When RiverCenter opened in the spring of 2002 as part of the bold Columbus Challenge, it made a powerful statement: world-class art belongs here. Opening performances by Jessye Norman, Travis Tritt, and Arturo Sandoval set the tone for a stage that would welcome extraordinary artists across genres—and generations.
Now, as we approach our 25th Anniversary in 2027, we honor that legacy by doing exactly what RiverCenter was built to do: move forward.
BROADWAY IS BACK!
With the return of major national tours including Hadestown, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, and Mystic Pizza, RiverCenter once again takes its place on the national touring map. These productions represent more than exceptional entertainment; they signal renewed energy for our stage, for Uptown, and for a community that knows it deserves the very best. And the season reaches far beyond Broadway.
Arturo Sandoval and the Peking Acrobats return in a full-circle moment from our opening year, joined by The Avett Brothers and Béla Fleck artists who have shaped the sound of American music. The season also features The Amy Winehouse Band, the original musicians who helped define her unmistakable sound performing her music, and The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston, celebrating one of the most iconic voices of our time.
From the breathtaking artistry of Cirque Éloize to the prestige of the United States Marine Band and the brilliance of Take 6, alongside family favorites and beloved community traditions, this season reflects a RiverCenter that is ambitious, inclusive, and alive.
For nearly 25 years, RiverCenter has been Columbus’s stage—a place where students are inspired, families gather, artists soar, and memories are made. As we look ahead to our 25th Anniversary Gala in May 2027, we celebrate the vision that built this institution while investing boldly in its future.
This is not simply a milestone season. It is a season of momentum. The curtain is rising on RiverCenter’s next chapter—and I invite you to be part of it.
With gratitude and anticipation,
LEE FOSTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO
THE 2026-2027 SEASON HAS SHOWS AND SERIES FOR EVERYONE! COME AS YOU ARE!
Broadway Series
PAGES 6-10
Broadway is back in Columbus and there is something extraordinary about experiencing world-class national tours in a “big small town” that believes in the power of the arts. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, these productions remind us that a great stage only comes alive when this community fills the theatre.
Broadway
Major Artists/Artist Spotlight
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11-13, 16-19
From legendary voices and Grammywinning musicians to dynamic concert events, world class dance, and nationally touring comedians, the Major Artists Series brings unforgettable live entertainment to RiverCenter. Spanning music, special events, and stand-up, this series showcases the full energy and variety of today’s touring stage.
Music • Dance • Comedy
Subscription and Box Office Information
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andSeeAllFourBroadwayShows RiverCenter’sSecuretheBestSeatsfor Season.25thAnniversary BROADWAY SERIES SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Family Friendly
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Bring your little ones, your big kids, your grandparents, and your chosen family. These shows are made for shared joy, wide eyes, and memories that last long after the curtain falls.
Family Friendly • Special Events
ArtsREACH
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Designed for students, educators, and lifelong learners, ArtsReach connects classrooms to the stage through engaging matinees and immersive learning experiences. These performances inspire curiosity, support curriculum goals, and cultivate the next generation of arts enthusiasts.
Master Classes • Children’s Literature
25th Anniversary Gala
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2026–2027 SEASON AT A GLANCE
SYNCOPATED LADIES
Sept. 15, 2026 // 7:00pm
JOHN CRIST
Oct. 3, 2026 // 7:00pm
JOE GRANSDEN BIG BAND: THE GOOD LIFE: HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TONY BENNETT!
Sept. 24, 2026 // 7:30pm TAKE 6
Oct. 1, 2026 // 7:30pm
THE AVETT BROTHERS
Oct. 8, 2026 // 7:30pm
THE MUSIC MAN
Oct. 22, 2026 // 7:00 pm
THE UNITED STATES MARINE BAND
Oct. 23, 2026 // 7:30pm
BÉLA FLECK: MY BLUEGRASS HEART
Oct. 13, 2026 // 7:30pm
HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME WITH THE WAVE Oct. 24, 2026 // 7:30pm
MYSTIC PIZZA
Nov. 14, 2026 // 7:30pm
ARTURO SANDOVAL
Jan. 21, 2027 // 7:30pm
PEKING ACROBATS
Mar. 7, 2027 // 4:00pm
Mar. 8, 2027 // 10:30am
THE AMY WINEHOUSE BAND
HOLIDAYS WITH THE WAVE
Dec. 5, 2026 // 9am – 1pm
THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: A TRIBUTE TO WHITNEY HOUSTON
Jan. 23, 2027 // 7:30pm
SINGALONG WITH THE WAVE AND DEBBIE ANDERSON
March 21, 2027 // 5:00pm
Mar. 30, 2027 // 7:30pm HADESTOWN
Apr. 7, 2027 // 7:30 pm
THE FORT BENNING MCoE BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT
Dec. 5, 2026 // 7:30pm
CIRQUE ÉLOIZE: ID–EVOLUTION
Feb. 21, 2027 // 4:00pm
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS
Mar. 23, 2027 // 10:30am
LEGALLY BLONDE
May 3, 2027 // 7:30 pm
FRAGGLE ROCK: BACK TO THE ROCK LIVE!
