It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since Centrepointe Theatres opened its doors. If you grew up in either Nepean or Ottawa, you more than likely have been to a performance at Centrepointe Theatres. Over the last 30 years, the theatre has had something for everyone. From a dazzling opening night on May 3, 1988, the theatre has continued with not just notable musical acts like Sarah McLachlan, Blue Rodeo, and Graham Nash, but with musical theatre and plenty of sensational shows geared to children.
Barbara Feldman, the original general manager, remembers that opening night.
“The Nepean Symphony Orchestra performed ‘Peter and The Wolf’ with Rich Little as the narrator…The entire evening was magical and a fitting opening to the long-awaited Nepean theatre,” she says.
Artistic producer and manager Allan Samson has been with Centrepointe Theatres since 2010. He was on hand for the opening of the studio space that was built to accommodate local artistic groups by giving them a flexible and affordable performance space to use. “It has been one of my greatest joys to see the studio’s use increase since it opened in 2010,” says Samson, “and for it to become the wonderfully diverse place I hoped it would be.” Samson says that even though the theatre has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, it has stayed true to its roots by providing space for the community, including companies like Orpheus Musical Theatre, which has been producing and staging shows at Centrepointe Theatres for the last 23 years. “The staff and I are extremely proud to have been part of the city’s cultural life,” says Samson.
As the theatre heads into its anniversary year, the live entertainment season has something for everyone. Children adore Ottawa’s own Kratt brothers. They’re back with a new show called WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0. Keeping it adventurous is the Australian group Erth – with a unique and amazing experience that blends huge puppet and modern stage technology to bring prehistoric sea creatures to the stage for an enchanting Aquarium Adventure. For the musically inclined, Ottawa’s own Yaki returns to the Centrepointe studio with his Rockin’ and Hoppin’ Sing-Along. And don’t forget two adaptations of classic children’s stories, The Paper Bag Princess and Emily Brown and The Thing. Parents get their chance for a night out with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder and homegrown JW Jones and Friends, two showcases of local singer-songwriters and Canadian legend Roch Voisine, to name only a few. Check out details and ticket information at centrepointetheatres.com.
This story was produced by Ottawa Parenting Times Magazine on behalf of Centrepointe Theatres for commercial purposes.