Photo Coverage: EVANGELINE - A New Canadian Musical is Born

Evangeline is a brand new musical from Ted Dykstra (Two Pianos, Four Hands) and it is getting its world premiere tonight in Charlottetown, PEI. The musical is based on Longfellow's poem 'Evangeline', which tells the story of a woman who becomes separated from her lover during the Acadian expulsion in the Maritimes. Uniquely Canadian, this musical boasts an incredible cast, including Stratford veteran Chilina Kennedy in the title role and Theatre 20 Artistic Director Adam Brazier as her lover Gabriel.

Nearly ten years in the making, the show has been a labour of love for Ted Dykstra. BWW was thrilled to visit the rehearsal space in Charlottetown to capture photos for our readers of the cast in action and some of the gorgeous sketches that helped bring the show to life.

We also spoke with Costume Designer Charlotte Dean on the challenge of creating a brand new musical:

"There's a certain amount of fun because it's new and you get to establish and create. It was almost emotional being with this group of people creating this. It's a feeling you don't always get on anything other than a new show.

"At the 2nd preview, I looked at Ted and thought, "really, one person did all this, brought this all together."

For more information on the show, visit their official website.

The show runs until Sept 28th at the Charlottetown Festival and tickets can be purchased online here.

All photos by Racheal McCaig Photography