Flato Markham Theatre Celebrates 40 Years with a Sensational 2025/2026 Diamond Season Lineup!

MARKHAM, ON – May 13, 2025 – Flato Markham Theatre is proud to unveil its highly anticipated 2025/2026 Diamond Season, a milestone year that marks 40 years of serving world-class entertainment in Markham. Since opening its doors in 1985, the theatre has stood as a beacon of cultural enrichment and community connection. This anniversary season honours that legacy with a dynamic lineup of performances spanning music, theatre, dance, holiday hits, and global artistry.

“This year’s Diamond Season underscores the quality and diversity of the arts that have been centre stage at the Flato Markham Theatre for the past 40 years,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Since the theatre opened its doors, the Professional Series has been an important part of Markham’s cultural experience. Taking in the performances throughout the Diamond Season are a wonderful way to celebrate this incredible milestone.”

Scott Hill, Acting General Manager of Flato Markham Theatre, echoed the sentiment: “Our 40th anniversary Diamond Season represents everything we’ve strived to be: bold, inclusive, and remarkable. We’re thrilled to welcome audiences back for a season filled with legends, icons, and new discoveries that reflect the spirit of our community.”

This season would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Flato Developments and WEINS Auto Group, whose ongoing commitment helps make live performance accessible and inspiring for all. As the theatre enters its fifth decade, the 2025/2026 Diamond Season promises to be a bold celebration of the past and the future.

October

Iconic Canadian jazz-rock fusion band Lighthouse takes the stage with their legendary 13-piece ensemble on October 10, kicking off the season with a bang. With horns, strings, and a history of groundbreaking hits, Lighthouse delivers a high-energy performance featuring founding members and an all-star lineup.

Don’t miss How We Got to Jersey: A Tale of Two Frankies on October 17, starring Jersey Boys alumni Adrian Marchuk and Jeff Madden, who share their rise to international fame portraying Frankie Valli. Experience traditional Persian music reimagined on October 24 with Amir Amiri Ensemble: Echoes of Persia. Led by visionary composer Amir Amiri, the ensemble blends East and West in a powerful performance exploring the sounds of ancient Persia. Then on October 29, relive one of the world’s best-selling albums as Classic Albums Live Performs: Michael Jackson’s Thriller. This note-for-note, cut-for-cut concert recreates every iconic track with precision–no impersonators, only musical mastery.

November

November opens with rising stars and small-town Ontario boys James Barker Band as they bring their chart-topping energy to the stage on the first of the month. On November 5, acclaimed Inuk singer-songwriter Elisapie offers a powerful and intimate musical experience. The following evening Adi Braun Sings Cole Porter will breathe new life into Porter’s classics in a sophisticated evening celebrating one of the greatest songwriters in history. On November 12, Grammy-nominated bluesman Guy Davis blends roots, folk, and powerful storytelling in a soulful performance. 

The holiday season kicks off on November 14 with the beloved Jann Arden Holiday Show. On November 23, Canada’s genre-defying quintet Ensemble Vivant lights up the stage with an afternoon performance celebrating over 30 years of excellence. Then on November 28, the virtuosic Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) pays tribute to legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. Closing the month on November 29, jazz legend John Pizzarelli returns to Flato Markham Theatre.

December

Acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú brings the spirit of Ireland to the stage with on December 5, featuring vocals in both Irish and English. On December 6, five-time Grammy winners The Blind Boys of Alabama light up the stage with The Blind Boys Christmas Show, blending gospel harmonies, soul, and seasonal classics. On December 11, Classic Albums Live Performs: The Beatles, Revolver, performing the iconic album live–an absolute must for Beatles fans. December 12 features Broadsway, a trio of powerhouse Canadian artists led by Heather Bambrick, delivering Broadway hits with a jazzy, comedic twist. Chart-topping singer-songwriter Serena Ryder takes the stage on December 13, and don’t miss out on celebrating the season on December 18 with Leahy: Celtic Roots and Christmas Cheer, a joyful evening full of step-dancing, fiddle, family harmonies, and festive favourites. The beloved Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition returns December 30 and 31 with its reimagining of the classic tale set against a Canadian winter landscape.

