From LaChanze to Audra McDonald: Inside Vivo Performing Arts’ 2026/27 Season

It’s not every season that features two voices so deeply woven into the fabric of American theater. This fall, Vivo Performing Arts welcomes LaChanze, the original Celie in The Color Purple, whose electrifying cabaret artistry has earned raves from BroadwayWorld and audiences alike. In spring 2027, six‑time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald returns to Symphony Hall for an intimate evening of song and storytelling.

These performances are just two of the 100+ offerings in Vivo Performing Arts’ 2026/27 season, its first presented fully under the organization’s new name. Formerly Celebrity Series of Boston, Vivo Performing Arts carries forward nearly 90 years of artistic excellence while expanding the ways artists and audiences connect, from iconic concert halls to neighborhood spaces across Greater Boston.

Storytelling takes many forms throughout the season. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Boch Center Wang Theatre with programs that combine athleticism, poetry, and a deep emotional core. Contemporary circus company Gravity & Other Myths brings Ten Thousand Hours, an exploration of dedication and creative devotion, while Limón Dance Company marks its 80th anniversary with a program that includes a new work by Akram Khan inspired by Othello.

The season’s vocal and spoken word offerings extend well beyond Broadway. David Sedaris brings his sharp wit and freshly written reflections to Symphony Hall, while artists such as jazz and folk singer Lizz Wright and Emmet Cohen Trio with vocalist Georgia Heers blur the lines between genre—each bringing a distinctive voice and a deep sense of presence to the stage.

The best way to experience this range is through a Vivo Performing Arts subscription, which allows audiences to curate their own season with three or more performances. Subscribers secure seats early, lock in current pricing, enjoy fee‑free exchanges, and build a personalized lineup that reflects their artistic tastes—from Broadway legends to dance, music, and beyond.

To access subscriptions first, join the Applause Circle, a new $25 membership designed for theatergoers who want a closer connection. Members receive early access to subscription sales beginning May 14, along with early access to single tickets, invitations to a members‑only celebration, and behind‑the‑scenes insights throughout the season.

From Audra McDonald’s luminous interpretations to LaChanze’s electrifying command of song and story, the season unfolds as a conversation between artists, venues, and audiences—one that invites reflection, joy, and discovery across disciplines. Subscriptions and Applause Circle memberships are available now. Explore the full 2026/27 season and learn more at vivoperformingarts.org, where creativity comes alive.