Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Sometimes the show mustn’t go on.
After a 26-year run the Showboat Festival Theatre announced last week the 2012 season will in fact be its final. The festival’s board of directors made the decision after the festival suffered several years of economic hardship.
Showboat ran out of the Roselawn Centre, and was one of only two theatres in Canada that performed in the round, meaning the audience circled 360 degrees around the stage. This made performing at Showboat a particular challenge and a unique experience for spectators.
On Monday, councillors expressed their disappointment over the announcement.
“I express my gratitude to everyone who’s worked hard over the years to keep that theatre going,” said coun. Ron Bodner, a former member of the board.
“They don’t owe any money, they’ve done the right thing by making this decision.”
Council directed staff to reach out and look for an organization or group to fill the void left by Showboat.
“We are prepared to explore all opportunities to fill this void; both physical space and the cultural component of quality of life enjoyed by so many for so many years.” said mayor Vance Badawey.
In 2012 Showboat entertained crowds with professional performances of They’re Playing Our Song, Old Love, POP! Goes the Sixties and Last of the Red Hot Lovers. POP! Goes the Sixties was an original musical from artistic director Thom Currie.
In a press release the board of directors thanked all the donors, sponsors, staff and supporters of the theatre.
All 2013 subscriptions will be refunded in full.
By Luke Edwards for www.niagarathisweek.com.
Illustration: Roselawn Theatre Centre, Port Colborne.
2012-09-28
St. Catherines: Showboat Festival Theatre will close after 26 years