McAninch Arts Center to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Season with Belushi, Ballet Hispanico & More
The College of DuPage venue will present NoGravity Theatre, Belaval, and other acts in its milestone season.
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage has announced its 2026-2027 Performance Series, a season that will celebrate the venue's 40th anniversary while also recognizing the 40th season of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, the 50th season of New Philharmonic, and America's 250th anniversary.
The anniversary celebration will begin Aug. 23 with a free outdoor festival at the Lakeside Pavilion. The event will feature music by Sixteen Candles, art activities, excerpts from College Theater's production of FOOTLOOSE, dance lessons, food vendors, and additional family-friendly activities.
The Performance Series will open Sept. 12 with a concert by Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band, followed by comedian and WGN personality Ana Belaval on Sept. 19. Additional fall performances include Elton Rohn on Oct. 3, Ballet Hispánico New York's CARMEN.maquia on Oct. 10, The Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies on Oct. 17, and MOMIX's Botanica on Nov. 7.
“Forty years ago, the MAC made a promise to this community to bring the world's best artists right to their doorstep,” said MAC Director Diana Martinez. “This season, we are keeping that promise in a big way, and bringing in the best national and international acts from around the globe. From the breathtaking visual artistry of NoGravity Theatre dance illusionists from Italy, MOMIX and Ballet Hispánico New York, to the exquisite harmonies of The King's Singers from the UK to the high energy of Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts, to the infectious comedy of Ana Belaval and Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood, this is a season that has something for everyone. We've also woven in a celebration of American artistic achievement in honor of the nation's 250th, and we're proud to mark milestone anniversaries alongside our beloved resident companies, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and New Philharmonic. This is a season I'm genuinely proud of, and I can't wait to share it with our community.”
Holiday programming will include Uptown's A Very Soulful Christmas on Dec. 12, along with returning favorites The Second City on Dec. 5 and Salt Creek Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER, running Dec. 18-20.
Winter and spring performances will feature Treasure Island Reimagined on Jan. 24, illusionist Leon Etienne's Magic Rocks! on Jan. 30, and NoGravity Theatre's Divine Comedy on April 11.
New Philharmonic will launch its 50th season with Musica Italiana Dolce on Sept. 26-27. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble will begin its 40th season with Lauren Gunderson's adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN, running Nov. 12 through Dec. 13.
In addition to professional productions, the MAC will host more than 60 student performances from College of DuPage Theater, Music, and Dance programs. The venue will also continue its free community offerings, including the Global Flicks film series and the 2026 Lakeside Pavilion summer series.
Ticket Information
Subscriptions for the 2026-2027 season are on sale now. Renewing subscribers can save up to 25 percent, while new subscribers can save up to 20 percent.
Subscriptions are available by phone at 630-942-4000 or through the box office at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. Box office hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and two hours prior to performances.
2026-2027 McAninch Arts Center Performance Series
August 2026
- August 23, 2026 – MAC 40th Anniversary Festival – Lakeside Pavilion
September 2026
- September 12, 2026 – Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts Band
- September 19, 2026 – Ana Belaval
- September 26-27, 2026 – New Philharmonic: Musica Italiana Dolce
October 2026
- October 3, 2026 – Elton Rohn
- October 10, 2026 – Ballet Hispánico New York: CARMEN.maquia
- October 17, 2026 – The Barricade Boys: Broadway at the Movies
November 2026
- November 7, 2026 – MOMIX: Botanica
- November 12-December 13, 2026 – Buffalo Theatre Ensemble: LITTLE WOMEN
December 2026
- December 5, 2026 – The Second City
- December 12, 2026 – Uptown: A Very Soulful Christmas
- December 18-20, 2026 – Salt Creek Ballet: THE NUTCRACKER
January 2027
- January 24, 2027 – Treasure Island Reimagined
- January 30, 2027 – Magic Rocks! starring Leon Etienne
April 2027
- April 11, 2027 – NoGravity Theatre: Divine Comedy
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