Lethbridge Arts Scene Honours a Legend with Tribute Concert at Yates Theatre

The heart of the Lethbridge arts community is coming together for a special concert at the iconic Yates Theatre this October.

 

A new tribute show, titled To Fran, With Love, will celebrate the monumental life and career of Fran Rude, a visionary stage director who shaped southern Alberta's cultural landscape for over 50 years.

 

Set for October 3rd and 4th, the event is a collaboration between friends of the late director and the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise.

 

The concert’s purpose extends beyond just a tribute.

 

All proceeds are dedicated to funding new scholarships for the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival, an organization Fran passionately supported.

 

For decades, Fran Rude was a force in local theatre, known for her ambitious productions and unwavering community spirit.

 

She was celebrated for bringing groundbreaking shows to Lethbridge, including several Canadian premieres that might never have been staged here otherwise.

 

Her impact on performers was profound, with a list of former cast members exceeding 500 people—a veritable who's who of Lethbridge theatre over the last half-century.

 

Stage director Ken Rogers, who worked alongside her for 40 years, noted that most of Fran's productions were fundraisers that generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for local causes.

 

Now, this tribute concert continues her legacy of philanthropy.

 

Attendees can expect a spectacular evening of musical theatre, revisiting numbers from 27 of the shows Fran famously directed.

 

The scale of the production is immense, featuring a cast of 32 singers and a full, live orchestra of 34 musicians—a hallmark Fran always insisted upon for her shows.

 

It’s a walk down memory lane for those who knew her work and a powerful introduction for those who didn't.

 

This final act of community service ensures her legacy will support young artists for years to come, a fitting conclusion to a life spent building the Lethbridge arts scene.

 

What is 'To Fran, With Love'?

It is a tribute concert celebrating the life and work of Fran Rude, a pivotal figure in Lethbridge theatre for over 50 years. The show will feature musical numbers from productions she directed.

 

Where are the proceeds from the concert going?

All proceeds will fund new scholarships for the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival, continuing Fran Rude's legacy of supporting youth in the arts.

 

When and where is the Lethbridge arts concert taking place?

The concert will be held on October 3rd and 4th at the Yates Theatre in downtown Lethbridge, with both shows starting at 7:30 p.m.