True North takes over Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg - Action News
Home WebMail Thursday, November 14, 2024, 11:29 AM | Calgary | 6.4°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Manitoba

True North takes over Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg

Winnipeg's historic Burton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts has officially been taken over by True North Sports and Entertainment.
The 107-year-old Burton Cummings Theatre is getting a facelift and renewed energy from True North Sports and Entertainment. (Google Street View)

Winnipeg'shistoricBurton Cummings Theatre for the Performing Arts has officially been taken over by True North Sports and Entertainment.

In a news release issued on Monday, True North which owns the MTSCentre and the Winnipeg Jets said that effective April 15 they haveassumed management and operating control of the theatre.

This is a very significant opportunity for us to expand our entertainment footprint in Winnipeg," KevinDonnelly, senior vice president and general manager of the MTS Centre stated in the release.

Burton Cummings Theatre

Originally known as the Walker Theatre, The Burt was constructed in 1906-07 and was part of a circuit through the Red River Valley that brought in Broadway-style shows. It was converted a moviecinema in 1945 and in 1991 it wasreopened as a venue for live performances.

That same year itwas designated a National Historic Site of Canada anda Provincial Heritage Site. And in 2002, it was renamed after former Guess Who lead singer Burton Cummings, whodonateda portion of proceeds from a string ofconcerts at the theatre to helppay down thedebt.

He called the theatre "the windowpane to Winnipegshistoric Exchange District."

Under the leaseagreement, True North willprovideprogramming and entertainment expertise to the 107-year-oldformer vaudevilletheatre.

Donnellysaid True North will tap into its partnerships and promoter relationships to boost the quality of shows to the Burt, as it is commonly known, anddo a number of upgrades tothefacility.

A newly-appointed board has been created to help govern the transition of thetheatre into "this exciting new era of entertainment growth in Winnipeg," stated the release from True North.

The board members are as follows:

  • Jim Ludlow, board chair (president andCEO, True North)
  • Ginette Lavack Walters (CEO, Festival du Voyageur)
  • Carole Vivier (CEO, Manitoba Film & Music)
  • Wayne Jackson (former GM of theBurton Cummings Theatre)
  • Kenny Boyce (manager of films andspecial events, City of Winnipeg)
  • Ross McGowan (CEO, CentreVenture)
  • Paul Jordan, (COO, Forks North Portage Partnership)
  • Wayne Perfumo (VP, Hospitality & Entertainment Services, MB Liquor & Lotteries)
  • David Sherman, past chair (partner inPOP Sports & Entertainment)
  • Kevin Donnelly, Treasurer (senior VPTrue North)