Courtesy of The Hamilton Spectator - Gary Smith: By  Gary Smith Special to the Spectator Gary Smith has written about theatre and dance for the Hamilton Spectator for 45 years as well as for a variety of international publications. gsmith1@cogeco.ca The showstoppers you know: Musical revue ‘Finales’ A celebration of Broadway and local talent When you come out to see a show like “Finales,” you support the performing arts in our community, and you buoy the dreams and spirits of the talented. Finales are those big numbers that cap off a Broadway musical, or maybe send you out humming at intermission. They’re showstoppers, staged to make you tingle. Well, what if someone took a whole series of those big blockbusters and put them together in one show? You’d have “Finales” of course, the musical entertainment City Centre Musical productions is bringing to The Loft at Drury Lane Theatre. Put together by musical theatre director-choreographer Michael MacLennan, and musical director John Pugh, this eclectic entertainment brings the big eleven o’clock numbers from shows such as “Funny Girl,” “Next to Normal” and “Gypsy” together in one big evening. “It’s a musical theatre revue that is a collection of the greatest endings to Act 1 or Act 2 from 26 different shows, both classic and contemporary. It’s a full evening of singing from 10 talented vocalists,” MacLennan says. And when it comes to musicals MacLennan knows his stuff. He’s directed plenty of them for community theatre companies in the greater Hamilton and Toronto area. Growing up in Hamilton’s east end, MacLennan had great imagination. “Pretending to be someone else fascinated me as a kid. My elementary report cards all said, ‘Michael talks too much.’ I think it’s pretty clear that I needed to find a way of expressing myself.” That’s where theatre came in. Finales Who  City Centre Musical productions and Drury Lane Theatrical Productions Where  The Loft at Drury Lane Theatre, 2269 New St., Burlington When  June 13,14 at 8 p.m. Matinee June 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets  $40. Call 905-637-3979 or go to  boxoffice@drurylane.ca “My drama teacher, Al Straitton at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, was a huge inspiration. He saw something in me that I was probably not even aware of. This led to my first community theatre show with Hamilton Theatre Inc. You could say community theatre was my training ground and from there I went on to study acting, singing and dancing.” MacLennan performed at Stage West, Drayton Festival Theatre and Limelight Dinner Theatre, as well as singing in some big cruise ship shows. “My dream came true when I was finally cast at the Stratford Festival and I did two wonderful seasons there. I was offered a third, but I made the difficult decision to decline this as I wanted to pursue other aspects of theatre, not just performing.” MacLennan had always been intrigued by direction and choreography, and he became an assistant director at the Thousand Islands Playhouse and at Drayton Festival Theatres. Local audiences, however, probably know him best from the professional quality productions he has directed for Drury Lane Theatrical Productions in Burlington. “I feel my organizational and multi-tasking skills, combined with my ability to communicate clearly, make me an effective director. People seem to really enjoy my process, and they trust me. I’ve had opportunities to be an assistant director and to choreograph for professional theatres, but it was community theatre companies that embraced me.” MacLennan admits it’s hard to make a living from directing community theatre shows. “Professional theatres put a show together in three weeks. Community theatres take about three months, so there needs to be some other source of income to survive. But isn’t surviving the plight of most theatre artists in this country?” Still, MacLennan thinks young people interested in a theatre career shouldn’t be afraid to take a chance. “I would never tell anyone not to follow their dream, but I would be very honest. There is a reason why it’s called show business. It is a business. And you have to pay as much attention to the second half of that title as the first. And you have to be courageous. You’ll be told no more than yes when it comes to getting a job. “ Remember, you are the commodity you are selling, and it can be heartbreaking when you are rejected. If you have other skills you should foster them. They may come in handy during the lean times. And there will be many lean times. Most of all, be absolutely sure you love performing and can’t think of yourself doing anything else,” MacLennan says. That’s what this talented showman has been doing for over 35 years, so he must be doing something right. “I’m thankful for the folks who attend local theatres and come out to see productions like ‘Finales,’ ” he says. “As a kid growing up in Hamilton from a steelworker’s family, going into theatre was not something I would call an obvious choice to make. Thankfully, community theatres helped me so much. They are so important because they do more than just put on shows. They provide a training ground for young artists, and they provide a safe space for people to embrace who they are. In more ways than one, they become a second family.” Michael MacLennan, Director/Choreographer and Creator of Finales: Broadway's Greatest Showstoppers. MacLennan is right. When you come out to see a show like “Finales,” you support the performing arts in our community, and you buoy the dreams and spirits of the talented, enthusiastic folk who are on stage not because they’re paid, but because they love it. June 13-14 at 8:00 PM and 2:00 PM Matinée on June 14, 2025. Limited engagement. Don't miss it!

