The times they are a changing, and so is the name on the theatre at the Five Points.
Those passing by the building formerly known as the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts will notice that the name “Mady” is gone, without any explanation thus far.
The City of Barrie is not commenting pending a formal announcement, according to spokesperson Emma Sharpe.
The folks who are the building’s most active occupants, Theatre By The Bay, are also being tight-lipped about the new name.
Iain Moggach of Theatre By the Bay says that while he is unable to discuss the plans, he assures BarrieToday.com there will be a new name on the big landmark at the corner of Bayfield and Dunlop and that the whole thing is very exciting.
“This is actually a long time coming,” said Moggach. “Mady was the name of a developer who had some financial trouble and actually went bankrupt; so their name has been on a building that they haven’t been paying for."
Moggach did add that "I can’t say much except that there will be more news in the next few days from what I understand and that it is great to know that someone stepped up and sees the potential and vision for arts in the city. This for us is a really big sigh of relief as we can now move forward and concentrate on putting on great productions for Barrie.”
The City of Barrie issued a request for information in February regarding the naming rights for the facility.
Individuals and businesses were invited to show their interest in securing the naming rights.
Stay tuned.
