Richmond Hill Centre Announces its 2011-2012 Season

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts announced the details of its exciting 2011-2012 Season today. The RHCPA follows up its highly successful second season with a lineup guaranteed to provide something for every taste. Filled with premieres and exclusive GTA appearances the 2011-2012 Season will further solidify the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts as the centre of culture in York Region.

"Our third season reflects the rich cultural diversity of our Town." says Michael Grit, Theatre Manager for the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. "We are proud to present a variety of world class artists from contemporary music and comedy, to children's programming and classical literature, many of whom can only be seen here in Richmond Hill."

Shaun Majumder- Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 7 pm and 9:30 pm Canadian comic and actor Shaun Majumder is best known for his work on the acclaimed CBC comedy show, "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" where he impressed with his intriguing characters and hilarious physical comedy. A veteran of the Just for Laughs comedy festival, Majumder has also made his mark in
feature films and television gaining a reputation for his outstanding range. A multiple Gemini Award winner, Shaun Majumder opens our 2011-2012 season with his clever and unique style of stand up comedy. Single tickets: $48, $43

Big and Small Happy Together!- Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm Big and Small are two best friends who couldn't be more different. One is big, and the other - you guessed it - is small but they are the best-est BFF's ever! Based on the award winning Treehouse TV show, Big & Small is a fast paced and highly interactive show with loveable characters, unforgettable music and toe tapping, knee slappin' dancing. Jump into the wild, wacky and hilarious world of Big and Small as they discover the true meaning of friendship and prove that fun comes in all different sizes. Single tickets: $25, $23

Sharon and Bram- Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 11 am and 2 pm Since 1978, Sharon and Bram have defined high quality family entertainment, sharing their music with millions of delighted children. As members of the trio Sharon, Lois and Bram, they toured North America, producing countless albums and starring in two TV programs, The Elephant Show and Skinnamarink TV. A
Sharon and Bram show is a one-hour sing-along concert for the entire family, featuring such well-loved favorites as She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain, Five Little Monkeys, One Elephant, and of course, Skinnamarink. Masters at leading audiences of all ages in joyful song and good fun,
Sharon and Bram inspire the child in all of us. Single tickets: $25, $23

The Vinyl Café- Friday, October 28, 2011 at 8 pm Stuart McLean is one of Canada's most beloved storytellers and a best-selling author. His hit CBC radio show THE VINYL CAFÉ premiered in
1994, and each week over 1 million listeners tune in to hear stories about Dave, owner of the second hand record store where the motto is: "We May Not Be Big, But We're Small". Featuring live and recorded music by both up-and-coming and established Canadian musicians, The Vinyl Cafe will be broadcast live to tape from Richmond Hill for the first time. Single tickets: $49, $31

Ben Vereen- Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 8 pm Few entertainers today are as accomplished or as versatile as Ben Vereen. In a career that has spanned over 40 years, his memorable performances both onstage and onscreen have transcended time and been woven into the fabric
of North America's artistic legacy. A Tony and Emmy award winner, Ben Vereen has performed his one man show around the world and brings his unique blend of song and dance to the Richmond Hill stage. Single tickets: $52, $47

Shakila- Friday, October 14, 2011 at 8 pm
Born in the city of Tehran, Shakila has been blessed with an angelic voice
and a deep interest in the traditional music and poetry of her native Iran.
Since releasing her first album in 1990, Shakila has gone on to produce 15
more, celebrating the unique culture of her country through moving music
and the poetic lyrics of the Persian poet Rumi. A unique personality,
Shakila makes her Richmond Hill debut with a haunting and uplifting concert
that will touch your heart and soul. Single tickets: $52, $47

Steven Page- Friday, November 4, 2011 at 8 pm
Steven Page's distinctive voice is among the most instantly recognizable in
Canadian music. Over his 20 year career with the highly-successful band
Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page has been blessed with a myriad of
international awards and nominations while selling over 12 million albums.
As a solo artist, Steven Page continues to produce, write and perform,
bringing his unique creativity and musical passion to everything he does.
Single tickets $47, $42

