With massive names like Mirvish dominating Canada’s musical theatre scene, it might be a little bit identified indisputable fact that there are over 100 group theatre firms in Ontario which were round for a few years. These vary from small-town troupes performing in colleges, church buildings or city halls to bigger teams staging musicals in civic theatres.
They largely function on shoestring budgets, and are run totally by volunteers who contribute not solely onstage, however in each side of manufacturing like directing, choreography, lighting, costumes, units and advertising and marketing. Their performers are non-professional singers and dancers from all walks of life, lots of whom have common day jobs that aren’t associated to the musical area.
Neighborhood music theatres are necessary organizations that domesticate native expertise and supply a platform for each newcomers and seasoned performers to shine and hone their craft. A few of these performers have gone onto profitable skilled careers in music theatre at Stratford, Mirvish and past.
There’s a sturdy sense of group, camaraderie and inclusivity in these organizations. They foster social connection, construct civic satisfaction and cultural id, and extra importantly, assist stimulate financial progress of their respective locales.
The Encore Collection
Simply west of Toronto, The Encore Collection has been presenting musicals since 1993. Their yearly sequence options excessive calibre musicals from 5 native firms from October to Could, with every present operating for a powerful eight performances which can be typically bought out. These performances are staged on the Meadowvale Theatre in Mississauga, a 395-seat intimate auditorium that boasts a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
These 5 music theatre firms supply way more than simply presenting one present a yr for The Encore Collection. They’re a necessary material of their group, to which they contribute by offering coaching applications for younger artists, group outreach applications, and scholarships for college students pursuing performing arts. Every group is a tight-knit household, within the literal sense—{couples} and multi-generational households typically take part within the exhibits collectively.
Listed below are the 5 firms that make up The Encore Collection and what they are going to be presenting within the sequence’ 2025-2026 lineup.
Etobicoke Musical Productions
EMP has mounted over 100 productions in its historical past since 1965. For its sixtieth anniversary season it’s going to deliver “Lovely: The Carole King Musical” for the primary time to a Mississauga stage, from October 31 to November 9, 2025.
“Lovely” is a heartfelt jukebox musical that chronicles the rise of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King, that includes her iconic hits and private journey. Though it’s filled with chart-toppers like “You’ve Received a Good friend” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” audiences can even rediscover songs that they know and are acquainted with however didn’t understand they have been written by Carole King.
Coincidentally, an actual life husband and spouse duo (Erin and Michael Clost) who first met via music theatre has been solid within the lead roles of Carole and her husband Gerry Goffin. EMP President Chris Pearson says that the manufacturing could have Carole’s character enjoying the piano reside on stage, which makes the timing of actors, musicians and orchestra all of the tougher.
Clarkson Music Theatre
CMT was based in 1945 as an area church group that carried out Gilbert & Sullivan musicals completely till 1970. Its numerous membership ranges in age from eight to 93 years outdated. Apart from presenting one main musical per yr as a part of The Encore Collection, CMT may be very energetic locally, bringing over 10 Christmas concert events to senior centres each vacation season.
“Our solid is essentially seniors themselves who’re proud to have the ability to proceed to sing and share their love of music,” says Producer Christine McMahon. For its eightieth anniversary season, CMT can be presenting “Anastasia” (with music by Stephen Flaherty , lyrics by Lynn Ahrens , and e book by Terrence McNally) for the primary time, from November 1 to 30, 2025.
“Anastasia” is a stage adaptation of the 1997 animated movie. It follows a younger amnesiac lady in Twenties Russia who could be the misplaced Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna. Whereas being concerned with two con males hoping to move her off as royalty, she inadvertently uncovers her true id.
The musical attracts loosely from the real-life thriller surrounding Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, who was rumoured to have survived the execution of her household in 1918. It options lush orchestration and dazzling dance numbers, together with particular results like a transferring prepare on stage.
Meadowvale Music Theatre
Based in 1984, MMT can also be born out of church teams initially performing Gilbert & Sullivan. It’s the solely group inside the Encore Collection to have established a Youth Firm, which presents a separate manufacturing with youngsters ages 8 to 18.
Final yr, its run of Magnificence and the Beast was so widespread and bought out early, an additional present needed to be added. This can be MMT’s first time mounting “Sweeney Todd,” (with a e book by Hugh Wheeler, and music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) on stage from January 30 to February 8, 2026.
“Sweeney Todd” follows a barber wrongfully imprisoned by a corrupt decide who returns to London to hunt revenge. The title character then units up store above a failing pie store and develops a mutually helpful association with its proprietor.
The music typically makes use of dissonance and counterpoint to mirror psychological stress and ethical ambiguity.
Producer Donna Feggans says, “We plan on exploring the humorous parts of the present, which generally will be ignored as a result of macabre nature of the piece. Embracing the comedy is not going to solely interact the viewers extra, however will give additional energy to the tragic parts.” Audiences can even anticipate particular results like blood splatter that have to be particularly well-timed.
Metropolis Centre Musical Productions
CCMP’s roots started in 1985. They carried out The Sound of Music within the Meadowvale Theatre’s inaugural season in 1989. The group offers again to the group via informative workshops and concert events, and provides an annual scholarship vocal competitors for younger singers. From March 13 to 22, 2025, they are going to be performing “The Promenade” (with a e book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, e book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar) for the primary time in CCMP’s historical past.
Impressed by real-life occasions, “The Promenade” follows a highschool scholar who’s banned from bringing her girlfriend to promenade. 4 eccentric, washed-up Broadway actors descend in town to assist her — and revive their very own careers within the course of.
Producer Marlene Taylor says that this musical is a wonderful selection for a group theatre to draw youthful audiences and actors. “The central storyline takes place in a highschool, with our lead character trying to find acceptance in a group that’s illiberal. The theme is well timed and related.”
Theatre Limitless Performing Arts
Established in 1989, Theatre Limitless is the youngest firm within the Encore Collection. From April 24 to Could 3, 2026, the corporate can be presenting “Annie,” (e book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse , and lyrics by Martin Charninwhich) which it final staged in 2014.
A Broadway favorite with iconic songs reminiscent of “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Exhausting-Knock Life,” “Annie” is without doubt one of the most recognizable musicals of all time. Set in Nineteen Thirties New York, the story follows the spirited 11-year-old orphan who embarks on an journey to seek out her dad and mom, assembly con artists, a billionaire and even the U.S. President alongside the way in which. The big solid options many youngster performers and even a canine.
“Whereas Annie stays a timeless story, this new model guarantees renewed vitality via numerous casting and artistic reinterpretations that spotlight each nostalgia and innovation. It additionally gives a chance for a brand new era of native performers, particularly youthful solid members, to deliver their very own allure to this traditional present. It’s the good introduction to musical theatre for youths,” says co-producer Kate Prestage.
Remaining Ideas
It goes with out saying that every one these productions incur excessive bills, nearly all of which go in direction of buying the rights to carry out them. The Encore Collection thankfully enjoys a big subscription base, because it depends totally on ticket gross sales to cowl their prices. With single tickets costing not more than $40, The Encore Collection is making prime quality leisure accessible.
Michael Buchert, The Encore Collection co-chair and advertising and marketing director, aptly sums it up, “Via the magic of theatre, we goal to complement lives, spark pleasure, and produce individuals collectively. The Encore Collection brings our group collectively — magic occurs nightly.”
- It’s well worth the drive out to Mississauga. Present particulars and tickets [HERE].
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Denise Lai is a Physiotherapist and Faculty Professor. She is an alumnus of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and a rusty piano participant.
