Markham Theatre is joyfully busy as the holiday season begins
The 2024/25 Diamond Season enjoyed a sold-out opening weekend last month, and the excitement continues into November with a diverse and compelling lineup at the Markham Theatre.
“We opened with a perfect weekend,” says acting general Manager Scott Hill. “I can’t wait to see how great the rest of the season goes.”
The Diamond Season continues this month with Rhapsody In Blue: A Gershwin Celebration on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. To mark the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s landmark composition Rhapsody in Blue, this show intends to merge the worlds of classical and jazz music, much like Gershwin himself did. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka, makes her crossover debut and Daniel Vnukowski, the acclaimed concert pianist and popular host on Classical 96 FM, will perform the Rhapsody as well as other Gershwin works. The show will also feature Soprano Jonelle Sills and baritone Justin Welsh, two of Canada’s fastest-rising opera singers.
“It’s important music and an amazing cast,” says Hill, “and an evening of Gershwin music, what’s not to love?”
The very next evening, on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m., the Social Tango Project performs. Billed as a love story with Argentinian roots, the story is brought to life through the intersection of many artistic endeavours. Live music and singing inspire the movement of 10 dancers in service of the story, which are then complemented by photos and film footage to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Led by choreographer Agustina Videla, this multidisciplinary live experience promises to bring to life the passion and rhythm of tango.
“Tango is passion, tango is spectacle,” says Hill, “It’s going to be incredible. And after the show the cast is going to invite the audience to meet them in the lobby for a lesson in tango as well.”
Each year, the Diamond Season celebrates the holiday season and this year it’s A Very Merry Motown Christmas that kicks it off on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.
“Featuring George St Kitts, a great local performer,” says Hill, “he never fails to blow audiences away.”
St. Kitts will be joined by powerhouse vocalists Toni Anderson and Robyn Black. Joining them are Kenni Hite Jivaro Smith and a stellar ensemble of local musicians, promising an unforgettable journey through Motown’s golden era.
“It’s gonna be a great, fun night,” says Hill. “Just a blast from front to back.”
Expect the evening to dip into the surprising wealth of seasonal hits from Motown history. These include the Jackson 5’s renditions of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and The Christmas Song; The Temptations’ takes on Silent Night and The Little Drummer Boy; and The Supreme’s memorable versions of Silver Bells and Joy to the World.
A couple nights later, the yuletide spirit continues with Michael Kaeshammer: The Spirit of Christmas on Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. Across a brilliant, globe-trotting career highlighted by nine tours of China, three appearances at the Olympics, and countless shows opposite international superstars, the German-born, B.C.-based Kaeshammer has become known less as a piano ‘player’ but more of a piano whisperer, able to coax dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument apparently effortlessly. With The Spirit of Christmas, a performance featuring all your Christmas favourites turned up a with a toe-tapping spin, Kaeshammer sets his sights on conjuring the comfort and joy of the Christmas season for all who celebrate.
“Michael is awesome. I am mesmerised when he plays piano,” says Hill. “He’s an incredible showman; an incredible vocalist; it will be a memorable night, for sure.”
Taking a break from the Christmas fare, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. is showtime for an encore production of Classic Albums Live Performs: Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon. This iconic album is one of the world’s most beloved of the rock era and has become the stuff of legend. It’s no wonder that it’s back in Markham for an encore.
“We’ve had this album here before,” says Hill. “It is, I think, the first one we’ve brought back due to audience demand.”
Classic Albums Live treats the music of legendary recordings like a modern chamber orchestra might. Every part and every note are faithfully and perfectly performed; with an accuracy that the original artist’s themselves rarely, if ever, matched. The second half of the show features a greatest hits style review of Pink Floyd’s greatest hits and spectacles!.
“It’s going to be a sold-out show, no doubt,” says Hill.
Returning to the season at hand, Holly Cole: A Swinging Christmas hits the Markham stage on Dec. 6 on 8 p.m. The festive spirit will be alive and well with the smooth sounds of Cole’s jazz and blues-inspired interpretations of holiday classics, Known for her silky voice and fantastic band, this evening promises to be a special part of the holiday season.
“We’re so excited to have Holly back,” says Hill. “she’s spectacular. It’s a must-see night.”
November also features its share of community presentations at the theatre. Markham Little Theatre is back with A Murder is Announced from November 20-23 and Markham Concert Band’s annual holiday show, A Seasonal Celebration is on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
Markham at the Movies Presents: The Monk and The Gun on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. Billed as a political comedy for our times, this film was shot in beautiful rural Bhutan in Dzongkha.
“It’s always great to have our community partners back in the space,” says Hill. “Markham Little Theatre and Markham Concert Band in many ways paved the way for the Theatre’s existence and have been with us since day one.”
As if the month wasn’t busy enough, there are several independent presentations at the theatre too. BeatleMania Revisited is on Nov. 7 at 8 p.m.; Frozen In Time brings the music of the hit movies to life on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m; A Piano Fantasy: Chopin, Einaudi and more is on Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.; and The Wonderful World of Christmas – Graceland Edition brings Elvis and his holiday hits back to Markham on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m.
Photo: The Social Tango Project and Holly Cole.