A collage of six images. The top left image shows an orchestra performing on a wooden stage. The top middle image shows a person with short hair and a beard wearing a black shirt. The top right image shows a person with long wavy hair wearing a light-colored shirt and necklace. The bottom left image shows a person in formal attire playing the trumpet against a gray background. The bottom middle image shows the back of someone's head in front of an old-fashioned jukebox. The bottom right image depicts a theatrical performance with multiple actors on stage under colorful lighting, some dressed in period costumes.

The McKnight Center announces its 2025-26 season lineup

Friday, May 16, 2025

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' seventh season kicks off with a gala concert in September 2025 featuring Hugh Jackman’s one-man show, which can currently only be seen at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. The season concludes in April 2026 with Grammy Award-winning American mandolinist and singer-songwriter Chris Thile.

Other noteworthy performances include Broadway touring musical Hadestown, a special Valentine’s Day concert with singer and actor Mandy Patinkin, country star Ashley McBryde, and a highly anticipated return by the Philadelphia Orchestra, with Maestra Marin Alsop conducting two unique concert programs. Additionally, the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will make their Stillwater debut under the direction of Music Director and famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and two of Broadway’s leading ladies, Kelli O’Hara and Sutton Foster, will perform together in a concert with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

Subscription packages will go on sale for renewing subscribers on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at an in-person Season Spotlight announcement event. Subscriptions are available to the public later this summer and single tickets to individual events go on sale Aug. 11.

“From Broadway blockbusters and international orchestras to intimate recital experiences and lively community events, the 2025-2026 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 seventh season is also a reflection of our mission to engage, educate and inspire. Our renowned visiting artists will provide mentorship for aspiring OSU student musicians through masterclasses, and we’ll continue to provide Stillwater schools with free youth concerts and interactions with the arts. We’re so proud to create opportunities for meaningful connection through the arts and to serve as a cultural and educational hub for Stillwater and the region.”

A man with short, dark hair wearing a black shirt. The background features white paneling on the wall. — Hugh Jackman will be at The McKnight Center on Sept. 12, 2025.

The 2025-2026 season at The McKnight Center includes:

Hugh Jackman — Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 6 p.m.
One Night Only: An Evening with Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara — Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Ashley McBryde — Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Free Event: The President’s Own United States Marine Band — Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra — Wednesday, Oct. 29, Thursday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis — Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Holiday Concert — Artist and Date To Be Announced
Jukebox: Mandy Patinkin In Concert — Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Hadestown — Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Marc-André Hamelin — Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The Music Man – Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The Philadelphia Orchestra – Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Chris Thile – Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

The Music Man will be at The McKnight Center on March 10 and 11, 2026.

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, deepening their enjoyment of the concert.

For more information about events and tickets, visit McKnightCenter.org or contact the box office at 405-744-9999.