This week’s reopening of the Playbill Dining Room at the Chemainus Theatre is a welcome relief on so many levels.
It not only brings back some much-needed part-time jobs, but also significantly affects the ambience of Chemainus with the building that’s the cornerstone of downtown coming back to life after a long COVID shutdown. The Theatre Gallery also hopes to realize an increase in traffic and is currently featuring the work of Chemainus artist Philip Mix in both the Gallery and the Theatre lobby, with about 20 paintings on display plus a few pieces by JD Stevenson, another local artist.
“We are doing our best to support the local artists in these challenging times,” noted Gallery and Gift Shop manager Lorna Rivard.
Staff at the Playbill Dining Room was busy getting ready last week to welcome the public for Wednesday through Saturday evening dining. Reservations can be made on-line or by calling 250-246-9853.
“It feels good to be getting ready for something,” conceded Chemainus Theatre managing director Randy Huber.
It will look a lot different, of course, to comply with the regulations of the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC.
“We’ve cleared everything out of the upper lobby so it’s all wide open, lots of space,” noted Huber. “We’ll have directional arrows down as well.”
Fortunately, the large dining room space will still allow for 21 tables to be set up. The maximum that can be seated at one table is six.
Executive chef Nick Caulford has cooked up a menu of favourite selections for every palate.
As for the dining room’s ever-popular buffets, “you probably won’t see that again for a long time,” Huber indicated.
The kitchen has also all been marked out for directional flow – “all stuff that a year ago you never thought you’d be dealing with,” added Huber.
There will be live piano music for diners’ pleasure.
“It will be set up here in the Fireside (Lounge), quite a distance from everyone which keeps in line with the Provincial Health order in terms of safety protocol,” Huber indicated.
The fall season can be busy for catering and it’s something else the Theatre is looking at providing.
“If there’s an opportunity in that area, we have a great space for it,” said Huber. “We’d like to move in that direction. You’ve got to start somewhere.”
The Theatre’s much-loved performances are still a long way from returning, mainly because the intimate setting makes it hard for even a small crowd of people to maintain social distancing.
Related: Chemainus Theatre Festival cancels remainder of 2020 season
Good news has been the matching of the $50,000 pledged by Dr. Donald Hilton and Joyce Hilton toward the Chemainus Theatre Crisis Relief Fund. Even though the total has been reached, the fund is continuing.
“All donations are eligible for a tax receipt and our eternal gratitude,” said Huber.
