Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/299622
16 G O I N G P L A C E S | S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 COURTESY RAINBOW STAGE base ONE OF THE worst oods in Canadian history helped lay the fertile groundwork for the country's largest and longest-running out- door theatre. Prior to 1950, brass and concert bands would perform in Winnipeg parks throughout the summer. But the Red River ood that year – when a third of the city's pop- ulation was evacuated – ruined the bandstands at both Assiniboine and Kildonan parks. With no safe performance space for musi- cians available, the idea for Rainbow Stage was conceived. e Park Reserve Fund, Junior Chamber of Commerce and Provincial Flood Fund kicked in the funding, and construction at Kildonan Park began in 1951. On July 7, 1954, the curtain rose on Rainbow Stage. A year later, the theatre presented its rst musical, the now-classic Brigadoon. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, Rainbow Stage is rolling out a special three-show season with A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, e Producers and Disney's e Little Mermaid. Make it a date and come out to toast this iconic open-air venue on the banks of that mighty Red River. CAA members receive $5 o advance ticket purchases; season runs June 5-August 29, 2014. rainbowstage.ca Rainbow After the Rain Setting the stage, so to speak, in 1954. The show goes on at 60-year- old Rainbow Stage – from 2013's Mary Poppins (here) to the upcoming A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. p16-17HomeBase.indd 16 14-04-10 2:20 PM