From the Heart:
Keep the Memories Alive
Key City Theatre is more than a stage, it’s where memories are made and stories unfold. From first recitals to wedding vows, from community musicals to world-class performances, this theatre has been at the heart of countless moments that connect and inspire us all.
As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep the lights shining and the creativity thriving. Your donation helps us continue creating those unforgettable moments for families, artists, and audiences today and for generations to come.
Give from the heart. Help us keep the memories alive.
Writing from the Heart
I'm writing from the heart.
My connection with Key City Theatre began long before I ever worked here. I still remember bringing my two-year-old daughter to see The Teletubbies on stage back in 1999. A couple of years later, she played the Bluthner grand piano, dressed as a cowgirl, for her very first piano recital. She watched Lillix perform here and when she was seven, she had the thrill of stepping into the spotlight in her first of many Mount Baker musical, Les Misérables.
Fast forward twenty-plus years, and that same stage became the place where she said “I do.” A place so filled with memories and meaning that she and her husband knew it was the perfect spot to begin their new life together. Now she’s a drama teacher at Mount Baker, bringing two large productions to this very stage every year, continuing the legacy of creativity and community that Key City Theatre has nurtured for decades.
This stage holds decades of memories for me personally, and for countless others. I love working here and being part of the incredible privilege of keeping the creation of memories alive.
But we simply can’t do it alone. Key City Theatre is a registered charity and a not-for-profit organization. Everything we do—every concert, musical, art show, festival, and youth program—depends on the generous support of donors like you.
So many of our supporters have their own stories here. Maybe you watched your child’s first dance recital, saw Jann, or Burton, or Kris or the Sheepdogs under our lights, or shared a first date in our seats. Key City Theatre forms the cornerstone of meaningful connections, shared experiences and the place people come to be happy
Please donate today, and help us keep the memories alive and growing—for your family, and for generations to come.
With love,
Brenda
From the Heart Stories
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Michelle McCue
I’m writing from the heart.
The first time I stepped through the doors of the Key City Theatre was in the early 90’s. We were bringing the boys to see a kid’s show, – Fred Penner perhaps? What I do remember is their faces lighting up, singing along to the songs and being a part of something wonderful. It was magical for them, and us.
Fast forward a few years later – my mother had just passed away, and my dad was visiting. It was a difficult time. Burton Cummings was playing at the Key, and my dad, husband and I went. Burton was on fire that night – and we forgot our grief for a while.
A few years later, Bob got a role in “The Man of La Mancha” – the first one of us to get to perform on that wonderful stage.
When our sons attended Mount Baker Secondary school they too got to perform on that stage. We were treated to incredible shows like “Beauty and the Beast”, “Les Miserable”, “Miss Saigon”, the female version of “The Odd Couple”, “Wizard of Oz”, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest “and “Footloose” to name only a few.
Bob and I have seen some of our favorite bands perform there and discovered new talents, like pianist Sarah Hagen, whom I’d never have known without Key City Theatre.
Two standout performances remain etched in my memory: Shane Koyczan’s powerful spoken word and Stuart McLean and his stories from the Vinyl Café. The tickets for Stuart were a gift to me from my sons, and I absolutely loved that show. I still listen to the Christmas Vinyl Café stories every year.
My favourite shows are home-grown. We have so much talent here, allowing shows like “Chicago”, “Cabaret”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and “The Addams Family” to grace the Key City Theatre Stage. Be sure to get your tickets for “Oliver!”, coming January 2026!
Having said all this my fondest moment at Key City Theatre wasn’t a performance but my youngest son Brad’s wedding to his incredible Emily—a truly magical and unforgettable for us all!
My love for the theatre inspired me to join the Board of Directors in 2021, and I’m honored to serve as its president today. Key City Theatre is the cultural heartbeat of our community, dedicated to inclusivity and unforgettable experiences for the East Kootenays. We’re excited that the addition of an elevator to our upper gallery is nearing completion.
As a registered charity, we rely on generous supporters like you to continue creating these cherished memories. Please consider donating today to help us provide unforgettable experiences for you, your children, and generations to come!
Warmly,
Michelle McCue
President, Key City Theatre Society -
Brian Clarkson
I’m writing from the heart.
My connection with Key City Theatre goes back to the early 1990’s when midway thru its construction Paul Kershaw pulled me away from my place of business and said he had something special he wanted to share. Minutes later he and I eased ourselves past a “Do Not Enter” sign. Paul said that rule did not pertain to him. He and I crawled and climbed through scaffolding and over lumber piles of what was going to be our beautiful Key City Theatre. Paul was "over the moon” with excitement. He showed me where the stage was going to be as well as other key components of what makes a performing arts centre.
During the ensuing years I had the opportunity to photograph many wonderful concerts, stage productions and other assorted events. I consider this to have been both a privilege and an honour.
My contribution to Key City Theatre culminated last November in being recognized with my own photographic exhibit and a retrospective slide show of my life behind the lens called “Bookends”. For the first time ever, instead of documenting what was happening on stage, I was being featured on stage. At the conclusion of that evening I left a piece of my heart on that stage.
Of all of the images I have captured over the years here are two that speak volumes as to what our theatre is and has been all about. From “For the Love of our Theatre” on February 14, 2008, Brent Carver and Paul Kershaw.
Love,
Brian -
Tyrel Hawke
I’m writing from the heart.
First of all, your memory brought a tear to my eye, possibly two, as I get older I am beginning to understand the immensity of what this building has meant to so many.When I was 9 or 10 I got to see Mount Baker's production of The Wizard of Oz. I went because my sister was in it, but I didn't realize it would change my relationship with the arts forever. The first time I heard Lindsay Reekie sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was revolutionary. I was overcome with a feeling of, "this is what I'm supposed to do." About 7 years later I was able to play Scarecrow on the same stage, and that was my first time I had truly connected the power of long-term goal planning and achievement.
My greatest memory of this stage was in 2006 during Mount Baker's run of Les Miserables, where I had the incredible opportunity to play Jean Valjean. The stars somehow aligned that the perfect student cast were going through high school at the exact time two incredible visionaries, RodO and Evan B, were pushing the limits on what kind of production our small town could produce. I remember when during our 5 day run it was announced we were adding an additional Monday show due to ticket demands. Within a couple days the additional show was sold-out and we performed our hearts out.
After that performance I stayed in the theater after most had gone. I was exhausted, sick, and yet filled to the brim with gratitude for a community filled with individual people that made it possible. A fully functioning hydraulic stage, the highest quality of handmade costumes and props, and musicians that each deserved their own solo show. This theater isn't just a performance house, it is the place that made me understand I had worth far before I learned it about myself.
Love,
Tyrel Hawke
