Issuu

SEPT DEC

Welcome to the 2026-27 season at The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center — our most dynamic season yet.

Season 26-27 Cowan

10.10

Experience the magic of the arts in your community and enjoy BIG names and BIG entertainment at the UT Tyler Cowan Center! Subscribe to the BIG Country, Performing Arts, Broadway and Family Series, and don’t forget your tickets to our concerts and the Distinguished Lecture event. With Grammy® Award-winning artists, Tony® Award-winning musicals and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® artists, as well as other great performers, we have something for everyone to enjoy!

box office 903.566.7424

An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth Featuring the East Texas Symphony Orchestra

12.17

APR

JAN

A Conversation with Dr. Francis Collins

04.08

Waitress

Clifford The Big Red Dog

NOV

Danny Gokey

Bluey’s Big Play

Beetlejuice

11.12

Shucked

01.28

An Evening of Alton Brown

FEB

An Evening with Bernadette Peters Featuring the East Texas Symphony Orchestra

10.27

11.14

01.21

01.23

Curious George: The Golden Meatball

The King’s Singers

The Oak Ridge Boys

U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors

11.15 (Public Show) |

11.16 11.19

Cirque Mechanics “Tilt!” Arts In Education shows are for schools interested in bringing their students to learn about the arts. Please call the box office for more information.

03.23 (public and AIE shows)

03.29

12.19

Martha Graham Dance Company

American Ballet Theatre Studio Company Hadestown

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

10.24

3.12

11.21

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

11.28

cowancenter.org

02.04 02.20

Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra

02.25 (public and AIE shows)

04.11 (Public Show) |

04.12

04.15

04.17

Time for Three

04.20

MAY

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical

05.11

ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo Live

05.14 | 05.15 (Public Show)

Season 26-27

FOREIGNER

Thank you for joining us and for supporting the arts at UT Tyler. I look forward to sharing this incredible season with you.

Julie V. Philley, MD President, The University of Texas at Tyler

OCT

Paul Cauthen Big Velvet’s Black Tie Affair

12.05

MAR

Clint Black

Cowan

At UT Tyler, we believe the arts enrich our lives, deepen our connections and strengthen our communities. The Cowan Center is more than a performance venue — it is a gathering place where creativity, culture and connection come to life. We are also investing in the guest experience through enhancements to our lobby, balcony and concessions. We can’t wait for you to see how these improvements create an even more inviting atmosphere and reflect the quality of performances that define the Cowan Center.

09.26

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico “A Mariachi Christmas”

This year’s lineup brings together an incredible mix of music, Broadway, dance and family entertainment — offering something for every audience and every generation. From legendary artists like Foreigner to country icons like LeAnn Rimes to Tony® Award-winning productions such as Hadestown, this season reflects our commitment to bringing world-class performances and unforgettable experiences to East Texas.

LeAnn Rimes

Season 26-27 Cowan 4

09.26

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM box office 903.566.7424

Season 26-27

SPONSORED BY

7:30 PM

Cowan

In 2022, Rimes had a big year including the release of her 19th album “God’s Work” (EverLe Records via Thirty Tigers/The Orchard). The album, which features a roster of accomplished artists including Ziggy Marley, Mickey Guyton, Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper and more, was listed as No. 9 on Variety’s “The Best Albums of 2022.” Rimes also has starred and sung in the ABC/Hulu hit series “9-1-1 Nashville”.

FOREIGNER

10.10

LEANN RIMES

International multi-platinum selling acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter LeAnn Rimes has made a name for herself. At 14, Rimes won Best New Artist, making her the youngest solo artist to take home a Grammy®, and, at 15, she became the first country artist to win Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. LeAnn has sold more than 48 million albums globally and won numerous awards including two Grammys® and three ACM Awards®, to name a few. Out of the 63 singles released, her ballad “How Do I Live” holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time No. 1 hit by a female artist and ranks No. 6 on Billboard’s Greatest of All Time: Hot 100 Songs list.

