Citizens for the Capitol Theatre

Stephen Funtig, the trustee for the Capitol theatre, has exercised his right to appeal last week’s decision in favour of the City of Windsor. From the Windsor Star:

The ongoing battle over the Capitol Theatre is going to drag on a lot longer after the trustee served notice of appeal to a judge’s ruling that $1.8 million provided by the city was a loan and not a grant.

“We received a formal notice of appeal on Friday,” said lawyer William Willis of the McTague Law Firm, which is representing the city on the issue.

“It stops our ability to move forward with the foreclosure.”

Bankruptcy trustee Stephen Funtig had his London law firm serve the notice after reviewing the July 31 ruling of senior justice Lynne Leitch, which concluded that the $1.8 million provided to save the theatre from demolition was, in fact, a loan.

That decision made it possible for the city to begin the foreclosure process on the 88-year-old theatre, which has sat largely silent since last year when it went bankrupt.

“It’s basically saying they don’t agree with the judge’s findings,” said Willis.

The issue will now go before the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Toronto. No date has been set for a hearing.

“It will take some time,” said Willis.

“This isn’t going to happen any time soon.”

Funtig did not return a call requesting comment. Willis was not surprised the decision was appealed.

“It’s his right to appeal and it’s his decision to exercise it,” said Willis.

The theatre closed on March 7, 2007 but has been occasionally opened for some performances.

It has been run by volunteers and performing groups have rented the space to help offset the monthly costs of $10,000 for utilities and insurance to keep the building open.

Source: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=42fdcb26-3c70-46b3-9c2b-64cd39e6fc45

Windsor Dance eXperience presents “Emotion In Motion: A Celebration of Five Years of Dance“. Date: Friday, August 22 @ 7:00 p.m. Tickets $12. Call 519-253-2466 or visit www.wdxtheatre.ca.

James Bondy’s “Groucho: A Life In Revue”, see www.grouchoshow.com for more info. Tickets $20. Dates: Friday, September 19 @ 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 20 @ 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, September 21 @ 2:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor-Essex County.

Taken from the Windsor Star:

The beleaguered Capitol Theatre is one step closer to being in the City of Windsor’s control after a judge ruled the city has a valid mortgage for the building and property late last week.

Since the 88-year-old theatre went bankrupt last year it has sat in legal limbo.

The City of Windsor claimed it had a mortgage on the property, courtesy of $1.8 million it contributed in the mid-1990s to help save the Capitol from demolition.

Meanwhile Stephen Funtig, bankruptcy trustee for the theatre, told The Windsor Star back in April he believed the city’s contribution was a grant.

On July 31, London-based regional senior justice Lynne Leitch ruled in the city’s favour.

Funtig now has until August 9 to appeal the decision.

Mayor Eddie Francis said this afternoon the city had not heard from Funtig yet and he was not sure if there would be an appeal.

Funtig did not immediately return calls for an interview.

William Willis, lead counsel on this case for the city, warned the community the community there are still a few steps before the city has the theatre under its control.

“We still haven’t heard from Mr. Funtig on this issue,” said Willis in a press conference today. “We can’t just step in and operate the Capitol Theatre today … realistically and legally we can not.”

Even if Funtig does not appeal Leitch’s decision there is still one more legal ruling standing between the city and the theatre.

Once the appeal time has lapsed then the city plans to go to a judge to deal with a parallel foreclosure proceeding, which was put on hold until the issue of whether the city had a valid mortgage was decided.

“Assuming that Mr. Funtig does not appeal we see the foreclosure proceeding as a formality,” said Willis. “Once there was a final foreclosure then, yes the building and land would be in the city’s hands.”

Source: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/story.html?id=254db407-40f2-4952-adc1-8f99af0acf33

Windsor International Fringe Festival, July 18-27, 2008

The Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre will be a performance venue for the upcoming inaugural Windsor International Fringe Festival. Both the Joy Family Theatre and the Kelly Theatre will be used. The lineup of shows is as follows:

The Joy Family Theatre - Performance Venue #4
(121 University Avenue West, Windsor, Ontario, Canada)

Shows at this venue:
Judgement
Meaning
The Girl in the Picture Tries to Hang Up the Phone
The Spirit of Harriet Tubman

Visit http://www.windsorfringe.com/venues-the-joy-family-theatre.php for more information.

The Daniel Patrick Kelly Theatre - Performance Venue #5
(121 University Avenue West, Windsor, Ontario, Canada)

Shows at this venue:
Aimez-vous la Musique? The Beebo Music Show
Capt’n Matt’s Treasure Hunt
Cirque D’Zastor
Puppets & More by Jacqueline & Friends
The Mikado
Windsor-Essex…a work of art!
Wonderland
Zoleo Giggle Show

Visit http://www.windsorfringe.com/venues-the-kelly-theatre.php for more information.

This letter appeared in the Windsor Star yesterday.

Capitol rivals theatres in Washington, New York
Published: Friday, June 13, 2008

I live in Washington, D.C., but over the years, Windsor has become my second home and I hope and expect to move to Windsor permanently in a few years.

Recently, I had the pleasure of touring the magnificent Capitol Theatre. I have attended performances at the best theatres in Washington, D.C. and New York City, and must say the Capitol can rival any of them.

