McKnight Center In Stillwater To Host Idina Menzel, Vince Gill & More This Season

We are just a few weeks away from the start of a very packed 2024-25 season at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at OSU.

We're happy to welcome Jessica Novak with the center with a preview. So big names are on the list on the schedules. What are some of those big names that fans can expect? We

Reagan: So big names are on the list on the schedules. What are some of those big names that fans can expect?

Novak: We are so excited.

We open our season next month in the middle of September with Idina Menzel. She's known of course as the Queen of Broadway for originating roles in both RENTt and Wicked. Families know her as the voice of Elsa from Frozen and she's going to kick off our season with a great gala concert.

Later in the year, Vince Gill is coming. You know, he's about to start a really cool residency in Vegas with the Eagles but when he comes to Stillwater, he's going to do a very rare solo show. So we're really excited to have Vince coming. Lyle, love it will be here.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will come for two separate performances as well as an educational residency for OSU music students. And then, of course, we have our Broadway season bringing three great musicals, right to Stillwater.

See the full season line-up

Reagan: What does it mean to be able to bring these types of names to Stillwater, Oklahoma?

Novak: It's huge. I've lived in Stillwater for quite a while now. And the McKnight Center really has been transformational for our community. And it's not just Stillwater, of course, that benefits. We have guest members coming from Oklahoma City, from Tulsa, from Texas, and even from California, they're coming to see these shows. And we really believe it's because of the intimate experience that we can offer with these big stars. You know, for someone like Vince Gill, who typically tours in large arenas, you know, you're going to be sitting in the nosebleeds. But the McKnight Center has just about 1,000 seats, you're never more than 100 feet from the stage. So it's really a unique experience with these artists.

Reagan: What's the reaction from these artists when they come to perform at a more intimate place like that?

Novak: they love it. It's been incredible for them too They talk about how incredible the sound is at the McKnight Center, and how they can really feel the sound traveling out in positive ways. They talk about being able to see the audience members as they're performing, which isn't something that happens everywhere. And we're at the point now, you know, this is our sixth season. And now there are artists that are calling us and asking them so that's really exciting for us too.

Reagan: It's got to make you feel good to be able to put Stillwater on the map. What do people need to know about tickets, so tickets?

Novak: Single tickets to individual events go on sale this coming Monday, August 5 at noon. You can check everything out at midnight center.org.