WAITRESS, Cynthia Erivo, and More Set For The McKnight Center 2026-2027 Season

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2026-2027 season. The season includes a lineup of performances including star of stage and screen Cynthia Erivo with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 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 will kick off with a concert in September 2026 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:

• NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, Sun. Nov. 15, 2026 at 3 pm
• Waitress – Tues., Dec. 1, Wed., Dec. 2 and Thurs., Dec. 3, 2026, at 7:30 pm
• LeAnn Rimes Greatest Hits Christmas – Thurs., Dec. 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm
• Shucked – Sat., Jan. 30, at 7:30 pm and Sun. Jan. 31, 2027, at 3:00 pm
• An Evening with Joshua Henry: Get Up, Stand Up! – Fri., Feb. 12, 2027, at 7:30 pm
• Marsalis-McAllister-Ames Trio – Fri., Feb. 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 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.

Concert goers are invited to enhance their experience at most classical programs presented by The McKnight Center by arriving early for certain concerts. Preludes is the center's free pre-concert conversations with visiting artists where guests can gain insight into the music and artists, as a way to deepen their enjoyment of the concert.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Scenic Design - Top 3

1. Dane Laffrey - The Lost Boys

37.8% of votes

2. Soutra Gilmour - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

13.1% of votes

3. Scott Pask - Schmigadoon!

11.1% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats