The Confederation Centre Young Company production of Abegweit: The Soul of the Island debuts at 11:00 a.m. on Canada Day in the outdoor amphitheatre!

All fourteen 2010 Confederation Centre Young Company members are from Prince Edward Island: Dan Bevan-Baker, Christine Cassidy, Kyla Cook, Haley Doherty, Cameron Francis, Jessica Gallant, Aaron Hastelow, Alex Kelly, John MacCormac, Jayne Peters, Kristen Rix, Samantha Saunders, Kyle Sherren and Alexander Westphal.

John MacCormac and Aaron Hastelow both performed in the Young Company last year, Kyla Cook was a member in 2007 during Alberta Fusion, and Cameron Francis was one of the dancers in Christmas Rocks! last year.

For MacCormac, the experience has helped him evolve his career plans to include musical theatre. He says he still has the same excitement that he felt the very first day of rehearsals last year.

“It’s just an honour to represent PEI’s youth in a musical performance atmosphere,” MacCormac says. This fall he will be attending his first year at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario in the musical theatre program. He knew he wanted to go into theatre with his post-secondary education, and last year’s Young Company experience sharpened his focus.

“Three Young Company cast last year were at Sheridan, and they inspired me to audition. The Young Company was the push I needed to explore voice and dance as well. So because of the Young Company, I’m going into musical theatre.”

Credit: 2009 Cast – Abegweit: The Soul of the Island

“A wonderful display of song and dance for the entire family.” - The Guardian

The Young Company performs their live, 45 minute free concert Monday to Saturday at noon in the outdoor amphitheatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts July 2 through August 21.