CHAT News File Photo

By Chris Brown

Three new main theatre shows announced

‘We’re back’: Esplanade calendar filling up fast

Nov 3, 2021 | 2:17 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Tickets go on sale Friday for three main theatre shows at the Esplanade announced earlier this week.

Add to that the first main theatre show of this re-opening next week and the city’s manager of cultural experiences and events sums up the Esplanade in two words – “We’re back.”

“It’s very exciting to be again offering a variety of experiences for our community and what we’re finding is you know week by week there’s less hesitancy and more confidence from the community in terms of ticket sales and entering the facilities and things like that,” Aaron Nelson says. “We feel that we’re creeping towards normal-ish here which is really exciting.

Four performances of the Christmas favourite The Nutcracker in December and February shows from Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and Tebey were just announced for the big stage.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

21h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The Washboard Union and Dallas Green will play the stage on Nov. 9 and Nov. 20.

Nelson says ticket sales have been good for both those shows and expects they’ll get stronger as the dates get closer.

“Those will be really big ones,” he says, adding he thinks there will be a lot of smiles those nights. “We all know that it’s such a treasure to have the facility in our community so to see it full of people and listening to that music will be great.”

There have already been two On-Stage Series shows with more to come and there’s a screening of the film Abducted, starring Medicine Hat’s Joel Oulette, on Nov. 6. On Thursdays, the Esplanade has hosted a variety of Pay What You Will experiences such as Improv Jam and Paint Box nights and two art exhibitions have been in the gallery since September.

Nelson says people have been jubilant about getting back into the Esplanade and there’s a buoyant spirit among the staff and volunteers. He says volunteers have missed the interactions with the community.

“Our volunteers are very excited to be back and of course the staff,” he says. “We work in community development. We really enjoy interacting with our community so there’s that real renewed sense of purpose I think.”

Anyone who wants to attend any show or event should remember the Esplanade is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program.

Visit the Esplanade website for ticket information and more on upcoming shows and programs.