The McKnight Center announces its 2024-25 season lineup
Friday, May 10, 2024
Media Contact: Jessica Novak | Director of Marketing, McKnight Center for the Performing Arts | 405-744-6849 | jnovak@McKnightCenter.org
The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2024-25 season lineup Friday.
The season includes an impressive schedule of performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, touring Broadway musical “Chicago,” country legend Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, and more.
The performing arts center’s sixth season kicks off with a celebratory weekend in September 2024, featuring a rare solo concert by Oklahoma native Vince Gill and a gala concert headlined by Broadway and film star Idina Menzel. The season concludes in April 2025 with the popular touring Broadway musical “Mean Girls,” written by Saturday Night Live alumna Tina Fey.
Other noteworthy performances include Broadway touring musical "Tina - The Tina Turner Musical," a special Valentine’s Day concert with singer and actress Renée Elise Goldsberry, soulful rocker Grace Potter, and five-time Grammy award-winner bassist Esperanza Spalding.
Opera star Joyce DiDonato will perform a winter holiday concert with a cappella group Kings Return, and the Martha Graham Dance Company will perform multiple works as part of their celebration of the 100th anniversary of the choreographer’s legacy.
Returning for two highly anticipated performances is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Riccardo Muti. Also returning is the center’s annual Chamber Music residency, featuring two public concerts, a private concert for donors followed by an onstage Soirée dinner with the artists, a youth concert for school children, and multiple masterclasses for music students at Oklahoma State University.
Subscription packages will go on sale for renewing subscribers on May 9. Subscriptions are available to the public on July 15, and single tickets to individual events go on sale Aug. 5.
"Our team is excited to unveil our sixth season, thoughtfully assembled to showcase a rich tapestry of talent across various genres," said Mark Blakeman, The McKnight Center’s Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director. "With a focus on diversity and quality, we're proud to continue bringing outstanding performances to Stillwater, offering something special for everyone in our community and beyond."
The 2024-25 season at The McKnight Center consists of:
- An Evening with Vince Gill — Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Idina Menzel — Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at 6 p.m.
- Grace Potter — Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Time for Three — Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Lyle Lovett and His Large Band — Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- “Tina - The Tina Turner Musical” — Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
- esperanza spalding — Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Kings ReJOYCE: Joyce DiDonato and Kings Return — Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra — Thursday, Jan. 23 and Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Martha Graham Dance Company — Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry — Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- "Chicago - The Musical" — Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at 1 p.m.
- Chamber Music: Lavish Passion — Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- Yefim Bronfman — Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
- "Mean Girls - The Musical" — Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
All performances are presented in the center’s intimately 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 The McKnight Center by arriving early for certain concerts. Most classical music programs include Preludes, the center’s free pre-concert conversations with visiting artists. Guests can gain insight into the music and artists, meant to deepen their enjoyment of the concert.
Community members are also invited to arrive early for Pep Rally tailgate parties in the center’s outdoor plaza. Scheduled for the Friday before OSU home football games, this season’s Pep Rally concert series includes Grace Potter and Esperanza Spalding. Pre-concert tailgate parties include food trucks, entertainment and games, appearances by the OSU Cowboy Marching Band, Pistol Pete, BB the mini-horse and guests from OSU Athletics. Pep Rally visitors can purchase a ticket to experience the concert inside or are invited to watch a live simulcast on the plaza’s 32-foot LED viewing screen.
New this season, The McKnight Center announces its Recital Hall Roundup concert series. This series of six concerts, scheduled on Tuesday evenings throughout the year, offers midweek entertainment and inspiration. The concerts take place in the center’s Recital Hall, creating an intimate experience with just 217 seats. Concerts will start at 7 p.m. and are expected to last for one hour, and ticket prices are designed to be affordable for families, making each concert an ideal weekday escape.
The Recital Hall Roundup concert series consists of:
- Formosa Quartet — Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Claire Chase — Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Craig Taborn — Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- Jennifer Koh — Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at 7 p.m.
- Chamber Music: Musical Magic — Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 7 p.m.
- Yarn/Wire — Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit The McKnight Center website or contact the box office at 405-744-9999. For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Sam Powell at sam@six-pr.com or 918-857-1750.