Mecca Productions is celebrating a milestone few community theatre groups ever reach — 25 years, more than 85 shows, and generations of Westman performers who’ve grown up under its lights. The Brandon‑based company marks the occasion tonight with a special anniversary concert and gala at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, featuring more than 50 performers returning to the stage.
Artistic director and founder Lisa Vasconcelos calls the night a sweeping musical time capsule. When asked how it feels to look back on a quarter‑century of work, she summed it up with one word: “Beautiful.”
“It feels almost like you’re at your own funeral in a way, where you get to watch the highlight reel of your life and just smile with all the people who made so many memories so special,” Vasconcelos said. “So many of the lead characters we’ve had over the years will be part of this. It exceeds what we normally can do because there are just so many people — and they all sing so well.”
Final rehearsal wrapped just before 11 p.m. Wednesday night, and Vasconcelos says the cast is ready.
“Every song brings back its own special feelings. There have been lots of tears in rehearsal as we look at each other with love in our eyes and our hearts.”
The 90‑minute show moves chronologically through Mecca’s history, highlighting 21 pieces from productions such as Les Misérables, Rent, Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music. It opens with “Footloose,” Mecca’s first‑ever production, which sold out three shows in 2002.
Choosing just 21 songs from more than 85 productions wasn’t easy. Vasconcelos credits her daughter Tiana — who designed the program — for helping narrow it down.
“There were shows we really love but couldn’t include or the concert would be four hours long. We reached out to past members to see who was available and what shows they felt should be featured.”
Act 2 begins with an emotional In Memoriam tribute honouring Mecca members who have passed away.
The gala also reunites performers who’ve gone on to bigger stages, including Tyson Dornn, who worked on Disney+’s Goosebumps, and Danika Robb, returning from Broadway. Vasconcelos says their success reflects Mecca’s growing legacy.
“So many people who started with us as kids are now teachers or creating art in their own communities. In a world that can feel dark, it’s powerful to think of how many people on that stage tonight are making the world brighter.”
Rehearsals have brought together casts from across the decades, creating what longtime performer Katherine MacFarlane calls “a deep sense of connection and community.” Mecca now draws members from multiple Westman communities and offers everything from youth classes to a full season of theatre programming.
As for what comes next, Vasconcelos says the plan is to celebrate like this every five years — but first, a short break.
“We’ve been grinding pretty hard for 18 months. Next season is lighter, starting with Come From Away in September. It’ll be my daughter Tiana’s directorial debut, and she’s excited to cut her teeth on it.”
A kids’ show follows in the fall, with The Grinch returning in December.
Tickets for tonight’s concert are still available, along with optional after‑party access in the Grand Salon featuring karaoke by PJ the DJ and catering by Chloe’s of Virden.
