Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe has announced the first half of their 2024/25 season lineup, and there’s something for everyone starting this fall.
“My job here is to offer as wide a selection of experiences for as wide an audience as possible,” says Artistic Producer and Manager for Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe, Allan Sansom.
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe 2024/25 season. Photo provided.
There’s no shortage of interesting acts to choose from, with a particular emphasis on local talent, too. The Matinée Café series hosts Durham County Poets on Sept. 19th, Flute and Harp – Elegant Dialogue on Oct. 17th, Grey Jazz Big Band on Nov. 14th and Cantata Singers of Ottawa – Sing we Joyous on Dec. 12th.
While all Matinée Café shows are performed by local artists, the Canadian-born talent doesn’t stop there. On Oct. 19th, Ottawa-based rock and blues band MonkeyJunk takes to the stage and Toronto-born Matt Dusk performs some of Tony Bennett’s lasting hits on Nov. 6th.
Matt Dusk sings Tony Bennett performing on Nov. 6. Photo by Victor Rusu.
Ottawa-based country/southern rock band The Cooper Brothers will also be celebrating their 50th anniversary on stage Nov. 27th.
Sansom says that a large part of his job is working with factors outside of his control. Space availability, touring schedules and interest are all planning aspects he takes into account.
“And so, what I realized as we were kind of winding up the planning cycle is that the first half of the season really is a celebration of local talent,” he says.
Alongside these musical acts, this season brings highly anticipated comedy shows as well.
On Oct. 22nd, CBC’s The Debaters, will be recording a show — as they have at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe every year.
“We were the first theatre venue that took the show [CBC’s The Debaters] when CBC Radio decided to tour it as a live show,” says Sansom.
And for more laughs, comedian Shaun Majumder will be back on Nov. 5th, as he also performs at Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe frequently.
“It’s a real delight to have him back, and to have artists across the country give our audience a chance to delight in the artistry that exists in Canada,” says Sansom.
Shaun Majumder performing on Nov. 5th. Photo provided.
Sansom says that he likes to treat the way he programmes each season like a conversation.
“I’ve been conversing with the audience now for upwards of 12 years, and I’d like to think I have more of a sense of what they’re into.”
Adding something new to the conversation this year is something Sansom says is “off the beaten track.”
The Psychology of Serial Killers on Nov. 7th features a moderated conversation with practicing clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Toles to talk about the motivation of serial killers and why people find these stories so fascinating. Audience Q and A will also be included!
The Psychology of Serial Killers on Nov. 7th. Photo by Leigha Smith.
Sansom says it was a pitch he received as a member of the organization Ontario Presents, which immediately got his attention.
“The universal reaction wasn’t what might put a smile on people’s faces,” he says. “At the same time, there’s a clear audience for true crime, so why not give it a whirl?”
For the holidays, Pierre Brault is back with his solo version of A Christmas Carol from Dec. 17–21, which Sansom is delighted to bring to the Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe community.
“Pierre has adapted it directly from the original Dickens material,” he says. “I’ve seen him perform the show before, and he does a fabulous job of telling that beautiful story.”
Pierre Brault in A Christmas Carol performing Dec. 17–21. Photo by Jamine Ackert.
Ultimately, Sansom hopes that he can bring a sense of community to Ottawa’s west end, and show that Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe is bringing vibrant cultural life to the city.
His goal of having Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe act as a neighbourhood hot-spot for all things arts is something that comes through in his programming this year.
“My fondest wish, especially for younger people, is that they come to see Centrepointe the same way they see their local recreation facility,” says Sansom. “If you want to play hockey, you might go to the Sportsplex or your local outdoor rink. And if you want to see a show, you’ll come to your neighbourhood arts venue, which in the West End, happens to be at Centrepointe.”
For the full lineup of shows for the first half of Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe’s 2024/25 programming, you can visit their website here.
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