Montreal's MainLine Theatre cancels shows after storm damage

The MainLine theatre in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood was forced to close after Wednesday's torrential rains flooded the space and damaged its roof and equipment.

Performances of the play Dear Jax, based on the life of late freelance journalist Susan MacLean, were scheduled this week but were cancelled.

"Our team did the best they could, but it was too much to safely contain the water," Amy Blackmore, MainLine's executive and artistic director, said in a news release.

The MainLine, a hub for Montreal's English theatre scene, says it does not know when it will be able to reopen and is still assessing the extent of the wreckage. It said its MiniMain studio, lobby, offices, hallway, ceilings, walls, furniture, light fixtures, festival equipment and administrative paperwork suffered extensive water damage.

"We had ambitious plans this summer," said Blackmore.

"We eagerly want to get back to business as we are in the midst of organizing an incredible 2024-25 season."

A two-day workshop for artists and planning and productions for the next year's Montreal Fringe Festivalwere in the making.

The MainLine set up a fundraiser, saying it needs $50,000 to make up for losses it suffered from the pandemic along with the storm.

"I held off on officially launching the campaign until the festival was over because I didn't want to take away or distract from artist ticket sales. Now, here we are. And we need your help more than ever," Blackmore said.