Then came the fans.

Midnight screenings transformed the movie into one of the most legendary cult classics of all time. With audience participation, costumes, and interactive call-outs, the film became a global phenomenon that has been running continuously for 50 years.

In this CBS feature, Tracy Smith sits down with stars Tim Curry and Barry Bostwick, producer Lou Adler, and film scholar Jeffrey Weinstock to explore how this outrageous little movie grew into a cultural juggernaut.

Watch the segment below.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary at Centre In The Square

The celebration continues this fall when The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour comes to Centre In The Square on Wednesday, October 29.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of costumes, audience participation, and absolute Time Warp madness.

Get Your Tickets Now

This Seating Revitalization project upgraded all the fixed seating within the Raffi Armenian Theatre at the Centre In The Square to new plush, wider and more comfortable seats. In total more than 1,700 seats have been replaced, keeping as much of the original layout and leg room as possible. In addition to the new seats, the Centre In The Square was able to dramatically improve the overall accessible capacity within the venue, by creating a new row specifically designed to support accessible devices of all shapes and sizes, with the ability for 45 seats to be converted to an accessible location for any performance.

Through the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada invested $540,000 and the Province of Ontario contributed up to $449,955 toward the seating improvements and toward upgrades to the facility’s elevators. The Centre In the Square supported the remainder through the Name-A-Seat Campaign and Capital Improvement fees of $1,134,000.  

“Our federal government has always stood behind the arts, recognizing their vital role in fostering community and showcasing Canada’s diverse culture. We’re proud to invest in Centre In The Square to enhance accessibility and ensure that everyone in our region can have an even better experience with the world-class artistic programming this venue brings to our community.”

Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Our government is proud to invest in local community and recreational infrastructure projects, fostering stronger and more engaging communities across Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “The improved and upgraded Centre In The Square will bring enhanced accessibility features to the Raffi Armenian Theatre, providing the residents of Kitchener and surrounding communities with more opportunities to come together and enjoy inclusive art and culture for years to come.”

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener, added his thoughts on the revitalization’s impact on the local community: “Centre In The Square is a cultural landmark in our city, and these updates ensure that it remains a welcoming space for everyone. Projects like this strengthen our community, ensuring that people of all abilities can come together to share in the unique experiences that live performances offer.”

Dan Carli, Centre In The Square Board of Directors’ Chair reinforced the importance of this retrofit project to support the mission of the organization: “This revitalization marks an important milestone for Centre In The Square. Our mission has always been to create an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the arts, and these improvements allow us to fulfill that mission in an even more impactful way. We’re grateful for the support of our government partners and are excited for our patrons to enjoy this enhanced experience.”

We were thrilled to celebrate this exciting milestone with our community. The seating unveil event showcased the improved accessibility and comfort at Centre In The Square and highlighted the collaborative efforts that continue to make our venue a welcoming space for all. Together, we have set the stage for unforgettable performances and shared experiences for years to come.

New Shows Announced:

• Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Family Christmas – Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:30 PM
Celebrate the holidays with this lively, heartwarming Celtic family celebration, bringing the joy of music and festive cheer.
• Blue Rodeo – Friday, January 10 & Saturday, January 11, 2025, 8:00 PM
Join Canada’s beloved band Blue Rodeo for two unforgettable evenings of country-rock hits, new music, and nostalgic favorites.
• Piaf! The Show – Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 8:00 PM
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary life of Edith Piaf with this captivating two-act musical tribute. Featuring the spellbinding vocals of Anne Carrere, set against a stunning backdrop of Parisian photography.
• Kim Mitchell & David Wilcox – Friday, February 7, 2025, 8:00 PM
Rock out with Canadian icons Kim Mitchell and David Wilcox, performing their classic hits and showcasing their incredible guitar prowess.
• Jeans n’ Classics: Fleetwood Mac – Thursday, February 20, 2025, 8:00 PM
Enjoy a captivating tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s legendary sound, brought to life by Jeans ‘n Classics with an unforgettable night of music.
• Dwayne Gretzky – Saturday, February 22, 2025, 8:00 PM
Travel through decades of classic pop and rock hits with Dwayne Gretzky, Canada’s champions of nostalgia.
• Los Lobos – Friday, March 7, 2025, 8:00 PM
Celebrate 50 years of Los Lobos with a blend of rock, blues, and traditional Mexican music from these Grammy-winning legends.
• Chris Botti – Thursday, March 13, 2025, 8:00 PM
Trumpet virtuoso Chris Botti brings his smooth, jazz-infused performances to Centre In The Square, promising an enchanting evening of music.
• Jeans ‘n Classics: Pink Floyd – Thursday, May 22, 2025, 8:00 PM
Relive the magic of Pink Floyd’s iconic songs with Jeans ‘n Classics, performing an authentic tribute to one of rock’s greatest bands.

