Looking to build ‘Macdonald momentum’
January 3, 2012
Posted by: Jordan Press
One would think Sir John A. Macdonald would have enjoyed watching people don their thermal underwear, warm socks, tuques and gloves and stand outside in freezing January temperatures to toast his birthday. Maybe the country’s first prime minister would have been happy to see the government house leader be master of ceremonies.
The annual tradition in Macdonald’s hometown of Kingston, Ont., will be led this year by Peter Van Loan, a “well-known Sir John A. buff,” according to local organizers, and take place, as usual, in the shadow of Macdonald’s statue near the city’s waterfront.
Local organizers are hoping that the annual event becomes larger in the next three years, leading up to the 200th anniversary of the birth Canada’s first prime minister in 2015. Organizers have even coined a term for their hope: “Macdonald momentum.”
The birthday celebration goes at noon on Jan. 11, Macdonald’s 197th birthday, and will include a performance from a local school choir, an actor from a musical about Macdonald’s life, appropriately named “Sir John Eh? The Musical,” a limerick contest and a special Canadian citizenship re-affirmation ceremony.
There may also be a warm drink or two. Maybe one or two, Macdonald — the Old Chieftain — would have imbibed in on a cold winter’s day.
Ted Hsu’s statement in Parliament
Sir John A. Macdonald
In 2015 we will celebrate the bicentennial of Sir John A. Macdonald. I thank Mr. Arthur Milnes and the Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Commission in Kingston, Ontario for organizing the commemoration.
November 17, 2011 – Kingston Whig-Standard – Cash infusion to take event to next level
Watch Commissioner Arthur Milnes (Macdonald Bicentennial Commission) on The Agenda with Steve Paikin
http://ww3.tvo.org/video/165247/web-exclusive-arthur-milnes-sir-john-macdonalds-200th-b
THEATRE PRODUCER OFFERS YOUNG CANADIANS FREE TICKETS TO HIT SHOW
August 3, 2011
KINGSTON, ON — “Although SIR JOHN, EH? The Musical is a show for all ages,” says Producer and Director Jim Garrard, “the comment we hear most from audiences is that every young Canadian should have a chance to see it.”
Garrard strongly agrees. In fact, “I invite every Canadian between the ages of 14 and 21 to come to Kingston and see the show as my guest. For free. No strings attached.”
SIR JOHN, EH? The Musical is a raucous comedy about an imagined meeting in a graveyard between an indie rock band on the verge of collapse and the ghost of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister and founding father, who’s been dead for 120 years.
“… an outstanding job of making the sentiments of history books take a hip, in-your-face format… a quirky, cute and whimsical story…flawless performance.” The Kingston Whig-Standard
Plans are in the works for a national tour during the run-up to the John A. Macdonald Bi-Centennial in 2015. This offer of free tickets is intended to help build an advance base of young fans in all parts of Canada.
“This is a show written for, and performed by, young people,” continued Garrard. “It’s written in their language. In it, young people hold their nation’s leaders’ feet to the fire, demanding to know why their world is such a mess. The answers they get are frightening and hilarious.”
Most of the shows nine performers are recent graduates of Canada’s finest music and theatre schools.
SIR JOHN, EH? The Musical closes for the season on August 14. Performances are in the beautiful and comfortable Sanctuary of Sir John’s home church — St. Andrew’s Presbyterian — in historic, downtown Kingston, the City he represented in Parliament for most of his adult life.
Shows are at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Regular ticket prices are $30, $25 and $20.
To obtain free tickets, e-mail jim.garrard@macdonaldfestiva.ca with your request. You will receive e-mail confirmation, and your tickets will be held at the door on the date of your choice. Visit www.macdonaldfestival.ca for further information.
Musical kicks off 2011 Macdonald Festival
By Jennifer Bowman OurKingston.ca
July 29, 2011
(Click here to view posted article, with photos)
2011 production also a warm up for Macdonald bicentennial in 2015
A Kingston playwright and producer is hoping to bring Sir John A. Macdonald to life in young minds by raising him from the dead in a musical.
Jim Garrard is one of the writers and the producer of the musical Sir John, Eh? — the centerpiece of the Macdonald Festival here through August 14.
The play follows a struggling young indie funk band that winds up in a cemetery and accidentally raising Canada’s first Prime Minister from the dead.
“It goes down easy,” said Garrard said. “It just sort of raises questions about parliamentary behaviour and how the country was founded and what’ it’s like to be a leader.”