From the Fires: Voices of the Holocaust- Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 10
am
Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 1 pm
Produced by Theatre Three and seen by over 100,000 people, the critically
acclaimed From the Fires: Voices of the Holocaust makes its Canadian
premiere. The performance traces the life of Rachel Gold, a Berlin
teenager, and her experiences from 1937 to 1945. The play follows her from
the inception of the Nuremberg Laws through deportation to Auschwitz and
finally the death march to Mauthausen. Single tickets $15

John McDermott- Friday, November 11, 2011 at 2 pm
Join international recording star and Canadian icon John McDermott as the
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts commemorates Remembrance Day
2011. Known for his dedication to the cause of Canada's war veterans, John
will uplift and inspire as he pays tribute to our fallen heroes and
celebrates the lives of our cherished veterans - Lest we forget. Single
tickets $40, $35

Mark Twain Tonight- Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 8 pm
Fifty years ago, a young actor took the stage in a tiny off-Broadway
theatre and introduced the world to a man they would never forget. The
actor was HAl Holbrook and the man was Mark Twain. Changing and editing the
material to fit the times, Tony and Emmy Award winner HAl Holbrook has
recreated the role in over 2200 performances across North America, making
Mark Twain Tonight one of the most acclaimed and enduring productions in
theatre history. The Richmond Hill Centre is proud to be a part of this
theatrical legacy as we warmly welcome HAl Holbrook to our stage. Single
tickets $65, $59

Henry & Mudge- Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 11 am
Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask
Henry, who can't find a playmate in his new neighbourhood! Luckily, he's
got Mudge, a great big, 83-kilogram canine buddy, with whom he can share
all kinds of adventures! Henry discovers that having a pet is a big
responsibility, they need to be fed, they need to be taken out for walks,
and of course they need lots of love and playtime. Produced by
TheatreworksUSA, this new musical is based on the best selling books by
Cynthia Rylant, and is an inspiring tale about true friendship. Single
tickets $25, $23

Festival of Carols- Friday, December 2, 2011 at 8 pm
Celebrate the holiday season with the Richmond Hill Centre and the Toronto
Mendelssohn Choir. Gather the family for this festive TMC tradition lead by
Maestro Noel Edison and rejoice in the spirit of Christmas with triumphant
polychoral music and heartwarming stories of the season. Join in the annual
carol sing-along and add your voice to Canada's greatest choir. Single
tickets $42, $38

Czech Boys Choir- Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 8 pm
The Czech Boys Choir, also known as Boni Pueri ("Good Boys"), was founded
in 1982 and has become one of Europe's most famous musical ensembles. The
choir has given more than 2500 concerts around the world, produced 13
recordings and has been featured on a number of television and radio
broadcasts with other important international ensembles and orchestras. The
concert features Czech Christmas traditions and a celebration of seasonal
favourites from around the world. Single tickets $42, $38

Letter from Wingfield Farm- Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 8 pm
The show that started the Wingfield series back in 1985 comes to Richmond
Hill as the beginning of a seven year cycle! When a captain of industry
trades his pin-stripe suit for overalls and retreats to a 40 hectare farm,
the residents of Persephone Township raise their eyebrows. Weekend farmers
are a common enough sight, but this man seems to think he can make a living
with a broken down racehorse and a single furrow plough. Written as a
series of letters to the editor of the Larkspur weekly newspaper, Letter
From Wingfield Farm is the hilarious story of one man's attempt to embrace
a less complicated world. Single tickets $42, $38

Shanghai Quartet- Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8 pm
Playing as part of our Chinese New Year celebration, The Shanghai Quartet
is internationally renowned for its passionate musicality, impressive
technique, and multicultural innovations. Melding the delicacy of Eastern
music with the emotional breadth of Western repertoire, has allowed them to
traverse musical genres, from traditional Chinese folk music to cutting
edge contemporary works. Single tickets $35, $32

