Markham Little Theatre Celebrates 60 Seasons
Nearly sixty years ago, in a high school gymnasium, a group of otherwise unassuming Markham citizens put on a play for the fun of it. They called themselves Markham Little Theatre; and so began a tradition that gave birth to a community that continues to shape Markham to this day.
“It’s a gathering of like-(and not-so-alike)-minded people…who work towards a common goal,” says MLT Vice-President Rene Vriends and company stalwart since 1991. “The secret is having a sense of community, each individual brings their own talents.”
“We work to bring quality to our loyal patrons, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning,” explains longtime member Sarah MacDonald. “The City of Markham has also been incredibly supportive – we feel lucky to be a part of this community.”
Next year marks Markham Little Theatre’s 60th season and they’ve worked hard to plan a special one.
“For our 60th season we wanted to provide a unique and diverse lineup,” explains company President Judy Atherton. “We really do have something for everyone!”
The season begins with Baskerville, by Ken Ludwig. The show is a modern (2015) , somewhat satirical take on the Sherlock Holmes mystery and runs from September 10th through the 20th.
“This will please are audience and start the season off right,” explains MacDonald.
The second show of the season, just before the Christmas season begins, is by Canadian playwright Norm Foster. Ethan Claymore runs from November 19-22 and introduces us to a reclusive egg farmer just as his life is about to change for the better.
“The play is Foster at his best – fun and heartwarming,” says MacDonald.
Then, from February 11 til the 14th, the tense, clever drama The Drowning Girls by playwrights Graham, Tomlinson and Vlaskalic is up. This show has become quite popular in recent years and rarely disappoints.
“This is a unique piece that promises an evening of thought-provoking entertainment,” continues MacDonald
MLT closes this special season with another play by Ken Ludwig. Sherwood is another modern take on a classic. This time Robin Hood and his Merry Men are the subject.
“This is giving the audience what they want,” explains Vriends. “We are book ending the season with two plays that are spoofs of very familiar themes.”
“It’s sure to be a success with our patrons,” adds MacDonald
When it comes to how these shows are chosen, MLT has also always focused on a singular goal; putting on a good show for a reasonable price. Since the pandemic, they have focused a lot of energy on comedies but they also actively try and challenge their members and their audience with their selections. Additionally, the group has always tried to find Canadian works to bring to the stage, and given recent sentiments this couldn’t be more important.
The 2025/2026 season includes two Canadian authors.
“We pick shows for a variety of reasons,” says MacDonald. “We aim to please but also to challenge.”
“Shows are important,” says Pybus, “but it’s the people working together to make it happen that is most important.”
As a company operated entirely by volunteers but reliant on passionate commitment and many hours of work, it’s certainly worth investigating what continues to make them relevant after six decades.
“In these times when we literally have entertainment at our fingertips, it is so very important to preserve theatre,” says Atherton. “Live performances have been around thousands of years because of its unique ability to connect with audiences”
“Everyone needs an outlet for creativity,” says company Treasurer Susan Pybus. “We encourage everyone to spread their wings and try new things.”
“This is a place to share and grow — I’m incredibly glad that I found MLT,” says MacDonald. “We give our community the ability to explore their own creativity. Each person brings enthusiasm and a unique skill set, and we learn so much from each other.”
Perhaps the simplest answer is the best one, the secret to 60 years of success for MLT comes down to the people; people simply doing their best in a community intent on sharing their best.
“Our 60th season will be filled with laughter and drama,” says MacDonald. “We hope you’ll choose to spend a few evenings with Markham Little Theatre!”
Tickets for Markham Little Theatre’s 60th Season will be available via the Flato Markham Theatre Box Office.