After half a century of achievements, a community hub in Antigonish is going to celebrate reaching a major milestone.

Theatre Antigonish is holding a Gala to help commemorate entertaining audiences for 50 years.

Caleb Marshall, managing director for the theatre tells our newsroom, it’s a chance for community and performers to come together.

“It’s a sort of nostalgic, retrospective, multimedia variety show. I think we have close to- either on stage, joining us virtually, or supporting backstage in production- 50 people who have been involved in previous productions coming together to remount some of their favourite moments,” says Marshall.

He adds, it’s really been exciting watching the company prepare to bring back what he is calling some “amazing moments” from over the years.

“It’s going to be a lot of reunion and nostalgia on stage as well,” says Marshall.

What to expect

The evening will start off with a reception for those in the audience and a silent auction fundraiser with donations from local artists and businesses.

Then there will be a tribute to five decades of performances.

In addition to that, Marshall says, they will be announcing the launch of a podcast serious that will have interviews from all five artistic directors from the 50-year span at Theatre Antigonish.

“So, it will be a five-episode series where we really get to hear the voice of the people who guided the different eras of our history and the various challenges they maneuvered.”

Rich history

Theatre Antigonish has been a deep part of the community for decades.

Marshall says the community really rallies around it and it is a place where some big names got their start including MP Seamus O’Regan, Nancy Regan and folk artist, Mary Jane Lamond.

“I’ve been here almost a year and it’s been incredibly exciting to join in an anniversary year, to learn this rich history and to find opportunities to celebrate and raise the profile,” says Marshall.

He adds, there’s really no end to the number of people in the community sharing their stories.

As for what makes Theatre Antigonish special, Marshall says that boils down to the collaboration between theatre, Festival Antigonish and the St. FX University.

“It makes this an incredibly special place where anyone, regardless of age level or experience, can find their touch point,” says Marhsall.

He says that’s what drew him to the position and community.

“Where you have a chance to impact and support the entire theatre ecosystem for anyone who’s interested. We’ll celebrate that on Saturday.”

The Gala is at the Bauer Theatre at St. FX., 6:45 p.m., Saturday.