“Rhythm an
d Words" might be the best way to describe Janet Kellough's stage productions; a wonderful blend of storytelling and song, that uses evocative period music to punctuate the spoken word, and tales from the past to enhance and explain the music. Janet has written and performed in "story operas"that cover a broad range of historical periods - shows like "Exile - The United Empire Loyalist Story, "Tales from the Wellington Dump", "Good Night Sweetheart", "The Prize" and the award-winning "Survivors of War", which was produced as part of the Ottawa Little Theatre's 2006 season. Along the way she has worked with artists as various as Jeanette Arsenault, Zeke Mazurek, Tom Leighton, Georgette Fry and even the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, but whatever the vehicle, her words bring the music to life!


Quotes:
"It was like being thrust back into another time, another world. And it was wonderful."
-Andrea Steiner, Picton Gazette on "Survivors of War"

"Kellough's script explores legend and lore as well as historical fact. The play doesn't come across as a history lesson but as entertainment..."
- Nicole Riva, Wellington Times on "Tales from the Wellington Dump"

"People have been calling this a Canadian Classic, that has moments and emotions that has made its audience laugh and sing along with the cast."
- Dave Runions, Cornwall Standard Freeholder on "Exile - The United Empire Loyalist Story"




Fowke Tales - One Woman, 72 Road Trips, CBC Radio
CBC broadcaster Edith Fowke set out in the 1950's to find Ontario folk music - something everyone was sure didn't exist. She hit the "motherlode" in Peterborough County, where the folk tradition has been kept alive and well by the descendants of Irish settlers who were part of the Robinson Settlement of 1825. A celebration of Edith's work, "Fowke Tales" premiered at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in September 2007 and received a wild and enthusiastic response from the audiences, who clapped and cheered along as author/storyteller Janet Kellough and musicians Allan Kirby, Zeke Mazurek, Jim Yates and Aengus Finnan regaled them with music, stories, history and step-dancing.


"Kellough's portrayal of Mary Towns is the centrepiece of the performance, and her narrative weaves the songs and anecdotes into a piece of whole cloth guaranteed to pluck the hearstrings of anyone raised in these parts and invites all to share in the rich heritage of farming, logging and pioneer spirit..."
- Dennis O'Toole, Peterborough Examiner



“Fowke Tales - Live at Lang” is now available on CD! - $20.00 (CAN)