The Messiah- Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 8 pm
Continue a seasonal tradition at the Richmond Hill Centre for the
Performing Arts with Handel's celebrated Messiah. Performed by the award
winning Vocal Horizons Chamber Choir under conductor Vincent Cheng and
featuring the Vocal Horizons Symphony Orchestra, this extraordinary evening
of moving music will inspire, bringing added meaning to the holiday season
Single tickets $42, $38

New Year's Eve- Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 10 pm
The RHCPA invites you to a New Year's Eve celebration that will have you
moving till midnight and beyond. Join the Blackboard Blues Band as we
transform the biggest stage in York Region into Richmond Hill's largest
dance floor. Conveniently located in the heart of the historic downtown,
the RHCPA is the perfect location to ring in the New Year with friends,
family and world class entertainment. Single tickets $35, $32

David Broza- Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 8 pm
For more than a decade, singer/songwriter David Broza has been steadily
gaining a reputation throughout the world as a modern troubadour of urban
folk-rock. A superstar in his homeland of Israel, Broza's flamenco-tinged
melodies and unique style of multicultural musical blend have propelled him
to multi-platinum record sales and a strong legion of fans. An accomplished
guitarist and tireless activist, David Broza is a captivating and
compelling performer making his Richmond Hill debut. Single tickets $45,
$41

Clifford- Monday, February 6, 2012 at 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm
In conjunction with the beloved BIG dog's 50th anniversary in 2012,
celebrate the timeless values of Clifford's BIG Ideas - Share, Play Fair,
Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe
In Yourself, Be A Good Friend and Help Others. These sentiments have never
been more fun as Clifford and his friends from Birdwell Island - Emily
Elizabeth, Cleo and T-Bone - embark on new adventures. With memorable songs
and choreography -there will be even more of him to love in this ALL NEW
musical - sure to delight the entire family! Single tickets $25, $23

Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV- Friday, February 10, 2012 at 8 pm
Classic Albums Live presents the quintessential rock and roll album of all
time, Led Zeppelin IV recreated live on stage, note for note and cut for
cut. Featuring such Zeppelin hits as Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop and rock
and roll's most celebrated anthem Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin IV is
the high water mark for classic rock. Come experience the music that
changed a generation and made Led Zeppelin a rock and roll legend. Single
tickets $45, $41

Working: The Musical About All of Us- Friday, January 27, 2012 at 8 pm
Join members of the RHCPA Acting Academy and industry professionals as they
present the Tony Award winning musical Working. Adapted by Stephen
Schwartz, the award wining composer of Wicked and Godspell and based on the
best-selling book by Studs Terkel, Working is a down-to-earth, elevating
exploration of the average workday and workers. Twenty-six workers sing and
talk about their jobs, defining not only their daily routine, but their
hopes and aspirations as well. An RHCPA first, come and experience the best
that Richmond Hill talent has to offer. Single tickets $25, $20

Harlem Gospel Choir- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 8 pm
The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir travels the globe sharing its music
and spreading its message of love, peace and harmony for people of all
nations, backgrounds, and cultures. A gathering of the finest singers and
musicians from various black churches in Harlem, the Choir creates a better
understanding of African-American culture with songs of gospel and
inspiration that touch the depths of the soul and raise spirits to angelic
heights. Single tickets $42, $38

Jason and the Argonauts- Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 11 am
Jason's uncle isn't exactly lovable...he's murdered Jason's father, the
King, banished Jason as a baby and stolen the kingdom. Nobody has dared to
stand up to him...until now. Jason is all grown up and ready to claim his
rightful place on the throne! He and his crew must sail on The Argo to the
other side of the world to find the Golden Fleece and bring it back in
order to unite the people. Using two actors, a handful of action figures
and one incredible wooden cart, Visible Fictions creates an adventure story
that will inspire the hero in each of us. Single tickets $25, $23

