25/26 Flato Markham Theatre Arts & Entertainment House Program: Volume 2

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TRAVEL THAT PROPELS YOU

Enhance your theatre experience with a relaxing stay at the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Markham, just minutes from Flato Markham Theatre. Conveniently located near Hwy. 7 and Leslie Street, we offer warm hospitality, modern comfort, and thoughtful amenities—making us the perfect choice for your next visit to Markham.

HOTEL FEATURES

* Contemporary Guestrooms

* 4.5kms from Flato Markham Theatre

* Walking distance to local restaurants

* Complimentary Parking

* Complimentary WIFI

* Indoor Heated Pool & Fitness Center

* Seasonal Outdoor Patio

* Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

Ensemble Vivant

Sun., November 23 // 4pm

Ensemble Vivant (EV) is a pioneering quintet that has been performing internationally for over 30 years. Their repertoire spans a wide range of styles, including Classical, Jazz, Ragtime, Latin, and selections from the Great American Songbook. All arrangements and new compositions are written exclusively for EV by leading contemporary composers and arrangers.

Known for their engaging performance style, EV connects with audiences of all ages through expressive and communicative playing. Their work includes 15 internationally released albums, reflecting the ensemble’s versatility and dedication to exploring diverse musical traditions.

ENSEMBLE

Catherine Wilson Piano / Artistic Director

George Koller Bass

Sarah Boyer Violin

Lydia Munchinsky Cello

Norman Hathaway Viola

This is the highest-level chamber music making. No matter the genre, there is magic in Ensemble Vivant’s music making. –The Boston Globe

Montreal Guitar Trio MG3 plays Ennio Morricone

Fri., November 28 // 8pm

The Montreal Guitar Trio (MG3) surprises, amazes, exalts, and ignites audiences with their dynamic and breathtaking stage presence. This passionate trio has been sharing their work with fervor for over 25 years. In addition to their three guitars, these multi-instrumentalists also sing and play the violin, mandolin, bass, accordion and more.

Now, our guitar aces Sébastien Deshaies, Glenn Lévesque and Marc Morin are presenting a concert dedicated to the great Ennio Morricone. From the beginning of their career, the music of this legendary composer has been a significant part of the trio's repertoire. This special concert will also feature special surprises with the unique flair that only the MG3 can offer.

ENSEMBLE

Sébastien Deshaies

Glenn Lévesque

Marc Morin

The genial genius of the guitar. – Toronto Star A rare entertainer of the old school.” – Seattle Times

PRESENTS

John Pizzarelli Trio

Sat., November 29 // 8pm

Grammy-winning producer, guitarist, and vocalist John Pizzarelli is a leading interpreter of the Great American Songbook, performing repertoire from Joni Mitchell and Neil Young to Antônio Carlos Jobim and The Beatles.His recordings include Midnight McCartney, tributes to Sinatra, Rodgers, Ellington, and Brazilian music.

He has performed with legends including Dave Brubeck, Rosemary Clooney, and his father Bucky Pizzarelli, and appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Great Performances (PBS), and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A Broadway debutante (Dream) and annual performer at Café Carlyle with Jessica Molaskey, he also cohosts the nationally syndicated Radio Deluxe.

MUSICIANS:

Mike Karn Bass

Isaiah J. Thompson Piano

Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas

Thurs., December 4 // 8pm

Hailing from Counties Waterford, Cork, Dublin, and Donegal, Danú is one of today’s leading traditional Irish ensembles. Formed in 1995 for Ireland’s delegation to the Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival in Brittany, France, the band released their debut album Danú in 1997 to critical acclaim. In 1999, they signed with the U.S.based Shanachie Entertainment, releasing five albums and a live DVD internationally, and in recent years have added three independent releases to their discography.

For over two decades, Danú’s virtuoso musicians on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals, have delighted audiences worldwide, performing at venues including The Hollywood Bowl and Symphony Space. Winners of numerous awards from the BBC and Irish Music Magazine, the band brings listeners on a moving musical journey to Ireland.

Since 2016, star vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín has joined the ensemble, adding a new chapter to Danú’s celebrated legacy.

Fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads.

– The New York Times

The Blind Boys of Alabama

Fri., December 5 // 8pm

The Blind Boys Christmas Show mixes holiday standards with selections from their Grammy-winning holiday classic album, Go Tell It On The Mountain and the spirited Talkin’ Christmas album. The Blind Boys of Alabama are celebrated worldwide as living legends of gospel music. With a career spanning over 70 years, they have received Lifetime Achievement Awards from The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Recording Academy, six GRAMMY Awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Known for their transcendent interpretations of gospel classics and contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince, and Tom Waits, they have collaborated with artists including Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Aaron Neville, and Taj Mahal.

Blind Boys will have everyone in the audience singing and clapping along to spread the joy of the season!

