There is a show for everyone this summer in Chéticamp, Cape Breton starting Canada Day with an official opening and the long awaited world première of “Soleil”. Soleil is a brand new show being presented this summer at La Place des arts Père Anselme-Chiasson. It will feature a dozen young artists such as Elyse Delaney, Jamie Chiasson, Andrea Leblanc, Pierre Larade and others. Brian Doyle, the festival’s musical director, will be leading a band made up of up and coming as well as veteran musicians such as Clarence LeLièvre, Justin Aucoin, Maxim Cormier and the 13 year old sensation from Pomquet Nathaniel Jenkins. Laughter will also be a mainstay in this show with the likes of Ryan Doucette and Alexandre Poirier and their fellow cast mates from last year’s Gélas, Kassandra Sonier and Celine Larade. The “Soleil” show takes you back to the 1960’s. Come relive those special moments under the sun, when rock and roll was born.
On July 8th, by popular demand, La Soirée chez Gélas, the hit of the festival two years running, returns, and better than ever. Even though some veteran musicians and singers have moved on to other projects, the show will once again amaze one and all as people discover new young talent as stated by Colin Grant cast member from last year’s production. People will be blown away by this year’s young fiddlers such as Renée Doucet and Douglas Cameron as well as a host of new dancers Louise Larade, Basil Doucet Melissa Larade and her seven year old sister Amélie, taking over the role of Marie Stella. Alexandre Poirier who played Gélas the last two years is passing the torch to a bright young talent Jaron Felix. Also joining the cast for comic relief will be Mireillle Maillet. And if that was is enough, we have the show that started it all, the largest musical in Canada le Grand Cercle by Paul Daniel Gallant, musical arrangements by Scott MacMillan.
This musical depicts the history of Acadie in a series of tableaux and will bring together more than 250 local performers and volunteers. Le Grand Cercle was nominated for Show of the Year at the Prix Éloizes 2005. Luc Rondeau, costume and set designer was nominated for the Best Scenography at the 2008 Prix Éloizes. Le Grand Cercle is presented at 8:00 pm at the Cheticamp Arena from July 22nd to July 26th .
Also not to be missed, is a variety of other shows such as Chuck and Albert, Ça Chante Encore with Nicole Deveau Nancy Breau, Mariève Thériault and more. There is also in concert, Chéticamp’s very own dance troupe, La Swing du Suête, as well as a new show, Le Grand Retour with special guests Nathan LeLièvre, Nathalie Arsenault, Pépito Pinto and others. And do not miss this year’s festival parade, open air mass as well as the Gala featuring the Caravane du nord show and a very special tribute to our seniors.
Hours of operation for the ticket outlet from now until June 26th are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 4 pm. Starting Monday, June 29th the ticket outlet will be open : Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm. The ticket outlet is closed on Tuesday.
You can also purchase your tickets for all Festival events by calling Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp at (902) 224-1876 or by email at: billetscheticamp@gmail.com.
