It’s been just nine months since the expanded, renovated Capri opened, and oh, what a nine months it’s been.
Since the grand opening week in October, 2021, the Capri building has been full of life, offering a variety of amenities and creative spaces for all sorts of activities that have attracted over 15,750 people to this Northside gem.
For example, theater-goers enjoyed productions by Stage North, Ten Thousand Things Theater, Stages Theatre Company, Exposed Brick Theatre, zAmaya Theater, and many others.
People attended conferences, seminars, films, fundraisers, and community meetings. This fall, the Capri will proudly serve as a new Northside polling place.
Musicians have filmed, recorded and streamed events at the Capri. Music lovers have seen Cantus, Wenso Ashby, and the 3’s a Crowd hip hop festival, and three dance companies have performed in the theater.
Friends and families have gathered for birthday and retirement parties, recitals, graduations, repasts, and baby showers, and Wolfpack Promotion’s neighborhood Halloween party on the Capri Plaza was a big hit.
In addition to rental events, the Capri has continued to produce its own legacy programming: Legends @ the Capri, Camp Capri, Capri Glee, First Thursday Films @ the Capri with the MSP Film Society, and The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s Northside Series, Xplorchestra and Start the Music programs.
PYC Arts & Tech High School students, PCYC’s Bright Futures K-5 scholars, and Best Buy Teen Tech Center members are utilizing the space for classes, special events, movies and more.
Now, as we move into the summer months, be sure to visit the West Broadway Farmers Market every Friday afternoon from 3-7 p.m. on the Capri Plaza, check out the outdoor activities planned for Saturday, July 30 during FLOW, and don’t miss the Summer Camp Capri production of The Wiz Jr. on August 3 and 4!
“We’ve learned a lot since we’ve opened, and there have been some bumps in the road – the resurgence of COVID right as we opened, for one – but the overwhelming response to the new Capri has been so positive,” said Kevin West, the Capri’s general manager. Capri Director James Scott adds, “We thank all of you for your efforts to hold events and bring guests to the Capri; for coming out for art; for participating in community programs and conversations, and for your support throughout these beginning months. The Capri’s been here for 95 years, and we’re proud to say the next 95 years of making memories has begun in a big way.”
More info: thecapri.org.