Director of the McAninch Arts Center, Diana Martinez, takes you behind the scenes for an inside look at upcoming shows, events and more.

Backstage Buzz is currently airing on local WDCB-TV, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11a & 7p and Sundays at 1:30p & 9:30p.

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Join host Diana Martinez as she sits down with Maestro Kirk Muspratt, Music Director and Conductor of New Philharmonic—DuPage County’s only professional orchestra. Get an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated 2026/27 season, celebrating a spectacular 50th Anniversary! From the beloved Lakeside Concert to the full season lineup and the exciting new Classical Kids Live show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Diana Martinez sits down with Daniel Millhouse, Interim Managing Artistic Director of the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, for an inside look at the exciting 2026/27 season! Celebrating a milestone 40th Anniversary, this dynamic season features three unforgettable productions—from the heartfelt, family-friendly Little Women, to the edge-of-your-seat suspense of Dial M for Murder, a classic thriller packed with twists and intrigue, to the laugh-out-loud comedy One Man, Two Guvnors. With something for every kind of theater lover, this season is shaping up to be one you won’t want to miss.

Host Diana Martinez joined by Daniel Millhouse, Managing Artistic Director of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, invite audiences to experience the timeless charm of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women in a fresh and engaging stage adaptation running November 12 through December 13 at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC). Directed by Millhouse, the production brings the beloved story of the March sisters to life, capturing their dreams, challenges, humor, and enduring bonds of family and love. Audiences of all ages will be transported into Alcott’s classic world through a fresh, engaging and theatrical adaptation that celebrates resilience, ambition, and the power of human connection.

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) will welcome acclaimed actor, humanitarian, and bestselling author Gary Sinise for An Evening with Gary Sinise: In Conversation to Celebrate His Newly Released Book, Graceful Warrior on Monday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. During this special event, Sinise will discuss his book, Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through, which is more than a memoir, it is a father’s tribute to a remarkable young man whose, faith, creativity, humor, compassion and quiet strength inspired everyone around him.

Presented in partnership with the West Suburban Foundation for Disabled Veterans, the evening will benefit the foundation’s mission of supporting veterans and their families. Each ticket includes admission to Sinise’s presentation and a pre-signed copy of Graceful Warrior, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from the author while supporting a meaningful cause.

The McAninch Arts Center invites audiences to make the MAC part of their holiday tradition with a festive 2026 season filled with beloved classics, heartwarming music, dazzling dance and unforgettable entertainment.

The holiday lineup begins with A Christmas Carol, presented by College of DuPage Theater, November 20-29, followed by the Celtic sounds of Gavin Coyle & Friends: A Celtic Christmas on December 4. Audiences can enjoy holiday laughs with The Second City’s Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue on December 5 and soulful seasonal favorites in Uptown: A Very Soulful Christmas on December 12. The magic continues with The Nutcracker, featuring Salt Creek Ballet and New Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, December 18-20. The season culminates with New Philharmonic’s festive New Year’s Eve Concert on December 31, featuring light classics, Strauss waltzes, showstopping arias and a celebratory champagne toast.

Whether gathering with family and friends or creating new traditions, audiences will find holiday cheer, inspiration and memorable live entertainment throughout the season at the MAC.

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