Four decades after a television debut that launched a Canadian classic, Don Messer's violin music still lives on.
The official announcement of the world premiere of a new stage musical, "Don Messer's Violin," was made at a news conference in Summerside today by the show's producers, Summerside Jubilee Festival Inc.
"I am delighted that the Government of Prince Edward Island is part of this project which will be an important tourism draw for Summerside and for the Province of Prince Edward Island," said the Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Tourism for the province of Prince Edward Island. "The music and entertainment style of Don Messer and his Islanders richly communicates the spirit of the place where it originated and was developed."
The production which will premiere in July 2000 is based on Messer's legendary "down east" musical style made famous by the 1960s CBC hit show "Don Messer's Jubilee." The show is slated to become next summer's anchor musical for Summerside's Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre.
"Canadians have historically shown a tremendous response to Don Messer's music and entertainment tradition," said Joe McGuire, Member of Parliament for Egmont. "I congratulate those responsible for bringing to Canadians once again this musical celebration which is sure to draw visitors and provide them with a memorable experience, while creating jobs and benefiting the local economy."
The show will create 2 full-time jobs and 40 part-time jobs and currently has a three-year run scheduled for the stage of the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre.
The new musical, "Don Messer's Violin," was named for the late Mr. Messer's actual violin which was given to Canadian entertainer Frank Leahy by the Messer family. The show, a celebration of the genesis of "Don Messer's Jubilee," - which enjoyed one of the most successful runs in Canadian television history - will star Mr. Leahy in the lead role of Don Messer.
"It is deeply rewarding for me to be part of the staging of "Don Messer's Violin" and to tell the marvellous untold story of this Canadian music legend," said Frank Leahy, Artistic Producer for the "Don Messer's Violin" show. "Messer's musical tradition is more than a television phenomena of the 1960s. It has stood the test of time, continues to entertain, and has undeniably influenced today's musical resurgence of Canada's east coast."
Funding partners in the project include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) who made $80,000 available through its Business Development Program, the Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries and Tourism provided $60,000, and various private sponsors are also supporting the project.
"Don Messer's Violin" Musical Stage Show Background Information:
The Client: The client is the not-for-profit Summerside Festival Jubilee Inc. The board - not yet fully appointed - includes Canadian musician Frank Leahy, and Prince Edward Island Marketer Elizabeth Noonan.
The Project: The project is a musical stage production recreating live on stage, the successful 1960's CBC TV program "Don Messer's Jubilee".
Mr. Leahy will play the role of Don Messer in the show. Elizabeth Noonan will coordinate marketing and publicity.
Marketing of this project will capitalize on the growing music industry of the east coast of Canada. Don Messer's musical tradition has played an important influencing role in the industry which currently enjoys unprecedented global popularity. Traditional Canadian east coast music also has a growing significance as a global musical influence. The current growth status of the industry, as well as the significance of Messer's influence, makes this particular project very marketable.
The opening is slated for July, 2000.
Project Objectives:
Tourism Development: A strategic marketing plan is in place and will focus on marketing to the motorcoach industry.
Job Creation: Two full-time jobs, and forty part-time jobs will be directly created by the production.
Regional Economic Development: The show is expected to be a significant tourism draw to the area, with spin-offs to local accommodations, restaurants and attractions.
Capitalize on East Coast Music Draw
Location: A three-year run of the stage show is planned for the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre in Summerside, with an increased number of shows each year. Plans are to take the show "on the road" to other parts of Canada in future as well.
Project Partners: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) - $80,000; PEI Dept. of Fisheries and Tourism - $60,000.