Brilliant Performances. Markham Theatre Announces 2011-12 Season

With the announcement of its dynamic 2011-12 performance season, Markham Theatre once again demonstrates why it is fast becoming a leading destination for world-class entertainment. A jewel in the crown of the Markham community, the theatre provides patrons unforgettable access to a host of globally acclaimed artists and productions featuring the best of the world’s classical, jazz, world music, theatre, dance, pop and comedy artists and acts.  The incredible 27^th annual season was unveiled at a special public season launch event last night that included a sampling of this year’s talented roster with performances by Michael Kaeshammer, vocalist Alice Tan Ridley who catapulted to stardom following her appearance on “America’s Got Talent”, and Toronto’s own Mark Masri. 

 

“We are thrilled to announce that Markham Theatre once again continues to push the boundaries to deliver a high-impact entertainment experience for patrons of all ages,” says General Manager Eric Lariviere. “From a gala performance by the legendary Pointer Sisters, an encore appearance from Ireland’s breath-taking Rhythm of the Dance, to a GTA exclusive presentation of the illustrious Julliard String Quartet this season gives you the best access to the brightest stars from around the global”.

 

Only 30 minutes from downtown, Markham Theatre attracts audiences from across the GTA with an eclectic line-up that boasts a variety of Canadian and GTA debut performances, as well as an impressive series of exclusive presentations.  The 2011-12 season starts with 6-performances of the martial arts extravaganza, Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon.  A production courtesy of Cirque du Soleil’s , Ka and Dralion creator Guy Caron  and celebrated acrobat Yan Yan Zhao, these performances are part of the show’s  premier North American  Tour.  The Eastern influences continue throughout the year with appearances by Japanese musical sensation the Yamato Drummers, and India Jazz Suite – an explosive collaboration between the country’s foremost Kathak master, Pandit Chitresh Das and Emmy-award winning tap star Jason Samuels Smith. 

 

The 11.12 Season is notably one of the theatre’s most diverse programs to date, which runs annually from September 2011 to April 2012.  This year’s highlights include the legendary Arturo Sandoval, the irrepressible jazz stylings of The Manhattan Transfer, the vivacious Dee Dee Bridgewater, comedic sensation Howie Mandel, DRUM! – a heart-pumping celebration of Black, Acadian, Aboriginal and Celtic rhythmic traditions, along with holiday performances from Michelle Wright and the beloved Leahy Family to name just a few.

Markham Theatre’sintimate 530 seat, state-of-the-art performance facility also offers the perfect backdrop for theatrical presentations by Crow’s Theatre’s 2010 Dora Award winning I, Claudia and the ACTING COMPANY who bring to life Shakespeare’s immortal Julius Caesar.  Following on the heels of their highly successfully Fabulous Footwork Series, Markham Theatre proudly presents Tap Kids, Andrea Miller’s Gallim Dance, and Toronto Dance Theatre’s Severe Clear, inspired by a once-in-lifetime wilderness journey to the Yukon.  

 

Full details of Markham Theatre’s 2011-12 Season are attached.  To download the complete season brochure, please visit www.markhamtheatre.ca.

 

The Subscribe & Save season ticket order package is on sale today.  In addition, back by popular demand, the Choose-your-own-format offers savings from 15%-25% on package orders. To simplify purchases, all advertised single ticket, subscriptions and package series prices include the Theatre’s handling fee and HST.  Subscription orders can be place Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM by calling 905-305-5985.

 

The public is also invited to join the theatre’s annual Circle of Stars membership program and support Markham Theatre Discovery.  The “Circle of Stars” annual campaign supports education and community outreach programs.   Markham Theatre is strongly committed to building a strong creative community through Live Arts.  The “Discovery” initiatives include:  School matinees, Master Classes, Lectures, Artists Residencies, Youth Camps and Actors’ Workshops, Family Programs and Community Festivals and Special Events.  For more details on how to become a member of Markham Theatre’s Circle of Stars contact the Theatre Box Office at 905-305-7469.