Opening Performance: Chantal Thompson

The beloved gospel ensemble the Blind Boys of Alabama... remains perennially fresh, whether it's interjecting godliness into unexpected songs or, as in this case, saluting Christmas – The New Yorker

The Beatles: Revolver

Thurs., December 11 // 8pm

Classic Albums Live takes the greatest classic rock albums and recreates them live on stage—note for note, cut for cut.

"At that time, The Beatles were no longer lovable mop tops; they had become a sentient being, coming into their own as men, pushing back against the world," said founder Craig Martin. “From She Loves You and I Want to Hold Your Hand to songs about the taxman, abandonment, and drugs, Revolver marked a turning point. It was a serious album, perhaps their most explosive, the spark before Sgt. Pepper. With big string and horn sections and some whacky instrumentation, it demanded attention. Once again, we got it. We know how to perform this album. More importantly, we understand this record.”

BAND LINE UP:

Rob Phillips Guitar, Vocals

Dave Azzolini Guitar, Vocals

Kevin Bath Bass, Vocals

Ryan Granville-Martin Drums, Vocals

Ron Miller Keys

Alex McMaster Cello, Background Vocals

Maya Killtron Violin, Background Vocals

Laura Bates Violin

Chris Roberts Saxophone

Stevie Dyte Trumpet

PRESENTS

Broadsway The Most Wonderful Time ... Maybe

Fri., December 12 // 8pm

BROADSWAY: four of Canada’s finest musical theatre, jazz, and cabaret artists doing the music of Broadway - and the Holidaystheir way and delighting audiences in the process!

Featuring Dora Mavor Moore award-nominee Diane Leah, JUNO and ECMA-nominee Heather Bambrick, international touring artist Julie Michels, and jazz / cabaret vocalist Kylie Martin, BROADSWAY combines musical theatre and humour in a way you've never seen or heard before.

Their Holiday show, The Most Wonderful Time … Maybe celebrates the season with an evening of Yuletide classics and lesser-known seasonal gems, all put together in unique arrangements with tons of musicality and humour! CBC Radio called it “a musical version of the best Christmas party ever” … and it’s a party you won’t want to miss!

Serena Ryder’s Merry Myths Tour

Sat., December 13 // 8pm

A festive concert inspired by the folklore, stories, and symbols that shape our holiday spirit.

Blending timeless classics with her signature soulful sound, Serena explores a rich tapestry of global yuletide lore, infused with joyful energy and her delightfully playful take on this wondrous time of year. With powerful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and infectious spirit, she creates an unforgettable evening that celebrates connection, community, and the magic of the season. Merry Myths feels both timeless and fresh—a joyful celebration of the myths, melodies, and memories that make the holidays truly special. Don’t miss this enchanting concert where music, mythology, and the spirit of the season unite in harmony.

ABOUT SERENA RYDER

Serena Ryder is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto, known for her powerhouse voice, genre-blending songwriting, and seven Juno Awards. Beyond her music, Serena is passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues. She's travelled across the country with her wellness keynote speeches and received the Margaret Trudeau mental health advocacy award.

Leahy: Celtic Roots and Christmas Cheer

Thurs., December 18 // 8pm

Leahy: Celtic Roots and Christmas Cheer is a joyful celebration of family, friends, and community. Whether you’re a fan of Celtic music and dance or simply seeking an uplifting holiday performance, you’re warmly invited to join the party. Expect an infusion of joy that will stay with you long after the show ends.

ABOUT LEAHY

Leahy is a Canadian powerhouse of dynamic musicians and songwriters from one family, renowned for thrilling audiences with passionate vocals, stunning musicianship, and step dancing. Accomplished multi-instrumentalists, they blend vocals, piano, fiddle, accordion, guitars, bass, and drums into a vibrant sound that pushes folk-rock to new heights—always rooted in their rich family tradition.

The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition

Tue., December 30 // 2pm & 7pm Wed., December 31 // 11am & 3pm

Holiday magic is made year after year by Ballet Jörgen’s traditional treasure The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s wellloved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays.

Born from a collaboration with Kleinburg’s world renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and with well over 100 costumes in richly coloured fabrics, The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition brings out the magic of Canada. 20th Century landscapes make up the stunning 30-foot backdrops, including Franklin Carmichael’s Church and Houses at Bisset (1931), Tom Thompson’s Snow in the Woods (1916), and L.L. Fitzgerald’s Trees and Wildflowers (1922). This is a beautiful Canadian work, and audiences are taken on Klara’s familiar, magical dream journey as she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and creatures of the woods.

This celebration of the wonder of the season is based on the popular traditional story The Nutcracker and the King of mice by E.T.A. Hoffman, enjoyed by audiences for years. The ballet’s second act is remembered for its celebration of varied dances, and our charming divertissements of raccoons, loons, dragonflies, bears and cotton tail rabbits demonstrate Klara’s longing for the summer months as she travels excitedly through her dreams. The iconic, show-stopping pas-de-deux in the final act is lovingly danced by Lord and Lady Birch as they usher Klara safely home at the end of the adventure.

