February 19, 2025
Entrepreneurial Duo Takes Over Sechelt’s Ravens Cry

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The new operators of the 274-seat Ravens Cry Theater in Sechelt are planning extensive upgrades to enhance live performances and the return of regular Metropolitan Opera screenings.

Sechelt residents Kevin and Jennifer McGarry finalized their lease agreement with the building’s owners, the Shishal Nation, on July 21. The husband-wife team takes over from Christopher August and Jessie August, who have operated the venue since 2019.

Although his business experience stems from the construction and marketing sectors—the McGarrys also owned Iron Horse Construction and Tidal Gutter—theater management seemed like a natural next step. Two of his children worked part-time at Ravens Cry during their high school years. Jennifer has directed and produced productions for stage and film.

“My real love is live theatre,” Jennifer said. “The goal is to be profitable, but this is a fun way to do it.”

The theater was constructed in the early 1990s with funding from the federal government. It was converted at the end of that decade to handle cinema projection. One of McGarry’s first public gestures was to reinforce the venue’s reputation as a premier carrier of Sechelt’s motion pictures.

In August, they ran an online contest to choose movie revivals for Labor Day weekend. Back-to-school classics Clueless (1995) and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) earned the top votes. To recognize local teachers, admission is free for school principals.

Kevin said, “I think the biggest goal that we’ve discussed is for people to have a good night.” “We want it to be fun and exciting, and for people to see that the employees are having fun. We want the sound system to be unique and we want the projection to be the best.”

McGarry’s has already upgraded equipment which allows the theater to resume broadcasting live opera performances from the Metropolitan Opera. Opera screenings, which are broadcast by satellite from New York City, were first introduced by operators Doug and Deb Proby. Probis also invested in a movable cinema screen to preserve the versatility of the venue.

The theater is a popular platform for live theater and dance performances, including regular recitals by the Coast Academy of Dance and the Waldorf Ballet. Classical performances by the Coastal Recital Society take advantage of its Steinway concert grand piano. On its hardwood stage in mid-October, the Sechelt Arts Festival plans a multimedia tribute to Juno Award-winning singer Joni Mitchell.

“I think the pandemic took something away from us because we couldn’t get out [for entertainment],” Jennifer said. “Watching Netflix and scrolling on your phone doesn’t give you the same level of immersion that you get from going to a program.”

Changes are happening. The McGarrys, with the help of their children, begin a review of the theatre’s technical systems and overhaul of the backstage spaces. In the meantime, they are determined to preserve the venue’s unique rock heritage.

“This is the land of the Shishal Nation here,” said Kevin. “We want to respect all their traditions and all their culture. Everything in here reflects what made Ravens Cry what it is.”

Source: www.coastreporter.net

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