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Our story
90 Years of Curtain Calls
From a silent-movie house to the Alberni Valley’s home of the performing arts.
The Port Theatre, 1914
Before the Capitol, there was the Port Theatre on First Avenue, across from Alberni Hardware. Jack Warren opened it in 1914. It seated 200, showed films every Wednesday and Saturday night, and an Edison cylinder gramophone supplied the music for the silent pictures.
The Capitol opens, 1936
Talking pictures arrived in 1929. In the hard years of the mid-1930s, Jack Warren saw the need for a larger, modern theatre and bought the corner of Fourth Avenue and Argyle Street in 1934. He died in December 1935 and never saw it open. His wife Louise and son Harold took over.
The Capitol Theatre opened on May 16, 1936, with Bette Davis in Dangerous. A 1937 newspaper called it a “community asset,” with 500 seats, air conditioning, a modern sound system and a large chesterfield in the foyer. It ran as a cinema until the late 1970s.
Portal Players is born, 1978
In the fall of 1978, about twenty Port Alberni residents met in the North Island College gymnasium to talk about forming a drama group. Among them were Allan Markin, Gordon Scoffield, John Andrews, Margita Hartman, David Lord and Pam Aspinall. The college gym became their first stage, with risers built for effect and the staff room serving as the green room. Admission was free at first.
Through the 1980s the company staged production after production, including Funeral Tea, Street of Dreams, A Family Christmas (1984), a sold-out The Odd Couple (1985), Sing A Song of Sixpence (1986) and Cheating Cheaters (1988). Portal Players competed in the North Island Zone Theatre BC festivals, winning praise for “thoroughly professional backstage skills” and individual awards.
Buying the Capitol, 1989
Looking for a bigger home, the members set their sights on the old Capitol. In 1989, against the better judgment of some, they bought it, and never looked back. The roof was repaired, dressing and makeup rooms were built, the washrooms rebuilt, and lighting and sound installed. It took more than $150,000 in grants and donations, eight months and countless volunteer hours. Project manager Maurice Farn called it “the impossible dream.”
The new home opened on September 27, 1989, with Something’s Afoot, followed that Christmas by The Red Shoes, the first show to use the new curtains.
The 1990s and beyond
Highlights include Harvey, which drew a record 750 patrons despite a blizzard on opening night, Mark of Cain (1994), Beauty and the Beast, and Opening Night, winner of three awards at the 1993 North Island Zone Drama Festival.
A later bequest from Helen Ford funded a major renovation of the front of house, now the Helen Ford Lobby.
Adapted from Portal Players Dramatic Society and the Capitol Theatre: A Brief History, a 20th-anniversary project (1999). With thanks to the Alberni Valley Museum & Photographic Archives, Joan Frohn-Nielsen, Pam Aspinall, Cindy Solda and Harold Warren.
Since 1988
Past seasons
Plays, musicals, pantos, one-acts, readings and festival entries staged by Portal Players over the decades.
This list is extensive, but it may not be complete. Know of a production we’ve missed, or spot a name or date to correct? Please email capitoltheatre@shaw.ca so we can add it.
1988
- March/April 1988Move Over Mrs. Markhamby Ray Cooney & John Chapman · directed by Mildred Farn & Myrna Cain · North Island College Playhouse
1991
- February 1991Visit to a Small Planetby Gore Vidal · directed by Jack Ashbridge
- May 1991Honestly Nowby Jack Sharkey · directed by Jack Ashbridge
- October/November 1991The Mousetrapby Agatha Christie · directed by Erica Gray
1992
- December 1991/January 1992Aladdinby Norman Robbins · directed by Pam Aspinall
- April 1992The Foxby Alan Miller, from the novel by D.H. Lawrence · directed by Wilf Caron · our entry in the 1992 North Island Zone Drama Festival, performed April 13 at Cedar Community Hall, hosted by Yellow Point Drama Club
1993
Hosted the North Island Zone Drama Festival at The Capitol Theatre, April 25 to May 1
- April/May 1993Opening Nightby Norm Foster · directed by Cindy N. Solda · our festival entry, which opened the festival on April 25. Ten productions took the Capitol stage, marking the 60th anniversary of Zone Festivals and Mainstage as Theatre BC events. Annie Humphries-Loutit won Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role.
