Halloween Box Office Hours: 12 - 3p | Box Office reopens on Saturday, Nov 1, 12noon

Dear MAC Friends!

At the McAninch Art Center, we believe in the power of live performance to lift our spirits, stir our imaginations and bring us together. This season, we invite you to take a well-deserved break from the everyday–because world-class talent and unforgettable experiences are just minutes away. 

Season Highlights Include: Emmy-nominated actor and legendary comic Paul Reiser, live in the evening of stories and stand-up, and the sharp wit of comedians Paula Poundstone and Pat Tomasulo. Artists from around the glob include: The thunderous athleticism of Drum Tao, Japan’s internationally known percussion troupe. The soul-stirring harmonies of Soweto Gospel Choir, from South Africa. And favorite musical tributes to iconic artists like Queen, Taylor Swift, Neil Diamond, George Michael, The Carpenters, and the music of James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carol King. 

We’re proud to serve as your local destination for the arts, bringing the energy of the world’s stage to your backyard. We can’t wait to welcome you for a season full of entertainment, connection and joy.

Step out of the world and into the MAC, and let the season move you. 

All the best,
Diana Martinez,
MAC Director


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Single Event tickets on Sale August 8.

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Buy 5-7 shows and save 15%
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Hear more from Diana Martinez about this season!


Saturday, Nov 8 | 7:30p

  Soweto Gospel Choir – Peace Get swept away by the electrifying energy and soul-stirring harmonies of the Soweto Gospel Choir, an internationally renowned 20-member South African ensemble. The choir has become a global sensation, captivating audiences with their powerful a cappella renditions of both traditional and contemporary songs. Expect vibrant performances brimming with choreography…

Sunday, Nov 9 | 7p

  The Life & Music of George Michael Back by popular demand! Chronicling the journey of one of the biggest international stars of our time, this show captures the performance and sound of George Michael with concert-style staging, dance and lighting while telling his story through early music hits from Wham! through his illustrious solo…

Nov 20 – Dec 21 | Thur - Sat 7:30p, Sun 3p

Final chapter of the Christmas at Pemberley trilogy – secrets are revealed, arranged engagements and meddlesome siblings come together for the holidays By Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon Directed by Connie Canaday Howard Pre-show Discussion: Nov 20 at 6:45p-7:15p, MAC Room 117 (Fishbowl) Post-show Discussion: Nov 28 Two best friends who have been overshadowed by…

Friday Nov 21 | 7:30p

Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience Pre-show Swiftie party in the lobby at 6:30 with mocktails and cocktails, bring your friendship bracelets! Paying tribute to one of the most iconic pop stars of the decade, Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience is a nationally touring, award-nominated Taylor Swift tribute band that…

Saturday, Nov 22 | 4p & 7:30p

  Pat Tomasulo Late Show Sold Out By Popular Demand 4p Show Added By day, he’s one of the hosts of the #1 rated WGN Morning News. By night, he’s one of the most in-demand stand-up comedians working in Chicago. Pat Tomasulo brings his dry wit and topical humor back to the MAC for an…

Sunday, Nov 23 | 3p

  TOP OF THE WORLD – A Carpenters Tribute Sold Out Heralded as one of the best, this Carpenters tribute band brings the most authentic versions of the Carpenters music to the stage. Karen’s voice shaped the sounds of the ‘70s and early ‘80s gave us some of the most unforgettable ballads and melodic pop…

Friday, Dec 5 | 8p

Celebrate the Holidays with Gavin Coyle & Friends A Celtic Christmas benefiting People’s Resource Center A Celtic Christmas starring Gavin Coyle and Friends features holiday classics performed by award-winning recording artist Gavin Coyle. Join Gavin and his fellow performers pianist Paul Burgess and harpist Karen Fernandez, for this beloved tradition of spectacular entertainment supporting a…

Saturday, Dec 6 | 5 & 8p

  The Second City: Jack Frost Roasting on an Open Fire Skip the same old holiday routines and experience a comedy revue like no other. Join us as we roast everything from classic holiday movies to festive family gatherings in this fast-paced, interactive show. Expect seasonal songs, sharp sketches, and a healthy dose of improv,…

Saturday, Dec 13 | 7:30p

  The Midtown Men – Holiday Hits Limited Availability Reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys, ring in the Christmas season this year with iconic Yuletide classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let it Snow,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well as their signature renditions of the greatest rock and roll…

Sunday, Dec 14 | 7p

  Voctave: It Feels like Christmas After two sold-out performances at the MAC, a cappella sensation Voctave is back with a dazzling holiday show! Get into the holiday spirit with a program filled with festive favorites like “O Holy Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells of Notre Dame,” and more.…

Friday, Dec 19 | 7p
Saturday, Dec 20 | 1p & 5p
Sunday, Dec 21 | 1p & 5p

Salt Creek Ballet: The Nutcracker The MAC welcomes back Salt Creek Ballet with a roster of guest artists to perform a holiday tradition: Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This magical full-scale production features live accompaniment from New Philharmonic – a rare opportunity to see this magnificent ballet set with a live orchestra, amazing magical effects, and scenery.…

Wednesday, Dec 31 | 1:30p, 5p, 8:30p

Alisa Jordheim, Soprano Ring in 2026 with Maestro Muspratt as he conducts a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve pops concert featuring a variety of light classics, Strauss waltzes, arias, guest singer, champagne and surprises! A joyous night of reflecting back while looking ahead together through music. * For All-in price, add $3/ticket. Add’l fees…