Oct. 25, 2026 // 4:00pm
ACTORS FROM THE LONDON STAGE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Oct. 30, 2026 // 7:00pm
CURIOUS GEORGE AND THE GOLDEN MEATBALL
Nov. 4, 2026 // 10:30am
25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
May 22, 2027
The season is only beginning— more great entertainment is still to come. Stay tuned!
BROADWAY SERIES
THE MUSIC MAN
October 22, 2026 // 7:00pm
There’s trouble in RiverCenter… and it’s delightful.
One of Broadway’s most beloved classics, The Music Man tells the story of charming salesman Harold Hill and the community he unexpectedly inspires. Featuring iconic songs like “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Till There Was You,” this timeless musical celebrates music, optimism, and small-town spirit.
Warm, nostalgic, and perfect for all generations, The Music Man reminds us why Broadway endures.
A joyous classic returns to RiverCenter.
Single tickets from $49
MYSTIC PIZZA
November 14, 2026 // 7:30pm
A new musical on its way to Broadway.
Based on the beloved film that helped launch Julia Roberts’ career, Mystic Pizza is a brand-new musical filled with romance, friendship, and small-town dreams. Set in a seaside Connecticut pizza shop, three young women navigate love, ambition, and the unpredictable road to growing up.
Bursting with iconic hits from the ’80s, like “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship, and “All I Need is a Miracle” by Mike & the Mechanics this feel-good production serves up nostalgia with a fresh twist. From power ballads to dance floor favorites, the soundtrack alone is worth the trip.
Funny, heartfelt, and irresistibly fun, Mystic Pizza chance to be the first to say: “I saw it before it made it to Broadway.”
Single tickets from $49
HADESTOWN
April 7, 2027 // 7:30 pm
Winner of eight Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Hadestown is the Broadway sensation that redefined modern musical theatre.
Created by visionary singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, whose folk-inspired score and poetic storytelling drive the production, the show blends folk, jazz, and New Orleans–inspired rhythms into an electrifying theatrical experience.
With musicians performing live onstage, Hadestown intertwines the mythic tales of Orpheus and Eurydice with a powerful story of love, sacrifice, and hope in uncertain times. Both intimate and epic, the production draws audiences into a haunting journey to the underworld — and the fragile promise of returning.
Praised as “spellbinding” and “a Broadway triumph,” Hadestown has captivated audiences across the country.
Experience the phenomenon, live at RiverCenter.
Single tickets from $49
SERIES
LEGALLY BLONDE
May 3, 2027 // 7:30 pm
Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer— and neither does this powerhouse musical. Based on the beloved film, Legally Blonde: The Musical follows Elle from the sorority house to Harvard Law in a high-energy, high-heeled journey of determination, self-discovery, and pink-powered ambition.
Bursting with infectious songs, dynamic choreography, and a heart as big as its personality, this feel-good Broadway hit proves that staying true to yourself never goes out of style.
Funny, empowering, and unapologetically fabulous, Legally Blonde is the ultimate reminder that you are more than what they expect you to be. “Bend and snap”…and grab your tickets.
Single tickets from $49
BROADWAY SERIES
MAJOR ARTISTS
THE AVETT BROTHERS
October 8, 2026 // 7:30pm
A night of authentic sound and renewed energy.
As RiverCenter at 25 celebrates a season of momentum, The Avett Brothers take the stage as part of this exciting new chapter. Grammy-nominated and genre-defying, the band blends bluegrass, folk, rock, and raw emotional storytelling into a sound uniquely their own. Known for beloved songs like “I and Love and You,” “No Hard Feelings,” “Ain’t No Man,” and “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” their electrifying live performances feel both intimate and expansive.