City Centre Musical Productions Inc. (CCMP) is an inclusive, community-based musical theatre group that has been performing top quality musicals in Mississauga for over 35 years.  All members share a love of music, song and performance with the commitment to providing the best entertainment for  the community. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday June 16, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. Meadowvale Community Centre Program Room 2 6655 Glen Erin Dr, Mississauga, ON L5N 3L4 The AGM includes:  ·        A review of this past year ·        Messages from the President and Treasurer ·        Financial statements ·        The election and re-election of Trustees to the Board    If you are interested in joining the group, becoming a Board Trustee, a volunteer, or just want to find out about our group and our upcoming shows, come on by, we'd love to see you.  A social get-together will follow the meeting with refreshments. RSVP: Francine at fgabelle81@gmail.com   Please RSVP by Thursday June 12, 2025

CCMP is happy to announce our audition dates for our 2026 production of The Prom! When: Tuesday June 24,2026 starting at 6:30 PM Wednesday June 25, 2026 starting at 6:30 PM Time: Select your prefered time and date with our audition scheduler. Callbacks: Thursday June 26, 2025 by invitation only. Where: Rivergrove Community Centre in the Susan Barts Arts Studio room 5800 Rivergrove Avenue, Mississauga ON L5M 4R8 Please review our audition page for all relevant information and to book your audition for The Prom ! All of our audition information and the booking scheduler can be found here . The will be no Information Night, if you have any questions after reviewing the Audition page, please email us at info@ccmpmusic.com . We hope to see you there!

CCMP is happy to announce the artistic team for The Prom. Director/Choreographer: Michael MacLennan Music Director: John Pugh Stage Manager: Glenn Pringle Producers: Marlene Taylor, Susan Pringle Audition announcements will be coming up in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Want a fun volunteer experience? Want to learn what it's like to work a show behind the scenes? CCMP is looking for volunteers to help us out during our run of 9 to 5 The Musical as spotlight operators, crew and dressers. Must be 16+ and reliable to show up for the run. Students looking for volunteer hours for high school, CCMP will give you credit for the time you help us out. Tech week starts March 7-13, 2025, Show dates are March 14-23, 2025. Contact Glenn Pringle at info@ccmpmusic.com and ask about volunteering for 9 to 5 backstage! #ccmp9to5   #mississaugacharitablegaming   #communitytheatre   #insauga   #highschoolvolunteers   #martyshubreporter   #mississaugaevents   Join Us! Be a volunteer and learn what it's like to be working backstage on this blockbuster show!

Calling all young singers in Peel Region to compete! It's your time to shine at the The Eleanor Calbes Memorial Scholarship Vocal Competition. Are you ready to compete? This year the event takes place at Glenbrook Presbyterian Church 3535 South Common Court Mississauga on Saturday November 23, 2024 at Noon. ​Criteria: 1.   Must be a non-professional vocalist between the ages of 9 and 19 and living in Peel Region.  2. Memorize and perform one song which demonstrates vocal ability from either  classical or Musical Theatre repertoire. 3. Bring music printed double sided, 3-hole punched in a binder. 4. A professional pianist will accompany all participants. Teachers are not allowed to play for their students nor will participants be permitted to accompany themselves. 5. Participants will be grouped by age in Junior (9-12), Intermediate (13-16) or Senior (17-19) categories. 6. Performances will be adjudicated and a participant from each category will receive a cash award to assist in their vocal training. Cash Awards are Junior $300, Intermediate $400 and Senior $500.   Interested vocalists are asked to contact Heidi Cyfko to register at ccmpscholarship@gmail.com Deadline to register November 20, 2024 More info and registration button HERE

