Encore Series Gala Celebrates 25 years of Entertaining Mississauga
25 years ago, four community theatre groups in Mississauga got together to form Music Theatre Mississauga and produced The Encore Series. Today, there are five groups that work together to deliver five outstanding musicals every year.
The groups are Clarkson Music Theatre, Theatre Unlimited, City Centre Musical Productions, Meadowvale Music Theatre and Etobicoke Musical Production. Shows such as Les Mis, The Producers, Hello Dolly and more have graced Meadowvale Theatre’s stage with amazing talent both on and off stage.
The Gala Event was a remarkable celebration of community collaboration at its finest. The main theme of the night was love. Love of theatre, love of friends and love of community. Community Theatre groups often struggle to keep going. These groups found a way to make it work without compromising quality. The groups pool all of their talent and resources to give Mississauga and the GTA the best entertainment value money can buy.
At only $30/show or $125/season, you can’t go wrong. This group has a strong following with sellout crowds.
The evening began with a pre-show reception where guests mingled and strolled through a gallery of memorabilia. It was followed by a special production emceed by Lisa Horner of Come From Away. Lisa is a great supporter and her family was an integral part of the early team that helped form this group. Councilor Saito and Mike Douglas from the Mississauga Arts Council presented the City’s Certificate of Achievement to MTM Chair David Charchalis. The following performance was electric including numbers from Les Mis, Guys & Dolls, Hairspray and more. The evening wrapped up with cake, coffee and lots of friendship.
Community theatre brings together people of many talents, ages and interests and is open to anyone who wishes to participate. They work together through their love of music, dance and theatre. Some get their careers started in community theatre. All get the gift of joy and connection through the arts.
The Encore Series is truly a significant contributor to the arts. Don’t miss next season.
Check out www.encoreseries.ca for upcoming shows.