Their appearance signals more than a great night of music. It reflects the caliber of artists returning to RiverCenter as our stage reclaims its place on the national touring map.
Heartfelt, dynamic, and unmistakably authentic. Experience one of America’s premier live bands.
Single tickets from $99
Photo by Crackerfarm
MAJOR ARTISTS
MY BLUEGRASS HEART
October 13, 2026 // 7:30 pm
Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck returns to his roots with My Bluegrass Heart, a vibrant celebration of bluegrass reimagined.
Joined by an all-star ensemble, Fleck blends lightning-fast picking with rich melodies and bold innovation—honoring tradition while pushing it forward. A dazzling, high-energy evening with one of music’s true pioneers.
Single tickets from $49
ARTURO SANDOVAL
January 21, 2027 // 7:30 pm
A virtuoso returns.
Opening RiverCenter in 2002, Arturo Sandoval now returns as we approach our 25th Anniversary. A protégé of Dizzy Gillespie and a master of trumpet, piano, and more, Sandoval is renowned for his technical brilliance and electrifying performances. A multi-Grammy winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, he continues to honor jazz and Latin traditions while redefining them.
Single tickets from $39
SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR THE BEST SEATS
Reserve your seats today through the RiverCenter Box Office.
(706) 256-3612
Ticket prices vary by performance and seating location.
Prices may increase closer to performance dates.
Order Tickets
BY PHONE
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P.O. Box 2425
Columbus, GA 31902
IN PERSON
RiverCenter Box Office 900 Broadway Columbus, GA
Parking & Dining
FREE PARKING is available for RiverCenter performances in the RiverCenter garage directly across the street (subject to availability).
Enjoy Columbus’s vibrant Uptown dining scene with many restaurants just steps from RiverCenter.
EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS
Build Your Own Series and Save Discounted Package Options.
Buy with Confidence
Tickets for RiverCenter performances are sold only through the RiverCenter Box Office and RiverCenter.org.
Third-party resale websites may list tickets at significantly higher prices, and in some cases tickets purchased through unauthorized sellers may be invalid or cancelled. If you have questions about purchasing tickets, please contact the RiverCenter Box Office before completing your order.
BROADWAY SERIES
Subscription Renewals and New Subscriptions available May 15
Seat Exchanges and Seat Assignments for New Subscribers begin June 16
Purchase the full 4-show Broadway series and receive 20% savings for RiverCenter’s 25th Anniversary Season. Broadway subscribers enjoy guaranteed seating, and subscribers to the 2024-2025 Season have the option of reclaiming their previous seats until June 15.
Series Benefits
Priority and Guaranteed Seating
Subscribers are guaranteed the same seats for all Broadway Series shows and have priority for seat exchanges after the subscription renewal period.
Advance Purchase Privileges
Purchase additional tickets at subscriber pricing before single tickets go on sale.
Additional Discount
Save 20% on other RiverCenter season shows when added to a Broadway subscription.
Invitations to Special Events
Subscribers may be invited to artist gatherings, receptions, and exclusive events throughout the season.
PICK 5 OR PICK 3 BUNDLES
Available June 16
Create your own season package by selecting five or more performances from across the 2026–2027 lineup and receive 15% savings or pick 3 or More performances to save 10%.
Mix and match Major Artists, Concerts, Comedy, and Family performances, and add Broadway titles to build the perfect package. Pick 5 and Pick 3 bundles offer flexible seating based on availability within your preferred section.
SINGLE TICKETS
Available July 17
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
FSYNCOPATED LADIES
September 15, 2026
7:00pm
ounded by Debbie Allen protégées Chloé and Maud Arnold, this all-female tap sensation blends explosive precision with contemporary music and fierce style. High-energy choreography and bold female empowerment make this performance as inspiring as it is exhilarating.
Single tickets from $39
THE JOE GRANSDEN BIG BAND
September 24, 2026 // 7:30pm
The Good Life: Happy 100th Birthday Tony Bennett!
Celebrate a century of style, swing, and song with the Joe Gransden Big Band. Featuring a full 22-piece orchestra and a thrilling brass section, this unforgettable evening brings Tony Bennett’s iconic repertoire to life—from The Good Life to I Left My Heart in San Francisco. It’s timeless. It’s sophisticated. And it’s pure joy—an uplifting night of music that reminds us why these songs never fade.
