Great shows coming this spring to Markham Theatre

With Wiarton Willie predicting an early spring, there’s no better time to explore what the Markham Theatre and acting general manager Scott Hill have in store for March and beyond.

“We’ve seen so many friendly faces and satisfied audiences already this season,” says Hill, ”we can’t wait for more.”

March kicks off with Classic Albums Live performing the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits on March 7. Known for their precise, note-for-note recreations of iconic rock records, CAL will bring the legendary 1976 album—one of the best-selling of all time—to life.

“CAL is always an incredible night. Our audience knows this too,” Hill says. “It’s probably why this particular show sold out so fast.”

For those who missed out, more live rock awaits in the months ahead.

The next Diamond Season performance, Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE, arrives on March 8. That’s right, kids of all ages will have a chance to dance their cares away and save worries for another day as Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley, and Boober Fraggle embark on a quest to find the lost Celebration Stone. Along the way, they discover magic, adventure, and music.

“This show just brings back so many happy memories,” says Hill.”I imagine many of your readers are already singing the theme song.”

The stage show is based on the Emmy-winning Apple TV+ original series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock and includes both new and classic Fraggle songs, immersive effects, and all the fun that has captivated audiences for over 40 years.

“People are very excited to bring their kids to this one,” says Hill.”It’s cross-generational, and hey, how often can you say that the Fraggles are on your stage?”

The following week, on March 15, Rhythm of the Dance brings authentic Celtic music and dance back to Markham. For 25 years, Rhythm of the Dance has been captivating audiences across the globe with its dynamic blend of traditional Irish music and contemporary dance. This show, which has performed in over 50 countries, is well known for its mesmerizing choreography, intricate footwork, and vibrant live music.

“Celtic shows and the Markham community go hand-in-hand,” explains Hill, “and these guys are one of the best Celtic shows out there.”

Markham has a tradition of being a welcoming, almost demanding audience for high-quality Celtic entertainment dating back to the very first professional season at the Flato Markham Theatre.

“It’s going to be a wonderful night,” says Hill. “Just an amazing show.”

Then, on April 4, the energy soars with the Red Hot Chili Pipers. They have taken the world by storm one audience at a time for 20 years, blending traditional Scottish music with rock and pop anthems, which they proudly call ‘Bagrock.’ Don’t be fooled by the name; they are not a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute act. Their setlist runs an infectious gamut from hyped-up traditional music to the greatest rock songs you’ve ever heard.

As always, beyond the Theatre’s Diamond season, some of Markham’s most beloved community producers are featured this coming month.

“We are, as always, privileged to help these shows find a stage,” says Hill.

The Markham Concert Band will return on March 2 with its tribute to all things Disney, A Pocket Full of Disney.

And Markham at the Movies returns to the theatre on March 25. This month’s feature is a Canadian film adaptation of Goethe’s 18th-century classic novel where a carefree and charming writer, “Young Werther,” stumbles across the love of his life only to find that she is engaged.

March also marks the beginning of recital season at the theatre. Over the next few months, hundreds of young people will perform for friends and family as part of events organized by dance studios and arts schools throughout the region.

“We have more young people on our stage during this time than the entire rest of the year,” says Hill. ”It’s kind of an honour, very seriously, to be part of these kids discovering their talents and passion. We love looking forward to what their future might bring back to our stage…and stages all over the world.”

Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.

Photo: The Red Hot Chili Pipers are set to perform on April 4 at Markham Theatre.