Saturday, Jan 24 | 7:30p

Paula Poundstone Witty, wise, and endlessly entertaining, Paula Poundstone brings her razor-sharp wit and legendary improvisational style to the MAC stage. Known for her quick-thinking, quirky observations, and hilarious crowd interactions, this NPR favorite (Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!) delivers a night of smart, spontaneous comedy you won’t forget. Subscriptions on Sale Now – Save Up…

Jan 29 – Mar 1 | Thur - Sat 7:30p, Sun 3p

Crime doesn’t pay, but it sure is funny By Paul Slade Smith Directed by Kurt Naebig Pre-show Discussion Jan 29 at 6:45p-7:15p, MAC Room 117 (Fishbowl) Post-show Discussion: Feb 6 Laugh out loud funny from start to finish! A pair of inept police officers set up a sting operation to trap an embezzling mayor meeting…

Saturday, Jan 31 | 7:30p
Sunday, Feb 1 | 1 & 5p

Alisa Jordheim, soprano Kate Tombaugh, mezzo soprano Lorenzo Parnell, Tenor Jonathan Wilson, Baritone NISO Symphony Chorus, directed by Thomas McNichols Sunday, Feb 1 – Limited Availability A dazzling evening of Broadway’s greatest hits, spanning over eight decades of show-stopping music! From the Golden Age classics of Rodgers & Hammerstein to the revolutionary works of Stephen…

Saturday, Feb 7 | 7:30p

  Cirque Kalabanté A thrilling fusion of acrobatics, live Afro-Jazz music, and vibrant West African culture, Afrique en Cirque by Cirque Kalabanté dazzles with high-flying stunts, energetic dance, and rhythmic percussion. Created by Guinean artist Yamoussa Bangoura, this electrifying show celebrates the beauty, strength, and spirit of African tradition, through breathtaking physical stunts. Media Sponsor…

Friday Feb 13 | 7:30p

  THREE AMERICAN TROUBADOURS Celebrating the music of James Taylor, Carly Simon & Carole King  Limited Availability Celebrate the timeless music of three legendary singer-songwriters – James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King. Featuring unforgettable hits like “How Sweet It Is,” “You’re So Vain,” “It’s Too Late,” and “You’ve Got a Friend,” this stunning production…

Saturday, Feb 14 | 5 & 8p

  The Second City: Laugh Harder Not Smarter – The Best of The Second City Celebrate Valentines Day with laughter and America’s legendary comedy troupe – 65 years in the making – featuring a hilarious array of classic sketch comedy and songs from the company’s rich history, fresh new favorites, as well as the signature…

Friday, Mar 6 | 7:30p

  International Guitar Night Featuring Stephanie Jones, Lucas Imbiriba, Alexandr Misko, and Taimane International Guitar Night returns with a dynamic lineup featuring classical guitar virtuoso Stephanie Jones (Australia), rock/flamenco/classical powerhouse Lucas Imbiriba (Brazil), innovative fingerstyle guitarist Alexandr Misko (Russia), and, for the first time, ukulele master Taimane (Hawaii). These luminaries will leave you awestruck with…

Saturday, Mar 7 | 7:30p

  The Ten Tenors The Ten Tenors’ signature 10-part harmonies have been enjoyed by more than 90 million people worldwide, and now they return to the MAC as part of their spectacular 30th Anniversary World Tour. They have headlined more than 2,000 concerts, sold over 3.5 million concert tickets and have become renowned for their…

Saturday, Mar 14 | 7:30p

  DRUM TAO – THE BEST This electrifying international performance troupe redefines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with a bold fusion of rhythm, athleticism, and theatrical flair. Their shows are a breathtaking blend of thunderous percussion, precision choreography, humor and immersive visuals, captivating audiences worldwide. Subscriptions on Sale Now – Save Up to 20%! More Information

Saturday, Mar 21 | 1 & 5p

  Salt Creek Ballet: Cinderella Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with sparkle, laughter, and a little bit of fairy dust. Bring the whole family to a world where dreams dance and kindness shines! Cinderella comes to life in Salt Creek Ballet’s enchanting production, featuring whimsical fairies, a dazzling Fairy Godmother, a loyal pup,…

Friday, Mar 27 | 7p

  TheaterWorksUSA The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must…

Saturday, Mar 28 | 7:30p & Sunday, Mar 29 | 4p

One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & The Works New performance added on Sunday, Mar 29 | 4p Relive all your Queen favorites such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Somebody to Love” with this spectacular show paying tribute to one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Gary Mullen…

Saturday, Apr 11 | 7:30p
Sunday, Apr 12 | 3p

Daugherty Harp of Ages Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Guest Artist: Nichole Young, Harp Modest Mussorgsky’s inspiration for “Pictures at an Exhibition” came from an art exhibition of paintings by his recently departed friend, Viktor Hartmann. Full of emotional ups and downs, this masterpiece takes you on a vivid journey through Mussorgsky’s imagination with each…

May 7 - Jun 7 | Thur - Sat 7:30p, Sun 3p

One woman. One Cake. One Hundred Years of Life. By Noah Haidle Directed by Steve Scott Pre-show Discussion: May 7, 6:45p-7:15p, MAC Room 117 (Fishbowl) Post-show Discussion: May 15 Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her…

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