Anne slips, but Canada Rocks

Ticket sales for Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival were down this year, but the musical revue of Canadian hits Canada Rocks had a record year.

'Taking Canada Rocks back next year we would probably see significantly reduced numbers.' - David MacKenzie, Confederation Centre CEO

David MacKenzie, CEO of the Confederation Centre of the Arts, said it was also a great year for the festival's second stage, The Mac.

"Like the stock market, it's a bit of an up and down season," said MacKenzie.

"We had a downward trend continue in Anne of Green Gables this year, and on the other hand we had a record-breaking year with Canada Rocks. And we've also had a record-breaking year at the Mac."

Ticket sales for Anne were down about 12 per cent, with revenue down about four per cent. Canada Rocks sold 21 per cent more tickets, with a 24 per cent increase in revenue.

Anne performances were cut to five a week from six last year, but numbers on a per show basis were still lower. MacKenzie said the number of Anne performances may be reduced again next year, adding that despite the success of Canada Rocks, it will not return next year.

"It's time to do something new. It's the nature of a successful and vibrant arts organization to do new things," he said.

"And we think quite pragmatically that taking Canada Rocks back next year we would probably see significantly reduced numbers, as well."

The last performance of Canada Rocks at the Charlottetown Festival will be this Friday, but negotiations for touring options are taking place.

The lineup for the 2007 Charlottetown Festival will be announced Nov. 16.