SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The last scheduled performances for “Searching for Abegweit: The Island Songs and Stories of Lennie Gallant” at the Harbourfront Theatre are Tuesday and Wednesday.
The singer-songwriter is humbled by the response the show has received.
“I had originally hoped that this collection of my songs and stories about P.E.I. would hold people’s attention in a theatre and might mean something to them in the way it does to me. I never dreamed we would still be doing it after six years of shows and that it would resonate so strongly with Islanders and visitors alike,” says Gallant.
He also knows there are people have expressed interest in seeing the show and wants to communicate with them before it’s too late.
“The multi-media show is ending its long run. For those that haven’t had the chance to see it, this might be the last chance. After 173 shows it’s probably time to put the good ship Abegweit into dry dock.”
At this point there are no plans for future voyages for the show.
“So, this may well be the last opportunity to catch it. We had an amazing run for a show that was originally planned for one season only."
This summer has marked Gallant’s fifth year presenting “Searching for Abegweit” on P.E.I. The show also enjoyed a tour around the East Coast in 2017.
As he prepares for his last show, he’s appreciative of the support he’s received.
“I am deeply grateful to the Confederation Centre’s Mackenzie Theatre for first staging it and giving it legs, the P.E.I. Brewing Company for picking it up and now Harbourfront Theatre for bringing it home after two seasons,” Gallant says.
He’s also appreciative of the people he’s met.
“It has been such a great experience working with these talented musicians, techs, and my sister Karen’s amazing artwork!”
Gallant is also nostalgic.
“It will be very hard to say goodbye to this theatrical love letter to the Island. I hope anyone who hasn’t seen it and intends to can make it out to our last two shows.”
Tickets are available at harbourfronttheatre.com or through the theatre box office at 902-888-2500.