With these exciting additions, Centre In The Square’s 2024-2025 season lineup delivers crowd favourites to Kitchener, showcasing a vibrant and diverse array of performances, including:

• CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! Hallelujah: An Epic Anthems Sing-Along – Friday, September 27, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Our Planet Live – A Netflix Original Documentary with Keith Scholey – Thursday, October 3, 2024, 7:30 PM
• The Jim Cuddy Band – All The World Fades Away Tour – Friday, October 4, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Whose Live Anyway? – Saturday, October 5, 2024, 8:00 PM & Monday, October 7, 2024, 8:00 PM
• The Vampire Circus – Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Blippi – Join The Band Tour – Thursday, October 17, 2024, 6:00 PM
• Mariza with Opening Act Pavlo – Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Classic Albums Live performs Supertramp – Crime of the Century – Thursday, October 24, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Masters of Illusion – Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 7:30 PM
• The Psychology of Serial Killers – Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 8:00 PM
• 40 Years of Sawyer Brown With Shenandoah and George Fox – Saturday, November 2, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicolas Reyes – Monday, November 4, 2024, 8:00 PM
• The Lightfoot Band – Saturday, November 16, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – Monday, November 18, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Canadian Brass – Thursday, November 21, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Pat Metheny – Thursday, November 28, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Donovan Woods – The Living Well Tour – Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Classic Albums Live performs The Beatles – Abbey Road – Friday, December 6, 2024, 8:00 PM
• Swan Lake – P. Tchaiovsky – The State Ballet of Ukraine – Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7:30 PM
• The Debaters Live On Tour – Thursday, December 12, 2024, 7:30 PM
• Piaf! The Show – Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 8:00 PM
• Forever Tango – Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00 PM
• HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis – Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:00 PM
• Classic Albums Live performs David Bowie – Changes one bowie – Thursday, March 20, 2025, 8:00 PM
• Pauly Shore: Stick with the Dancing – Funny Stories from My Childhood – Friday, March 28, 2025, 8:00 PM
• Zakir Hussain – Friday, April 4, 2025, 8:00 PM

With beloved performers such as Jim Cuddy, Gipsy Kings Featuring Nicolas Reyes, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, this season is packed with excitement. Whether you enjoy music, dance, or theatrical performances, there’s something for everyone!

Eric Lariviere, Executive Director of Centre In The Square, notes: “We are thrilled to present this extraordinary lineup of performances, showcasing both international talent and beloved Canadian artists. This season is a testament to the power of live entertainment to bring people together, foster creativity, and inspire our community.”

Tickets for these new shows go on sale on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Don’t miss the chance to experience some of the world’s best live entertainment, right here in Kitchener.

Learn more about the full details on the 2024-2025 season.

Pat Metheny’s performance promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical experience. With more than a dozen guitars at his side, he will present compositions from across his storied career, including selections from his latest albums, Dream Box and MoonDial. Fans can also expect a unique personal touch as Metheny shares engaging and entertaining stories from his life and musical journey, adding another layer of depth to an already extraordinary evening.

Reflecting on one of Metheny’s recent performances, Warren Cobb of Jazz Guitar Life Magazine shared, “It honestly was mind-blowing. I don’t know of too many guitar players worldwide that can totally captivate an audience for over two hours and elicit hooping, hollering, and multiple standing ovations.”

At a time when many performance halls around the world are closing their doors due to economic challenges, we are fortunate here in Kitchener to have the ability to book and experience world-class artists like Pat Metheny right in our own backyard.

“This is a rare opportunity for our community to witness an artist of Pat Metheny’s caliber. His ability to connect with audiences through his music and storytelling makes this performance particularly special,” said Eric Lariviere, Executive Director of Centre In The Square. “We’re incredibly excited to bring him to our stage for the first time, and we know it’s going to be a memorable night.”

This intimate concert offers music lovers the chance to witness a truly legendary artist up close and personal. Metheny’s ability to transcend genre boundaries has earned him a global following, and this rare performance at Centre In The Square is not to be missed.

