P.E.I.-inspired comedy set for 2024 Charlottetown Festival
A one-man comedy show inspired by Prince Edward Island’s 70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale will be a part of the 2024 Charlottetown Festival at Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Written and performed by Islander Justin Shaw, "70 Mile Yard Sale" shares a story about a madcap journey across P.E.I. to retrieve a lost family heirloom. Equal parts funny and heartfelt, this tall tale is about family, friendship and finding more than what was bargained for.
Shaw is a comedian and storyteller who has performed at JFL42 at Just For Laughs Toronto, appeared on Mike Birbiglia's "Working It Out" comedy show, opened for Fortune Feimster and tours regularly with Yuk Yuk’s. As a comedy writer, he has written for Feast Dinner Theatres and presented solo shows across Canada, with his work being featured on his TV series "Tales From Island Boy" on Bell FibeTV1. P.E.I. audiences may remember Shaw from his work in "Culture Shock" with Lorne Elliot. His debut comedy album, "Human Money," showcases his downhome yet outrageous sense of humour and can be heard on SiriusXM.
Early versions of "70 Mile Yard Sale" have been presented at the Hamilton Fringe Festival and The Guild Summer Festival. Shaw is further developing the show for its run at The Charlottetown Festival.
“Confederation Centre of the Arts is proud to continue fostering Island stories on our stages,” says Adam Brazier, the centre’s artistic director of performing arts. “Justin’s writing is already hilarious, and we are thrilled to be nurturing the ongoing development of this show.”
When Shaw began writing the piece, he asked P.E.I. residents to submit memories and experiences from the yard sale to ensure the show had an authentic Island voice and spirit. He received more than different stories.
“I was floored by the support,” he says. “The stories I’ve received are both beautiful and bewildering and have given tremendous inspiration and insight in developing this new story that I hope Island audiences enjoy.”
Organized by the Wood Islands and Area Development Corporation since 1998, the 70 Mile Coastal Yard Sale brings thousands of visitors to southeastern Prince Edward Island for two days of treasure hunting .
"70 Mile Yard Sale" will have four performances at The Mack, Sept. 18-21, as part of The 2024 Charlottetown Festival. Also playing at this year’s Festival are "Jersey Boys," and "Anne of Green Gables–The Musical" and "Becoming Dolly."
“Justin’s writing is already hilarious, and we are thrilled to be nurturing the ongoing development of this show.” Adam Brazier