Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown Festival has announced its 1998 season. As always, Anne of Green Gables, Canada's most produced musical based on our best beloved childrens' book, takes centerstage, beginning June 22 and closing September 12.

Also on tap is Johnny Belinda, another perennial Charlottetown offering that returns for its seventh run since premiering at the Festival in 1968. Based on the play of the same name by Elmer Harris, with book and lyrics by Mavor Moore and music by John Fenwick, the story is set on the island in 1894 and brings the 1940s story to vibrant life. It runs June 25 to August 14.

The popular Wingfield series stops in for six performances from August 16 to August 28, with the latest segment, Letter From Wingfield Farm. This heartwarming storytelling theatre about a stock broker turned farmer, stars Rod Beattie and has toured across the country. This is its first visit to PEI.

Bending The Bows is a musical comedy that sweeps across musical styles to tell the story of two would-be adversaries who become friends. It stars classical violinist Eduard Minevich and Canadian fiddle champion Frank Leahy (playing Don Messer's fiddle), and runs July 13 to August 29.

And for their fourth season at the Charlottetown Festival, the group Barachois brings to life the music, dance, and humour of their French Acadian heritage through performances featuring traditional anecdotes, songs, dances and comedy. They perform Sept 9, 10 and 11, as well on alternating dates through to October 10. Other offerings include the Drill Queens Comedy (July 10 to August 29), a local all-female comedy troupe returning to the Festival for their third time; Somewhere in the World, (July 1 to August 29) a musical performed by the Confederation Centre Young Company; and the yearly Maud Whitmore Benefit Concert (August 30), a popular fundraiser that provides money for theatrical scholarships.

For info and tickets to the Charlottetown Festival call: 902-628-6135.

By Mira Friedlander
Canadian Correspondent