The theatre was buzzing with anticipation as the house lights fell on the newly constructed stage. Politicians and staff took to the stage with wide grins, a ribbon and a ceremonial pair of scissors. The cut ends of the ribbon were cast aside, landing on the wooden floor and touching off 20 years of incredible entertainment and community growth.

On February 11, 1992, the first ever performance was held at the Key City Theatre. The building was almost 15 years in the making, and it ushered in a new era for Cranbrook. It not only created an outlet for local performance groups to develop, it brought in talent from far and wide. There has been laughter, sadness, happiness and more provoked from the actions upon the Key City stage, and to celebrate that, the theatre will be hosting an anniversary gala evening on February 18.

The plan to build a theatre in Cranbrook goes back as far as 1975, when the Theatre Project Society launched a campaign. The idea was brought to referendum and defeated in 1978, and the plans shelved. In 1984, Mount Baker Secondary School music director Don Rogers came across the old architect's drawings buried within the school, and got on the phone with newly elected Mayor Rick Jensen. The two men met at Dairy Queen to chat about the possibility of bringing a theatre to Cranbrook. Thanks to lobbying by Jensen and Terry Segarty, a committee was formed and a needs analysis was done. That needs analysis decided that not only did Cranbrook need a theatre - but the community would whole-heartedly support it.

Segarty helped secure $1.87 million in funding from the Expo Legacy Funds, and they began to search for a location. The East Kootenay Community College, now known as the College of the Rockies, was chosen as the location and local architect Bob Mansfield began working with Hawthorne from Vancouver. The design they came up with far exceeded the money secured for the project, and despite making adaptations, the city and the college were unable to negotiate with the province for more funding.

But that didn't stop the committee. School District 2 (Cranbrook is now part of School District 5) was in the process of securing a new gym for MBSS. Six months after the college idea was rejected, the city approached SD2 and asked if the location of the old gym could be used for the new theatre. It took architect Dave Brockington's blessing, but the site was declared feasible. The design was approved, and no extra money was needed. Dennis Whyte was awarded the job of contractor.

Many volunteers geared up to get things underway. They planned, did committee work and fundraised for what was needed. Also involved in the project, among many others, was Mayor Mike Patterson, Sharon Waurynchuk, Maxine Caldwell, Paul Kershaw, Don Larsen, Greg Reimer, Delphine Kennelly, Jim Wavrecan and many, many tireless volunteers and board members.

Finally, it was time to open the new theatre in February of 1992. To celebrate, the new theatre manager Davena Turvey planned a three-night extravaganza that kicked off with a formal ribbon cutting and "On with the Show," featuring drama, dance songs and a concert. Performers included the Ktunaxa-Kinbasket Aboriginal Dancers, and the dignitaries were piped in by Lela Cooper. MLA Anne Edwards addressed the crowd and opened the theatre with a traditional wish of luck.

"I wish all of the audiences the best seat in the house, and all of the performers the strongest of wishes - break a leg," she said.

Also performing that evening were Wham Go the Ducks, the Canadian Deaf Theatre and Randy and Cheryl Tapp.

The second night was a performance of world dance, and the final evening was a celebration of local music starring Parkland and Laurie Middle School's bands and the Cranbrook Girl's Bugle Band. Tickets were $4, or $10 for all three.

"It is time to bury any small hatchets, and get on with the show," said Rogers around the opening of the theatre. "The cultural soul of Cranbrook has finally arrived - now let's get involved and use it."

Turvey agreed, saying it was up to the community to support their local theatre and get into those seats on production nights.

"It is somewhat like having a baby - not until you take it home and it cries do you realize that you have it and now you have to look after it," she said.

Some notable acts to grace the Key City stage include Sarah McLaughlin, who performed for the first time in Cranbrook that very February, Kris Kristoferson, Dr. Hook, Chantal Kreviazuk, Tommy Hunter, Sarah Harmer and more.

When McLaughlin performed, Rogers told the Townsman: "She is rising to the top of Canadian charts with meteorically force. She could soon be similar in magnitude to Bryan Adams, and soon be out of reach for Cranbrook."

The theatre was booked every weekend after its opening, and it is still a going concern with about 140 performances a year.