With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, FOREIGNER is hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales exceeding 80 million records. Founded in 1976, FOREIGNER has been responsible for some of rock music’s most enduring anthems such as “Juke Box Hero”, “Cold As Ice” and “Hot Blooded”, FOREIGNER still rocks the charts almost 50 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard album chart success.

SPONSORED BY

Sharon & James Wynne MEDIA SPONSORS

Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2026

Cowan

photo by Nathaniel Shannon

MEDIA SPONSORS

The Martha Graham Dance Company has been a leader in the evolving art form of modern dance since its founding in 1926. It is both the oldest dance company in the United States and the oldest integrated dance company. Today, the Company is embracing a new programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists. During its 100-year history, the Company has received acclaim from audiences and critics in more than 50 countries.

James I. & Margaret Perkins

MEDIA SPONSORS

11.12

7:30 PM

SPONSORED BY

Season 26-27

10.27

Although he’s keeping details under wraps, Alton Brown has said that with An Evening of Alton Brown he’s “stirring up some twists on his greatest hits” and “spicing things up with new demonstrations, music and slightly scaled-down mayhem.” No matter what, this show will present Brown as you’ve never seen him — unless, of course, you’ve been invited to his house.

Cowan

BEETLEJUICE: THE MUSICAL 7

Season 26-27

MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY

A Cowan Center Performance Excellence Endowment Program

11.14

He earned his stripes on Broadway … now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to the UT Tyler Cowan Center! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, Beetlejuice: The Musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.

7:30 PM

Beetlejuice contains strong language and mature references. Shellfish used in cooking demonstration. Please take allergies into consideration when selecting your seats.

VIP experience available

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

CIRQUE MECHANICS “TILT!” 11.19

One of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in country music, The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits and two pop smashes and won awards ranging from Grammys® to CMAs® to ACMs®. They bring four decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.

7:30 PM

Season 26-27

Cowan

Season 26-27

11.15

MEDIA SPONSORS

11.21

7:30 PM

2 PM

George and his friend Chef Pisgetti are ready to cook for a hungry crowd, but their audience is nowhere to be found, lured away by a speedier Meatballs-o-Matic machine. Determined to help his despairing friend, George goes on a mission to enter Chef in the Golden Meatball contest in Rome, learning on the way about the secret ingredient to cooking!

SPONSORED BY

MEDIA SPONSORS

Step right up to the dazzling world of Tilt!, a circus thrill ride that’s totally tubular! This electrifying Cirque Mechanics production is a high-flying journey through the magic, thrills and neon-soaked nostalgia of America’s iconic 1980s amusement parks. Featuring the company’s signature blend of circus arts, storytelling and man-powered engineering, Tilt! delivers big energy and retro flair. It’s like your favorite arcade and amusement park memories got a gravity-defying upgrade. SPONSORED BY

Special Arts In Education shows for schools are 11.16 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. box office 903.566.7424

Joyce Buford

cowancenter.org

MARIACHI HERENCIA PAUL CAUTHEN BIG VELVET’S BLACK TIE AFFAIR DE MEXICO

DOLLY PARTON’S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS CAROL

“A MARIACHI CHRISTMAS”

11.28 3 PM

Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this amazing and unforgettable production and cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his greed blinds him to the joys and gifts and the spirit of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life differently and discover love is the greatest gift we have. SPONSORED BY

12.05

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM

Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming sounds of Mariachi Herencia de México! In this special Christmas edition of their La Nueva Generación world tour, the two-time Latin Grammy® nominated ensemble delivers a holiday concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico. Experience an unforgettable night as they blend beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions, creating an electrifying night of Mexican music and culture.

box office 903.566.7424

MEDIA SPONSORS

Join East Texas native Paul Cauthen and his singer-songwriter friends for a memorable night at Big Velvet’s Black Tie Affair! Cauthen has spent most of his 20 years moving his way through the country underground, embodying the independent spirit — expressing it through a monolithic “Big Velvet” vocal. Fusing classic country, grit, gospel power and a rhinestoned rock ‘n roll edge, five studio albums proclaim his singular style with a booming baritone and brazen Texas attitude. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years! Grammy® Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects — capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

SPONSORED BY Music may include mature language and themes.

