http://timestranscript.canadaeast.co...article/998689
Beach Boys to rock casino
Published Saturday March 27th, 2010
New 1,800-seat entertainment venue expected to attract variety of acts
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff
The opening of Casino NB in early May brings with it the dawn of a new era in entertainment in this region, with a new 1,800-seat performance venue smack-dab in the centre of the casino-entertainment-hotel complex, appropriately dubbed The Centre.
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
Steve Hancock, general manager of Casino New Brunswick, and David Rapelje, entertainment and production manager of The Centre, are dwarfed by the massive structure currently under construction.
"We're going to be able to showcase a lot of acts that have not been through here before," says David Rapelje, entertainment and production manager for Casino NB.
Consider that traditional casino acts like Paul Anka and Wayne Newton (who played Moncton last year) still tour and attract packed houses.
Also consider that casinos around the world now boast acts that wouldn't immediately come to mind when you think of a casino, such as Classic Albums Live and a live session with two stars from Coronation Street which are set for April at Casino Halifax; Gordon Lightfoot and illusionist David Copperfield coming to Casino Rama in Ontario; or professional boxing at the Montreal Casino.
Moncton's facility will be no different.
"Expect a wide and diverse array of acts," Rapelje says.
Several acts are already in the bag, including The Beach Boys, but that's all Rapelje will say for now. Expect announcements to be made in the coming weeks.
Bookings continue and the acts will cover the full range of entertainment, from mixed martial arts and boxing, world-class lounge acts, rock bands -- you name it.
Right now, The Centre is a work in progress with workers scurrying about like carpenter ants, installing acoustically engineered walls and ceilings, a $2.2-million sound-and-lights system, high-definition audio-video systems and comfy theatre-style seating, many of which will be installed on a grade to promote perfect sight-lines.
"Several different types of acoustical treatments will ensure that this will be one of the best acoustical rooms in the Maritimes," Rapelje says.
"And it's a beautifully appointed performance space."
The Centre will boast its own ticketing system, where you can choose your seats online and print your own tickets at home, or pick up your tickets at the box office -- your choice.
The ceilings will be exceptionally high but the stage will not, so everyone gets a prime view of the performance. Luxury carpets will cover the floors and three 16-foot by nine-foot high-definition video screens, with projectors, will add to the experience, whether the room is being used for a concert, a corporate meeting, a trade show, a banquet or even a wedding.
With moveable walls and removable seats, The Centre can be reconfigured easily to meet a variety of duties both large and not so large.
Event promoters across North America are very aware that by early May the Centre will begin presenting acts and discussions continue with several of them, including some who plan to bring in French-language acts.
"For anybody who likes live entertainment, this is a real exciting time."
Staff are now being trained to ensure clients' comfort is always top of mind. Show-goers will be able to take advantage of a coat check and two full-service bars that will be open for shows.
Tickets for the Beach Boys and other acts will go on sale on a date to be announced soon.
The entire casino complex is slated to open sometime early in May.
Bring on Gordon Lightfoot to new CASINO NB !