“I’m very interested in trying to engage young Canadians in an interest and consideration of their history and system of government.”
The musical, initially conceived in 1996, will be part of the Sir John A. Macdonald bicentennial effort in Canada in 2015, marking the 200th birthday of the man who’s political career began in Kingston.
Sir John, Eh? is playing now, before the bicentennial year, in an attempt to get people interested in the witty and irreverent Prime Minister. It is taking place in the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Church, which Macdonald used to attend, and will be followed by a kitchen party at the Royal Tavern barely a block away.
One of them was the most powerful Church in Kingston, the other was an Irish working class pub at the time, Garrard said. They didn’t like each other. Macdonald was welcomed at both. St. Andrews was Macdonald’s church, from where he helped found Queen’s, and the pub was his campaign headquarters.
The musical has intertwined messages for youth.
“The play is about leadership,” Garrard said. “The band is suffering from a leadership crisis. Well, who better to solve that than one of our greatest leaders.”
“We’ve unearthed some problems for John A. and his two fellow ghosts so that those problems can be resolved by the band and the band’s problems can help to be solved by Sir John A.”
The musical took on legs of its own and became a festival for Macdonald. The festival includes a mural exhibition, picnics and vendors on the lawns of St. Andrews, a walking path related to Macdonald, and entertainment during Friday teas at Bellevue house, Macdonald’s home. It is all leading up to the bicentennial celebration, but it won’t stop in 2015.
“With Sir John, Eh? … we feel that’s analogous to Anne of Green Gables in Charlottetown, that it’s the kind of show that could be done every year and we would attract visitors to us,” said Garrard.
The two-and-a-half-hour show officially opened Thursday at St. Andrews and runs until August 14. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for students and seniors, and $20 for those 12 and under.
Festival celebrates Kingston’s favourite son, Sir John
By Martha Tanner Kingston This Week
July 26, 2011
(Click here to view posted article, with photos)
Not only can you raise a glass to Sir John A. during the Macdonald Festival, but you can raise a glass with Sir John when the festivities spill over to The Royal Tavern following evening performances of Sir John, Eh? The Musical.
The 19-day festival, July 27 to August 14, is a jam-packed celebration of Kingston’s favourite son and Canada’s first prime minister through music and drama, dining and dancing, art and storytelling. Highlights of the festival include a musical production, family picnics, kitchen parties in a pub frequented by Macdonald himself, afternoon teas at Macdonald’s home, an exhibition of art from the Macdonald era and guided walking tours by renowned journalist and Macdonald expert, Arthur Milnes.
“One of the great things about the festival and about living in Kingston is not only the opportunity to honour Macdonald on a historic level, but also on a local level,” says Allison Townsend, marketing director. “We can talk about him and bring people to where he did things, we can learn and be entertained, we can walk in his footsteps.
“It’s not just an opportunity to learn, but an opportunity to experience Macdonald in this beautiful city.”
The focus of the festival is the original production of Sir John, Eh? The Musical, featuring a talented young cast of musicians, actors and singers. While shooting a video in the cemetery where Macdonald is buried, an indie band comes face-to-face with his ghost. They accuse him of ‘screwing up’ the country, being a liar and a cheat. Ghostly colleagues rise to his defence. Scandalous secrets are revealed and the truth is told.
Cast as Macdonald is Matthew Donovan, who played Max in the 2010 festival’s production of The Sir John A. Macdonald Back-From-the-Dead Concert Tour.
“Kingston is my hometown,” says Donovan, a recent graduate of Montreal’s prestigious National Theatre School. “I love coming back and working in this festival – it’s a beautiful cause.”
Donovan admits that he paid a visit to Macdonald’s gravesite in Cataraqui Cemetery to make a special request. “I asked him, please let me play you – I’ll do my best.”
“It’s very exciting to play Sir John,” he continued. “It’s a bit of an honour.
“I like to think of him as a trickster, but a fun trickster, not a bad type. He was very charming, very charismatic and extremely brilliant. He always went through life with a smile, no matter how bad things got.
“I’ve learned a lot from that. No matter how complicated things get in my life, I can always take a note from Sir John and accomplish great things.”
Sir John, Eh? The Musical will be performed at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at the corner of Princess and Clergy Streets, with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Visit the website, macdonaldfestival.ca for the schedule).
