A Carman-raised performer is taking centre stage in a high-energy tribute to one of the world’s most iconic bands.
Brad Zacharias, who grew up in Carman, is currently starring as George Harrison in Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles Forever, running at Destination Dinner Stage through July 12.
Carman-raised performer Brad Zacharias (right), and Winkler’s Griffin Kehler perform as George Harrison and Paul McCartney in Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles Forever at Destination Dinner Stage
For Zacharias, the role is more than just another performance — it’s a full-circle moment rooted in a lifelong love of music and theatre.
“My family moved to Carman in 1996,” he said. “I attended Carman Elementary and Carman Collegiate, and I still drive out to visit my grandmother when I get the chance. We lived about a block away from Syl’s — I can still hear the faint sound of order numbers being called.”
His passion for performing began early, landing his first role as a train conductor in a Grade 2 play, before continuing through school productions at Carman Collegiate, including The Wizard of Oz and Oklahoma!.
That early exposure laid the groundwork for a career that now sees him performing regularly in one of Manitoba’s busiest dinner theatre circuits.
Zacharias first became involved in dinner theatre in 2012 with the former Celebrations Dinner Theatre, where he worked as both a performer and server. After gaining experience touring to other cities, he stepped away before the company closed its Winnipeg location.
When Destination Dinner Stage launched in 2024, artistic director Randy Apostle reached out and invited him to return to the stage.
“He offered me a role in their debut show, Golden Gals Vacation. I played a set of triplets, which was a lot of fun,” Zacharias said.
Today, his role extends beyond performing. In addition to appearing on stage, he also works behind the scenes as part of the stage management team, helping ensure productions run smoothly.
Destination Dinner Stage operates on a unique model, blending scripted performances with interactive service. Performers often take on multiple responsibilities throughout the evening, from acting to engaging with guests during the meal.
“The fun thing about dinner theatre is it satisfies a lot of different aspects of stage performance,” Zacharias said. “You have the scripted show, but you also get to improvise and interact with guests. That’s something I really enjoy.”
The company presents roughly 120 to 130 shows each year, and Zacharias estimates he personally performs in about 70 of them.
Casting is handled through a mix of auditions and ongoing relationships, with performers often returning for multiple productions.
“Since my initial audition years ago, it’s become more of a conversation and a handshake when roles come up,” he said.
In the current Beatles production, Zacharias takes on the role of George Harrison — known as the “Quiet Beatle” — a part he said has been one of his favourites to prepare for.
“I’ve been a massive Beatles fan for a long time,” he said. “For this role, I dusted off my Beatles Anthology DVDs, loaded my car with their albums, and worked on developing a Liverpool accent.”
The show itself is designed to be a fast-paced musical celebration, featuring an impressive lineup of songs.
“Our usual productions have around 16 songs, but through medleys and quick transitions, we fit 33 songs into two acts,” he said. “Odds are, if you have a favourite Beatles song, you’ll hear it.”
Set in the swinging 1960s, the production follows four students at “Liverpool High” who form a band in hopes of winning a school talent show and impressing their crushes. The comedic storyline features rival acts, disapproving school administrators and a pair of exchange students from Winnipeg, blending Beatlemania with high school comedy.
The production also highlights the versatility required of performers, with Zacharias undergoing a dramatic transformation between roles.
Zacharias laughed about the dramatic transformation between productions.
“I had a beard in Mamma Mia! and now I’m a Beatle with no beard,” he said. “It’s all part of the fun — changing your look helps you step into a new character. This show is actually one of the first where I’ve worn wigs exclusively.”
Audience members attending Can’t Buy Me Love – The Beatles Forever can expect more than just a concert-style performance. Each evening includes a full dinner theatre experience, with a three-course meal served alongside the show and opportunities to interact with performers in character.
The production runs Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through July 12. Tickets are available through the box office at 204-694-7469 or online through Ticketmaster.
For Zacharias, however, the most meaningful part of performing isn’t the costumes or the applause — it’s the connection to home.
“To be able to represent where I came from and see familiar faces in the audience is something I hold dear,” he said. “I wouldn’t be who I am without those roots, and I try not to take them for granted.”
