Capitol Theatre News – Billboard 2000
By Kevin Andrade, Ontario Visited Senior Correspondent
Port Hope, ON – On October 26, 2024 my wife and I got to flash back to the year 2000, for the Billboard 2000 concert. For anyone who remembers, back then 2000 was always prefaced with “the year”. This was part of a series Billboard in Concert. This was conceived by Jeff Newberry and Rob Kempson, artistic director of the Capitol Theatre. Billboard 2000
The concept is actually quite simple – for each of these shows they pick a specific year and have performers sing some of the biggest songs of that year from the Billboard charts. A full band with various instruments, three main singers and guest musicians brought back the sounds from nearly a quarter century ago. Billboard 2000
They made a point to represent all genres that were big on the chart at the time – R&B, boy bands, pop, rock, alternative and even some country crossover. This ensured an element of familiarity and a reminder of the diversity in musical styles that were popular. Each genre was preceded by a brief history of the musical scenario of the time. Billboard 2000
Their interpretations were both faithful to the originals and a bit creative at the same time. It was an enjoyable evening for music lovers of all ages as evidenced by those in attendance. They included families with young children, middle-agers and seniors too. For us it made for a perfect date night. The upbeat performance left us singing all the way to our car and even a little into the next day. Billboard 2000
A big cheer goes to all those who brought the show to life on stage and especially to music director Chris Tsujiuchi who put it all together. It brought back pleasant memories of a time I still recall fondly. Billboard 2000
If you missed this one or did see it and are hungry for more, The Capitol promises two more Billboard performances in 2025. Check for those and the many other events planned at capitoltheatre.com. Billboard 2000
For more Capitol Theatre news, click HERE. Billboard 2000
The Capitol Theatre – National Historic Site
The Capitol Theatre, designated as a National Historic Site in 2016, debuted in 1930 as a premium Canadian entertainment venue.
Built at the beginning of the Great Depression in a rural community, the theatre is known as a “rare architectural gem” inspired by Hollywood that marks the “beginning of an era” in Canada’s entertainment history.
Built at the dawn of the sound film era, any theatre of this vintage might be expected to evoke the social, political and economic conditions of the decade. Yet the theatre was built at the cost of $80,000.00 and designed by the former President of the Ontario Association of Architects. The building was the first to use steel girders in its construction and at a time in history where many budgets were being slashed, the Capitol theatre did not spare any expense to ensure long-lasting, innovative results.
The Capitol is exceptionally well preserved with much of its original exterior and interior detail remaining after eighty years of almost continuous operation. As one of the last remaining North American examples of an “atmospheric” theatre space, the Capitol is an outstanding illustration of the era of its origins.
