Hottest ticket in town

Transcona

Winnipeg’s most desirable ticket isn’t for a Jets or a Bombers game, it’s for the Transcona Memorial United Church’s April production of Philip J. Anderson’s Nothing But the Truth.

Despite adding a fifth date, show producer Cheryl Hadaller said all five performances have already sold out.

This is the 13th annual production of the church’s Caught in the Act Co., and the second since the pandemic. It’s a major fundraiser for general operations at the church, located at 209 Yale Ave. W. At least 200 volunteers are required to run the event, so much of the congregation chips in.

Nothing But the Truth is set aboard a cruise ship in 1913. There’s a love triangle, a bit of suspense and plenty of comedy. Characters include Paulette, a young Parisian travelling with friends, Captain Wernar Kraus, who hosts dinner and keeps calm amidst the chaos, Mr. Elias and his overbearing wife, who likes to play matchmaker, and David McNeely who’s escorting his missionary sister to China while looking for love.

“There’s a surprise at the end in who he walks away with,” Hadaller said.

Those lucky enough to get tickets will be treated to a menu that includes baron of beef, Swedish meatballs, cabbage rolls, roasted potatoes, peas and carrots, dessert, beverages and all the fixings.

“They come for either 4:30 or 6:30, walk into the dining hall, and sit down to a buffet dinner,” Hadaller said. “We say a prayer, then after dinner, they head over to the theatre side and see act one and get introduced to the characters. Once that’s done, they had back to the hall for dessert before we present act two.”

Most of the 10-member cast is from the Transcona Memorial United Church congregation. One performer, Frank Rempel, has acted in all 13 plays. Bet on him showing up next year too; it’s too much fun to miss.

Hadaller said the response in 2025 was so strong that they had a 70-person waiting list for 2026. They added a fifth performance, and tickets were snatched up for that one, too.

“We’re growing,” Hadaller said. “It’s crazy but fun. It’s a good problem to have.

“We couldn’t do it without the volunteers. All 15 members of our production team returned this year. Behind the scenes, they make it run. It’s a well-oiled machine.”

While the funds raised over the five performances are a big help for church operations, there’s a more important reason the 200-plus cast and crew return every year.

“Our whole purpose is to break bread with the community,” Hadaller said.

Performances are on April 17 and 18 at 6:30 p.m., April 19 at 4:30 p.m., April 25 at 6:30 p.m., and April 26 at 4:30 p.m. For more information or to reserve your place in line for 2027, visit www.tmuc.ca/dinner-theatre