Markham Theatre builds memorable performances and community this month
Markham Theatre has presented a series of exciting shows to start 2025, and acting general manager Scott Hill and his team are looking to continue this streak through February and into the spring.
“We do love what we do here,” says Hill.”We all just want to bring something special to the stage for our audiences.”
On February 7, ProArteDanza – The 9th! breathes new life and a new perspective into Beethoven’s most singable work. The show merges, at times spectacular, modern dance with Beethoven’s Ninth and Final Symphony while capturing the essence of freedom and resilience witnessed during the fall of the Berlin Wall. The choreography ranges from solo work to all eight performers, highlighting their strength, agility, and fluidity. Projections, creative lighting, and simple props join the mix in an effort to create an unforgettable evening.
“This particular piece of music with inspiration from that pivotal moment in history is something that you won;t want to miss,” says Hill.”
Committed to “passion in performance”, ProArteDanza is a contemporary dance company that strives to challenge and inspire audiences through bold new work since 2004.
“These Canadian artists have formed an incredible modern dance company,” says Hill, “and we’re excited to provide this great show for our dance community!”
The next Diamond Season performance is February 28 when Choir!Choir!Choir! brings We Will Choir! You: An EPIC Queen Sing-Along! to Markham. They are known as the duo that turns any audience into a performance, but it’s also a phenomenon that started by accident on the evening of a Toronto blizzard in 2011. After managing to bottle the unique and infectious energy of a revelatory choir rehearsal into an immersive evening of Theatre, the duo has since toured all over North America, including stops at Joe’s Pub, Massey Hall, and Radio City Music Hall.
“This is an awesome show,” says Hill.”It’s simply a great night out for anyone.”
The Markham iteration, We Will Choir! You, focusses on the legendary music of Queen but requires no one person to be Freddie Mercury. Absolutely all voices are welcome, no experience necessary.
“Everybody knows, or should know, Choir!Choir!Choir at this point,” says Hill. “If you don’t yet, you should look them up on YouTube and then get tickets for the show.”
On March 1, The Diamond season brings Mike D’Urzo: Mind Kontrol to Markham. This is a nearly full interactive show that showcases D’Urzo’s unique blend of comedy, magic, mentalism and psychological illusions. Mind Kontrol was created to put a modern twist on magic performance while adding mind-blowing feats of mentalism.
“Mike’s a great guy,” says Hill.”I have had the pleasure of being amazed by him reading me, or my mind, and it’s an experience I won’t soon forget.”
D’Urzo is an international award-winning magician and mentalist who performs hundreds of shows every year. Despite psychologically manipulating people’s thoughts and messing with their minds, he remains an absolute favourite among fans of magic.
“He’s very good at what he does,” Hill says, ”it’s going to be a great night.”
February is an interesting month at the theatre because beyond the Theatre’s Diamond season, many of Markham’s most beloved community producers are featured here each season.
“We think of our work with these community groups as a privilege and a partnership,” says Hill.”It’s exciting for us, truly, to share in the realization of work that these folks have spent months creating.”
The Kindred Spirits Orchestra brings Kaleidoscopic Sentiments to the stage on February 8 at 8 p.m.
Markham Little Theatre brings over a half-century of tradition and talent to their latest production, Neil Simon’s Rumors, from February 12 to 15.
The stalwart Unionville Theatre Company presents the Broadway-style musical Grease from February 20 to 23.
And Markham at the Movies returns to the theatre on February 25, featuring La Cocina.
“These shows let us support passion-driven art from our community,” says Hill.”Whether it’s supervising, unlocking doors, or making our expertise more practically available to highlight their work, that’s our passion.”
These shows always feature great passion and energy but sometimes have varying levels of “know-how” when it comes to realizing their visions on stage.
“Our job is to do whatever it takes to get these groups from the loading dock door to their standing ovation.”
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: Mike D’Urzo is set to perform March 1 at Markham Theatre.