- October/November 1993I Ought to Be in Picturesby Neil Simon · directed by Cindy N. Solda
1994
- January 1994Sing a Song of Sixpenceby Norman Robbins · directed by Pam Aspinall
- February 1994Captain Stamp Visits the Rain Forestby Portal Players Dramatic Society, with selected readings from Bill Richardson’s Bachelor Brothers’ Bed & Breakfast by Sandy McRuer, and How You Play the Game, an original play by PPDS member Robert Gunn · a wrap-up to Heritage Week
- April/May 1994Mark of Cainby Jesse Beers Jr. · directed by Cindy N. Solda · our entry in the 1994 North Island Zone Drama Festival, performed May 27 at the Village Theatre in Qualicum, hosted by E.C.H.O. Players. Three awards: Best Supporting Actor (Jamie Bracht), Best Technical Production, and Best Graphic Design for program and T-shirts (Kim Schroeder).
- August 1994Snow White & the Seven Dwarfsby Maurice Berger · directed by Cindy N. Solda
1995
- February 1995Beauty & the Beastby Jesse Beers Jr. · directed by Cindy N. Solda
- March/April 1995The Wild Guysby Andrew Wreggitt & Rebecca Shaw · directed by Erica Watson · our entry in the 1995 North Island Zone Drama Festival, performed May 21 at the Bailey Studio Theatre, hosted by the Nanaimo Theatre Group
- November 1995I Take This Manby Jack Sharkey · directed by Diena Geertsema
- December 1995Frosty the Snowmanby William Francis · directed by Misty Knight
1996
- January/February 1996Hickory Dickory Dockby Norman Robbins · directed by Pam Aspinall
- April/May 1996On Tidy Endingsby Harvey Fierstein · directed by Cindy N. Solda
1997
- March 1997Job’s Wife and Laughs, Etc.two one-act plays by Yvette Nolan and James Leo Herlihy · directed by Diane Morrison, Susan Gauthier & Diena Geertsema
- May 1997A Moon for the Misbegottenby Eugene O’Neill · directed by Dori McGarrigle
- October/November 1997The Odd Coupleby Neil Simon · directed by Ray Noble · our entry in the 1998 North Island Zone Drama Festival, performed May 18, 1998 at the Village Theatre in Qualicum, hosted by E.C.H.O. Players
1998
- January 1998Sleeping Beautyby Norman Robbins · directed by Pam Aspinall
- May 1998The Melville Boysby Norm Foster · our entry in the 1998 North Island Zone Drama Festival, performed May 22 at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River, hosted by River City Players
- September 1998Everything I Learned… Kindergartendirected by Erica Watson
1999
- February 1999Arsenic and Old Lacedirected by Scott Lowe
- May 1999Steel Magnoliasdirected by Erica Watson
2000
After this production, Portal Players went on hiatus as The Capitol Theatre entered its most significant renovation to date.
- January 2000Humpty Dumptyby Norman Robbins · directed by Pam Aspinall
2004
- February 2004Aladdin (panto)directed by Scott Lowe
- May/June 2004The Butler Did It
- August 2004Shakespeare Lite for a Mid-Sommer’s Nite
2004–05
- September 2004Move Over Mrs. Markhamdirected by Peter Wienold
- December 2004Battle of the BandsDecember 11, 2004, organized by Robyn Mayr
- December 2004A Christmas Carol readingwith CBC Radio, December 18
- February 2005Sing a Song of Sixpence (panto)directed by Scott Lowe
- May 2005Lemonade and Home at SixHome at Six went to festival in Qualicum
- June 2005Rehearsal for Murderdirected by Scott Lowe
2005–06
Hosted the 2006 Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival
- September 2005Rumorsdirected by Peter Wienold
- November/December 2005Mirrorsone-act play, in a December double bill with A Lass Unparalleled
- January/February 2006The Sleeping Beauty (panto)directed by Scott Lowe
- May 2006Miserydirected by Wendy Karpuik · festival entry
- August 2005Hillbilly Weddingdirected by Elliot Drew
2006–07
- September 2006Self Helpdirected by Peter Wienold
- November/December 2006Six one-act playsthree per night
- March 2007Home Groan Variety Show
- May 2007Sinnersdirected by Cindy N. Solda · to festival in Nanaimo
- July 2007Puss in Boots (panto)directed by Scott Lowe
2007–08
- September 2007And Then There Were Nonedirected by Scott Lowe
- November 2007Director’s Workshop One-Act Play Seriesincluding The Marriage Proposal, Ballerinas (female version) and Smoking Pistols
- February 2008Jesus Christ Superstardirected by Cindy N. Solda
- May 2008The Dinner Partydirected by Peter Wienold · to festival in Courtenay
2008–09
Hosted the 2009 Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival
- September 2008Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaiidirected by Peter Wienold
- November 2008Plaza Suitevarious directors
- November 2008Ballerinasone-act festival · directed by Elliot Drew
- February 2009Accomplicedirected by Scott Lowe
- May 2009Lootdirected by Debra & Derek Burke · festival entry
- July/August 2009Treasure Island: The Pantodirected by Elliot Drew
2009–10
- October 2009The Rocky Horror Showdirected by Cindy N. Solda
- December 2009STAGES: The Works
- February 2010Nude with Violindirected by Debra & Derek Burke
- May 2010The Glass Menageriedirected by Scott Lowe · to festival in Qualicum
- May 2010STAGES: The Death & Life of Sneaky Fitchdirected by Teresa Drew
2010–11
Hosted the 2011 Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival
- September 2010Noises Offdirected by Peter Wienold
- November 2010One-act play seriesThis Is a Play, Overtones and The Still Alarm
- December 2010STAGES: The Works: Changing Channelswith Capitol GLEE
- February 2011Jack and the Beanstalk (panto)directed by Scott Lowe
- May 2011The Importance of Being Earnestdirected by Debra & Derek Burke · festival entry
- May 2011Capitol GLEE year-end concert
- June 2011STAGES: The Cremation of Sam McGeedirected by Teresa Drew
2011–12
- September 2011Les Belles-Sœursdirected by Debra & Derek Burke
- February/March 2012Suds: The Musical Soap Operathe rocking ’60s musical soap opera · directed by Blaine Ronning · musical director Sandy Bouleau
- May/June 2012Greater Tunaby Jaston Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard · directed by Peter Wienold · starring Elliot Drew, Terry Switzer & Peter Wienold · our entry in the North Island Zone Drama Festival, Courtenay, May 16
- July 2012Four one-act playsFawlty Towers: A Touch of Class (directed by Jose Araujo), Fourteen by Alice Gerstenberg (directed by John Milne), Legend by Floyd Dell (directed by Andrea Markiewicz) and Chekhov’s The Bear (directed by Chris Arthurs) · produced by Debra & Derek Burke
2012–13
- October 2012The Mousetrapby Agatha Christie, in the play’s 60th anniversary year · directed by Scott Lowe · produced by Brent Ronning · with a special Halloween night
- December 2012STAGES: The Works: The History of…
- December 2012GLEE concert
- February 2, 2013An Evening Out: Dennis Olsen
- February/March 2013Reefer Madnessbook by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney, music by Dan Studney, lyrics by Kevin Murphy · directed by Chris Arthurs · produced by Megan Cathers · musical director Sandy Bouleau
- April/May 2013The Attic, the Pearls & 3 Fine Girlsby Jennifer Brewin, Leah Cherniak, Alisa Palmer, Ann-Marie MacDonald & Martha Ross · directed by Debra & Derek Burke · starring Melanie Anderson, Teresa Drew & Debra Hamilton · to festival in Nanaimo
- June 2013STAGES: Rumpelstiltskindirected by Teresa Drew
- June 2013Ballerinas (male version)directed by Melanie Anderson
2013–14
- September/October 2013Let’s Murder Marshaby Monk Ferris · directed by David McGarry · produced by Brent Ronning
- October 19, 2013An Evening Out: The Mallons
- November 2013Three one-act playsZelda: The Last Flapper by William Luce (directed by Brent Ronning, starring Debra Hamilton), Birth of Releasing Light Kreations (created and performed by Nuu-chah-nulth artist Jason Titian) and Smoke Scenes by Nick Zagone (directed and performed by Carrera Schroeder & Cody Taylor) · produced by Chris Arthurs
- December 2013STAGES: The Works: In the News
- December 2013GLEE concert
- February/March 2014The Wizard of Ozby L. Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company · directed by Elliot Drew & Denis Levasseur · produced by Suzanne Levasseur
- April 2014STAGES: Little Womendirected by Teresa Drew
- May 2014Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Deanby Ed Graczyk · directed by Derek & Debra Burke · produced by Brent Ronning · our official entry in the 2014 North Island Zone Drama Festival, Qualicum
- June 2014STAGES: The Big Bad
2014–15
Hosted the 2015 Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival
- October 2014The Woman in Blackby Susan Hill, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt · directed by David McGarry · with a special Halloween performance
- December 2014STAGES: The Works: STAGES Has Talent!
