From doo-wop to downtown legacy: Arts Commons theatre honours philanthropic couple

The next act in Calgary's theatre scene will bear the names of Al Osten and Buddy Victor — a couple known for their doo-wop career in the United States before settling down in Calgary and beginning their philanthrophic journey.

Currently under construction, the 1,000-seat performing arts theatre will be named the Osten-Victor Playhouse, which will be part of the $660 million expansion of Arts Commons in downtown Calgary.

Osten, 94, donated $12 million to the Arts Commons transformation, on behalf of himself and his late partner Victor.

A special performance was held at the Martha Cohen Theatre in Arts Commons on Friday, to honour Osten and Victor's musical career, before Osten was shown a rendering of the playhouse on a big screen for the first time.

He said it brought him to tears.

"It was unbelievable…. We have a legacy that we've built and we're still going strong," Osten said.

"I want to make Calgary beautiful. That's part of it all, too."

Osten and Victor met in the United States in the 1950s as part of the doo-wop group called the Rover Boys, known for their one hit record, Graduation Day.

But they made their money through a lucrative investment in Weight Watchers in the 1960s, which they sold in 2013. Since then, they've dedicated their fortune to helping others.

Now, their names are on a number of buildings across Canada including the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre in Calgary, the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton and soon, the upcoming 150-seat Osten Victor Theatre at the Glenbow Museum.

The Osten-Victor Playhouse is currently under construction, along with the rest of the Arts Commons expansion. It's expected to be completed in time for the 2028-29 season.

Alex Sarian, CEO and president of Arts Commons, said it will fill an important gap for Calgary's creative community.

"There are shows that are too big for the Max Bell Theatre, but perhaps too small for the Jubilee Auditorium that would fit perfectly here," said Sarian.

"It really is about creating a space that is flexible and innovative, that is a celebration of all art forms where Calgarians come and have cultural experiences that they can't have today."

Sarian said while the infrastructure is important, he's looking forward to what Calgarians do with it.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek said it's very encouraging to know that philanthropists are also backing arts projects such as this one.

"It's important to make sure that you are sending a very clear signal to the public that you believe in something, and the City of Calgary and council has sent a very clear signal that the arts are valued here, that the creative sector is absolutely something that makes us whole in this city," said Gondek.

Moving forward, Osten said he has his eyes on at least three other projects — including ones helping amputee children and kids with Down syndrome.