Curtain call for The Showcase Centre

The Showcase Centre will be closing its doors at the end of May. Director of the Grande Prairie Performing Arts Guild Lane Smith says there are a number of things that have led to the decision.
 
“The economy has certainly played a part in that and perhaps a number of other factors too. We did our very best to continue to provide top quality entertainment and we feel very confident that we did that; however, there just comes a time when we need to pay attention to paying the bills.”
 
Their lease for the theatre on 102nd Avenue is up soon, and then it will be back in the hands of The Community Village. In the meantime, Smith says they have a lot of unsung heroes to be thankful for.
 
“I think there’s been a lot of folks over the years that have put a lot of time and effort into it and thank goodness we’ve had such tremendous volunteers and actors and performers that have gotten involved with us. We thank all of our patrons and sponsors. We wish we could continue on but it just can’t happen.”
 
The final two productions of the season have been cancelled to make sure everything is settled up. Fans who want to say their goodbyes will have a chance at the last showings of Buying the Moose this weekend and an IGNITE fundraiser in April. Season ticket holders can have their outstanding tickets transferred to those shows, or get reimbursed through the box office.