Love shines through in tribute to Fran

By Lethbridge Herald on October 3, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Fran Rude was a theatre legend in Lethbridge; and for many, her name is synonymous with the history and success of local theatre. A pivotal figure in the performing arts community for over 50 years, Rude worked extensively as an actor, singer and director, bringing numerous major musicals and plays, including several Canadian amateur premieres to the local stage. 

Rude received several prestigious awards, including the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her extensive contributions to the performing arts. 

“I did over 20 shows under her direction which included the roles of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Jean Valjean In Les Miserables,” says Mark Campbell, who was one of Rude’s performers. “I will be forever grateful to Fran for giving me those opportunities.” 

Rude passed away in 2024. Her impact was so significant that 32 of her former collaborators and performers (including Campbell) will gather at the Yates Memorial Theatre tonight and Saturday to perform: “To Fran, with Love: A Musical Tribute to Fran Rude” to celebrate her life and legacy.

All proceeds from To Fran, with Love will be directed to new scholarships for the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival; to ensure her legacy of support for young artists continues.

Rude mentored countless artists, set a high standard for community theatre by embracing Broadway-level ambition, and philanthropically raised significant funds through productions for local organizations.

Rude nurtured new and younger talent, offering opportunities for many local performers to gain experience on stage and influencing the next generation of Lethbridge theatre leaders. 

Drawing from her experience with Broadway, she was dedicated to producing work of the highest quality, focusing on script, score, and characters to create impactful theatrical experiences for audiences. 

Rude directed over 60 major productions, bringing large-scale musicals like Chorus Line and Les Miserables to Lethbridge. She also actively sought and obtained rights for new shows, sometimes securing Canadian amateur premieres for the city. 

“Fran always had integrity, respected the cast, the musical director, the choreographer and most importantly, the audience. The audience paid good money to see a good show. And she never failed to deliver,” says Campbell.

Many of her productions served as fundraisers, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations like the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO). 

Rude received prestigious recognitions, including the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and the Joan Waterfield Memorial Award from the Allied Arts Council in 2023, recognizing her significant impact on the arts in Lethbridge. 

To Fran, with Love will include a 34-piece orchestra under the direction of Ken Rogers and will feature performers doing songs that meant a great deal to Rude. 

“We’ve had a couple of run-throughs and I’m so blown away by the talent that you’ll see,” says Campbell. “Money raised will go to scholarships with the Lethbridge Music and Arts Festival which was one of Fran’s many passions.”

Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday at the Yates Memorial Theatre.