OSU’s The McKnight Center announces 2026-2027 season
Stillwater performances include Cynthia Erivo, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Waitress and more
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts announces its 2026-2027 season. The season includes an impressive lineup of performances, including legendary stage and screen star Cynthia Erivo with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the touring Broadway musical Waitress, and more.
Cynthia Erivo, MBE, is an Emmy, Tony, two-time Grammy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated actress, singer, author and producer. Erivo burst onto West End and Broadway stages in The Color Purple and recently starred as Elphaba in the record-breaking film adaptations, Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
“From Broadway blockbusters and renowned classical musicians to intimate recital experiences and lively community events, the 2026-2027 season reflects our commitment to presenting world-class artistry and making the performing arts accessible, exciting and meaningful for everyone in our region,” said Mark Blakeman, The McKnight Center’s Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director. “This eighth season is also a reflection of our mission to engage, educate and inspire. By connecting visiting artists with students and audiences of all ages, we continue to foster creativity, curiosity and a lasting appreciation for the arts across our region. That sense of connection is at the heart of everything we do.”
The performing arts center’s eighth season kicks off in September 2026 with a concert featuring Grammy Award-winning Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The season concludes in April 2027 with two performances by The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.
Other noteworthy performances include Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas, Broadway touring musical Shucked, the brilliant trio of musicians Marsalis-McAllister-Ames and An Evening with Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up. Samara Joy, the six-time Grammy award-winning vocalist, will bring her timeless elegance to the McKnight stage. Violinist Joshua Bell returns for the first time since 2020. Finally, the iconic composer Stephen Schwartz will be joined by a cast of his Broadway vocalist friends to celebrate five decades of his Broadway and Hollywood songbook.
Subscription packages will go on sale for renewing season subscribers on May 14 at 5:30 pm at an in-person Season Spotlight announcement event. Subscriptions will be available to the public later this summer, and single tickets for individual events go on sale August 10.
The 2026-2027 season at The McKnight Center includes:
- Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue – Fri., September 11, 2026, at 7:30 pm
- Cynthia Erivo – Sat., September 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band – Fri., October 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet - Sun. November 15, 2026, at 3 pm
- Waitress – Tues., December 1, Wed., December 2 and Thurs., December 3, 2026, at 7:30 pm
- LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas – Thurs., December 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm
- Shucked– Sat., January 30, at 7:30 pm and Sun. January 31, 2027, at 3:00 pm
- An Evening with Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up! – Fri., February 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm
- Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio – Fri., February 26, 2027, at 7:30 pm
- Samara Joy – Sat., March 6, 2027 at 7:30 pm
- Joshua Bell – Thurs. April 8, 2027, at 7:30 pm
- Stephen Schwartz and Friends – Fri., April 16, 2027, at 7:30 pm
- The National Symphony Orchestra – Sat., April 24 at 7:30 pm and Sun., April 25, 2027, at 3:00 pm
All performances are presented in the center’s intimate-sized Performance Hall, which seats 1,098. No seat is more than 100 feet from the stage, giving the audience an up-close-and-personal experience with artists who typically perform in much larger venues.
Concertgoers are invited to enhance their experience at most classical programs presented by The McKnight Center by arriving early for select concerts. Preludes is the center’s free pre-concert conversation with visiting artists, where guests can gain insight into the music and artists to deepen their enjoyment of the concert.
Many events are simulcast to the center’s 32-foot LED wall in the outdoor plaza. Simulcasts are announced closer to each event date.
For more information about events and tickets, visit McKnightCenter.org or contact the box office at 405.744.9999.
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University inspires and transforms individuals’ lives through artistic excellence, shared creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. Performances and events are presented in a supportive environment that seeks to eliminate obstacles to attendance for all audiences. Each season, the center engages world-class artists and entertainers for live performances, educational masterclasses, no-cost performances for public schools, and other community events. To learn more, visit mcknightcenter.org.
The Gayly online. 6/26/26 @ 6:31 p.m. CST.