Blyth Festival 2025
Outdoors on the Harvest Stage
Quiet in the Land - Canadian Classic | Historical | Drama
By Anne Chislett
One of the most lauded plays in Blyth’s 50-year history, Anne Chislett’s blockbuster chronicles the tensions in a small Amish community when a father rises to become bishop while his son enlists to fight overseas in WWI. This timeless story explores the wrenching forces of modernity, pacifism and family; forces made even more relevant in today’s heightened atmosphere of political polarization.
Originally commissioned by the Blyth Festival, Quiet in the Land won both the Governor General’s and the Chalmers Awards when it was first produced in 1981.
Indoors on the Margaret Stephens Stage at Memorial Hall
Sir John A: Acts of a Gentrified Ojibway Rebellion
Contemporary Classic | Historical | Comedy
By Drew Hayden Taylor
Part road trip, part grand heist gone wrong, Drew Hayden Taylor’s uproarious 2017 comedy pits two pals bent on retrieving a culturally important Anishinaabe artefact against the British Museum. Throw in a kooky hitchhiker and the ghost of Sir John A himself, and you’ve got a perfect cocktail of history, hijinks, and hilarity, along with a heaping side of biting satire.
One of Canada’s most beloved authors, Taylor’s trademark ability to examine Canada’s colonial past with both humour and humanity is on full display in this sparkling production hailed on its Ottawa premiere as “A theatrical perfect 10.”
The Wind Coming Over the Sea
World premiere | Historical | Irish Folk Musical
By Emma Donoghue
This newly commissioned work by internationally decorated Irish-Canadian writer Emma Donoghue tells the story of two real-life immigrants fleeing famine-ravaged Ireland in the 1840s. Driven by poverty and hunger to seek a better life, Henry Johnson and Jane McConnell Johnson decide to emigrate to Canada. Henry goes ahead to secure work while Jane stays behind with their two young children. Their letters sail across the sea, capturing the heartache of separation and the anticipated blessings of starting over.
Based on the actual letters of the real Jane and Henry, Donoghue’s latest work for the stage dances away from home into the unknown. Filled with traditional Irish songs, it looks unflinchingly at both the promise and the peril of emigration, telling a story sure to touch the heart of every Canadian.
Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story
World premiere | Historical | Country musical
By Nathan Howe
In Depression-era Wingham, Ontario, local inventor Doc Cruickshank built a working radio transmitter after finding a set of instructions in Popular Mechanics magazine. What started as a mere electronic lark soon blossomed into a tiny radio station connecting farmers, church ladies and an entire community. Soon enough, Doc opened up the airwaves to local musicians and songwriters like Earl Heywood, the Ranch Boys, Ernie King, Cora Robertson and more. Suddenly, his little hobby became a sensation.
What followed were four meteoric decades as Doc built what would become a national television and radio broadcaster – Canada’s answer to the Grand Ole Opry. The storied CKNX launched the careers of Canadian icons including Shania Twain, Al Cherny and Tommy Hunter, and became a household name from coast to coast.
Saskatoon playwright Nathan Howe’s gorgeous new country musical chronicles Doc’s rise from early days to glory days, and his dilemma in choosing how best to pass on his legacy.
Powers and Gloria
Blyth classic | Comedy
By Keith Roulston
Edward Powers has built a furniture empire in his tiny hometown. But when ill health forces him to hand the factory over to his ambitious son, everything Edward has built is suddenly in jeopardy. Enter Gloria, a young gal from the wrong side of the tracks, hired to help Edward get back on his feet. This unlikely duo is all that stands between Edward’s legacy and his son’s stubborn greed in this sparkling comedy from beloved Blyth playwright and founding general manager Keith Roulston.
Powers and Gloria was commissioned by and premiered at the Blyth Festival in 2005 to wild success and critical acclaim. The delightful banter between the irascible Edward and his vivacious (if slightly wild) companion mingles with a serious examination of a common intergenerational conflict to produce a thoughtful comedy full of heart.
Tickets for the 2025 season go on sale to Blyth Festival Members starting January 27, and to the general public in early April. Flex passes and gift certificates are available for sale right now by calling the Blyth box office at 1-877-862-5984, or at www.blythfestival.com.
The 2025 season of the Blyth Festival runs from June 18 to September 20.
