September 3, 2004

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What wonderful news for Calgary and the Showcase Grand Theatre. The Historical Society of Calgary had fought for years to save , not only, the Lougheed Building, but also, the Showcase Grand Theatre/ Cinema. The life of this incredible and stately old building was in jeapordy for many years because , although it is over 80 years old, the City of Calgary had not designated it an Historical Building. The owner wanted to sell the building, or tear it down and build a new glass tower 33 stories high.

The Historical Society never gave up hope that this piece of Calgary history would be saved. All it needed was someone to care enough to want to save it. Finally, that person stepped forward in the form of Neil Richardson, president of Heritage Property Corporation. Neil had to convince the City that this building was worth saving, and restoring. With the help of Madeline King (Alderman for the area) the project was okayed.

Today, David and I were invited to attend a celebration at the Grand. To celebrate a whole new life for the Showcase Grand. Theatre Junction is a live theatre group that, for many years, were housed in the Dr. Betty Mitchell theatre in the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. . The 'Jube' is closed now for extensive renovations and Theatre Junction needed to relocate. Mark Lawes, the Artistic Director, has decided to make the Grand the new home for Theatre Junction.

The plan is to have a 'theatre school' in the upstairs theatre and live theatre in the lower theatre. This was the most exciting news we had heard in such a long time. The Grand will be brought to life once again. She began as a live theatre in 1912 and will return to her roots. The lobby will be restored to it's former glory. It will be a dream come true for those who love the lady known as the Showcase Grand.

Who knows what will lie in the future for this establishment? The possibilities are endless! Maybe film festivals could be held here. After all, the Grand is in the very heart of Calgary. Any person, in any quadrant of our growing city can get to the Grand by using public transit, or parking at the Bay Parkade, James Short or any one of the numerous parking areas downtown .

We fully intend to purchase season's tickets to attend Theatre Junctions programmes....and recommend that you do too!! Keep live theatre alive in downtown Calgary. It will keep downtown Calgary 'alive'.