Centrepointe Theatres celebrating 30 years

Much has changed since May 3, 1988: Nepean and Ottawa were two different cities, Brian Mulroney was the Prime Minister and Centrepointe Theatres opened its doors for the first time.

“Milestones like our 30th anniversary are one of those bizarre events that make time both expand and contract simultaneously,” said Allan Samson, Artistic Producer and Manager, who has been with Centrepointe Theatres since 2010. “It seems like an impossibly long time ago that the theatre opened, but it also feels like it was just last year that we celebrated our 25th.”

The Centrepointe Theatres have hosted the likes of Rich Little, Sarah McLachlan, The Barenaked Ladies, Boyz II Men, Blue Rodeo, Graham Nash and many more over the years.

Originally part of Nepean's centre, Samson added that the importance of the theatres has grown in the community and more diverse groups have been using it, to the point where a studio space had to be built in 2010 to give emerging groups a place to call their performance home.

Former general manager Barbara Feldman remembers the feel of opening night 30 years ago. 

“The buzz on opening night at Centrepointe Theatre was intense,” she explained. “Gold, Silver and Bronze tickets were sold, it was the year of the Olympics in Calgary, and every patron received a commemorative ticket embossed on a brass keyring.”

“The Nepean Symphony Orchestra performed Peter and The Wolf with Rich Little as the narrator,” Feldman continued. “A reception followed with speeches, sparkling wine, an enormous spread of savouries and sweets, and high spirits. The entire evening was magical and a fitting opening to the long-awaited Nepean theatre.”

Many local theatre companies have also come to call Centrepointe home, including Orpheus Musical Theatre.

Orpheus Musical Theatre moved in when it relocated from the High School of Commerce (now the Adult High School) in November of 1995. 

“The first production was Brigadoon,” said Marlene Hudson, President of Orpheus Musical Theatre. “Over the last 23 years, Orpheus has become one of the longest, and is the largest, rental group on an annual basis. Our four Broadway-type shows, three produced in the main theatre and one in the studio, claim seven weeks in the Centrepointe schedule.”

Centrepointe Theatres is introducing all-new children's show this season, featuring Ottawa Kratts brothers called, “WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0.” Other family shows include “The Paper Bag Princess: A Musical,” and local musician “Yaki.” “Tall Stories,” from the creators of “The Gruffalo: Live on Stage,” are back with “Emily Brown and The Thing,” and Australian group “Erth” will be bringing their magical world of prehistoric sea creatures to the stage.

Front and Centre Member pre-sale starts Thursday, while public sale starts May 10.

For more info on tickets and this year's show schedule, visit the Centrepointe Theatres website.