The Midland Cultural Centre (MCC) has space for all kinds of musical events, including those that happen all year round and those that occur just once a year.
MCC Executive Director, Dan Broome, explained, “The MCC’s open jams and open mic nights were created as part of the MCC’s mandate to support building a community of local artists, while giving them a one-of-a-kind opportunity to perform and practice their craft on a professional stage, with state-of-the-art lighting and professional sound engineers.”
According to Broome, there are two open mics held each month. “Midland Jams falls on the first Monday of every month, and the Folk & Blues Collective is typically the third Tuesday of the month,” he said. “While the Folk & Blues Collective focuses on showcasing solos, duos, trios and spoken word artists in acoustic genres, Midland Jams features electric performances by larger groups of musicians and bands.”
Both of these events are free to attend, and feature 15-minute slots for each performer. “It is a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy live music performed by their neighbours and friends,” said Broome. More information about the open jams and open mic night at the MCC can be found here.
Every two years, the Georgian Bay Musical Theatre Company (GBMTC), brings a high-quality high-energy show, featuring actors from the age of 18 and up, to the Midland Cultural Centre. This year, the company presents The Prom for eight performances, from July 17-20 and July 24-27.
According to GBMTC Artistic Director, Lori-Ann Clancy, the company started in 2013 as Triple Threat Summer Company and, in partnership with Huronia Players, brought the very successful and sold out run of the musical Rent to the Midland Cultural Centre. A year later, they renamed and reformed as the GBMTC, a not-for-profit organization that brings contemporary Broadway musicals to Central Ontario. Since then, they have produced four more sold-out shows at the MCC.
Clancy said, “Our productions are intentionally geared towards developing a younger generation of theatre enthusiasts here at home. Our objective is to encourage young adults to be involved in all aspects of theatre, including stage performers and musicians, as well as technical crew, stage crew and/or production staff members.”
She added, “Our goal is to make a difference in our community by igniting the fire of musical theatre in the 18- to 35-year-old demographic, maintaining that fire for the 35 plus age group, and inspiring those under the age of 18 to feel the same passion.”
This year’s offering, The Prom, is a musical comedy, inspired by real life events. In 2010, a female student in the United States was not allowed to attend her school’s prom with her girlfriend. The Prom tells a message of love and acceptance through humour, heartache, captivating characters and entertaining musical numbers.
Director Stephanie Gendron explained, “Our hope in bringing The Prom to Midland is that LGBTQ+ teens will feel represented and celebrated for who they are. The beautiful message of “love is love” is meaningful to all ages and we hope this entertaining show will have the audiences leaving feeling inspired to make the world a better place for those around them.”
Gendron added, “We have a cast and crew of more than 50 local talents who believe in this important message and are excited to share The Prom with audiences for the first time in Simcoe County. We couldn’t do this without the wonderful facilities and staff at the Midland Cultural Centre.”
Tickets for The Prom go on sale June 13 through the Midland Cultural Centre website here.
“We are so pleased to be the cultural hub for this region, providing space for the GBMTC and all local talent and performers who participate in Midland Jams and the Folk and Blues Collective.” said Broome. “We look forward to welcoming audiences to the Midland Cultural Centre with an interest in supporting all of the amazing local talent we have in the area.