Single tickets from $39
TAKE 6
October 1, 2026 // 7:30 pm
Harmony at its finest.
Few groups deliver harmony with the beauty and soul of Take 6. Blending gospel roots, jazz sophistication, and contemporary R&B, the multi–Grammy Award–winning ensemble creates a sound that is both technically astonishing and deeply moving. Known for beloved songs like “Spread Love,” “Get Away, Jordan,” and “Mary,” their voices weave together with seamless precision— soaring, blending, and resolving in ways that feel almost spiritual.
Every performance is a masterclass in a cappella artistry and a reminder of the extraordinary power of the human voice. Lush, uplifting, and utterly captivating, Take 6 offers an evening of pure vocal harmony — timeless, joyful, and soul-satisfying.
Single tickets from $39
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
JOHN CRIST*
October 3, 2026 // 7:00pm
Sharp, hilarious, and instantly relatable, John Crist has become one of the fastest-rising voices in comedy today. Known for his viral videos and sold-out tours across the country, Crist blends Southern charm with keen observations about everyday life, culture, and faith—delivering laughs that land with audiences of all kinds. With a style that feels both fresh and familiar, his live show is packed with quick wit, storytelling, and the kind of humor that keeps you laughing long after the curtain falls.
Single tickets from $29.75
*No additional discounts.
January 23, 2027 // 7:30 pm
This show brings the unforgettable music of Whitney Houston to life in a stunning live concert experience. The show is considered the premier tribute to Whitney Houston. Featuring Belinda David who auditioned and was chosen from over 15,000 singers worldwide—this dynamic production is backed by a full band and vocalists, delivering a joyful and heartfelt celebration of one of the greatest voices in music history.
Single Tickets from $29
THE AMY WINEHOUSE BAND
March 30, 2027 // 7:30 pm
Led by her Grammy-winning band who shared the stage with her, this electrifying performance honors Amy Winehouse’s voice and spirit, bringing her timeless blend of soul, jazz, and R&B vividly back to life.
Single tickets from $39
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Halloween with the WAVE The Hunchback of Notre Dame
FRAGGLE ROCK: BACK TO THE ROCK
October 25, 2026 // 4:00 pm
The beloved characters from Jim Henson’s classic series take the stage in a colorful, music-filled celebration of friendship and fun. With puppetry, live performers, and sing-along moments, this is pure nostalgic joy for kids and grown-ups alike. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Includes two 39 minute acts and a 20 minute intermission.
Single tickets from $29
(1923) starring Lon Chaney
The WAVE played by Ron Carter, organist
October 24, 2026 // 7:30pm
Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with one of cinema’s great silent-era masterpieces. Lon Chaney’s legendary performance as Quasimodo — haunting, tragic, and deeply human — unfolds on the big screen while the WAVE performs the thrilling score live. Atmospheric, dramatic, and unforgettable, this classic film-and-orchestra event is the perfect way to add RiverCenter to your Halloween traditions.
Single tickets at $16
Student prices at $8
$8 discount for costume/$8 discount for food donation
Discounts can be combined
The President’s Own
The United States Marine Band
October 23, 2026 // 7:30pm
America’s premier military ensemble, with over 65 instruments, brings patriotic tradition and world-class musicianship to RiverCenter. An inspiring and uplifting concert experience celebrating excellence, heritage, and community in the Chattahoochee Valley.
Tickets for the United States Marine Band will be available at the Box Office on September 14, 2026.
Free general admission
Holidays with the WAVE & Gingerbread Village
December 5, 2026 // 9:00am –1:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with one of Columbus’s most joyful traditions. The Mayor of Columbus opens the festivities with a ceremonial ribbon cutting before the Columbus Christmas Parade makes its way through Uptown and returns to RiverCenter.
Inside, wander through a delightful Gingerbread Village filled with creative homemade masterpieces while enjoying festive carols and holiday music and singing with the WAVE. Meet Santa! A cheerful morning of community, creativity, and music — the perfect way to welcome the holidays.
Free lobby event
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Fort Benning’s MCoE Band Holiday Concert
December 5, 2026 // 7:30pm
Celebrate the season with festive favorites and joyful melodies performed live! A warm and uplifting holiday tradition for the whole family.
