‘Home Cradled Out in The Waves,’” Nicholsen says.
Ballad presents songs, stories and scenes from the life of “the man of the land.”
Wade Lynch, associate artistic director of the Charlottetown Festival, directs Ballad.
“The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom is a real-life Cinderella story with a most unlikely Cinderella,” says Lynch. “It reminds all Canadians that wishes do come true with hard work, faith and courage.”
For the authenticity of Connors’ early years on PEI, Lynch made great effort to cast as many Island actors as possible for the supporting cast. Other cast members include John Connolly as Teen Tom, Rebecca Auerbach as Isabel, Catherine O’Brien as Cora, Gordon Gammie as Russell and Jason Burbine as Gaetan. Sharing the role of Young Tom are Tristan Lewis and Colin Power, and sharing the role of Nancy are Quincy Beck and Rebecca Drummond.
The Ballad of Stompin’ Tom was written by David Scott with songs and lyrics by Stompin’ Tom Connors and runs Monday to Saturday July 3, 2008 – September 20, 2008 at The Mack.
Tickets are available at the Confederation Centre of the Arts box office at 566-1267 or at www.charlottetownfestival.com.
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