January

Ring in the new year with music, laughter, and jaw-dropping spectacle at Flato Markham Theatre. On January 16, Animaniacs: In Concert reunites the voices of Yakko, Pinky, and The Brain for a hilarious night of live music and animation nostalgia. Ballet Jörgen reimagines A Midsummer Night’s Dream on January 23 in a magical Canadian wilderness, perfect for all ages. Award-winning Aussie comic Rhys Nicholson makes their Canadian debut with Huge Big Party Congratulations on January 24. January 29 features two-time Juno winner Andy Milne & Unison, sharing soulful music from his album Time Will Tell. On January 30, Tina: Better Be Good to Me celebrates Tina Turner’s epic comeback in a powerhouse tribute performance. Wrapping January is the Grand Shanghai Circus with acrobatics, aerial feats, illusions, and high-tech spectacles.

Feburary

Get ready to laugh out loud with Girls Nite Out on February 6, a lineup of Canada’s top female comedians. Featuring Elvira Kurt and friends, this hilarious night of improv and stand-up is perfect for a gal-pal evening out. On February 25, acclaimed actor Saul Rubinek returns to the stage in Playing Shylock, a thought-provoking solo performance exploring identity, storytelling, and art. South African vocalist Nomfusi brings her soaring voice and Afro-soul sound to the stage on February 27. Finally, the following evening, The Lightfoot Bandhits the stage–featuring Gordon Lightfoot’s original musicians and honouring his iconic legacy with hits like If You Could Read My Mind and Sundown, plus rarely heard gems and stories from the road.

March
March brings intimate storytelling, family fun, and world-class jazz. On March 6, The 3 Impersonators deliver unbelievable impressions of over 100 music legends from Celine Dion to Axl Rose. The following evening is What You Won’t Do for Love, with environmental icons David Suzuki and Tara Cullis joined by actors on stage for an intimate blend of storytelling and theatre that explores love, activism, and climate action. Canada’s acclaimed professional choral group Nathaniel Dett Chorale performs Walk Together, Children, on March 8, a moving program of spirituals and Afrocentric music performed with heart and history. March 13 is Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Great American Crooners, reviving the golden era of swing with classics from Sinatra, Bennett, and Darin. On March 15, Fireside Munsch brings Robert Munsch’s most beloved tales to life in two solo shows packed with silliness and fun for the whole family. Jazz guitar legend Mike Stern hits the stage on March 21 with an all-star band. A must for jazz fans!

April
Contemporary dance takes centre stage on April 1 with Kudelka/Lemieux Mix, a compelling triple bill set to music by Willie Lamothe and Johnny Cash. Acclaimed sibling duo Cheng² Duo brings virtuosic elegance to Markham on April 14, with a piano-cello performance celebrated for its passion and chemistry. The classic Just For Laughs Road Show returns on April 22 with a fresh lineup of top-tier comedians from the world’s biggest comedy festival.

On April 24, experience the soul-stirring voices of Men of the Deeps, a choir of retired coal miners from Cape Breton whose powerful songs honour the mining life and cultural heritage of Nova Scotia. Finally, wrapping up this spectacular Diamond Season on April 25 is what happens when rock meets symphony: Jeans 'n Classics: Strange Magic – The Music of ELO, featuring soaring orchestral renditions of hits like Mr. Blue Sky, Evil Woman, and Don’t Bring Me Down.

Subscriptions and Single tickets are on sale now! 

Flato Markham Theatre is dedicated to inclusion and audience development, and offers $15 YouthTIX tickets to most Diamond Season shows. Additional information, pricing, and tickets for the 2025/2026 Diamond Season can be found at FlatoMarkhamTheatre.ca or by calling the Flato Markham Theatre Box Office at 905.305.7469.

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For more information about Flato Markham Theatre, please contact:

Kayla van Zon                                                                    

Marketing Lead

905.407.6439

kvanzon@interkom.ca

Danielle Grattage
Marketing & Box Office Coordinator 

905.415.7537 x 7539

dgrattage@markham.ca

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:   
media@markham.ca.  

About Flato Markham Theatre: Flato Markham Theatre is a jewel in the crown of the Markham community, located only 30 minutes from the downtown core. The intimate, 527-seat, state-of-the-art performance facility provides patrons with unforgettable access to a host of internationally acclaimed artists and productions through its annual Diamond Season presented by WEINS Auto Group. Illuminating the central theme that the live arts in Markham matters, the season features the best of classical, jazz, world music, dance, comedy, pop artists, and family entertainment. Flexible ticket package options and complimentary parking are available.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with over 370,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 corporate head offices and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.  

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