- December 2014GLEE concert
- February/March 2015Seussical the Musicalmusic by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, based on the works of Dr. Seuss · directed by Elliot Drew
- April 2015STAGES: But Why Bump Off Barnaby?directed by Teresa Drew
- May 2015Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?by Edward Albee · directed by Scott Lowe · our official entry in the 2015 North Island Zone Drama Festival, hosted at The Capitol Theatre
- June 2015STAGES year-end show: Blellow
2015–16
- November 2015A Closer Walk with Patsy Clineby Dean Regan · directed by Peter Wienold & Denis Levasseur · featuring Kerri Shannon as Patsy Cline
- February 2016Five Women Wearing the Same Dressby Alan Ball · directed by Naomi Boutwell
- March 2016STAGES: The Diary of Anne Frankdirected by Teresa Drew
- April/May 2016Someone Who’ll Watch Over Meby Frank McGuinness · directed by Carrera Schroeder · produced by Brent Ronning · our official entry in the 2016 North Island Zone Drama Festival, Campbell River
2016–17
- November 2016The Witchesby Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood · directed by Naomi Boutwell · produced by Brent Ronning
- December 2016/January 2017Musical Memoriescelebrating 80 years at The Capitol Theatre · directed by Peter Wienold
- February/March 2017The Foreignerby Larry Shue · directed by Chris Arthurs · produced by Megan Arthurs
- April/May 2017STAGES: Anne of Green Gablesdirected by Teresa Drew · festival in Courtenay
2017–18
- October 2017The Actor’s Nightmare and Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for Youcomedy double feature: two one-act plays by Christopher Durang · directed by Belinda Williams · produced by Dale Hillman · our official entry in the 2017 Vancouver Island One-Act Play Festival
- January 2018The SCENEiors Projectcoordinated & directed by Naomi Boutwell
- February/March 2018NunsensationsDan Goggin’s Nunsense Vegas revue · directed by Kerry Robertson · produced by Andrea Markiewicz
- April 2018STAGES: The Jungle Bookdirected by Teresa Drew
- May 2018The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]by Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield · directed by Naomi Boutwell · produced by Brent Ronning · our official entry in the 2018 North Island Zone Drama Festival, Nanaimo
2018–19
Portal Players and the North Island Zone hosted Theatre BC Mainstage 2019 in Port Alberni, July
- October/November 2018Little Shop of Horrorsbook and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken · directed by Carrera Schroeder · opened with a fundraising gala and the reveal of our new mainstage curtains
- November 2018Two one-act playsincluding This Is a Play, directed by Nicole Saugstad
- February/March 2019Lookingby Norm Foster · directed by Jacqollyne Keath · produced by Peter Wienold & Nicole Saugstad
- April/May 2019Sistersby Wendy Lill · directed by Brent Ronning · produced by hinatinyis · our official entry in the 2019 North Island Zone Drama Festival
2019–20
40th anniversary season
- October/November 2019Mamma Mia!our 40th anniversary season opener · music and lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, book by Catherine Johnson · directed by Cindy N. Solda · produced by Peter Wienold with Andrea Markiewicz
- February/March 2020Shadow of Murderby Elizabeth Elwood · directed by Jacqollyne Keath · produced by Nicole Saugstad
- April 2020I Ought to Be in Picturesdirected by Diena Tyne · cast and rehearsed, but cancelled by COVID-19
2020–21
41st anniversary season
- No productionsthe season of COVID-19
2021–22
