The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium’s 55th-anniversary gala is being held on October 1st, and tickets are now on sale for $150 each. Only 100 tickets will be available.
The event is scheduled to begin in the auditorium at 5 p.m. with cocktail hour and supper to follow at 6 p.m.
Also included in the gala ticket is recognition as being one of the “2024/2025 Friends of the WMCA.” It’s a brand-new initiative to give supporters an opportunity to purchase certain event tickets in advance and encourage people to become patrons of the facility.
Additionally, gala ticket holders will have VIP seating for a video to be shown after supper that will showcase all productions and plays planned for the upcoming season. The video presentation is free, and the public is invited to attend in the WMCA’s lobby, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Immediately following the preview presentation video, there will be music by local band Filthy Lucre, featuring front man Tom Crook, who is a past general manager of the WMCA.
On October 4, WMCA presents its “Celebrate 55 MiniFest,” scheduled to start at 5 p.m., with options to purchase food from the Smoked and Sauced mobile barbecue, followed by three live performances on the auditorium’s stage.
Admission is $20 in advance or at the door to see the lineup of Matt Cory at 6:30 p.m., Crude City Classics at 7:15 p.m. and Full Flannel Jacket at 8:15 p.m. After the live entertainment wraps on stage, the public is invited to an after party in the grand salon featuring DJ Red.
In the days between the gala on Oct. 1 and the party on Oct. 4, the WMCA will be open to the public for guided or self-guided tours.
Staff will have mementos and memorabilia laid out, such as posters for the entertainers who were part of the original grand-opening celebration in 1969, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which headlined the opening gala, and Wilf Carter and Kitty Wells, who performed two days later.
For more information, including tickets for the gala and minifest, call 204-728-9510.
(With files from The Brandon Sun)
