Red Dirt Road
New Island-made musical debuting at Confederation Centre this summer
“Stories from the Red Dirt Road” is new musical for The Mack this summer.
Prince Edward Island is rich in stories and songs.
These gifts of creativity add colour, depth and beauty to the Island’s cultural landscape. Now some of these offerings are the basis for a new theatre production.
It’s called “Stories from the Red Dirt Road.” Adapted by Marlane O’Brien from the book, “And My Name Is…Stories from The Quilt,” by Margie Carmichael, the show consists of four Island stories woven together with original songs and the red dirt road that joins their lives together.
This truly Island musical will make its world premiere at the Charlottetown Festival at The Mack on Aug. 2. It runs until Sept. 21.
“At the centre, (Confederation Centre of the Arts) it’s so wonderful for us to dive into a piece of theatre that tells stories about the Island that is for the Island and from the Island,” says Adam Brazier, centre artistic director.
While O’Brien waits for rehearsals to begin, she pinches
herself to make sure she’s not dreaming.
“I don’t believe that it’s actually happening...to actually have it come together is remarkable. It’s like, after a lot of hard work, all the stars have aligned.
“But, I’m most thrilled for Margie more than myself or anyone else. It’s going to bring this very talented lady back into the spotlight,” O’Brien said in a telephone interview. Audience members received a sneak peek into “Stories from the Red Dirt Road” during the Circle Around the Centre luncheon in Studio 1 of Confederation Centre of the Arts this past Wednesday. After an introduction by host, Catherine Hennessey, Brazier and Carmichael talked about the workshops and the writing process and the things that have to be done before opening night. O’Brien was unable to attend. Things started on a high note when Carmichael, an accomplished songwriter, invited audience members to sing the chorus of her song, “Red Dirt Road”.
Within minutes, the audience turned into a rousing choir. And, by the last verse, some were even singing in three-part harmony.
“I was amazed with the song. It was great to hear the words and learn about everything that went on along that red dirt road,” says Betsy Houston, Charlottetown, tapping her foot in time to the music. The idea for the musical began several years ago when O’Brien asked Carmichael if she was interested in having her book, “And My Name Is… Stories from The Quilt”, turned into a piece of theatre.
“I said sure. It just sitting there collecting dust really,” says the P.E.I. author/songwriter.
In the weeks and months that followed, the two met countless times to discuss the book and run over ideas that O’Brien had for the show.
“Since then, it’s been Marlane’s work; some of the stories, some of the songs. And, from there, there’s been a couple of co-writes and some new pieces by native artists to create this wonderful production,” says Carmichael, who is impressed with the script. “Marlane has just wowed me with how bright she was in connecting with my characters. She got them. She knew what they were trying to be. And she knew the value of their stories.”
One of their favourite characters in the play is Flora Hill, a senior citizen who found her true vocation preparing bodies for burial.
“She does hair, makeup, nails and wardrobe for people who want a specific touch,” explains Carmichael.
Flora provides most of the comic relief in the show. And she often finds herself in ticklish situations. “O’Brien combined two of the stories into one in this great sketch. If nothing else, you’ve got to come and see Flora.” After the luncheon Houston says she’s thinks the Charlottetown Festival has another hit on its hands.
“I think the show is going to be very entertaining.”