The shows will go on – but not at The Old Roxy in Mount Forest.
Over the past few weeks, the marque disappeared from Mount Forest’s main street location and on Tuesday, a press release stated the venue is officially closed.
For nearly a decade the theatre provided a live venue for shows.
In 2002, the theatre in Mount Forest underwent a million dollar renovation in keeping with its architecture and history as a movie theatre. The addition of 300 new theatre style seats and a bar made the Old Roxy a live entertainment venue.
Many artists performed on the stage, from musicians such as Jann Arden and Blue Rodeo to comics like Brent Butt of Corner Gas.
The release sent to the Wellington Advertiser office via Linda Reader dated Aug. 23 stated the venue averaged 40 shows per year, bringing close to 100,000 visitors to the area.
Concert promoter Richard Sharpe said he regrets the closing and thanked the many fans, businesses, and residents who supported the unique hometown venue since its opening in 2002.
“The Old Roxy has held hundreds of live performances with the best of country, pop, rock and comedy.”
In 2009, the theatre’s economic spin offs benefitted local businesses to the tune of $800,000 according to the Ministry of Tourism’s calculations, and that was $7.2-million since 2002.
Sharpe said “The Old Roxy brand will continue as part of the production company, The Concert Factory. Future performances will be scheduled into other community theatres and venues across the province of Ontario and Canada.”
Sharpe said he following fall acts have been re?located as follows:
– Jason Blaine, Oct. 2, Fergus Grand Theatre, visit www.ferusgrandtheatre.ca;
– Steve Earle, Oct. 15, Drayton Festival Theatre, see www.draytonentertainment.com.
The closing alters reecent arrangements made with Wellington North council regarding outdoor events and the licencing of the building.
In recent months, Sharpe had approached council to hold outdoor concerts at the back of the building in the public parking lot, and for a liquor licence to serve refreshments throughout the building.
In a telephone interview with Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead, it seems those plans are now at an end.
Sharpe could not be reached by telephone to provide additional comments outside of the News release as of the Wellington Advertiser’s deadline
