The details are falling into place for the gala event of the season — the Key City Theatre’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
The theatre opened in February, 1992, and has since thrived as the premier performing arts venue in the region, all under the operation of a not-for-profit society supported by the community and a dedicated network of volunteers.
Events are set for Saturday, April 22, 2017. Tickets are on sale now for $55 each — “The best price for a fundraiser in town,” says Theatre Managing Director Galen Olstead.
The gala proper is dubbed “Spectacular Spectacular,” as befits the full-on dressy soiree, and the line-up of local artists on the bill (see more news in this regard in upcoming issues of the Townsman), with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
But first, “All That Jazz,” the red carpet pre-show affair in the lobby, featuring paparazzi, catering by the Heid-Out, unique items to bid on in silent auction, a photographic show of events through the ages of the KCT, and the Dean Smith Quartet, performing live Jazz.
Into the theatre for “Spectacular Spectular,” with Little Jazz Orchestra serving as house band. Expect many voices from the past and present, with many who’ve gone to make their way in the world as performing artists returning to pay tribute to the venue that gave them their start.
The event will also pay tribute to a couple of individuals whose contributions to the community have been writ large on the theatre’s stage.
All this and more. Stay tuned for further details.
The Key City Theatre has been ground zero for the performing arts in the East Kootenay for a quarter of a century — and has functioned as such as a not-for-profit organization.
“Everybody sees the Key City Theatre as a business, but in fact it is a not-for-profit,” said Managing Director Olstead. “This speaks to the success of the place, but also to the community effort it takes to keep it in its place of prominence. Every little piece of the puzzle has to work.”
Olstead said that in a community the size of Cranbrook, the contribution of the volunteers cannot be overstated. “In a bigger city, you don’t see the community involvement that you do here.”
“There are a lot of different levels of support, beyond just selling tickets,” he added. The City of Cranbrook and School District 5, for instance, give considerable yearly donations.