The festival will also feature noontime family picnics on the grounds of St. Andrew’s, with music and theatrical entertainment by The Barefoot Players and food from the era (or bring your own).
Following the evening performances of the musical, theatregoers are invited to cross the street for a traditional kitchen party, with theatre, dance, music and food at the Royal Tavern where Mrs. Grimason, one of Sir John’s most passionate supporters, often provided food and drink to Macdonald’s followers on election night at the tavern.
On Festival Fridays, Macdonald followers can enjoy afternoon tea and performances by costumed interpreters at Bellevue House National Historic Site, where Macdonald lived with his wife Isabella and infant son in the 1840s.
The Macdonald Festival is an annual series of summer events building toward Sir John A. Macdonald’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. Festival producer Jim Garrard says he hopes to make Sir John A. Macdonald to Kingston what Anne of Green Gables is to Prince Edward Island.
Musical ‘tries to speak to young Canadians’
By CLARE CLANCY, THE WHIG-STANDARD
July 21, 2011
(Click here to view posted article, with photos)
For 19 days this summer, the life and times of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, will be showcased in Kingston.
Jim Gerrard is producer of the Macdonald Festival, which starts July 27.
“The vision is much bigger than what we can accomplish,” he said, adding that the budget totals an approximate $200,000.
The festival includes walking tours around Kingston and a Macdonald-era art collection to be exhibited at Agnes Etherington Art Centre.
The centrepiece, however, is Sir John, Eh? The Musical, which will be performed throughout the festival at St. Andrew’s Church.
“If we’re going to make a significant difference within the tourism industry … we need to make (the festival) have national reach,” he said, adding that the festival’s main funding came from the provincial government.
The theatrical production Sir John, Eh? The Musical hopes to address youth voter apathy, among other themes.
“It tries to speak to young Canadians in their own language about the nation’s history, their own history and their government,” Gerrard said.
The musical production is a modern twist on history. Framed around an up-and-coming indie rock band making a music video in Cataraqui Cemetery, the spirit of Macdonald appears to talk about politics and life in general.
“This is a fun, entertaining way to engage (youth),” Gerrard said. “It’s full of music and dance and laughter and beautiful songs.”
Gerrard, who is producer, director and co-writer of the production, said recognizing Macdonald’s contribution as a politician is another important factor in the festival.
When Macdonald was on his deathbed, the whole nation waited in anticipation, aware that a great man was departing from the world, Gerrard said.
“They went so far as to muffle the hooves of the horses that pulled the trams by the room where he was,” he said.
As a man, Macdonald was charismatic and candid — especially when discussing politics.
“He was a very charming … highly intelligent man but he used a lot of wit to get people on his side,” Gerrard said, adding that one famous quote from Macdonald exemplifies this. “He said, ‘Bribery is an essential tool of government. Wheels don’t turn if they don’t get greased.’ ”
Along with recognizing its namesake, Sir John, Eh? The Musical is a testament to Kingston’s pool of young talent, Gerrard said.
“We’re creating an opportunity for our very best young, talent-e d, trained performers to do something in their own home own,” he said. “It’s very important there be a performing arts industry in Kingston.”
Marketing director Allison Townsend, said her role in the festival has taught her a lot about Macdonald.
“This guy witnessed his little brother murdered as a little boy,” she said. “His first wife and child died.”
The festival’s featured musical doesn’t shy away from Macdonald’s personal problems, which included drinking alcohol in excess, Townsend said.
“Imperfections are pointed out,” she said.
Playing lead roles in Sir John, Eh? The Musical are Matthew Donovan and Anna Sudac.
Donovan, a Queen’s University grad who was raised in Kingston, took a three-year course at the National Theatre School while Sudac, who was born in Kingston, graduated from Sheridan College’s music theatre performance program.
Mayor Invites 7 Mayors To Macdonald Festival’s Opening
News Release – July 6, 2011
Mayor Mark Gerretsen of Kingston has invited the mayors of seven neighbouring cities to join him for the Opening Night celebrations of the 2011 Macdonald Festival on Thursday, July 28.
Mayor Gerretsen will be bringing 30 young people (approximately 12-18 years of age) to see the Festival’s centrepiece, a musical-comedy entitled Sir John, Eh?, and he has challenged the mayors of Ottawa, Cornwall, Cobourg, Port Hope, Peterborough, Toronto and Watertown, New York to follow suit.