Richard Scarry's Busytown- Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 11 am and 2 pm
A brand new live production, Richard Scarry's Busytown is a one of a kind
interactive experience based on the best-selling children's books by
Richard Scarry. With catchy original music, fabulous costumes and a
charming storyline, the incredible world of Richard Scarry comes alive
onstage. Follow the adventures of six unforgettable friends as they search
for answers to solve a mystery and bring out the detective in all of us.
Single tickets $25, $23

Frankie Avalon- Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 8 pm
If you can't remember a time when Frankie Avalon wasn't a part of your
life, you aren't alone. From his years as a teenage idol with number one
hits like Venus and Why to his Beach Party film series with Annette
Funicello, Frankie Avalon is an entertainer without equal. With a string of
gold records and a host of movies that defined a genre and a generation,
Frankie Avalon continues to be an American performing icon. Single tickets
$70, $63

Larry Miller: Little League, Adultery & Other Bad Ideas- Thursday, March
29, 2012 at 8 pm
One of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, comedian Larry Miller takes to
the stage in his one-man show sharing his perspective on Marriage, Children
and Drinking... and how each one leads to the other two. Appearing in over
50 films including Pretty Woman, Waiting For Guffman and The Princess
Diaries, Larry Miller combines his comedy, acting and music talents to
create a fresh and funny theatrical experience. Single tickets $50, $45

Story Musgrave- Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 1 pm
A once in a lifetime event, Story Musgrave, celebrated NASA astronaut,
surgeon and public speaker makes his Richmond Hill debut with an
inspirational presentation that is out of this world. As the only astronaut
to have flown in all five space shuttles, Mr. Musgrave has spent his career
pushing the envelope and he shares his life's achievements in a story that
will captivate and inspire. Single tickets $15

Duetto Sostenuto- Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 8 pm
An instrument of timeless beauty and historic significance, the harp has
its roots in ancient civilizations and produces one of the most distinctive
sounds of any stringed instrument. Featuring two of Canada's most
distinguished harpists, Erica Goodman and Andrew Chan, the magic of two
harps will delight your senses with soulful music from the
moonlight-ambience of Debussy to the jazzy touch of Gershwin. Single
tickets $35, $32

April Wine- Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 8 pm
Formed in 1969, legendary Canadian band April Wine continues to satisfy
fans with a live mix of straight ahead rock and roll. A member of the
Canadian Music Hall of Fame, April Wine has achieved international success
with a string of hits including, You Could Have Been a Lady, I Like To Rock
and Between You and Me. Masters of the power ballad, April Wine has
remained one of Canada's most significant rock bands. Single tickets $50,
$45

Charlotte's Web- Monday and Tuesday, April 30 and May 1, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Based on the treasured tale by E.B. White and produced by TheatreworksUSA,
Charlotte's Web is the story of the enduring friendship between a pig named
Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Featuring mad-cap and
endearing farm animals, Charlotte's Web explores bravery, selfless love,
and the true meaning of friendship. Single tickets $25, $23

Haiou Zhang- Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 8 pm
Chinese pianist Haiou Zhang has enjoyed great success, receiving wide
recognition by international critics and audiences in Europe, the Far East
and the United States. Only in his mid-twenties, his debut CD sold more
than 30,000 copies in his native land ensuring that he is one of the most
recognized personalities in the world of music in China. Single tickets
$35, $32

Sheena Easton- Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 8 pm
Multiple Grammy award winner Sheena Easton has continued to reinvent
herself since rising to fame in the early 1980s. Her first hit Morning
Train (9 to 5) made the Billboard top ten in both the United States and the
UK and she found the charts again with such classics as For Your Eyes Only,
Strut, Sugar Walls and U Got the Look with Prince. As a testament to her
versatility, Sheena Easton is still the only recording artist ever to have
a Top Five hit on all five of Billboard's key charts. Single tickets $75,
$68

Ticket information

Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 24th at 10am. Single tickets are available as well as subscriptions and convenient flex packages. Patrons are asked to call the box office at 905-787-8811 or go online at www.rhcentre.ca.