The Markham Theatre’s latest season is in full swing with a busy November up next on its slate.
General manager Eric Lariviere, who built this current season using the two previous lost seasons as a guide, offers his thoughts on the coming month.
“I’m always excited to talk about what’s going on at the theatre,” he says.
Iconic Canadian rockers April Wine get the month started on November 4 with a show that has been sold out, literally, for two solid years. This is hardly surprising, as knowing the lyrics to an April Wine song, or singing along to the guitar riff that opens Oowatanite, is nearly as Canadian as beavers and maple syrup at this point.
“We’re grateful for a chance to have them at the theatre,” says Lariviere. “It’s a rare opportunity, and we hope it’s the first of many shows to come.”
Gemini-winning funnyman, Jeremy Hotz and his newest show, Marquis de Sad are up next on November 11. Hotz is returning after his sold-out 2019 performance that nearly brought down the house. Fondly referred to as “the master of misery,” Hotz has an impressive list of appearances, credits, and awards; based on his last trip to Markham, the show will be a hot ticket.
“Jeremy is my absolute favourite Canadian comedian,” Lariviere continues. “What he does is so smart as well as hilarious!”
Markham’s stalwart local theatre company, Markham Little Theatre returns to the big stage with Asprin and Elephants from November 16-19. Despite the focus on some major, professional shows, it’s groups like MLT that show the soul of Markham’s arts community.
“From Unionville High School to MLT to any of the dozens of local arts organizations, the community-based, arts and cultural ecology we have in Markham is more than robust; it’s persistent,” says Lariviere. “The Theatre was built for it, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
After MLT, it’s time for internationally acclaimed Canadian musician, Michael Kaeshammer. The six-time Juno Award-nominated and internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer takes the stage, with his band, on November 24
“Michael is probably the single best jazz musician of his generation,” Lariviere explains. “His show is really great, and our audience just loves him.”
Internationally-acclaimed, world-musician Pavlo promises to bring down the house on November 26.
“Playing in Markham is always special for me,” says Pavlo. “It’s near my home, but it’s always a second home to me. I’ve played the whole world, but that theatre feels just right to me.”
Pavlo is 20 years into a career that sees him tour multiple continents for 150 shows a year.
“This guy is simply amazing!” says Lariviere. “He’s an independent entrepreneur as well as a world-class musician. He’s built a global career, and we’re grateful to have him back.”
15 successful albums and 4 international TV specials don’t lie. Add to this his habit of including surprise, spellbinding guests to his touring band, Pavlo is not to be missed.
On top of all this, the Theatre always plays host to some fascinating independently produced performances. This month they include a Christmas-themed Motown review called A Very Merry Motown Christmas on Friday, Nov 25; Freedom Rhapsody, a piano concert featuring composers who use music to express pride and nationalism towards their birthplace on November 5; and a Markham at the Movies showing of The Long Rider, a documentary that follows Filipe Masetti Leite’s epic quest to ride from Calgary to his family’s home in Brazil, entirely on horseback.
“We’re having a great season so far,” Lariviere says. “We’re so glad to be back.”
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
