On the heels of closing a very successful first-full season since having to shut down, The Flato Markham Theatre has just announced a packed slate of first class entertainment for its 2023/24..
“This is going to be a really fun and exciting season,” says General Manager Eric Lariviere. “We really can’t wait!”
The 2023/24 Diamond Season includes multiple exclusive presentations as well as Ontario, and even worldwide, premieres. Performances range from world music to jazz, classical and modern dance to family entertainment, even all the way from classic rock and pop music to world class comedy.
“It’s actually our strongest comedy season ever,” explains Lariviere proudly. “The best of local, national and international.”
With three major comedy events planned, Lariviere and his team have a season of big laughs in store. Perennial favourite Just For Laughs Roadshow returns (April 18) next spring. New for this year is Lol Markham (Feb. 10), an evening of comedy produced and curated specifically for people of Markham. It’s first outing will be hosted and headlined by Ali Hassan and features Derek Seguin, Hisham Kelati, and Courtney Gilmour.
The highlight of the comedy lineup, and perhaps the entire season, comes this fall when international headliner and Got Talent host Howie Mandel brings his stand-up show to the theatre for 3 nights (Oct. 12-14). Mandel has been a popular fixture in the entertainment world for more than 30 years and his multi-night appearance in Markham is a real ‘get’ for the theatre.
“The idea is to reach out to even more residents than we have before,” says Lariviere, “and maybe even help bring some new visitors to town too.”
Further to this goal, the season includes some extremely well regarded performers from many different communities too. Twin Flames bring their brand of award winning folk music to town (Sept. 30), Japan’s Hiromi and her 4 piece electric jazz band arrive later in the fall (Oct.18); First nations, Inuit, and Metis roots/folk fusion group Sultans of String promises to be the inspiration you didn’t know you couldn’t live without (Sept. 28); the legendary Manhattan Transfer brings their farewell tour to Markham (Dec. 2); much loved family performers SAMAJAM bring You Are The Show (Oct. 14-15); and even Canadian legend Burton Cummings is reworking his biggest hits for a show (Oct 20).
“Of course, the favourites will be with us as always too,” says Lariviere.”Classic Albums Live, Ballet Jorgen, the Elvis Christmas show (Dec.21-23), and Brass Transit (Oct. 27) are all back.”
Classic Albums Live and Ballet Jorgen are actually each bringing two shows to Markham this season. The former presents Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors (Nov. 9) and Queen’s News of the World (Feb. 9), while the latter returns with The Nutcracker (Dec. 30-31) and a reimagined Anne of Green Gables (May 17-18)
Those returning to perform in Markham aren’t just limited to those from last season. Performers coming back after a few seasons include Canadian Opera Legend Ben Heppner (Dec. 16); The Next Generation Leahy and the musical legacy of their beloved Canadian family; The Celtic Tenors (March 16); and The Peking Acrobats (March 30-31).
In addition to the bigger names and returning faces above, there’s a season with many more performances to consider.
Lovers of choral music should be sure to look for The Tallis Scholars (Nov. 30) and North America’s only coal miner’s chorus, Men of the Deeps singing Christmas in the Mine (Dec. 1).
Fans of dance and physical performance will not be disappointed in the coming year either. In addition to the two Ballet Jorgen productions, this season’s dance program includes Motus O’s Confessions of a Professional Dancer (May 1); Circa: Humans 2.0 (Feb. 1); Little Pear Garden’s Spectrum of Human Connection (Oct. 26); and the urban circus of the 360 AllStars (May 4)
Never to be outdone by the spectacle of others, the world of magic gets a few chances to dazzle audiences this season. Darcy Oake: Illusionist leads the charge with a run of four shows (Feb. 29-March 3) and Chris Funk: The Wonderist performs twice (Dec. 27).
One of the notable recent additions to Markham’s musical programming seems to be inclusion of artist tributes that exceed expectations. The upcoming season features An Innocent Man: The Music of Billy Joel (April 19), which promises a 40 piece symphony as well as a band and Canada’s Got Talent big winner brings Jeanick Fournier Sings Celine to Ontario first time (Feb. 2)
And Markham’s great and growing Jazz community has a lot to look forward to as well. Dominic Mancuso teams up with Italian renowned pianist-arranger, Vittorio Mezza (Jan. 19); Canadian songstress Emilie-Claire Barlow performs (Jan. 27); the one-of-a-kind collaboration Jazz Divas featuring Sammy Jackson, Laila Biali, and Dominique Fils-Aimé promises to dazzle (Feb. 8); while Matthew Whitaker (May 2) is sure to entertain.
World Music is also well represented with Argentina’s Malevo (March 9); India’s TISRA Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, and Debopriya Chatterjee, (March 29); and Pakistan’s Kiran Ahluwalia sharing their talents.
Community presenters will also be back at the theatre this year. Markham Little Theatre, Unionville Theatre Company, Markham Concert Band, Kindred Spirits Orchestra, and Markham at the Movies will all be back to share their passion and art this season.
“There’s lot’s of entertainment for the whole family,” says Lariviere. “We’ll see you there!”
For more information and tickets, got to FlatoMarkhamTheatre,ca
Or call 905.305.7469