12.19

3 PM

7:30 PM

SPONSORED BY

Anonymous and Laurie Rossman & Brian Young

12.17

Bob & Derrith Bondurant, Sam & Amy George cowancenter.org

A Francis Cowan Gibson Classical Music Event

Season 26-27

Cowan

Season 26-27

MEDIA SPONSORS

THE HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES!

WAITRESS

DANNY GOKEY

THE KING’S SINGERS

SHUCKED

Season 26-27

Cowan

Season 26-27

01.21

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM

01.23

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM

Inspired by the beloved film and featuring music by Grammy® Award winner Sara Bareilles, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a fresh start, but Jenna must summon the strength to rebuild her own life. Don’t miss this uplifting celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. Waitress addresses mature issues and contains strong language throughout the performance.

MEDIA SPONSORS

01.28

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM

Three-time Grammy® Award nominee, K-LOVE Male Vocalist of the Year and Dove Award winner Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions as a Top Three finalist on the eighth season of “American Idol”. Following “Idol”, Gokey celebrated several No. 1 album drops and chart-topping singles, including three that received RIAA Gold Certifications. Danny has cemented his place in Christian music with multi-week, multi-chart-topping runs in the U.S., Canada, and now Latin markets, with the releases of multiple Spanish singles and collaborations.

Maizy and Beau are getting hitched when the corn that protects their small community starts to die and the town needs answers. But who will dare to venture beyond the borders of Cob County? Including the knockout songs “Woman of the World”, “Somebody Will” and “Independently Owned”, this Broadway hit about an unlikely hero, an unscrupulous con artist and a battle for the heart and soil of a small town, is not to be missed.

7:30 PM

The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over 50 years. They are renowned for their unrivaled technique, musicianship and versatility, which stem from both the group’s rich heritage and its drive to bring an extraordinary range of new and unique works, collaborations and recordings to life. The King’s Singers’ extensive discography has led to numerous awards, including two Grammys®, an Emmy® and a place in Gramophone Magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame.

Shucked contains adult themes and mature language. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Post-show reception for Circle Members!

SPONSORED BY

Dr. Scott & Mrs. Robyn Lieberman box office 903.566.7424

04.08

04.11

7:30 PM

The vibrant, young dancers of the American Ballet Theatre Studio Company share the artistry, professionalism and innovation of American Ballet Theatre with a worldwide audience. Their performances feature a dynamic blend of favorite excerpts from the classical and neoclassical canons and modern pieces. Each performance offers something for everyone to enjoy! Special Arts In Education show for schools starts at 11 a.m.

03.29

Dr. Francis Collins is the former director of the National Institutes of Health. For the past 12 years, Dr. Collins has overseen the work of the largest supporter of biomedical research in the world. He is noted for landmark discoveries of disease genes and leading the Human Genome Project, including completing the sequence of the human DNA instruction book.

2 PM

Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog, Clifford, bounds onto the stage in a brandnew musical comedy adventure that celebrates friendship, imagination and the magic of unconditional love! Emily Elizabeth absolutely adores her new puppy — the tiny runt of the litter. When her GIANT love makes Clifford grow into a GIANT, the family must trade their cramped city for a home on Birdwell Island — where folks aren’t so sure about a house-sized, playful pup.

SPONSORED BY

Drs. Lawrence L. Anderson & Svetislava J. Vukelja, John & Lucy Carr, Dr. Charles & Kimberly Gordon, Dr. Bill & Dianne Moore, Richard Lee & Dr. Julie Philley, Dr. Rick & Jane Rogers, Jamie & Dr. Tony Rhorer, Maggie Roth, Fred & Carol Smith cowancenter.org

Special Arts In Education shows for schools are 4.12 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. SPONSORED BY

Sharon & James Wynne

TIME FOR THREE

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE

Season 26-27

Cowan

Season 26-27

04.15

MEDIA SPONSORS

6 PM

MEDIA SPONSORS

05.11

MEDIA SPONSORS

7:30 PM

Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® Award-winning children’s television series. Join Bluey and her family in their first live theatre show made just for you. Featuring brilliantly-created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.

