Markham Theatre’s 40th anniversary season starts with a packed schedule

The 2025/26 Diamond Season opens this month at the Markham Theatre and October is packed with many opportunities to enjoy a night out.

“We cannot wait to have our audience back in the building,” says acting general manager Scott Hill. “It’s been too long.”

October’s Diamond Series lineup begins with Connie Han on Oct. 4. At 23, the young lioness, as she has become known, has created an edgy blend of modern and traditional jazz with her incendiary performances. After graduating from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Han accepted a full-tuition scholarship to UCLA but chose to leave school after three weeks to pursue her professional career. Her debut album from Mack Avenue Records, CRIME ZONE, is garnering rave reviews

“Connie’s playing has to be experienced to believe it,” says Hill. “She’s nothing short of a phenomenon.”

The following weekend brings an iconic Canadian band back to Markham. Lighthouse performs on Oct. 10. Now, it’s been 56 years since Lighthouse burst onto the Canadian music scene mixing rock, jazz, and classical music. Pretty Lady, Sunny Days, and One Fine Morning were among their biggest hits and co-founder Paul Hoffert and original band member Russ Little are excited to be joined by an ensemble of veteran musicians to bring the magic back to the stage every chance they get.

“What can you say about music that’s been in our lives for half a century?” says Hill. “It’s generation-defining, it’s brilliant, it’s Lighthouse.”

Next up is a show that sits somewhere between VH1’s Behind the Music and a high-energy cabaret. “How We Got to Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies” is on Oct. 17, and it features two performers who had their biggest break playing the legendary Franki Valli in Jersey Boys. The journey from small-town Canadian boys to stages around the world is laid bare alongside music from Valli and the Four Seasons, like Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

“It’s gonna be fun, insightful also,” says Hill. “The two of them are electric and hilarious together.”

A week later, a world of music comes to Markham with the Amir Amiri Ensemble: Echoes of Persia on Oct. 24. Blending traditional Persian melodies with contemporary and folkloric elements, Amiri promises to explore cultural roots, spiritual depth, and identity. The music has been described as technically refined, complex, and captivating for Western ears, appealing to lovers of both traditional and classical music.

“This is such an excellent example of how world music is everyone’s music,” says Hill. “Amiri finds a way to make his music feel like home to everyone who hears it.”

The very next night, October 25, is going to be a celebration unlike any the Markham Theatre has seen yet. The 40th Anniversary Gala, featuring Good Witch, Bad Witch, is meant to mark the occasion with wonderful community and a fantastic show.

“There is no better reason than this anniversary year to bring back a gala night at the theatre,” says Hill. “Nights like these are supposed to be special–and we want to have a 40th birthday party for the theatre’s community. All our patrons, our artists, and our staff too.”

The evening begins across the street at the Marriott hotel for dinner at 5 p.m. Then, guests make their way to the theatre for an 8 p.m. show that combines much of what the theatre has meant to its community for the past four decades. Incredible performers, great music, big laughs, and even a touch of Broadway right here in Markham.

“The show Good Witch, Bad Witch features two powerhouse singers that have each played the leading roles of the show Wicked on Broadway and around the World,” says Hill. “The show features an inside look into that unique experience as well as the fabulous music from that show…and other witch-related numbers from the Broadway canon. I actually can’t wait.”

All proceeds from the Gala evening support the theatre’s Discovery Program.

As if this month at the theatre isn’t packed enough by this point, audience favourite Classic Albums Live performs Michael Jackson’s Thriller on Oct. 29,  just in time for Halloween. Seventy million record buyers can’t be wrong; the best-selling album of all time is long past due for the Classic Albums treatment. The show will, of course, feature a note-for-note, cut-for-cut recreation of the record’s groundbreaking sound with precision and authenticity. Look forward to an encore set of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits as well.

“We say it all the time but, talk about the soundtrack lives,” says Hill. “This is going to be a wonderful night.”

Then, the James Barker Band makes its Markham Theatre debut on Nov. 1. Known for their catchy hooks, heartfelt lyrics, and onstage charisma, this Canadian group delivers a show that promises to have fans singing along from the very first note.

“This is a great chance for our audience to catch an up-and-coming band that seems destined for an incredible future,” says Hill

October also features three strong community presentations. The Kindred Spirits Orchestra presents Mind and Magic on Oct. 18. The Markham Concert Band performs Music of the 40s/CBA Spectacular for a matinee performance on Oct. 19. Then, Markham at the Movies presents Steve Coogan in The Penguin Lessons on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

“Community producers keep us connected to who we are,” says Hill. “The Markham Concert Band have been with us for four decades, and all the groups really remind us why we’re doing what we do.”

Making a packed month even more bountiful are five additional, independent, presentations at the theatre. On Oct. 9, Chicago Transit (a tribute to the music of Chicago) performs. This is followed by Jaymz Bee’s Music For Secret Agents on Oct. 14. Next, on Oct. 23, Rikki Swift: Love Story – An Unofficial Tribute to Taylor Swift performs followed by a Legends Show Tribute to Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley and more on Oct. 27. Finally, Shipyard Kitchen Party’s Newfoundland Songbook comes to the Markham Theatre on Oct. 30.

Even though the theatre doesn’t produce these shows, they are very much supported by Hill and his staff.

“Every show on our stage gets our full attention,” he explains. “The whole reason we’re celebrating 40 years is our community, the entire community, both onstage and off, is how we’ve managed to get here and stay here.”

Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.

 

 

Photo: “Jazz Warrior-Goddess” Connie Han performs.