During the summer of 1955 Rainbow Stage played host to a number of different performances; here are just a few highlights.

A collection of newspaper advertisements that were posted in the Winnipeg Free Press.

Hammers pave the way for Hammerstein as Rainbow Stage gets a face-lifting before the opening show - Continental Cabaret - June 24 and 25.  Improvements include streetlights along the driveway from Scotia street to the stage; concession stands and ticket booths; new washrooms, and additional lighting effects on the stage.  New portals have also been erected to facilitate the raising of the front curtain.  Situated in Rainbow Dell, Kildonan Park the stage is Winnipeg's only outdoor summer theatre.  The first program will off variety fare of a light nature, including many Rodgers and Hammerstein hits.

A digital version of the article is posted below.

Rainbow Stage to Feature Ink Spots and Local Talent
An elaborate variety show headlining the internationally famous singing group, the Ink Spots and featuring some of this city's top talent will officially open the 1955 season of Winnipeg's Rainbow stage in Kildonan park June 24 and 25.
Called Continental Cabaret, the show is directed by James Duncan, and will feature contrallo Marilyn Duffus and baritone Orville Derraugh - recently starred on the CBC Anniversary television show - soprano Belva Boroditsky, a ballet group under the direction of Arnold Spohr, a full orchestra under the direction of Eric Wild, and the James Duncan chorus. Mareh Phimister and Len Andree will emcee the show as well as contribute several comedy routines.
Announcing the engagement of the Ink Spots, James Duncan commented on the strong appeal the group has for all classes and ages of listener.
"The Ink Spots will appear on both evenings," Mr. Duncan said, "and each night they will occupy a substantial portion of both acts of the Continental Cabaret revue.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole city to hear them under the most favorable conditions."
Light music will make up the revue fare, featuring such numbers as a song-and-ballet medley from Finian's Rainbow and selections from The Desert Song.
Winnipeg's only outdoor theatre.  Rainbow Stage is undergoing further extension and beautification to both architecture and landscaping, and crews are already at work.
The stage was officially opened Sept. 22, 1953 when the Kiltsliano Boys' band of Vancouver presented a concert there, and the initial Winnipeg show was held July. 7, 1954 when 4,500 persons attended a variety production featuring representative city talent.

Rainbow stage in Kildonan park opened Friday night with the large crowd shown here sharing in the first program, Continental Cabaret.  This opening night stressed an atmosphere of night club intimacy and audience participation.  Program included an orchestra directed by Eric Wild, the James Duncan chorus, Royal Winnipeg ballet and the Ink Spots.

All content collected from the Winnipeg Free Press Archives.

There was quite a buzz amongst Winnipeggers around the opening of Rainbow Stage in the early 1950's, according to photos and articles from the Winnipeg Free Press archives:

Free Press archives - construction 1952: An article detailing the beginning of construction of Rainbow Stage in 1952

Giant Outdoor Theatre to Rise This Summer A Kildonan Park

Construction of a giant summer theatre for Winnipeggers, similar in many respects to Vancouver’s Theatre Under the Stars will be carried out this summer in Kildonan park.  It was announced Friday by Reg. Hugo, honorary chairman of the Rainbow Stage Campaign committee.

A stage as wide and as deep as in the civic auditorium will be large enough to accommodate performances of a full-sized symphony orchestra, or will house the full cast of a large musical comedy, Mr. Hugo said.

The theatre will get its name from the rainbow shape of the proscenium which will curve around the ceiling line of the stage.

Free Press archives - photo 1952: Model of the Rainbow Stage theatre published in the Winnipeg Free Press in 1952, two years before its opening.

Caption reads: "This model of the Winnipeg's Rainbow Stage to be built this summer in Kildonan Park will be on display at the Red River exhibition at the amphitheatre June 14 - 21.  A Free Press artist has given an idea of how he imagines the stage will look with an orchestra performing."

Free Press archives - July 7, 1954: An article published in the Winnipeg Free Press about the opening of Rainbow Stage on July 7, 1954

Rainbow Stage Opener to Star Local Talent
Local talent will be featured at the official opening of Winnipeg’s new Rainbow Stage at 8:15p.m. tonight.
Mayor Garnet Coulter will open Winnipeg’s first outdoor theatre before and expected crowd of 4,500 at Kildonan Park.
A varied program of Sunday concerts, Friday films, music and drama is being planned for other summer concerts.
Highlights of tonight’s program include a chorus by the Ukrainian Youth Association and Ukrainian national folk dances directed by Wally Uric.
Eric Wild and his presentation orchestra with Maxine Ward and the James Duncan Chorus will present a selection of popular tunes. 

Free Press archives - opening night: Photo from the opening night of Rainbow Stage in 1954, published in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 8, 1954.  The opening paragraph of the Article below (bottom right) Reads: Singing, dancing colorful costumes and fresh air proved to be an irresistible mixture at the opening program of the Rainbow Stage at Kildonan Park Wednesday."

4,500 Attend Gala Stage Opening!

Jazz for Cows!