04.20

Grammy® and Emmy®-winning ensemble Time for Three (TF3) merges classical, Americana and singer-songwriter traditions into a remarkable sound, captivating audiences worldwide. Consisting of Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals) and Charles Yang (violin, vocals), TF3’s collaborations with top artists and composers, appearances with major orchestras and conductors, and relentless pursuit of creative boundary pushing has made them one of the most exceptional groups today.

A Francis Cowan Gibson Classical Music Event

VIP experience available box office 903.566.7424

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond, “A Beautiful Noise” is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon. With 12 million albums sold and classics like “America” and “Sweet Caroline,” numerous awards, accolades and sold-out concerts, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway — and on the road across America. The Neil Diamond Musical contains scenes that include firearms and occasional mature language. Parental discretion is advised.

CO-PRESENTED BY

Marilyn Richey

Don’t miss the VIP experience on this one!

05.15

2 PM

ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo Live guides your family on a breathtaking tour that begins in prehistoric Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazing life-like dinosaurs and other creatures in a theatrical performance that thrills and entertains kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that forever connect them to their world. Brought to life by skilled puppeteers, Dinosaur Zoo is so real you may want to run and hide — but don’t!

SPONSORED BY

Trey Wasser and Linda Broom Sheryl Rogers Palmer

Special Arts In Education shows for schools are 5.14 at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. cowancenter.org

Season 26-27

ARE COMING TO EAST TEXAS! AN EVENING WITH

KRISTIN CHENOWETH FEATURING THE EAST TEXAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

OCT 24 | 7:30 PM AN EVENING WITH

BERNADETTE PETERS FEATURING THE EAST TEXAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Join the East Texas Symphony Orchestra for our exciting 20262027 season! We will be featuring all your favorite classical music artists, as well as music from Broadway, opera and Shakespeare plays. We also will be taking your breath away with musical adaptations from Sting and The Police and ending on a patriotic note with a symphonic tribute to America’s history and resilience.

09.19

11.07

The UT Tyler School of Performing Arts engages the community with talented students in the arts, including solo recitals, musical theater and opera productions, band performances and choral jazz, percussion and string ensembles. Comprised of a community of recognized artists and musical professionals, the performing arts at UT Tyler are where students can develop knowledge, skills and professionalism for their future careers. Learn more at uttyler.edu/music.

01.30

Presented by

02.27

BRAITHWAITE PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMS Jointly Presented By

Tickets are available through the UT Tyler Cowan Center Box Office and online.

03.20

ETSO AND UT TYLER COWAN CENTER box office 903.566.7424

Season 26-27

APRIL 17 | 8 PM

Join Bernadette Peters, critically acclaimed star of stage, film, television and recordings, and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, for a magical and inspiring evening of song from the great music masters. The three-time Tony® Award recipient and ETSO will create an intimate audience experience, performing selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, among others. Come and enjoy this one-of-a-kind evening of spell-binding songs that are certain to touch your heart.

Cowan

QUEENS OF BROADWAY

Join Emmy® and Tony® Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable night of music! Chenoweth won a Tony® for her performance as Sally in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and was nominated for a Tony® for “Wicked”. Chenoweth won an Emmy® for her role in “Pushing Daisies” and had two Emmy® nominations, as well as a People’s Choice Award for her role in “Glee”. She also has released eight studio albums and performed with prestigious symphonies worldwide.

cowancenter.org

MEMBER =

Cowan 22

DIRECTOR

STAGE MANAGER

SUPPORTING ROLE

$2,500

$1,000

$250

CHORUS $100

Recognition on Member Board, Cowan Center website, program Number of tickets that may be purchased during presales

NO LIMIT

Number of tickets to member's receptions

Number of complimentary tickets to select events

BENEFITS

February 4 - The King’s Singers

Guaranteed seating.

Exclusive post-show reception for Supporting Role-level Circle members and above — reception tickets must be reserved separately.

Save the most money.