Mecca Productions announces theatre season lineup

Mecca Productions’ recently announced 2025-26 season offers an unparalleled opportunity for Westman audiences to experience the best of Broadway, in the heart of the westman arts community, the WMCA, in Brandon.

The season opens with The Magical Land of Oz from Oct. 16 to 18. The Tim Kelly adaptation is based on the classic tale by Frank Baum.

The show features dozens of young performers from across western Manitoban communities including Souris, Dauphin, Wawanesa, Minnedosa, Virden and Brandon. The cast completed auditions this past week.

Vocal director for the October musical, Tiana Vasconcelos, looks forward to working with the talented youngsters in the show. ‘The response to our kids’ musicals has been overwhelming. These kiddos are so talented!’ While rehearsals are designed to be fun, the performance is well-worth the price of a ticket. ‘We take a great deal of pride in our kids’ shows. We have high expectations of them and they meet it every time.’

This year, the directing team for the three community shows, Frozen, Hamlet and Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein, will work as a team over three evenings, to cast the adult auditioners in one, or more, of the three shows. ‘There is a great deal of talent in our community. We are very fortunate to have so many folks interested in our season.’

The holiday season will be filled with magic this December as Frozen takes to the stage of the WMCA. The first community group to present the full-length Disney musical to audiences, director Lisa Vasconcelos promises something special. “We have pulled out all the stops for this one! We did the junior version a few years ago and loved it. We’ve assembled an amazing cast of talented and experienced adults to bring this story and songs to life!’

Mecca’s second foray into the world of the Bard steps onto the stage at the end of February. A familiar face to Brandon audiences, first-time director Michelle Boudreau is up to the challenge of presenting one of Shakespeare’s greatest literary works. ‘Rich with complex characters, righteous plot twists and raw madness on stage. Mecca’s production of Hamlet (abridged), is meant for mature audiences and will be presented in its true dark fashion, traditionally, featuring revenge, tragedy, vengeance and sophisticated sword fighting.’

After making his directorial debut with Mecca’s production of RENT, Erik Fjeldsted is looking forward to switching gears with a comedy. ‘There are few shows funnier than ‘Young Frankenstein.’ It’s always been one of my favourite movies. I wore our VHS copy out watching it so many times as a kid.” Working with Miles Crossman, Fjeldsted’s vision for the design of the show promises something special for audiences. ‘I hope to do something special with this show and take the audience on an immersive ride.’

Based on the movie of the same name, Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is an uproariously fun and naughty comedy with great music and characters! A live orchestra under the direction of Donna Lowe brings the zany and irreverent songs to life. ‘Brandon audiences are going to have a great time at this show!’

Rounding out the season is a trip ‘under the sea’ with Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. With music from the movie and stage adaptation, the mid-May kids show brings Ariel and her friends to life for three days. While rehearsals won’t start until February, director Lisa Vasconcelos looks forward to the final show of the season. ‘Our spring kids musicals are a real highlight of our year. This is where the future of musicals in Westman is developed.’ Vasconcelos anticipates a large response from young performers who want to be part of the show. ‘We will do our best to accommodate all who are interested.’ Audition registration opens online in January.

The five show season has something for everyone. “From our kids shows, to big Broadway musicals to the most famous play of all time, our 25th season is something special. It’s a big, ambitious season that requires the creative efforts of many folks in our Mecca family. No matter what you want to see, you’ll enjoy the variety of live theatre experiences available this season at the WMCA.”

More information about all five productions can be found online at mecca-productions.com.

Tickets for all shows are on sale in person at the WMCA box office, by calling 204-728-9510 or online at wmca.ca Be sure to visit only the WMCA site for online tickets.

» Mecca Productions