Encore Series Subscription sales are now open to the general public. Call the Meadowvale Theatre Box Office at 905-615-4720 for the best entertainment deal in Mississauga. Five great shows for one low price! Adults $160 Students/Seniors only $150. Get yours today! Box Office: Mon, Wed, Fri - 11am-4pm Tuesday & Thursday - 2pm - 7pm Saturday and Sunday - Closed. COMING SOON! Show tickets will go on sale online Monday August 12th, 2024 at Noon. https://www.ticketmaster.ca/city.../event/100060CB269309CA Also available via Meadowvale Theatre Box Office at noon on August 15th. Call 905-615-4720 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 11am – 4pm Tuesday and Thursday – 2pm – 7pm Saturday and Sunday – Closed

Audition bookings are now live on our website. Please click HERE for all the details and to book your audition spot today. Follow us on social media Facebook & IG @citycentremusicalproductions X @ccmpmusic TikTok @ccmpmusicals

Want to join us on Thursday June 6th, 2024 at 7:30 PM but can't make it in person? Now you can join us on Zoom Meeting ID 846 3468 4655 Passcode 526952 ANNOUNCING AUDITION DATES July 2 & 4, 2024 from 6:30-10:30 PM July 5, 2024 Dance Core Audition from 6:30-8:00 PM Callbacks from 8:00 - 10:30 PM Join us in "the Bullpen" as we get back to work on CCMP's 2025 production of 9 to 5 The Musical. Meet our creative team, Director/Choreographer, Renee Jones and our Music Director, Jordan May as they share their vision for this high energy show based on the popular 1980s hit movie. 9 to 5 The Musical is set in the late 1970s, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the office. You will learn about our group, Audition requirements, rehearsal and show details as well as how to sign up. Audition details & bookings will go live on the CCMP website after the meeting. ​

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday June 18, 2024 8:00 p.m. RE/MAX REALTY SPECIALISTS INC Offices 6850 Millcreek Drive, Mississauga, ON L5N 4J9 The AGM includes: ·        A review of this past year ·        Messages from the President and Treasurer ·        Financial statements ·        The election and re-election of Trustees to the Board If you are interested in joining the group, becoming a board Trustee, volunteer, or just want to find out about our upcoming shows, come on by, we'd love to see you. A social get-together will follow the meeting. RSVP: Francine at fgabelle81@gmail.com Please RSVP by Tuesday June 11, 2024

INFORMATION NIGHT Join us in "the Bullpen" as we get back to work on CCMP's 2025 production of 9 to 5 The Musical. Meet our creative team, Director/Choreographer, Renee Jones and our Music Director, Jordan May as they share their vision for this high energy show based on the popular 1980s hit movie. 9 to 5 The Musical is set in the late 1970s, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the office. We will fill you in on what to expect on audition day. You will learn about our group, audition requirements, rehearsal and show details as well as how to sign up. Bookings will be accepted on the CCMP website after the meeting. We will be here for you on Thursday June 6, 2024 at 7:30 PM at Rivergrove Community Centre in the Susan Burt Arts Studio Room. Q & A and sign up online after the meeting. Hope to see you there!

PRODUCERS, DIRECTORS, MUSIC DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS We are looking for fresh talent to apply for our upcoming 2025 production of 9 to 5, The Musical. We want to hear from you about your past projects, your vision and what you have learned about CCMP and the shows we produce. Paid positions. The show will be performed at Meadowvale Theatre in Mississauga on March 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 2025 at 8pm and March 16, 22, 23, 2025 at 2pm. Tech week will begin Saturday March 8, 2025, and will run until Thursday March 13, 2025. Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights from 6:30 pm until 10:00 pm. This schedule can start in December for 2 weeks and then will resume Friday January 3rd, 2025, until Friday March 7th, 2025. Interviews will be scheduled for Tuesday May 14, and Wednesday May 15, 2024, beginning at 6:00 pm at the ReMax Office: 6850 Millcreek Drive, 2nd floor, Mississauga ON L5N 4J9 Times will be assigned on a first received basis. Please submit your request to interview along with your resume and an outline of your vision for the show as it pertains to the position that you are applying for. Deadline for submissions is Friday, May 10, 2024. Please email your information to info@ccmpmusic.com with the subject line containing the position for which you are applying. Jump over to www.ccmpmusic.com/mainshow for show information.