Historic Toronto theatre renamed after Canadian Automobile Association

A century old live theatre venue on Yonge Street has been renamed this week to reflect a new "multi-faceted marketing partnership" between Mirvish Productions and CAA South Central Ontario.

Meet The CAA Theatre, formerly known as The Panasonic.

Originally built in 1911 as a private residence, the theatre at 651 Yonge has led many different lives over the past decade.

It became a cinema in 1919, and remained that way (albeit with many different names) until it was converted into a live production theatre in 1993. It's been The Panasonic since 2005.

Was never particularly crazy about the name "Panasonic Theatre", but "CAA Theatre"? Hmmm.... all righty then...https://t.co/uPJg2uW7qZ pic.twitter.com/RXLdS9nKhv

— Derrick Chua (@d_chua) December 1, 2017

As of today, The CAA theatre is up and running, new signage and all.

The Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet will be the first show to run at the rebranded venue, debuting with an all-Canadian cast in just a few weeks.

Mirvish's new partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association also includes special benefits for CAA members at Mirvish theatres and branded lounges within the Royal Alexandra and Princess of Wales theatres.

This isn't a joke, by the way, just in case you were wondering.