Click here to read the full article

International Series: Our international series features a rich tapestry of global talent, including:

• Mariza – October 22, 2024 * Portugal
  The queen of Fado music, Mariza, will mesmerize audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances.
• Gipsy Kings Ft. Nicolas Reyes – November 4, 2024 * France
  Experience the vibrant rhythms and passionate melodies of the Gipsy Kings, led by the legendary Nicolas Reyes.
• Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo – November 18, 2024* Monaco
  This all-male ballet troupe will deliver a humorous and technically masterful performance.
• Canadian Brass – November 21, 2024 * Canada
  The world’s most famous brass ensemble will showcase their virtuosic talent and engaging repertoire.
• Swan Lake – P. Tchaikovsky The State Ballet of Ukraine – December 7, 2024
• Ukraine. This timeless ballet will enchant audiences with its exquisite choreography and beautiful music.
• Forever Tango – February 8, 2025 * Argentina
  Experience the passion and drama of tango with this acclaimed dance performance.
• Jesse Cook Live In Concert – March 1, 2025 | Presented by Attila Glatz Concert Productions * Canada
  The guitar virtuoso will take audiences on a musical journey with his captivating fusion of world music.
• Zakir Hussain – April 4, 2025 *India
  The legendary tabla maestro will enthrall with his extraordinary skill and improvisational brilliance.

Comedy Series: The comedy series promises to bring laughter and joy with a stellar lineup of performers. Highlights include:

• Russell Howard Live – September 26, 2024 | Presented by Live Nation
  Renowned for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, Russell Howard will kick off the series with his inimitable humour.
• Whose Live Anyway? – October 7, 2024
  This live version of the popular TV show promises spontaneous hilarity and audience participation.
• The Debaters Live On Tour Holiday Special – December 12, 2024
  This holiday special will bring festive cheer with witty debates and comedic performances.
• HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Starring Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci – February 15, 2025
  Combining hypnosis and improvisation, this unique show promises an unforgettable night of comedy.
• Pauly Shore Stick With The Dancing: Funny Stories From My Childhood – March 28, 2025
  Pauly Shore brings his personal stories and comedic flair to the stage in this entertaining show.

Studio Theatre Re-opening This Summer with Kitchener Creates Initiative!

Centre In The Square is thrilled to announce the reopening of the Studio Theatre this summer, reaffirming our commitment to fostering creativity and supporting local artists. This revitalized space will be available for rentals at the incredibly affordable rehearsal rate of $80/day – July 8 to September 20. After September 20th, our community rates transition to a still-affordable level, ensuring this space remains accessible for performances and diverse programming throughout the year.

“Centre In The Square’s initiatives are a shining example of our city’s dedication to nurturing a vibrant arts community,” says Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “These innovative programs and accessible spaces will not only empower our local artists but also enhance the cultural fabric of our entire community. I am thrilled to witness the positive impact these efforts will have on enriching the lives of our residents.”

Empowering Local Talent: Our goal with this initiative is to empower local artists by giving them the tools and spaces they need to create and showcase their work. The Studio Theatre, with its state-of-the-art facilities, will be a hub for artistic expression and innovation. Lisa O’Connell, Artistic Director of Pat the Dog Theatre Creation, shares her excitement about this initiative: “This is a game changer. Opening up the Studio Theatre for local artists’ use at an accessible price point is what our performing arts community needs. This will ensure that we can create professional, high-quality work from the outset – in a space honouring the artists’ impulse. We’re excited!”

Investing in Our Creative Future: Eric Lariviere, Executive Director, emphasizes the broader impact: “Centre In The Square is dedicated to supporting and enriching the local arts community. By creating the ‘Kitchener Creates’ initiative, we are making our Studio Theatre more accessible. We are investing in the future of our artists and the vibrant cultural landscape of our city. We believe that by providing an accessible, inclusive, and diverse cultural space, we can nurture the talent and creativity that make our community unique and vibrant.”

“This bold new chapter for Centre In The Square reflects our dedication to building a resilient and inclusive arts sector. By offering diverse programming and accessible spaces, we are ensuring that the arts remain a vital and vibrant part of our community,” says Dan Carli, Chair, Centre In The Square Board of Directors.

For full details about the Kitchener Creates Initiative or to book the Studio Theatre, please contact Rachelle Garcia, Manager of Community Engagement and Rental Coordinator, at rgarcia@centreinthesquare.com.

Centre In The Square invites everyone to join us in celebrating these new initiatives and to experience the diverse array of performances scheduled for the upcoming season. From comedy to international music and dance, our new lineup promises something for everyone.

From now until July 31, 2024 at 10 PM, buy two (2) or more tickets to three (3) or more events in our International Series lineup and get a FREE pair of tickets to “Our Planet Live – A Netflix Original Documentary” with Keith Scholey!

All the new shows being announced on Monday, June 24 at 10 AM will go on sale to the public Thursday, June 27 at 10 AM.