Extending this invitation across the border promotes a better understanding of shared U.S./Canadian history, and the sharing of our heritage and cultural riches is beneficial to all. Sir John, Eh? The Musical speaks to youth in their own language and, by engaging our next generation of leaders in democracy, Canada’s future will remain strong.
Said Mayor Gerretsen, “I am pleased to not only support the arts in Kingston, but to help educate our youth in their system of government. Raising awareness of our political antecedents keeps our society healthy, and protects our country from apathy and possible tyranny.”
The Macdonald Festival is an annual series of summer events building toward Sir John A. Macdonald’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. Devoted to the life, times and exploits of Canada’s first Prime Minister, this year’s festival runs from July 27 to August 14. The Festival also includes Sir John A. walking tours, family picnics, afternoon teas, and art. Detailed information is available online at www.macdonaldfestival.ca.
PRIME MINISTER WANTED
News Release – May 3, 2011
KINGSTON, ON — For hire: A creative statesman and shrewd leader. Ambitious and energetic. A brilliant actor with a gift for intelligent comedy. A wonderful baritone singing voice. Possibly a musician. Must bear a fair resemblance to Sir John A. Macdonald as he was in his late 20’s or early 30’s. Location: Kingston. Tenure: 6 week contract. The successful candidate will star in the Macdonald Festival’s 2011 revival of its hit show, SIR JOHN, EH? THE MUSICAL, as the ghost of Canada’s founding father.
Opening July 28, SIR JOHN, EH? THE MUSICAL will headline the Festival for a three week run in the 800 seat Sanctuary Theatre at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in the historic heart of Kingston. St. Andrew’s was Macdonald’s home church, and these performances will mark his return after a 120 year absence.
According to Festival Producer Jim Garrard, “Macdonald was a complex, imperfect human being – a rascal, a visionary, a pragmatist and a wit. He shaped Canada at great cost to himself and his loved ones. He charmed just about everybody he ever met. No writer could invent a more perfect stage character.”
If you think you have what it takes to play this incredible man in the stellar musical-comedy, please submit a resume and 3 to 5 minute video impersonation of Macdonald that demonstrates both acting and singing ability.
Detailed information is available online at www.macdonaldfestival.ca.
SIR JOHN, EH? THE MUSICAL. A ghost story. A love story. A tale of scandal. And a lesson for all in perseverance, insight and humility.
The Macdonald Festival is Kingston’s tribute to our favourite son – an annual series of summer events building toward Sir John’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. Devoted to understanding and celebrating the life of Sir John A. Macdonald, this year’s festival runs from July 27 to August 14.
For more information, please contact Greg Curtis at 613-384-9053 or greg.curtis@macdonaldfestival.ca
Create Your Legacy By Preserving Sir John’s
News Release – April 12, 2011
Father of Confederation. First Prime Minister of Canada. Founder of the RCMP. Builder of the national railway. Sir John A. Macdonald’s contribution to our nation was far-reaching, but is often forgotten. Now, the Macdonald Festival invites budding Canadian filmmakers and painters to add their own “last spike” to our history.
The Macdonald Festival is pleased to announce an open call for entries from across the country for both a Short Film and a Mural exhibition running throughout the 2011 Macdonald Festival.
“These national projects will once again link Canada as Sir John A. himself once only dreamed,” said Exhibition Manager Nick Hutcheson. “It’s an exciting chance to engage the next generation of artists, and an opportunity to connect Canadians from coast to coast with our heritage through creative endeavours.”
The 2010 Festival drew 10,000 visitors, and more are expected this year, giving artists a sizeable audience for their original creations.
The Short Films should be 3 to 5 minutes in length, and can take the form of a music video. Once completed, entries should be uploaded to YouTube, with a link sent to film@macdonaldfestival.ca. They will be projected on an outdoor screen in downtown Kingston.
The Murals should be 10’ by 4’ in size, and constructed with varying weather conditions in mind. Participants are responsible for shipping the murals to and from Kingston, and will retain ownership of the work as of August 15.
Each with the theme of “John, Eh?”, the exhibitions are open to students, professionals, individuals and groups. Deadline to enter is May 15; delivery of work by July 1. There will be one grand prize of $1000 awarded to the best submission from either the Short Film or Mural entries.
The Macdonald Festival is Kingston’s tribute to our favourite son – an annual series of summer events building toward Sir John’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. Devoted to understanding and celebrating the life of Sir John A. Macdonald, this year’s festival runs from July 27 to August 14.
