Celebrate two decades
Sold-out crowd attends Harbourfront Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Gala
All 520 seats were filled at the Harbourfront Theatre Wednesday evening for the celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Summerside venue.
Under the twinkling stage lights promising a kind of magic, all 520 seats were taken at the Harbourfront Theatre Wednesday evening. The celebration marked the 20th anniversary of the theatre and its continued commitment to serve the community of Summerside, by welcoming the best talent of the day onto its boards. Premier Wade MacLauchlan made an appearance to celebrate the milestone year since the theatre first opened its doors and lifted the curtains to the public in 1996.
“This is a testament to the people who put the theatre here in the first place, and to the people who have continued to develop the program and build the following with adherence and leadership,” said MacLauchlan. He added, “The theatre brings people together and helps people to live with a sense of creativity and better quality of life as a cultural centre, and this is very clear with everyone that has come here to celebrate tonight.” The evening featured Island favourites, The Ellis Family Band and Fiddlers’ Sons. Both of these groups have graced the theatre stage numerous times. It was a truly memorable evening for Kay McCardle, 81, of Summerside. Not only did McCardle attend the grand opening of the theatre back in 1996, but also when The Ellis Family Band took centrestage at the venue.
“I came to see The Ellis Family Band perform because they played at my daughter’s wedding,” said McCardle. “It was a very special day and I wanted to relive those moments with their music.” “It started as a dream 30 years ago, and through a lot of work, blood, sweat and tears, it became a reality,” said the theatre’s executive director, Kieran Keller. “We are the ‘biggest little theatre’ on P.E.I. And we serve not only Summerside, but also western P.E.I., proudly.” There are more performances lined up at the theatre for this anniversary year. Visit www. harbourfronttheatre.com for full details.