Look who's played

our stage!

Bette MacDonald

Hot Toddy

Ian Sherwood

Rob Hanna

George Canyon

Stan Carew

The Music Man

(a 4Cs production)

Anne of Green Gables

(MRHS Drama Club)

Joe Murphy and The

WaterStreet Blues Band

Excerpts below are from an article in the February 2010 issue of The TownCryer News, written by TownCryer editor Ellen McFetridge.

After driving more than 20 hours from a gig in Ontario, Pete Best, original drummer for the Beatles, and his road-weary band mates arrived in Musquodoboit well after midnight on Sept. 14, 1996. Best of the Beatles was scheduled to present to a sold-out audience at the Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre that evening.  As the musicians crawled out of their van, the keyboardist looked at the building and groaned, “We're playing in a barn?”

Outwardly, with its gambrel roof, the theatre does have a barn-like appearance. But, once folks pass through its double front doors, they realize they have entered a place that has special significance for the people of this area.

Memories started being made when the building (first known as the I.O.O.F. Hall, Craigmyle Lodge #141, Independent Order of Odd Fellows) was under construction in 1928. For 50 years, members of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs successfully managed to utilize the building to its full potential. School concerts, variety shows, along with movies and Chautauqua Circuit performances appeared on the stage of the 325-seat theatre. Don Messer, Wilf Carter and Doc and Chicky Williams were among the headliners back in the day.

On the main floor, invitational dances, meetings, receptions and community suppers kept the building busy. The installation of two bowling allies in the basement further enticed area residents to rely upon this centre for their entertainment needs.

Over time, however, Lodge membership dwindled and the building fell in to disrepair. In 1981, the group struck an agreement with the Middle Musquodoboit Community Hall Association and the building sold for $1, with the understanding that if the building ceased to function or operate for any reason, it would be returned to “the Odd Fellows of this Valley.” more history>>

After significant renovations, John Allen Cameron, a.k.a. Godfather of Celtic Music in Canada, was the first performer to step onto the stage of the newly renamed "Musquodoboit Valley Bicentennial Theatre and Cultural Centre" during the official opening on Feb. 16, 1985.  Since, top East Coast and Canadian musicians have followed: Prime Minister of the Blues, Dutch Mason, Matt Minglewood, Natalie MacMaster, Ashley McIsaac, Valdy, Murray McLaughlin, The Rankins, Symphony Nova Scotia and Rita McNeil to name but a few.
		John Allen Cameron

 

"To find a support system for the arts like this, out here in the valley, impresses the touring artist. Thank you for a fine evening and for the reception."  Valdy

.

Valdy

Since 1985, audiences have also enjoyed productions presented by: Mulgrave Road Theatre Neptune Theatre Two Planks and a Passion Mermaid Theatre, and Maritime Marionettes.   Dinner theatre events and summer Ceilidhs were crowd pleasers - all of this accomplished by a small group of volunteers and community-minded people who donated a lot of time and energy into keeping the theatre alive.

Matt Minglewood

"Hi Everyone,        Thank you so much for your Royal         Treatment when we performed at your        venue May 6th, 2010.         We had a lot of fun and it was a         pleasure meeting everyone!         THANKS!"                                      Christina Martin

One only has to go backstage and view the signatures of past performers scrawled there to glimpse this building's proud history. A tradition that is believed to have started as far back as the early 1930s is still carried on today. After performers leave the stage, they sign the wall. The massive back stage collection of signatures is testimony to the commitment our community theatre has to the performing arts.

Besides bringing in professional shows, the Board of Directors has continually offered a venue for local talent. Fiddling champ, Kirk Logan, of Upper Musquodoboit, worked with the Theatre's board in 1996 to establish a contest that would encourage young and old fiddlers alike to improve their performance skills. Participants from all over the Maritime Provinces have since continually supported this top-notch event (Kirk Logan Old Time Fiddling Contest) held annually on the last Saturday of September.

In recent years, through the 4Cs Foundation (Creative Connections between Children and their Community) another generation is being encouraged to develop their skills and understand the importance of having a facility such as the Bicentennial Theatre in their community.  

From the drop curtain, painted in 1896 by theatre artist, William Gill, to the moose head that hangs in the Theatre's entrance, the building is a testimony to the dedication this community demonstrates in support of the performing arts.  

"Wonderful hospitality! Beautiful theatre!

Hope to come back again."

Rita McNeil

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We strive to present music and drama that will enlighten and entertain all who pass through our doors. If you have any suggestions as to who we should have perform on our stage, please contact the Theatre Office.

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