Hugh Jackman to headline at Stillwater's McKnight Center this fall

One of Hollywood’s biggest names is coming to Stillwater, and he’s bringing Broadway with him.

Hugh Jackman, the Tony-winning actor known for roles in “The Greatest Showman,” “The Music Man,” and “The Boy from Oz,” will open the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts’ 2025–2026 season with a live performance on Sept. 12.

He will headline the center’s annual Opening Night Gala at Oklahoma State University, offering an evening of musical theater hits and fan favorites from his celebrated stage and film career.

What Else Is on the Lineup?

Jackman’s appearance is just the beginning of a season packed with Broadway icons, Grammy-winning musicians and world-renowned orchestras.

Here’s the full 2025–2026 season schedule:

1. Hugh Jackman: Opening Night Gala — Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
2. One Night Only: An Evening with Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara — Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
3. Ashley McBryde — Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
4. Free Event: The President’s Own United States Marine Band — Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at 3 p.m.
5. Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra — Wednesday, Oct. 29, Thursday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
6. Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis — Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m.
7. Holiday Concert — Artist and date to be announced
8. Jukebox: Mandy Patinkin in Concert — Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
9. Hadestown — Tuesday, Feb. 17, and Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
10. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Marc-André Hamelin — Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
11. The Music Man — Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
12. The Philadelphia Orchestra — Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
13. Chris Thile — Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala go on sale Monday, Aug. 11. Additional dates may be added throughout the season.

Intimacy Meets World-Class Talent

With just 1,098 seats, the McKnight Center’s performance hall offers audiences a rare, close-up experience of major national acts.

“No seat is more than 100 feet from the stage,” officials say, allowing audiences to connect with artists in a setting that’s both personal and acoustically refined.

An Artistic Destination in the Heart of Oklahoma

Since its opening, the McKnight Center has helped position Stillwater as a cultural destination, drawing international orchestras, Tony Award winners, and celebrated musicians to the OSU campus.

For more information on performances or to purchase tickets, visit mcknightcenter.org.