Richmond Hill
March 5 2009, 2008 By: Adam Mc Lean www.yorkregion.com
The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts opens
Richmond Hill changed forever on Saturday night.
After a long wait filled with palpable anticipation, the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts' marquee beamed proudly alongside spotlights prowling the Saturday night sky to mark the new theatre's opening night. The curtain rose not just to a new playhouse, but a new Richmond Hill.
Politicians, performers and patrons who had been heralding what the theatre could one day become for Richmond Hill were not disappointed, on the historic night when all could celebrate a new chapter in the arts in the community.
Smiling faces from ear to ear, heart-felt handshakes, hugs, flash bulbs darting from every corner of the theatre's sprawling lobby; it was easy to gauge the significance of this evening for everyone in attendance. From the moment the house lights came up on the sold-out auditorium, the town's cultural landscape would never be the same.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Hon. David C. Onley, addressed the capacity crowd from the stage and expressed accolades to all those involved with theatre and what the evening's performance had brought so far.
"I am delighted to be here for this theatre's opening and I very much look forward to coming back," Lt.-Gov. Onley said.
"This is a remarkable achievement and it brings a key gathering place to Richmond Hill. Shakespeare once said, 'what is the building but for the people'. Long may you all enjoy this theatre and for the many generations to come," he added.
The performance was kicked off with two renditions of O Canada, one in English and one in French, sung by the Bayview Secondary School's concert choir, featuring local singer Kaylah Paquette as lead and the Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra.
The grand rendition set the tone for the evening, causing a remark to the audience from the lieutenant governor: "have you ever heard a better rendition of O Canada in your life?"
The national anthem was also the first public performance by the full Richmond Hill Philharmonic Orchestra. Those members and the new $105,000 Steinway piano, donated by Arts Richmond Hill, would feature prominently throughout the evening as their sweet tones and rhythms delighted all in the auditorium.
Headline performer and Broadway star Louise Pitre when addressing the media before the show proclaimed that she was "going to sing her guts out tonight" and she delivered on her promise.
Taking to the stage decked in a tux and tails, she was like a ball of fire throughout the evening, passionately performing many songs including 'When you're smiling', Edith Piaf's 'Le Vie en Rose' and 'The Winner Takes it All' from Mama Mia, which Ms Pitre has performed on Broadway and was nominated for a Tony award.
She addressed the crowd on numerous occasions stating it was her honour to be a part of such a grand event.
"Who is building theatres right now? This is amazing," Ms Pitre proclaimed from centre stage.
"It is a rare chance to perform at a theatre opening like this and this place looks amazing. You can't help but stand back and think 'oh my god'. Just promise you will have me back," she added, receiving many cheers from the audience.
Also gracing the stage were unique and enchanting performances by Dancetheatre David Earle, ten performers who combined strength, grace and motion into a cohesive display of modern dance.
A troupe of Toronto vocalists provided a light-hearted and comical aspect to the show, singing songs about movie cliches. They even performing a tune dedicated to the opening of the performing arts centre which included the line, 'so, the theatre is finally open, what do ya know' in reference to this opening being pushed back on two occasions. The line prompted some hoots and a healthy applause from the crowd.
But the biggest laugh of the night came from Mayor Dave Barrow, who told the audience he had rented the tux he was wearing four months ago and that the rental store is probably looking for him.
The show ended with Mayor Barrow and theatre steering committee chairperson Councillor Arnie Warner addressing those in attendance.
"This theatre is for each and every one of us," he proclaimed, presenting 'the key to the theatre' to Mayor Barrow.
The mayor, in turn, presented the key to the young singer Kaylah Paquette, representing youth and the future of Richmond Hill.
"This is for you Kaylah," Mayor Barrow said.
"And this is for all the residents and the young people like you. We want you to dance, sing, play, paint, create and perform. This is your theatre and we want you to enjoy it," he added in a touching moment.
Confetti and streamers then fell from the ceiling and beach ball-sized balloons decorated with the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts logo came tumbling down the aisles, bouncing off the heads of patrons. The party was on and the performing arts centre was off and running.
Theatre manager Michael Grit was like a proud father following the show, thanking patrons for being in attendance, his face sporting a grin.
"This building is great and I am very excited to see what it will grow to be. I think we showed people just what we are capable of pulling off here. We are a world class facility and tonight was a world class performance.
"This is the first day of the next 100 years and tonight it was remarkable to see our building really come to life," Mr. Grit added.
Patrons who spilled into the lobby also gave the theatre an A plus across the board.
"It was stellar. Just a gorgeous performance and what a great building. This has been truly enjoyable," Richmond Hill resident Brenda Hebert said.
"Louise was phenomenal. She is such a class act and the theatre is a class act. All the singers and dancers just added to this fantastic experience. It is a great start for the theatre," said patron Manny Sousa attending with his wife Helena.
Former mayor William F. Bell was among those in attendance. The longtime supporter of a performing arts centre said he was happy to see the event take place.
"This is like a dream come true for a lot of people in our town. And the theatre will no doubt go a long way to revitalize the downtown core. This is exactly what we wanted," Mr. Bell said.
It had been a long wait for many, including 90-year-old Richmond Hill resident Bill Schurman, who was chatting up a storm as he waited to retrieve his jacket from coat-check.
"The theatre is beautiful, what a wonderful thing. I am going to come back as often as I can for as long as I can," the long time resident said.
Echoed Mayor Barrow: "You can see it all over people's faces tonight that so many are excited and can't wait to see what this building becomes. This has changed Richmond Hill and it will provide so much for a long time."
Curtain's up, the magic begins.
For more information regarding the theatre and tickets for future performances visit www.richmondhill.ticketwindow.ca or call 905-787-8811.
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