“You outdid yourself. One of the best shows I have ever seen. You have incredible talent and your cast is amazing. Bravo.” – V.B.
In the fall of 2019 I created a musical tribute to Cape Breton’s First Lady of Song called I’m Not What I Seem: Stories and Songs of Rita MacNeil. The show was produced by Live Bait Theatre and was so well received that we remounted it in 2022 and will tour it again in 2025. See below for confirmed dates.
This celebration of MacNeil’s music features Jennie Del Motte, Heather MacIntyre, Carley Varner-Joudrey and New Brunswick’s Queen of the Blues, Theresa Malenfant, performing over twenty of Rita’s songs. The show includes well known hits like “Working Man,” “Flying On Your Own,” and “She’s Called Nova Scotia,” as well as a number of lesser known songs.
I will once again host the evening, introducing the songs, reading excerpts from my latest book, Nova Scotia’s Stars of Song, and telling stories about working with Rita on the stage version of her life story, Flying On Her Own.
Del Motte, MacIntyre and Varner-Joudrey are all incredibly talented singers, actors and musicians with many years of stage experience. Malenfant has been a professional singer for over forty years and is widely regarded as one of Canada’s best blues singers.
The performers do not attempt to impersonate Rita, but rather showcase her extraordinary songwriting talents. We not only celebrate her music but also her resilient spirit.
Clips from the Show
The following audio clips were taken from a live recording of the show made by our Technical Director, Chris Meaney, during our performance in Springhill, NS on Nov. 7, 2019.
Listen to Thersea Malenfant singing Rita’s powerful song, “Let the Sun Come Through” here. Theresa’s version is heartbreaking and very moving.
I used “She’s Called Nova Scotia” from that same performance and added some images to create this video tribute to Nova Scotia. This is Harmony Girls (aka Heather MacIntyre and Carley Varner-Joudrey) singing lead, with Theresa Malenfant providing backing vocals and Jennie Del Motte on keys.
Audience Response to the Show
Loved this show and everyone in it. It was fantastic! Hats off to all the singers and the story teller! Rita would be proud! – J.V.
We went to the Friday night show in Amherst. Great entertainment! I loved your story telling and the wonderful voices. So much we didn’t know about Rita…she gains a whole new respect. – G.Z.
Bravo Jennie Del Motte, Heather MacIntyre, Carly Varner-Joudrey and of course Theresa Malenfant and Charlie Rhindress. A musical tribute to Rita MacNeil was spectacular. – M.M.-S.
All I can say is “WOW”!!!!! Such a great night. You guys did amazing. I was so proud of you up there !!!! Thanks again for a great evening. C.S.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday, June 21 – Great Village Arts Centre, Great Village
Tickets available by clicking here or calling (902) 901-5771
Saturday, July 12 – The Sackville Legion, Sackville, NB Presented by Festival by the Marsh Tickets available by clicking here or calling (506) 940-7783
Saturday, August 30 – Ship’s Company Theatre, Parrsboro, NS Tickets available by clicking here
We will be adding more dates in the coming days.
More About Rita
Rita MacNeil, who passed away in 2013 first came to national prominence in 1987 with her hit song, “Flying On Her Own.” At the time she was 42 years old and had been performing professionally for over twenty years. She famously won the Juno award that year as “Most Promising Female Vocalist,” beating out Celine Dion.
Previous to that Rita was well known on the folk festival circuit and was instrumental in the women’s movement in Canada. She released the country’s first feminist album, Born a Woman, in 1975. Rita faced a number of hardships on her road to success. This was often reflected in her music as many of her songs were autobiographical. She would go on to have an international career, winning multiple Juno awards and receiving countless gold albums in Canada. She also hosted her own TV show, Rita and Friends, and was made a member of the Order of Canada.