Celebrations Dinner Theatre gift cards remain point of contention

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This article was published 30/08/2024 (744 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nearly a year after Celebrations Dinner Theatre shuttered, some customers are still seeking reimbursement.

Over the past 10 months, at least 10 patrons have contacted the Free Press expressing confusion and anger over not receiving repayment for gift cards purchased for use at the former Winnipeg entertainment business.

John and Hazel Clouston are among those still waiting.

John Clouston bought a roughly $160 gift card in July 2023 for his wife’s birthday. The gift certificate was used to reserve seats for Mamma Mio in September 2023.

The show never happened; unionized staff went on strike that month. Less than a week into picketing, where employees called for higher wages, parent company Act Three Entertainment announced the dinner theatre’s immediate closure.

At the time, company president Bob Cunningham cited inflation, saying Celebrations was unable to operate at a profitable level.

Act Three Entertainment promised to fully refund guests with tickets to now-cancelled events.

On Oct. 10, Cunningham told the Free Press all patrons’ paid show tickets had been refunded and the company was moving onto subscription package reimbursement.

However, customers with gift cards — and tickets through their gift cards — have been questioning if their cash will come.

“(I) doubt we’ll ever see the money,” said Hazel Clouston.

The couple tried calling the Winnipeg office last year, only to find it closed.

They contacted Jubilations Dinner Theatre, Act Three’s operation in Calgary and Edmonton, but haven’t had success, they said.

Cunningham didn’t respond to questions regarding reimbursement by print deadline Friday.

An employee from Aussie Rules Piano Bar, Act Three’s other Albertan hub, confirmed Cunningham was forwarded the message.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com