Markham Theatre opens its 41st season with a packed October

For most, the fall is when things feel new again; whether it’s the school year, colours changing, or indeed a new season of theatre. This October, the Markham Theatre’s 2026/27 Diamond Season gets underway with Canadian legends, world-class jazz, comedy, Indigenous artists, magic, rock, and a few opportunities for audiences to become part of the show themselves.

“The beginning of a new season feels a bit like Christmas around the theatre,” says General Manager Scott Hill. “We can’t wait for the audience to see what we’ve got for them.”

The Diamond Season officially launches on October 3 with Dan Hill & Andy Kim: In Story & Song, a rare pairing of two Canadian Music Hall of Fame songwriters. Together, they’ll share the stories and songs that made them household names, including staples like Sometimes When We Touch, Sugar, Sugar, and Rock Me Gently. Kim has sold more than 30 million records over his career, while Hill’s work has extended beyond his own recordings to writing and producing for artists including Céline Dion and George Benson.

“Starting the season off with Canadian legends feels pretty good,” Hill says. “It’s a privilege to bring these two to our stage.”

The jazz series begins just days later on October 8 when JUNO Award-winning trumpeter and vocalist Bria Skonberg brings her modern spin on vintage jazz to Markham. A Canadian-born artist who has established an international career from her base in New York, Skonberg combines traditional jazz and swing with contemporary influences and an engaging stage presence.

“Our Jazz programming continues to be stellar,” continues Hill. “Everyone who hasn’t seen Bria live yet simply has to. She’s phenomenal.”

On October 9, Classic Albums Live returns for the first of three performances this season, this time tackling Led Zeppelin II. As always, the premise is refreshingly simple: a collection of exceptional musicians recreates the album note for note and cut for cut.

“Our audience contains plenty of regular and returning fans of Classic Albums Live,” says Hill. “Match CAL’s dedication to recreating music faithfully with one of the most important recordings of the Classic Rock era and the experience is going to be incredible.”

On October 16, She Carries the Song brings together Indigenous artists Celeigh Cardinal, Mimi O’Bonsawin and Lacey Hill for an evening rooted in storytelling, song, resilience and connection. The collaborative performance puts three distinctive voices together on one stage, offering an opportunity to hear contemporary Indigenous music through the experiences of the women creating it.

“Each of the performers from She Carries The Song are wowing audiences all over Canada individually,” says Hill. “Together they’ve made a show that is not to be missed.”

Comedy takes over on October 22 with Tom Arnold and My Crazy X-Wife. The actor and comedian, whose career has stretched across stand-up, television and film for decades, brings an evening of personal stories and characteristically unfiltered observations to the stage.

“Who doesn’t like a little chaos in their comedy?” says Hill. “Tom is a brilliant comedian and comedic actor but in this show he amplifies this by highlighting his sometimes unpredictable history in for a truly hilarious and memorable night.”

On October 23, audiences get a considerably more participatory experience with Sing Pitch Perfect with Deke Sharon & Splüsh. Sharon, the influential arranger, producer and music director associated with the Pitch Perfect films, leads an interactive a cappella experience that includes stories from the movies, a performance by Splüsh and an opportunity for the audience to actually make some music themselves.

On October 24, Chris Funk the Wonderist brings Redefining Wonder to Markham for performances at 2 p.m and 7 p.m. Seen on America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion, Funk combines illusion with live music, interactive video and audience participation. Instruments including violin and guitar become part of the magic rather than simply accompanying it.

“We’re very happy to have Chris back on our stage,” says Hill. “The show is both high energy and utterly mystifying.”

The final days of October then offer two performances seemingly made for the impending spooky season.

“The opportunity to bring a full Mariachi band to Markham for Halloween was too tempting to pass up,” says Hill

Mariachi Herencia de México brings its Día de Muertos Tour to Markham on October 29. The acclaimed Chicago-based ensemble represents a new generation of mariachi musicians, combining the traditions of the form with youthful energy and contemporary presentation in a celebration timed just days before Día de Muertos.

“Getting to pair this incredible experience with Rocky Horror makes perfect sense,” says Hill. “We can’t wait.”

Then, on October 30, Jeans ’n Classics provides a suitably theatrical soundtrack for Halloween weekend with Time Warp: The Music of Rocky Horror. The company applies its familiar combination of rock musicians, vocalists and orchestral arrangements to the music of the enduring cult phenomenon, bringing songs including Time Warp into the concert hall on perhaps the most appropriate weekend of the year.

“People have loved the Jeans ‘n Classics shows the past few seasons,” explains Hill. “We all can’t wait to see them do the Time Warp. Costumes aren’t mandatory…but they sure would be fun.”

As usual, October also features strong community presentations.

The Kindred Spirits Orchestra opens its season with Elegance and Imagination on October 17. The program includes Ravel’s Ma mère l’Oye, Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp and Franck’s Symphony in D minor. Toronto Symphony Orchestra principal flutist Kelly Zimba Lukić and harpist Andrew Chan are the featured soloists.

The venerable Markham Concert Band launches its 49th season with Strike Up the Band on October 25 at 2 p.m. One of Canada’s largest community concert bands, the ensemble has particularly deep connections to the Theatre: members of the band were involved since 1985.

Markham at the Movies returns on October 27 as part of its 2026/27 season of screenings. The volunteer-run community organization has established a regular home at the Theatre for independent, Canadian and international cinema, with individual tickets priced at $15.

“Just as we are excited to start up the new season, so to are our community partners, says Hill. “It will be great to all be in the same space again. Their success is our success.”

With Canadian songwriting legends, jazz, classic rock, Indigenous storytelling, comedy, magic, a cappella, mariachi, orchestral music and some of Markham’s own community performers sharing the stage, October makes a fitting introduction to a Diamond Season built around discovery as much as familiarity.

“This year, more than ever, its important to support Canadian talent and institutions,” adds Hill. “We’re excited to offer our audience so many opportunities to do just that. See you at the Theatre!”

 

Tickets and full show information for all October performances are available at markhamtheatre.ca.

 

Photo: Dan Hill and Andy Kim kick off this year’s Diamond Season.