Some food and drink establishments are hot spots for good grub, while others are designed for social gathering, cocktails/mocktails and community building.
Steve’s Encore at Sudbury Theatre Centre is one of those places.
In a week’s time, the YES Theatre musical Chicago will open to theatre-goers, and Alessandro Costantini knows Steve’s Encore will be the synergizing and congregating hot spot.
Snacks, ice cream and themed cocktails will be on hand for the pre-show, intermission and post show.
The signature cocktails will include Roxie Rocks Chicago Caesar. Inspired by the main character and vaudeville performer, Roxie Hart. It contains Crosscut’s Dill Vodka from the local distillery and a charcuterie garnish. Customers can also opt for the mocktail version.
Cell Block Mango, a twist on words from the show tune Cell Block Tango. The catchy song features six women in jail trying to justify the murders of their significant others. This drink will feature mango nectar, pineapple and lime juices, club soda and white rum.
Lastly, Dr. D’s G & T is a gin and tonic paying homage to proud theatre supporter Dr. Dhatt, a doctor with NEOMO Medical. Two dollars goes back to the theatre with the purchase of every G & T cocktail.
Theatre Director Alessandro Costantini is excited to see patrons enjoying the Steve’s Encore communal space and hear the baby grand piano in action with live music starting July 9th for the 13 actor cast musical.
Two years ago Rock Solid Computer Services helped fund the creation of a quaint patio off of Steve’s Encore. That same year, volunteer Francine Pinard redesigned the interior of Steve’s Encore with a Victorian Chic style to warm up the space and create ambience.
YES Actress Montana McCullough’s late father, Steve, is the namesake behind Steve’s Encore.
Steve McCullough was a Chair and Treasurer of the Sudbury Theatre Centre. He also chaired the capital campaign.
He passed away in 2013 after a battle with brain cancer but had a strong connection to the theatre.
In 2018, the space was revisioned and renamed in his honour.
“His vision for the space was always to bring people together,” says McCulloch. “He really loved the post show environment that would even bring the cast out to the audience so his legacy lives on this way.”
Montana shares that the theatre space is also near and dear to her heart in many other ways too. Last month, she married a fellow actor she met on the set of a production eight years ago.
“We went from showmance to romance,” they both joke.
Like Costantini, Montana McCullough also believes Steve’s Encore is well executed in the eyes of the audience.
“Any theatre-goer will tell you they have spent time in the space pre/post or mid show to grab a bite to eat or raise a glass to catch up with old friends. It’s become an integral part of the whole theatre experience here in Sudbury,” says McCullough.
Steve’s Encore will be open to patrons for the Chicago musical, which begins July 9 and runs until August 4.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.