Tickets for the Ft. Benning MCoE Band Holiday Concert will be available at the Box Office on October 23, 2026 Free general admission
Singalong with the WAVE and Debbie Anderson
March 21, 2027 // 5:00pm
Raise your voice and be part of the music in this spirited community celebration. Featuring the WAVE and Debbie Anderson, this interactive concert invites everyone to sing, smile, and join in the fun.
Single tickets at $16
Cirque Éloize: ID–Evolution
February 21, 2027 // 4:00pm
A dazzling blend of acrobatics, music, and theatrical flair, Cirque Éloize delivers breathtaking spectacle for all ages. Highflying artistry and dynamic choreography make this an unforgettable family experience.
Single tickets from $49
Under 12 tickets available at $25
Peking Acrobats
March 7, 2027 // 4:00pm
March 8, 2027 // 10:30am
For more than 30 years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have amazed audiences of all ages with the beauty and excitement of Chinese acrobatics. This family-friendly show features incredible feats sure to keep kids and adults on the edge of their seats. Traditional Chinese music combines with colorful costumes, lively energy, and modern special effects to create a vibrant, festival-like experience. It’s an unforgettable celebration the whole family can enjoy together!
ArtsReach programming available for all schools on March 8.
Single tickets from $29
Under 12 tickets at $20
Single tickets at $12 for matinee show.
ARTS REACH
ACTORS FROM THE LONDON STAGE:
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
October 30, 2026 // 7:00pm
Professional actors from the United Kingdom bring classic literature to life in a variety of life-lessons with dynamic, student-centered workshops. This immersive residency connects students directly to Shakespeare and other great works through performance and conversation. Then the five British actors play all parts in a single evening performance of Much Ado About Nothing which is a feat in itself.
Schools and community groups interested in master classes with the London Stage actors, taking place October 26-30, 2026, should email ArtsReach@RiverCenter.org for more information.
Single tickets at $19
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!
March 23, 2027 // 10:30am
Mo Willems’ wildly popular character comes to life in a laugh-out-loud musical adventure full of audience participation. Playful and energetic, this production encourages creativity, reading engagement, and the joy of live theatre.
Single tickets at $12
November 4, 2026
10:30am E
veryone’s favorite curious little monkey takes the stage in a lively story filled with mischief, discovery, and heart. This engaging performance supports literacy and problem-solving while delighting students and families alike.
Single tickets at $12
25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
May 22, 2027
In 2002, RiverCenter opened its doors with a bold promise – that the arts belong in Columbus, Georgia. Built as the centerpiece of the unprecedented Columbus Challenge, an extraordinary public-private fundraising effort that raised more than $100 million, For 25 years, RiverCenter has welcomed world-class performances, nurtured local talent, and created shared experiences that inspire, connect, and enrich. It is a place where stories are told, memories are made, and the arts thrive.
On May 22, 2027, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. Together, we will honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to an exciting new chapter of artistic excellence and community impact.
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE THIS WINTER AT RIVERCENTER.ORG
To learn more about attending or supporting this once-in-a-generation celebration, please contact our Development Office at 706-256-3653 or development@rivercenter.org
BEFORE THERE WAS A STAGE, THERE WAS A VISION.
“Words cannot convey the excitement…”
— W.B. Turner
“
…the
soul of redevelopment of our downtown.”
— Tom B. Black
“...a model for the nation…the quality of life of this entire region will be enhanced…”
— Susan Lawhorn
They were right.
Because what happens here isn’t just what’s on stage— It’s what happens in your heart.
This is your stage. Columbus’s stage.
Thank you to all the many founders and the community that supported this vision. RiverCenter at 25.
From left to right: Mr. James D. Yancey; Mr. Gardiner Garrard; Mr. Calvin Smyre; Dr. Frank Brown; and Mr. Stephen T. Butler.
See all four Broadway Shows and secure the best seats for RiverCenter’s 25th Anniversary Season.
• Prior year subscriber seats protected through June 15
• Single tickets on sale July 17, 2026
• Flexible bundles available
• Priority seating for subscribers
The next standing ovation starts with you.
2026-2027 SEASON SPONSORS
RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, relies on a blend of public and private support to make the arts accessible and to bring world-class performances to Columbus, Georgia. Contributions from corporate partners and individual donors play a vital role in sustaining our operations, expanding our educational programs, and enriching the cultural life of our community. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and commitment of those who help keep the arts alive in Columbus.
