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Alberta's Jubilee anniversary — 50 years since its birth as a province — spurred the development of two identical cultural icons that continue to thrive six decades later. The Alberta Jubilee Auditoriums, the Northern in Edmonton and the Southern in Calgary, have hosted public celebrations and visits from numerous famous faces over their conjoined 60-year histories.
Premier Ernest Manning announced to the public on May 4, 1954 the government's intention to build new arts facilities in the province's two largest cities, much-needed cultural hubs for a medium that had historically been "presented in wholly unsuitable and undignified surroundings." The identical venues were designed to encourage the development of an "expressive cultural life." By August, the government had selected the two development sites, with Edmonton's auditorium slated for a lot beside the University of Alberta.
Plans were in motion to have the development complete in 1955 to mark the 50th anniversary of Alberta's entry into confederation. Construction began the year before, but a nagging steel strike in the United States thwarted progress. It wouldn't be until April 5, 1957 that acoustical testing would be conducted to prepare the facility for its grand opening three weeks later. A dozen experts in the field descended on the nascent auditorium and assembled 1,600 visitors and musical students for this final acoustical test. A 100-piece orchestra, 180 singers, and a solo violin put the building through the gamut of musical range, and after some minor adjustments, the venue was ready for its unveiling on April 28.
"May this structure endure as a monument to the Alberta pioneer — in these stones is our tribute to those who formed our province," stands out in relief on the building, which hosted the first live broadcast by local television station CFRN-TV shortly after opening.
The 1963 arrival of Madama Butterfly, Edmonton Opera's inaugural production, catapulted the organization to resident company status. The Alberta Ballet Company followed three years later. In its formative years, the Jube famously generated international fandom with its ITV Celebrity Concert Series, which aired on 80 stations in North America and reached 55 countries around the world. The popular series of half-hour shows spread across two seasons, with musical heavyweights like Johnny Mathis, Aretha Franklin and Burt Bacharach performing to packed houses.
The Jube has welcomed several other dignified guests over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who attended the opening ceremonies for the Commonwealth Games on August 3, 1978. Another royal visit in 1983 saw Prince Charles and Princess Diana endear crowds at a celebration of the University of Alberta's 75th anniversary.
The venue has altered its interior layout multiple times. The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium opened a 250-seat theatre for smaller drama performances in 1983 and renovated its rehearsal halls in 1986. Its biggest facelift came in the months leading up to 2005, Alberta's centennial year. Technological and mechanical enhancements would ensure the longevity of the venue, while material changes focused on new upholstery, sculpted terraces, and textured black carpeting.
The Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King and Wicked are just a few of the renowned plays performed to big crowds. And despite the proliferation of competing venues, theatre reviewer Pollstar recorded total ticket sales of 146,555 for the 2009 season, making it the busiest theatre in Canada.
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