Ballet Jörgen’s Nutcracker is destined to become a national treasure that will warm the hearts of young and old alike. It is a holiday tradition that has showcased the magic of the season for years. Rediscover the joy of dance with the show that audiences flock back to again and again.

SCAN

FESTIVE FLAVOURS

Brunch · Dinner · Afternoon Tea · Turkey To Go

Celebrate the holidays with brunches, elegant dinners, cozy afternoon teas, and Turkey To-Go

Plus, ring in 2026 with sparkle enjoy our New Year’s Eve dinner or New Year’s Day brunch

Exhibit Your Art

Our Theatre Lobby welcomes individual artists and artist groups from across York Region and beyond. Your work will be viewed by thousands of art-loving attendees. Don't miss the chance to shine! Find out more at:

2025 GALA SPONSORS

Grand Presenting Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Dinner

THANK YOU!

GALA PLANNING COMMITTEE

GALA HONORARY CHAIR

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham

GALA HONORARY PATRON

Shakir Rehmatullah President, Flato Developments Inc

40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

CO-CHAIRS

Ken MacDonald Short Street Media

Srinka Wallia

MEMBERS

Brad Fletcher The Village Grocer

Richard Morales M.Eng., P.Eng, Music Producer, Agent and Composer

FLATO MARKHAM THEATRE STAFF

Siobhain Fray Danielle Grattage Scott Hill Helen Mah

CORP CIRCLE/SEAT $1000

OnStage Productions

SHOOTING STARS $500-$999

Alwyn Enterprise

Barb & Dave Reid

Bryan S. Katz

Dr. Terry & Mary Bryon

Joanne D. Wong

Jocelyn McPhail & Sandy Petersen

SUPER STARS $250–$499

Bill & Morren Crothers

Barbara Holmes

Carol & Gerald Knowles

Dean Moratz and Janice Franklin

Kamal & Michael Lee

Ann Schwemler

Brian & Donna Reeve

Cindy Breslin-Carere & George Carere

Dave & Jo-Anne Blinn

Denise & Andy Chong

Erma Collins

Mayur Bhagani

Marzia Del Bianco

Marla David

Mary Haffey

Nilesh & Lucie Hathi

Sandy & Jim Koteles

Sonya & David Murphy

SHINING STARS $150–$249

Gordon & Elaine McInnis

Harrie & Elizabeth Cleveland

Harry Tonogai

Holo Devnani

Jean Cuthbertson

Jim & Joanne Stewart

Leroy D'Cunha

STAR GAZER $75–$149

Susan Heim & Winfried Heim

Stan & Mary Janes

Zoë Christidis & Endell Mell

John and Cheryl Flint

Colleen Conway

Frank & Sharon Fazzari

Tracy & Steve Fretz

Jeremy Gibbens

Robert & Angela Grattage

Dawn Johnson

Michael Jordache & Ingrid Feder

Deborah & Joseph Kimber

Frank & Mary Ruth Leone

Lenny Liscio

Marianne MacBride

Mike Mande

Marilyn & John Williams

Mary Bell & William Graber

Mr. & Mrs. G.H. Punky Boyle

Ted & Lynda Langdon

Ted & Val Pike

W. Inkpen

Winnifred Ng

Thomas Plant & Diane Birffa

Larry & Trish Pollock

Vivelinda Ribau

Nancy Shim

Soraya Shokrai

Karen Sibbald

Stouffville Traditional Chinese

Medicine Center

Christine Sutherland

Nancy & Paul Wood

THEATRE TEAM

Acting General Manager

Scott Hill

Acting Business & Rental Manager

Maxwell Silva-Chappell

Production & Facility Manager

Andrew Rosenfarb

Client Services Coordinator

Claire Acott

Discovery Program Coordinator

Alan Kinsella

Senior Technical Supervisor

Chris MacBride

Senior Technician

Vince Rotondi

Theatre Technician

Jadon Pascal Van Alphen

Peter Abbott

Business Coordinator

Helen Mah

Marketing & Box Office Coordinator

Danielle Grattage

Marketing Lead

Kayla van Zon

Marketing & Box Office Assistant

Maggie Ho

Administrative Clerk

Siobhain Fray

Box Office

Karen Zita

Maintenance Assistant

Gary Restoule

ADVISORY BOARD

Srinka Wallia, Chair

Sophia Sun, Vice Chair

Phoenix Financial

Michael Chen

YRDSB Trustee

Dawn Donaldson

University Health Network

Brad Fletcher

The Village Grocer

Anne Gilligan

Weins Auto Group

Regional Councillor Jim Jones

Ken MacDonald

Short Street Media

Brent Matthews

Retired, Acting Principal

Larry Matthews

Dr. Reddy’s

Sarah Micallef

CST Savings Inc

Ronald Minken

Minken Employment Lawyers

Richard Morales M.Eng., P.Eng

Music Producer, Agent and Composer

Susie Nunes

Unionville High School

Celeste Pelliccione

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