The Encore Series: Ontario’s Community Music Theatres Are Alive With The Sound Of Music
With big names like Mirvish dominating Canada’s musical theatre scene, it may be a little known fact that there are over 100 community theatre companies in Ontario that have been around for many years. These range from small-town troupes performing in schools, churches or town halls to larger groups staging musicals in civic theatres.
They largely operate on shoestring budgets, and are run entirely by volunteers who contribute not only onstage, but in every aspect of production like directing, choreography, lighting, costumes, sets and marketing. Their performers are non-professional singers and dancers from all walks of life, many of whom have regular day jobs that are not related to the musical field.
Community music theatres are important organizations that cultivate local talent and provide a platform for both newcomers and seasoned performers to shine and hone their craft. Some of these performers have gone onto successful professional careers in music theatre at Stratford, Mirvish and beyond.
There is a strong sense of community, camaraderie and inclusivity in these organizations. They foster social connection, build civic pride and cultural identity, and more importantly, help stimulate economic growth in their respective locales.
The Encore Series
Just west of Toronto, The Encore Series has been presenting musicals since 1993. Their yearly series features high calibre musicals from five local companies from October to May, with each show running for an impressive eight performances that are often sold out. These performances are staged at the Meadowvale Theatre in Mississauga, a 395-seat intimate auditorium that boasts a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
These five music theatre companies offer much more than just presenting one show a year for The Encore Series. They are an essential fabric of their community, to which they contribute by providing training programs for young artists, community outreach programs, and scholarships for students pursuing performing arts. Each group is a tight-knit family, in the literal sense—couples and multi-generational families often participate in the shows together.
Here are the five companies that make up The Encore Series and what they will be presenting in the series’ 2025-2026 lineup.
Etobicoke Musical Productions
EMP has mounted over 100 productions in its history since 1965. For its 60th anniversary season it will bring “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” for the first time to a Mississauga stage, from October 31 to November 9, 2025.
“Beautiful” is a heartfelt jukebox musical that chronicles the rise of legendary singer-songwriter Carole King, featuring her iconic hits and personal journey. Although it is packed with chart-toppers like “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” audiences will also rediscover songs that they know and are familiar with but did not realize they were written by Carole King.
Coincidentally, a real life husband and wife duo (Erin and Michael Clost) who first met through music theatre has been cast in the lead roles of Carole and her husband Gerry Goffin. EMP President Chris Pearson says that the production will have Carole’s character playing the piano live on stage, which makes the timing of actors, musicians and orchestra all the more challenging.
Clarkson Music Theatre
CMT was founded in 1945 as a local church group that performed Gilbert & Sullivan musicals exclusively until 1970. Its diverse membership ranges in age from eight to 93 years old. Besides presenting one major musical per year as part of The Encore Series, CMT is very active in the community, bringing over 10 Christmas concerts to senior centres every holiday season.
“Our cast is largely seniors themselves who are proud to be able to continue to sing and share their love of music,” says Producer Christine McMahon. For its 80th anniversary season, CMT will be presenting “Anastasia” (with music by Stephen Flaherty , lyrics by Lynn Ahrens , and book by Terrence McNally) for the first time, from November 1 to 30, 2025.
“Anastasia” is a stage adaptation of the 1997 animated film. It follows a young amnesiac woman in 1920s Russia who may be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna. While being involved with two con men hoping to pass her off as royalty, she inadvertently uncovers her true identity.
The musical draws loosely from the real-life mystery surrounding Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, who was rumoured to have survived the execution of her family in 1918. It features lush orchestration and dazzling dance numbers, along with special effects like a moving train on stage.
Meadowvale Music Theatre
Founded in 1984, MMT is also born out of church groups originally performing Gilbert & Sullivan. It is the only group within the Encore Series to have established a Youth Company, which presents a separate production with children ages 8 to 18.
Last year, its run of Beauty and the Beast was so popular and sold out early, an extra show had to be added. This will be MMT’s first time mounting “Sweeney Todd,” (with a 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 judge who returns to London to seek revenge. The title character then sets up shop above a failing pie shop and develops a mutually beneficial arrangement with its owner.
The music often uses dissonance and counterpoint to reflect psychological tension and moral ambiguity.
Producer Donna Feggans says, “We plan on exploring the humorous elements of the show, which typically can be overlooked due to the macabre nature of the piece. Embracing the comedy will not only engage the audience more but will give further power to the tragic elements.” Audiences can also expect special effects like blood splatter that need to be especially well-timed.
City Centre Musical Productions
CCMP’s roots began in 1985. They performed The Sound of Music in the Meadowvale Theatre’s inaugural season in 1989. The organization gives back to the community through informative workshops and concerts, and offers an annual scholarship vocal competition for young singers. From March 13 to 22, 2025, they will be performing “The Prom” (with a book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, book by Bob Martin, and music by Matthew Sklar) for the first time in CCMP’s history.
Inspired by real-life events, “The Prom” follows a high school student who is banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom. Four eccentric, washed-up Broadway actors descend on the town to help her — and revive their own careers in the process.
Producer Marlene Taylor says that this musical is an excellent choice for a community theatre to attract younger audiences and actors. “The central storyline takes place in a high school, with our lead character searching for acceptance in a community that is intolerant. The theme is timely and relevant.”
Theatre Unlimited Performing Arts
Established in 1989, Theatre Unlimited is the youngest company in the Encore Series. From April 24 to May 3, 2026, the company will be presenting “Annie,” (book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse , and lyrics by Martin Charninwhich) which it last staged in 2014.
A Broadway favourite with iconic songs such as “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Annie” is one of the most recognizable musicals of all time. Set in 1930s New York, the story follows the spirited 11-year-old orphan who embarks on an adventure to find her parents, meeting con artists, a billionaire and even the U.S. President along the way. The large cast features many child performers and even a dog.
“While Annie remains a timeless story, this new version promises renewed energy through diverse casting and creative reinterpretations that highlight both nostalgia and innovation. It also provides an opportunity for a new generation of local performers, especially younger cast members, to bring their own charm to this classic show. It is the perfect introduction to musical theatre for kids,” says co-producer Kate Prestage.
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that all these productions incur high expenses, the majority of which go towards acquiring the rights to perform them. The Encore Series fortunately enjoys a large subscription base, as it relies primarily on ticket sales to cover their costs. With single tickets costing no more than $40, The Encore Series is making high quality entertainment accessible.
Michael Buchert, The Encore Series co-chair and marketing director, aptly sums it up, “Through the magic of theatre, we aim to enrich lives, spark joy, and bring people together. The Encore Series brings our community together — magic happens nightly.”
It’s worth the drive out to Mississauga. Show details and tickets [HERE].
By Denise Lai, ludwigvan TORONTO