I was dismayed to learn of its closure and that due to squabbling among the interested parties, Windsor may lose this magnificent treasure.

A landmark, heritage theatre like the Capitol enriches Windsor’s cultural life, enhances its image and is certainly an attraction when someone considers moving to Windsor.

The Windsor community must resolve to save this gem and put pressure on the interested parties to abandon intransigent positions and act in the best interests of the community by saving the Capitol before it’s too late.

JERRY SIMONELLI

Washington, D.C.

Riverfront Theatre Company presents a combined performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Anne of Green Gables this weekend at the Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre, inside the Pentastar (main) building. Between each show, over 60 children are involved.

Show dates and times are:
Friday, May 2 @ 10:00 a.m. - School Performance
Friday, May 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4 @ 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person, and are available at the door or by calling 519-736-6608.

2008 marks the 100-year anniversary of Anne of Green Gables.

The Secret Wedding opens this Thursday at 8:00 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre & Arts Centre, in the D.P. Kelly theatre. It runs through Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., with a food & beverage reception following Saturday’s performance (Joy theatre).

The play is written by 79-year old amateur playwright Edwin M. Stanson, and takes place in 1965. A young couple wants to elope, but their beloved aunt and uncle decide to hold the wedding in their own home. It is supposed to be kept secret so the bride’s Catholic mother doesn’t show up and ruin it. Unfortunately, all does not go as planned.

The Secret Wedding is directed by Deb Stanson and Kevin F. Johnston. Its 19-cast members include Rob Schinbein as Uncle Allan, Jill Nicholl as Aunt Valerie, Kevin as the groom David, and Julie Walton as the bride Laura. Michelle J. Mainwaring also stars as the zany Grandma Jenny, and Gerry Lauzon is featured as the tottering Reverend Harmony.

This is a co-production of Theatre Intrigue Society, Riverfront Theatre Company, and MJM Entertainment Productions.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 736-6608 (Riverfront) or 252-3244 (Theatre Intrigue) or at the door on shownight. Prices are $17 (Member), $18 (Student), $19 (Senior), $20 (Adult).

For more information, please visit www.riverfronttheatrecompany.ca

MEDIA CITY (MARCH 4-8) takes place at the historic Capitol Theatre
& Arts Centre with a legion of guest artists from around the globe!

FILM FESTIVAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

MEDIA CITY–14th annual international festival of film & video art

Media City, Windsor’s own international festival of film and video
art is gearing up for its fourteenth edition (March 4-8, 2008).

Held at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor, Media City
screens approximately 50 new films and videos in 13 programs over the
course of 5 days.

This, homegrown, highly regarded festival will showcase world premiere
works by international visiting film makers, artists, and performers alike.
This year, the festival will host guests from Japan, France, the Netherlands,
Germany, England, all over the US, Canada, and beyond.

The festival is seeking interested volunteers to help make this
year our best edition yet.

Media City offers a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience
in the international film festival field.

In addition to other benefits, those who offer time or services
will receive a FREE pass to all screenings, special programs, and
after-glow parties.

Anyone with interest in volunteering or for information should contact:

Emily Copeland
519-990-8394
e-mail: emilycopeland@hotmail.com
MEDIA CITY 14
Volunteer Coordinator

Emily is available for class visits or press interviews subject to scheduling.

PRESS RELEASE! PRESS RELEASE!

For immediate release: January 9, 2008

Theatre companies join together to present a new play by Canada’s oldest, newest playwright!

Audition Notice
Theatre Intrigue, MJM Entertainment Productions and the Riverfront Theatre Company will be holding auditions for the “World Premiere” of the comedy “The Secret Wedding” by Edwin M. Stanson, Canada’s oldest, newest playwright! This is being staged as a fundraising event for the three theatre companies. It will be directed by Deb Stanson and Kevin F. Johnston.It is a Wednesday evening, the summer of 1965, when David and Laura reveal their secret wedding plans to the bridegroom’s aunt and uncle. They have decided to be married at the Justice of the Peace in three days without the consent of the bride’s parents. 72 hours later, after much comedy and chaos the “not so secret wedding” takes place!

Auditions will be held, Tuesday January 15th and Wednesday January 16th at 7:00 pm . Call backs will be on Thursday, January 17th at 7:00 pm. Auditions (and rehearsals) to be held at Theatre Intrigue rehearsal hall, 1441 McDougall St. Unit # 3 (near Shepherd.) No preparation necessary, cold reading from the script. Please call for parking directions.

Casting requirements:
5 males age 40’s – 60’s
1 male early 20’s
1 male age 8 – 12 years old
9 females age 30’s – 60’s
1 female age 18 – early 20’s
1 female age 12- 14 years old
1 female age 15-17 years old

Show will be performed at the Capitol Theatre and Arts Centre, April 3, 4, 5, 2008 (with a possible hold over date of April 6)

For more information contact:
Deb Stanson, Director (519) 564-4285
Susan Allen, Producer (519) 252-3244

The CCT would like to express its sincere condolences to co-chair, Michelle Mainwaring, whose mother Bernice passed away today at the age of 73.  Michelle and family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.