A big financial hit to the Western Canada Theatre after having to switch venues for its recent production.

Managing director Evan Klassen says Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story went as well as it could’ve at the Coast Hotel’s Theatre, with sellouts throughout the show run.

“But of course, with the venue being 235 seats smaller than the Sagebrush Theatre, we were automatically facing a $20,000 loss in potential revenue at the very least.”

Klassen says there was another $20,000 to $30,000 loss in expenses related to the relocation, and says the deficit from the Buddy Holly show is up to $50,000 dollars altogether.

“Fortunately the Coast was available for the dates and times. We were able to shuffle people around a little bit and make sure that everyone that we had pre-sold tickets to was able to get a ticket at the new venue, which was great to see happen.”

The Sagebrush Theatre was forced to close on Feb. 15 for repairs to a roof truss.