Link back to Pier 21 – The Musical online tickets.
Link back to Storytelling: Bringing the Past to Life writers conference on November 2, 2019.
“Pier 21 – The Musical” Reviews
Allen des Noyers is the artistic genius that created and starred in Pier 21: The Musical which toured West coast schools in the Spring and which we had the immense pleasure of hosting here at the museum in July. I cannot tell you how much it meant to our visitors, almost everyone cried at each performance as the cast inspired empathy towards refugees and pride in the role that the Canadians played in the Second World War.
Carrie Ann Smith, Vice-President, Audience EngagementCanadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax
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The musical was beyond our expectations. What gifted performers … the story unfolded with so many emotions. I have to admit I had to wipe tears away on several occasions. It was more than wonderful and I have contacted several people encouraging them to take advantage of this short window of opportunity to see this musical presentation. The gentleman sitting in front of me was moved during the show as well so I asked him if he had a personal connection to one of the stories. His reply was interesting. He said something like, no, just grateful for the many things I take for granted. I think he hit the nail on the head!
Diane Van Horden, Salvation Army
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We were tremendously impressed by the storyline, the staging, and the acting and musical prowess of Allen and his two co-stars. With a few elegant props, frequent costume changes and an amazing backdrop, the three multitalented actors present a wonderful range of characters – immigrants, pre and post-war refugees, war brides, a home child, soldiers (departing soldiers and returning), nurses, social workers and a crusty but soft-hearted immigration officer named Fenton. The music, for the most part original, is funny, poignant and inspiring – a fragment of “Farewell to Nova Scotia” on the lips of a departing WWII soldier brought tears to our eyes.
Mike Molloy, President – Canadian Immigration historical society
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I thought your production was factual and so artistic. Your set was super and the music was wonderful.
Lark Balmer, daughter of a Juno Beach Veteran and a Dutch War Bride
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It was charming and lovely!!! Their voices are spectacular! It was a great way to spend the afternoon! And, it was packed!
Rachel, granddaughter of Holocaust survivors
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A brilliant musical!
Bev Tosh, (artist) MFA, RCA. (daughter of a War-Bride), Calgary
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Link back to Pier 21 – The Musical online tickets.
School Reviews
It is rare to encounter something this great. The actors sang beautifully and the songs brought some of us to tears.
Jill Quirk, Heloise Lorimer Junior High, Airdrie
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Packed with short but powerful vignettes and characters from pre-World War 2 and onward, and accompanied by songs full of lyricism and beautiful melodies. The show also made a powerful impression on me, the son of an immigrant to this country. I am sure many students whose families are recent immigrants to Canada were making similar connections as well.
Peter Spira, Panorama Heights School, Coquitlam
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During the entire performance, our students were engaged with the storyline the actors were conveying. It was entertaining, humorous at times, serious in the message, and the songs they played were excellent. Staff and 400 Junior High students enjoyed every minute of it.
Darren Helgren, Assistant Principal, École J. E. Lapointe School, Beaumont
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The best show we’ve ever hosted
Lynn Erickson, music teacher, Battalion Park School, Calgary
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Even the teachers had goosebumps
Nellie McLung School, Calgary
Link back to Storytelling: Bringing the Past to Life conference schedule