Celebrating 50 years of The Mack 

April 23, 2024 – One of downtown Charlottetown’s prized performance venues is celebrating a milestone anniversary. The Mack, an intimate cabaret venue operated by Confederation Centre of the Arts, celebrated its 50th anniversary at a rededication event that welcomed guests to see upgrades to the space and learn about the history of the building.  

Recent improvements to The Mack include raising the sidewalk to enhance entrance accessibility, adding additional seating and washroom stalls, and a relocation of the bar to revamp the customer experience. A new plaque was also installed to share the story of how Confederation Centre of the Arts acquired the building over 50 years ago.   

In 1973, the Centre purchased the former Capitol Theatre cinema thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Dr. David Wallace MacKenzie Jr. after his passing. In his will he stated: “It is my wish and desire that in disposing the said residue of my estate to such charitable institutions that some recognition be made of my late father and mother, Dr. David Wallace MacKenzie Sr. and Edith Moore MacKenzie.”

The Charlottetown law firm of Scales, MacMillan, and Ghiz, designated as the executor of the estate, directed $107,000 to the Centre, which made it possible to purchase and renovate the building into a theatre space. In honour of the family, the building was renamed The David MacKenzie Building. Over time, it became known as The MacKenzie Theatre and affectionately The Mack – as it is known today.  

During its time with Confederation Centre of the Arts, it has been home to hundreds of musical theatre productions, concerts, special community events, and other presentations for hundreds of thousands of visitors. Dozens of original Canadian musical theatre shows have debuted there. 

“Confederation Centre of the Arts is deeply grateful to Dr. David MacKenzie Jr. and the executor for deciding to direct funds to support a community space that has impacted generations of Prince Edward Islanders and visitors alike,” says Centre CEO Steve Bellamy. “We hope sharing the story of this gift inspires others to use gift planning to support organizations that make our community a great place to live.”    

Planned giving is a way for philanthropists to ensure a legacy for their estate prior to their death. It can be done in many forms, such as a life insurance policy, endowment, bequest, or gift of securities.   

“Gift planning allows donors to leverage non-cash giving methods, enabling them to support their preferred charitable organizations with larger gifts than their incomes alone would allow,” says Emily Smith, the Centre’s major gifts officer. “This kind of giving makes a real impact on community and provides lasting support for organizations that benefit the public.”  

Visit confederationcentre.com/donate for more information about supporting Confederation Centre of the Arts. 

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Media Contact:
Emily McMahon, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
[email protected] | 902-628-6135