Markham Theatre has something for everyone in November
As the 2025/26 Diamond Season heads into its second packed month this November, the Markham Theatre stage is set for a wide range of diverse and exciting performances and even the first of its holiday offerings.
“If you take the time to look at what we’re doing this season, the lineup is truly incredible,” says Acting General Manager Scott Hill. “This season has something for everyone, truly.”
Elisapie brings her fascinating and award-winning blend of Inuit and contemporary music to Markham on Nov. 5. She’s been stunning audiences across the country since she won her first JUNO in 2005 but her most recent album, Inuktitut, reimagines classic rock and pop songs in her native language, each tied to a personal memory.
“There’s literally nothing like a performance from Elisape,” says Hill. “It honestly transcends a simple concert and becomes a series of unforgettable moments not to be missed.”
The following night features Adi Braun Sings Cole Porter on Nov. 6. The celebrated voice of Braun is cause enough to make this show notable for fans of jazz. Adding the songbook of Cole Porter promises to make it a must-see. Based on her 2023 album, Night and Day (The Cole Porter Songbook), Braun calls the music “a perfect blend of naughty, provocative, sensuous, witty, and devastatingly beautiful.”
“Adi is amazing; she’s vibrant and compelling,” says Hill, “and you get the bonus of her bringing this incredible collection of songs to life.”
A week or so later, bluesman Guy Davis is in concert on Nov. 12. Davis is a Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, award-winning actor and playwright who’s been thrilling audiences since the ’70s. Carrying forward the songster tradition from the early era of the blues, he’s an earthy contrast to modern-day commercial music, underlined by gentle tones from his guitar or banjo fingerpicking.
“Guy is the closest thing possible to putting the true history of the blues onstage,” says Hill. “This show is going to be special.”
Then, that Friday, a legend returns to Markham with Jann Arden’s Christmas Tour on Nov. 14. Arden’s career boasts eight JUNO Awards, an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, her own hit television series Jann and one of the nation’s highest honours as a recipient of the Order of Canada.
“What can one say about Jann Arden?” says Hill. “She’s arguably one of the most authentic Canadian voices ever, and we’re ecstatic about bringing her back to Markham.”
The show promises a mix of classic Christmas carols, beloved Arden hits and some of her latest original compositions. In addition to the music, Arden is known for her storytelling, weaving heartfelt and often hilarious anecdotes between songs.
“It’s an honour to have one of the country’s greatest on our stage,” says Hill
About a week later, for a matinee on Nov. 23, Ensemble Vivant performs. The modern classical quintet brings a unique blend of classical pieces and jazzy pop music. The performance will mine the classical, ragtime, Latin, and American song books for an innovative take on three decades of music.
“This will be a great afternoon of music,” says Hill. “We’re going to run this incredible group as a matinee because it really is a great show for all generations. A wonderful first concert for families, and you can still be home for dinner.”
The following Friday, November 28, sees the Montreal Guitar Trio: MG3 plays Ennio Morricone perform at 8 pm. For more than 25 years, the Trio has been known for passionate and captivating performances. This tour sees them turn their focus to the iconic film composer Ennio Morricone, known best for his work in 20th-century western classics.
“It’s going to be an interesting and fun take on this iconic music with three incredible musicians,” says Hill. “This is going to be a lot of fun for everybody.”
As if this month at the theatre isn’t packed enough by this point, world-renowned guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli comes to perform on Nov. 29. A Grammy Award winner, Pizzarelli has been hailed by the Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and re-popularizing jazz.” He has further expanded that repertoire by including the music of Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim and The Beatles.
“He’s an incredible showman,” says Hill. “Even if you didn’t know anything about his music, you’ll be mesmerized by his performance and connection with the audience.”
As usual, November also features strong community presentations. Arts Unionville has its annual Information Session for 2025 on Nov. 4. Markham Little Theatre returns to the theatre with Ethan Claymore by Norm Foster from Nov. 19 to 22. Not to be outdone, Markham at the Movies presents The Marching Band (En Farfare) on Nov. 25.
“The community producers we support are so important to us,” says Hill. “The strong arts and performance scenes in Markham are why the theatre is here in the first place.”
Adding a few more options to a packed November are four additional, independent presentations at the theatre. FROZEN In Time is on Nov. 9, RADIO RUSH – The Moving Pictures Story performs on Nov. 13, A Very Merry Motown Christmas returns on Nov 27 and The Jersey Nights Before Christmas Show comes to town on Nov. 30.
Even though these shows aren’t produced by the theatre, they are very much supported by Hill and his staff.
“We work hard to make every performance a success,” he explains. “A great show is a reward for absolutely everyone involved.”
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: Jann Arden is set to perform Nov. 14 at Markham Theatre.