Live music and great laughs at the Markham Theatre
The 2024/25 Diamond Season is open and in full swing at the Markham Theatre this October.
“We’re busy,” says Acting General Manager Scott Hill. “There’s a lot of great stuff going on.”
October’s Diamond Series lineup begins with Machine de Cirque’s La Galerie on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Following a world of popular and critical success in Asia, Europe and North America, Machine de Cirque takes audiences to the outer edges of art with this production inspired by the notion of art coming alive. Dizzying feats, astonishing discoveries, poetic liberties, and a dose of silly good fun are promised to fuel this ode to creativity.
“This is a truly beautiful show,” says Hill.
The next evening brings a night of laughter and celebration led by some of the country’s funniest women with Girls Nite Out on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Elvira Kurt, known for being both fearless and fabulous, will be joined on stage by award-winning comedians Jennine Profeta, Ashley Comeau, and Karen Parker for a night of standup and improvisation. With an armload of accolades to go with their pedigrees from Just For Laughs and The Second City, this show is sure to leave the audience wanting more.
“This is a stellar lineup of comedians,” says Hill. “It’s not just for women. These women will have you laughing all night long.”
The legendary and iconic Fabulous Thunderbirds continue to celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a show on Oct. 24 at 8 pm.
“They’re iconic,” says Hill. “from blues to rock, they’ve done it all.”
Formed in 1974, The Fabulous Thunderbirds helped define the sound of contemporary blues and blues rock. Their classic albums like T-Bird Rhythm and Tuff Enuff, powered by hits like the title track and Wrap It Up, directly influenced artists from ZZ Top to Huey Lewis and George Thorogood to Melissa Etheridge. Fifty years later, still led by founding member Kim Wilson, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have sold millions of album, been nominated for six Grammy Awards, and even for nearly two dozen Blues Music Awards.
“It’s going to be a great show,” says Hill. “To have them at this point in their career, celebrating the past while also producing a vibrant new album, is such a fantastic opportunity for the community.”
The 50th Anniversary album and tour come with a Canadian connection as well. Juno Award-winning Canadian bluesman Steve Strongman was instrumental in getting the legends signed to Stoney Plain records and making both this tour and the anniversary album, Struck Down, possible. Strongman produced the record and is the opening act on the tour.
For families who are fans of magic and mystery, Outerbridge Magic Mysteries of The Keyhole House might well be the perfect show. With two performances on Oct. 26, the show promises grand illusions, comedy-magic, mentalism, and extraordinary prestidigitation. Ted and Marion Outerbridge were inspired to create Keyhole House based on their real-life, unexplained experiences while restoring their historic Smith Falls residence.
“This show is great family fun,” says Hill. “Think of it as stories told through the art of magic.”
Toronto’s award-winning jazz crooner Matt Dusk, who has had three number-one radio hits and five Juno nominations, brings a very special tour to Markham this fall. Matt Dusk Sings Tony Bennett on Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. in a show that promises to be both toe-tapping and a faithful celebration of Bennett’s life. Classic hits like I Left My Heart in San Francisco, The Way You Look Tonight, and Fly Me to the Moon will be the backbone of a memorable night.
“We love having Matt on our stage. He’s a favourite,” says Hill. “He’s paying tribute to one of the all-time greats. How can you go wrong?”
October also features three strong community presentations. The Kindred Spirits Orchestra presents Dances and Dreams on Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. The Markham Concert Band performs Haunting Harmonies – Hallowe’en Fun on Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Then, Markham at the Movies Presents: Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
“Our community partners are a hugely important part of who we are,” says Hill. “Groups like the Markham Concert Band have been with us since the theatre opened, and all the groups keep us connected to why we’re doing what we do.”
There are also two additional independent presentations at the theatre. On Oct. 23 at 8 p.m., Celine – The Tribute performs and RADIO RUSH – The Moving Pictures Story is on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: The Fabulous Thunderbirds perform Oct. 24 at the Markham Theatre.