Vancouver Island’s Chemainus Theatre Festival celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the announcement of its 2024 Season.
For thirty seasons, the iconic domed theatre has welcomed audiences from near and far to the seaside village for fine dining at the Playbill Dining Room and presentations of rousing musicals, raucous comedies, heartfelt dramas and great Canadiana.
2024 starts March 22nd with Hurry Hard, a Canadian curling comedy sweeping the country. May brings the return of PG Wodehouse’s beloved Jeeves series – this time, ocean-bound! Swing into summer with Dolly Parton’s hilarious musical comedy 9 to 5. The fall welcomes the Governor General’s Award-winning The Piano Teacher: A Healing Key by Dorothy Dittrich, a Vancouver Island local and Chemainus Theatre alum. The season closes with Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a holiday romance featuring Jane Austen’s classic characters.
The Chemainus Theatre Festival’s 30th Anniversary season details:
Hurry Hard, by Kristen Da Silva
March 22 – April 14, 2024
When Bill and Sandy’s marriage split up, so does their curling team. A medical emergency has left the men’s team short a player on the day of the big Regional Bonspiel. Bill, Sandy, and their friends must put aside their differences and come together to make a winning foursome.
Jeeves at Sea, adapted by Margaret Raether
May 10 – June 2, 2024
Set sail for laughter as Bertie Wooster revels in life aboard the Vanderley yacht, accompanied, as always, by his peerless valet, Jeeves. When Bertie’s pal Crumpet assaults a prince, a madcap case of mistaken identities ensues surely leading to Bertie’s doom – or worse, his marriage? Have no fear, Jeeves will sort it out, or will he?
9 to 5: the Musical, music & lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick
June 28 – August 25, 2024
Based on the 1980 hit movie, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical boss. Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot!
The Piano Teacher: A Healing Key, by Dorothy Dittrich
September 27 – October 20, 2024
A Governor General’s Award-winning play about loss, love, friendship, and the healing power of music. When classical pianist Erin experiences a devastating family tragedy, she finds herself unable to play music or even touch a piano. Navigating through the traumatic loss of the life she knew, she meets an unconventional piano teacher, Elaine, who gives her new hope for the future.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
November 22 – December 22, 2024
A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set at Christmas two years after the novel ends, MISS BENNET continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.
Along with the terrific talent presented live on stage, the Theatre’s Film Festival screens this March 8-9, 2024. Featuring Cory Payette’s Les Filles de Roi, March 8th at 7pm, Haida Modern – the art and activism of Robert Davidson, March 9 at 2 PM, The Great Salish Heist, March 9 at 7pm.
Tickets for the Film Festival, and Season Subscriptions and Theatre + Dinner Packages or Show Tickets at available online at chemainustheatrefestival.ca