In The Footsteps of Sir John
News Release – March 16, 2011
KINGSTON, ON The Macdonald Festival is pleased to announce an impressive lineup of events and attractions for the 2011 season.
The Festival’s showpiece is Sir John, Eh? – The Musical. Reuniting most of last year’s
cast, while offering some new songs and dialogue, the story follows the members of an
indie/funk band preparing to shoot a music video who accidentally bring Sir John A.
Macdonald and his first wife, Isbella, back from the dead. Staged for the first time this
year at historic St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church – home church to Sir John and his
family – performances run from July 27 to August 14 at 7:00 p.m. The grounds around
the festival site will also feature artwork by students and artists from across Canada.
Each live show will be followed by entertainment across the road at Sir John’s former
campaign headquarters, the Royal Tavern. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., participants can
enjoy acoustic music, food and spirits in a 19th Century dancehall.
On performance dates, St. Andrew’s will feature Noon Hour Picnic Concerts on the
lawns of St. Andrew’s. Guests may bring their own food or purchase snacks on site.
Visitors may also enjoy guided walking tours of significant Macdonald sites departing
from St. Andrew’s at 2:00 p.m.
Macdonald-themed performances for children by the Barefoot Players can be viewed at
several outdoor locations around Kingston. Presented by Queen’s University
Department of Drama and Theatre Kingston.
Bellevue House, once Macdonald’s home and now a National Historic Site, has been
restored to the 1840’s period and staffed by costumed guides. Open daily from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors can also enjoy High Tea with members of the Festival
Company on Friday afternoons at 2:00 p.m.
The Agnes Etherington Art Centre will be featuring a special exhibition of 19th Century
Canadian art. Open daily.
“Most of our venues were Macdonald haunts,” said Jim Garrard, Festival Producer.
“Our performances, and works by many talented artists, will increase awareness of Sir
John’s legacy, and allow patrons to visit the locations where his ghost may yet linger.”
The Macdonald Festival is Kingston’s tribute to our favourite son – an annual series of
summer events building toward Sir John’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. Devoted
to understanding and celebrating the life of Sir John A. Macdonald, this year’s festival
runs from July 28 to August 14
Sir John A. Returns to St. Andrews
News Release – March 9, 2011
KINGSTON, ON — The Macdonald Festival is thrilled to announce its new association with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sir John A. Macdonald’s place of worship in Kingston, Ontario.
Effective immediately, St. Andrew’s will host the Festival’s year-round operations. For three weeks this summer, Festival 2011 will stage Macdonald-themed events out-of-doors on church grounds, and indoors in St. Andrew’s glorious 800-seat sanctuary.
St. Andrews Church, at the corner of Princess and Clergy, dates from 1820, while the present sanctuary was dedicated in 1890. “St. Andrew’s governing bodies see this partnership as art and worship working side-by-side to better serve the community,” said Andy Mills, St Andrew’s representative coordinating this effort. “The Macdonald Festival will bring new awareness to our historic buildings and to the remarkable achievements of our most well-known parishioner.”
The Macdonald Festival is devoted to understanding and celebrating the life of Sir John A. Macdonald, Kingston’s favourite son, Canada’s founding father, and first Prime Minister. The festival is an annual series of summer entertainments building toward Sir John’s 200th birthday celebrations in 2015. In 2010, more than 10,000 people witnessed Festival events in a variety of Kingston locations: K-Rock Centre, Bellevue House, The Mansion, streets and parks, and 27 performances of the Festival centerpiece, The John A. Macdonald Back-From-the-Dead Concert Tour.
Festival Producer, Jim Garrard: “St. Andrew’s is a beautiful setting in the heart of Kingston’s business and entertainment district. It lends itself to a festive atmosphere, provides an historic context for Festival events, and offers protection from inclement weather. Festival events will take place all over the city, but St. Andrew’s will be the centre of things.”
Clock starts ticking on Sir John A. Macdonald bicentennial
(Globe and Mail, January 11th, 2011)
The Sir John A. Macdonald Back-From-the-Dead Concert Tour
- Macdonald Festival 2010 -
This fabulous funk-rock musical is the theatrical centerpiece of the Festival. What happens when the messed up musicians in an indie/funk band, who couldn’t care less about the history of their country, accidentally bring John A. and his first wife back to life? Follow us to the graveyard to find out.