42nd anniversary season
- October 2021The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)Portal Players returns: a remount of our 2018 festival award-winner · by Adam Long, Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield · directed by Naomi Boutwell · produced by Megan Arthurs
2022–23
43rd anniversary season
- December 2022A Christmas Carola special reading of the Dickens classic, December 17 · with pictures with Santa and a reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, December 10, 11, 17 & 18
- February 2023I Take This Manby Jack Sharkey · directed by Diena Tyne · produced by Nicole Foster
- April/May 2023I Hate Hamletby Paul Rudnick · directed by L’Rae Whipple · produced by Nicole Foster · our official entry in the 2023 North Island Zone Drama Festival
- May/June 2023STAGES: Sense and Sensibilityby Kate Hamill · directed by Gabrielle Eyford
- June 2023STAGES: Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine and Five Unlikely Superheroesby Michael Druce and Gabrielle Eyford · directed by Gabrielle Eyford
2023–24
44th anniversary season · Hosted the 2024 Theatre BC North Island Zone Drama Festival at The Capitol Theatre, May
- November/December 2023My Narrator and The Exquisite Hourtwo plays in one night: one-act plays by Norm Foster (directed by Diena Tyne) and Stewart Lemoine (directed by Liane Fitzpatrick) · produced by Peter Wienold & Liane Fitzpatrick · both also entered in the Vancouver Island One Act Play Festival, January 11, 2024
- March 2024Calendar Girlsby Tim Firth · directed by Liane Fitzpatrick · produced by Nicole Foster
- May 2024The Pillowmanby Martin McDonagh · directed by Nicole Foster · produced by Liane Fitzpatrick · our official entry in the 2024 North Island Zone Drama Festival, hosted at The Capitol Theatre
2024–25
45th anniversary season
- November 2024God of Carnageby Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton · directed by Brent Ronning
- February/March 2025Maggie’s Getting Marriedby Norm Foster · directed by Peter Wienold · produced by Liane Fitzpatrick
- April/May 2025Blackbirdby David Harrower · directed by Robinson Wilson · produced by Liane Fitzpatrick · also our entry in the 2025 North Island Zone Drama Festival, Qualicum Village Theatre, May 15
2025–26
46th anniversary season
- November 2025Always a Bridesmaidby Jones Hope Wooten · produced and directed by Liane Fitzpatrick
- February 2026Sexy Laundryby Michele Riml · directed by Peter Wienold · produced by Liane Fitzpatrick
- April/May 2026Opening Nightby Norm Foster · directed by Diena Tyne & Mary-Ann McGrath · produced by Nicole Foster
2026–27
47th anniversary season · now playing
- Pen Palsdirected by Brent Ronning
- The Golden Anniversariesdirected by Peter Wienold
- Lips Together, Teeth Apartdirected by Diena Tyne
Past musicals
Includes pantomimes.
- 2004 · FebruaryAladdin (panto)
- 2005 · FebruarySing a Song of Sixpence (panto)
- 2006 · January/FebruaryThe Sleeping Beauty (panto)
- 2006 · AugustHillbilly Wedding (panto)
- 2007 · JulyPuss ’n Boots (panto)
- 2008 · FebruaryJesus Christ Superstar
- 2009 · July/AugustTreasure Island (panto)
- 2009 · OctoberThe Rocky Horror Show
- 2011 · FebruaryJack and the Beanstalk (panto)
- 2012 · February/MarchSuds: The Musical Soap Opera
- 2013 · FebruaryReefer Madness
- 2014 · FebruaryThe Wizard of Oz
- 2015 · FebruarySeussical the Musical
- 2015 · October/NovemberA Closer Walk with Patsy Cline
- 2016 · December/JanuaryMusical Memories
- 2018 · February/MarchNunsensations
- 2018 · October/NovemberLittle Shop of Horrors
- 2019 · October/NovemberMamma Mia!