Supporters packed the Lyle Victor Albert Centre for a celebration of the past and a look into the future.
The farewell tour has officially started, as the community gathered at the centre on Saturday, Jan. 27 for the first benefit concert in support of the new theatre fund.
To kick things off, the building's eponym shared his thoughts on the demolition.
“It's sad, but, when you think about it, it's not that sad. The building will be gone, but I'm still here. I'll take that trade-off any day,” Lyle Victor Albert laughed.
When the decision was made on the name of the centre, Albert wasn't sure if he had done enough to warrant that level of recognition in the community.
In the midst of a career that has seen him produce nine plays performed across the globe, Albert took the time to reflect on where it all started.
“When this happened in 1985, I thought ‘whoa, this is a little pre-mature, I'm just starting out.' What I really appreciate about it, is if this place hadn't existed in high school, who knows what I would have done. I've had a career with many ups and downs, and this was a great launching pad,” expressed Albert.
The playwright was happy to see the community fill the seats in an effort to raise funds for a replacement facility.
When it opens, Albert hopes the new theatre will continue to provide youth with opportunities like the one he was given.
“It's absolutely essential for kids to have this avenue,” stated Albert. “The arts aren't for everyone. It's a hard life, and there are often dubious financial rewards, but you have to make it available. If you don't make it available, nobody will have a clue what they can do.”
Members of the Bonnyville Fine Arts Society also expressed their sorrow to see the building go, but looked ahead to the future.
They're hoping for continuous support from the community as they work towards providing residents with a theatre that exceeds the standard set by the Lyle Victor Albert Centre.
“This wonderful building has seen so many things happen. It has nurtured so many of our musicians and artists. We are stricken at the thought of losing the building, but so heartened by the support we're getting to create a replacement,” expressed Pat Perry, president of the fine arts society.
The concert was just the first in a series of events set to take place at the Lyle Victor Albert Centre. Carmen Lucia and Robert Adam were the inaugural artists that took to the stage for the benefit.
With ticket sales and proceeds from the silent auction, the organization brought in $5,000 from the evening.
“It's great to see people out and taking an interest. The arts community is alive in Bonnyville and people are digging it,” said Albert.
