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Charlottetown Festival's smash hit Come-All-Ye returns with new songs, new laughs and same great castJune 21, 2012The Charlottetown Festival favourite Come-All-Ye returns to The Mack for what promises to be another stellar run, with some shows in the 2012 season already sold out. New comedy and new tunes are the focal points for a refreshed production that promises to entertain Islanders and visitors alike with songs, stories and punchy humour. Come-All-Ye is a high-energy celebration of the culture, history and flavours that make this Island home truly distinctive. Returning to the stage for their second year as an all-Island ensemble are John Connolly, Patrick Ledwell, Ashley Condon, Chas Guay, Caroline Bernard and Mark Haines. Wade Lynch is co-creator and director. "We worked very hard on the new version of Come-All-Ye," says Connolly, the show's musical director and co-creator. "It took us the better part of 30 drafts to get the right shape down, but we've come up with something that we're very excited to share with an audience." Connolly spent the winter creating new arrangements while working in New York City. The spirit of his native home remained close to heart as he fine-tuned a song list that embodies the lively culture of PEI. "The fun part of the process this year is playing to everyone's strengths," explains the popular Island songwriter. "Spending last summer with everyone I learned a lot about the particular artistry of each cast member. They are an incredibly talented group so it makes my job very easy when it comes to highlighting their gifts on stage." Alongside these new musical offerings are the lightning quick quips of local comedy icon and Come-All-Ye co-creator, Patrick Ledwell. Ledwell's witty observations draw on his personal experiences growing up in a big family in rural PEI, as well as material from performances at The Halifax Comedy Festival and on CBC Radio's The Debaters. New topics that Ledwell will cover in Come-All-Ye include a celebration of the Confederation Bridge, a tour up the ‘University Avenue Cultural Trail', and a back-and-forth argument with himself about the pros and cons of PEI life. With an exceptional cast performing songs, stories and comedy that relates to people from all walks of life, Come-All-Ye is a not-to-be-missed, guaranteed great night out. Come-All-Ye plays at 7:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, from July 5 to September 1 at The Mack in Charlottetown. Preview tickets for July 5 and 6 are $20. Tickets for all other performances are $30. Scotiabank is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Come-All-Ye's 2012 season. Warm thanks are extended to The Charlottetown Festival's major sponsor, APM. The Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Tourism and Culture, is pleased to be a funding partner for The Charlottetown Festival. Media sponsors are The Guardian, CTV, Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100. -30- Photo credit: (Louise Vessey) Come-All-Ye cast, from L-R, John Connolly, Ashley Condon, Patrick Ledwell, Mark Haines, Caroline Bernard and Chas Guay. |