BY WGO STAFF
After a highly successful debut at the Savoy Theatre this past September, four of Cape Breton’s busiest female performers are once again set to combine their talents to celebrate all things Cape Breton, in their uniquely Cape Breton way.
Each representing a different facet of the Island’s entertainment community, Bette MacDonald, Heather Rankin, Lucy MacNeil and Jenn Sheppard return to the Savoy Theatre stage this April in the music and comedy hit Island Girls.
Savoy Manager Pam Leader says management has been trying to nail down dates since the first Island Girls show wrapped.
“We’ve never had a show quite like Island Girls,” says Leader. “I’m not sure any of us knew what to expect the first time around, but what we got was epic. People could not say enough about it. We’re thrilled to confirm that Island Girls will be back on our stage April 4 and 5, and then, the show will travel.”
The show in September was such a hit, in fact, that it caught the attention of Fiona Diamond from Brookes Diamond Productions in Halifax and Troy Greencorn at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou. As a result, audiences outside Cape Breton will also get a chance to enjoy Island Girls this April, as the show will play at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn, April 6, and Pictou’s DeCoste Centre April 7, 2019.
“They want this show for good reason,” says Leader, “it’s an absolute winner – especially for displaced Capers. We’re very pleased to be able work with Fiona and Troy to offer it to a wider audience. Everyone should see this show.”
Described by more than one audience member as “the best show ever produced at the theatre”, Island Girls delivers your favourite Cape Breton songs, some mini tributes, a few stories, side-splitting comedy and a trip down memory lane. Show-goers can also expect to catch up with a few familiar characters and maybe meet a few new ones along the way.
The Gemini award-winning Bette MacDonald, who recently wrapped up a successful eight seasons as Trudy Walsh with the hit TV comedy Mr. D, says there was a fantastic vibe on stage during the first performance.
“Individually, we’ve clocked quite a few hours onstage but last September was the first time that we hour did a show together,” remembers MacDonald. “We just had a giant house party…the fun factor was off the charts.”
Heather Rankin, well known as a member of the multi-platinum selling musical group The Rankin Family, is also busy with a successful solo career. Heather will be sharing a few tunes from her debut solo album, A Fine Line, but she’ll also be treating the audiences to some laughs. “Heather Rankin is no slouch when it comes to comedic timing,” notes Leader.
As the only girl in a family of five boys, Lucy MacNeil can be best described as the heart of The Barra MacNeils. Her crystalline vocals are immediately identifiable with the group’s quintessential sound. Lucy is happy to add her voice – and her acting skills – to the quartet of Island Girls again. “Lucy’s superpower is that she can make every hair stand up on the back of your neck when she sings,” said Leader.
Summertime Revue cast member and singer/songwriter Jenn Sheppard is one of Cape Breton’s busiest performers. She has spent the past three decades emulating voices such as Anne Murray, Patsy Cline, Emmy-Lou Harris, Tammy Wynette, Mama Cass, and regularly performs as her original comedic character, Ellsa.
“What an honour it is to be on stage with these incredibly accomplished women,” said Sheppard. “I think we each bring a different flavour to the show, and oddly enough, all those flavours mesh together perfectly. Plus, it’s just a boat load of fun.”
The Fem Four will be backed up by musicians Stephen Muise, Fred Lavery, Brian Talbot, Emily Dingwall, Richard Burke and Colin Grant. Island Girls is back on stage April 4 and 5. Tickets are on sale Monday, January 21 and are available at Savoy Theatre Box Office, by phoning 902-842-1577 and online at tickets.capebreton.ca.
