Jubilee Auditoria
By the mid 1950s, Alberta's theatre and musical community was brimming
with professional caliber and award-winning performers. Following the
Depression and the Second World War, entertainment was once more becoming
an important part of every day life. Despite the trend, Alberta did not
yet have a suitable arts facility capable of meeting the demands of the
performing arts community.
In 1954, Premier Peter C. Manning announced plans to
construct two world-class performing arts facilities in Edmonton and
Calgary. The structures were to be a gift to all Albertans,
commemorating the province's Golden Jubilee in 1955. Construction of the
Northern and Southern Jubilee Auditoria began that summer.
To design the buildings, architects looked at famous
theatres from around the world including the Radio City Music Hall in New
York City. The eventual design included a fan shaped auditorium with a
seating capacity for more than 2,700 people. In the 1950s, the stages were
two of the largest in North America. Opening ceremonies were held in April
1957 and both facilities were operational immediately, each hosting a week
of entertainment to celebrate.
Throughout the years, the Jubilee Auditoria have been host to some of the most
celebrated events to come through Edmonton and Calgary. In 1978, the
northern location was the major hosting venue for the Commonwealth games.
During this time, Queen Elizabeth II made an appearance in the theatre and
her son, Prince Charles, was awarded an honorary doctorate. Dozens of
Broadway musicals have made their way through Alberta via these facilities
and popular entertainers such as Jay Leno and Bill Cosby have given
performances.
The Southern Jubilee Auditorium is home to the Calgary
Opera and the Alberta Ballet, with its northern counterpart playing host
to similar performances throughout the year.
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