Glema Center Announces 2025/26 Season
“A new season of performing and visual arts at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts is here, and it has been great fun to build Season 25/26,” says Director Toby Roberts. “We have magic, a world class choral ensemble, a big named celebrity, nostalgia, and lots of laughs. The Anne P. Baker Gallery will be filled with inspiration and creativity. This season continues to offer free admission for popular events, such as the MCC Singers concerts, as well as heavily discounted tickets for students for many events. The Center is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the region and fostering a love for the arts. Do not miss this opportunity to join the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts and be part of the magic.”
The Center Stage lineup, sponsored by the Hopkins County Tourist & Convention Commission, the City of Madisonville, the Enduring Legacy of Mrs. Glema Mahr, and Old National Bank, kicks off with Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, followed by the globally iconic Vienna Boys Choir. Next up, Illusionist Leon Etienne proves that Magic Rocks! And we’ll beat the winter blues with nostalgic performances: CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul and Resurrection–A Journey Tribute.
The Glema Mahr Chamber Music Series presents recitals by cellist Leland Ko, pianist Evren Ozel, and the Eykamp String Quartet. The newly minted Stage Door Series features the toe-tapping sound of The Cactus Blossoms and a Mardi Gras Party with Todd Hill and the Dixieland Devils.
First United Bank & Trust’s Proud Partnership brings Hopkins County Schools’ productions of Godspell and Hello, Dolly!, and Community Theatre presents a winter weekend of dinner theatre with Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor and then Legally Blonde as the summer musical. The season rounds out with two Special Events sponsored by Douglas & Janet Berry and offered to the community with free admission: A Community Christmas Concert featuring the MCC Singers and A Spring Concert featuring the MCC Singers.
There are discounted youth tickets for a number of the events in the 2025/26 Season. The Chamber Music Series remains free for students, Stage Door Series tickets and Community and High School theatre tickets are half price for youth, and two of the Center Stage performances—Vienna Boys Choir and Illusionist Leon Etienne—offer discounted youth prices. There are no fees added to any admission, whether ticket purchases are made at the box office or online.
“Our season is also full of non-ticketed, free community events,” added Roberts. “You can follow us on social media or subscribe to the event calendar on our website for the most current information about those.”
As in previous years, a Season Package that includes entry to all ticketed events is available at a 25% discount. This season’s Flex Package allows patrons to build their own season consisting of seven or more ticketed performances at a 15% discount.
Season Package and Single Ticket sales start Tuesday, July 15. Tickets may be purchased in person, by phone at 270-821-2787, or online at glemacenter.universitytickets.com. Ticket Office hours are 10am-4pm, Monday through Thursday, through August 1 and 10am-4pm, Monday through Friday, beginning August 4.
For additional information visit glemacenter.org, find the Glema on Facebook or Instagram, or call 270-821-2787.
Glema Mahr Center for the Arts 2025-26 Season
Season Packages: Everything Ticket – 25% discount; Flex pass – 7+ shows: 15% discount!
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters – Thursday, September 18, 2025 ∙ 7 P.M.
Tickets: $50 (All seats)
Following the release of their new album, “Pepper Tree Hill,” The Boxmasters are bringing their tour by the same name to the Glema Center! Since their formation in 2006, the band has recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music honoring their wide array of influences, most notably the rock and roll of the 1960’s. As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid fanbase across the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Vienna Boys Choir – Saturday, October 18, 2025 ∙ 7:00 P.M.
Tickets: $30 (main floor front)/$20 (main floor rear & balcony)/Youth (18 years and under): half price. Group rates available.
One of the most famous choirs in the world, the Vienna Boys Choir has been enchanting audiences for centuries with their pure and pristine sound and charming performance style. These gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty are a beloved institution, presenting a diverse array of vocal music that appeals to audiences of all ages. Additional support provided by The Anne P. Baker & Juanita Badgett Endowments.
MAGIC ROCKS! Illusionist Leon Etienne – Tuesday, October 28, 2025 ∙ 6:30 P.M.
Tickets: $20 (main floor front)/$14 (main floor rear & balcony)/All students & children: half-price Group rates available.
You’ve seen him on America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Fallon, Masters of Illusion, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us! DO NOT MISS Illusionist Leon Etienne’s jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. Witness this family friendly spectacular featuring the world’s best illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy. This show is an immersive experience that brings joy, laughter, and wonder when the world needs it most! Additional support from the Juanita Badgett Endowment.
CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul – Friday, January 30, 2026 ∙ 7 P.M.
Tickets: $25 (main floor front)/$15 (main floor rear & balcony)
Take a ride on the “Midnight Train to Georgia” over “River Deep, Mountain High” while award-winning vocalist CeCe Teneal delivers you the “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” you deserve in DIVAS OF SOUL, a one-of-a-kind concert event! This spectacular celebration of fifty years of chart-topping music from artists like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and more has wowed audiences worldwide, featuring hits from the disco era to Motown/R&B and pop.
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute – Friday, February 27, 2026 7:00 P.M.
Tickets: $30 (All seats)
Since 2014, Resurrection has built a reputation for being the gold standard by which other Journey tributes are measured, faithfully recreating the experience of a 1980’s Journey concert. Every show is a brilliant reproduction of sights and sounds designed to captivate and transport audiences to the glorious age of arena rock.
Leland Ko, cello ∙ Tuesday, September 30, 2025 ∙ 7 P.M.
Cellist Leland Ko has been described as someone with “disarming charisma” by the South Florida Classical Review and has performed as a soloist and a chamber musician in venues across America and abroad. Ko is an alum of Princeton University, the Julliard School, and the New England Conservatory.
Evren Ozel, piano ∙ Tuesday, March 3, 2026 ∙ 7 P.M.
American pianist Evren Ozel has established himself as a musician of “refined restraint” (Third Coast Review), combining fluent virtuosity with probing, thoughtful interpretations. Ozel is currently a candidate in New England Conservatory’s prestigious and highly exclusive Artist Diploma program.
Eykamp String Quartet ∙ Sunday, April 19, 2026 ∙ 2 P.M.
Members of the Eykamp String Quartet serve as principal string players of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, as Artists in Residence at the University of Evansville, and as educational ambassadors. The Eykamp String Quartet is made possible by the special underwriting of Rita, Richard and Dorothy Eykamp, friends of the University of Evansville, and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Cactus Blossoms ∙ Friday, November 21, 2025 ∙ 7 P.M.
Brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey, aka The Cactus Blossoms, are among the most adept—and distinctive—modern practitioners of harmony duo singing. With a sound inspired by early country and rock n’ roll, they may have the audience tapping their toes or practicing their two-step.
Todd Hill and the Dixieland Devils ∙ Tuesday, February 17, 2026 ∙ 7 P.M.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, rolls onto the Glema stage with joyful, foot-stomping music. Gather your krewe and celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with the irresistible sounds of Todd Hill and the Dixieland Devils!
Special Events
Sponsored by Douglas & Janet Berry
A Spring Concert featuring the MCC Singers
Friday, April 24, 2026 ∙ 7 P.M. ∙ Free Admission
First United Bank and Trust Proud Partnership
Sponsored by First United Bank and Trust Company
Hopkins County Schools Joint High School Production of Godspell
Friday November 14, 2025 ∙ 7 P.M. ∙ Saturday, November 15, 2026 ∙ 2 & 7 P.M.
Tickets: $12 | Youth tickets Half-price
An ensemble illustrates parables from the Gospel of Matthew using a variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. Musical styles from pop to vaudeville are employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage and his messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. Partially funded by Hopkins County Schools. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Hopkins County Schools Joint High School Production of Hello, Dolly!
Friday, March 20, 2026 ∙ 7 P.M. ∙ Saturday, March 21, 2026 ∙ 2 & 7 P.M.
Tickets: $12 | Youth tickets Half-price
This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker bursts with humor and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history as it follows the romantic and comic exploits of turn-of-the-century matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi. Partially funded by Hopkins County Schools. Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Dinner Theatre: Lend Me a Tenor
February 13 & 14 – 6 P.M., Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1 P.M.
Dinner & show: $32. Show only: Adults: $15/Youth: $10. Group rates available.
Winner of multiple Tony Awards, Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is a laugh-out-loud, door-slamming farce. When a world-famous opera star goes missing on the eve of a major performance at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, a desperate assistant steps into the spotlight with hilarious consequences. Get ready for a night of mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and unforgettable antics! Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Support provided by the Gladys Martin Community Arts Endowment & the Miner Family Arts Endowment.
Legally Blonde The Musical
Friday, July 10 at 7 P.M., Saturday, July 11 at 7 P.M., Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 2 P.M
Tickets: $18/Youth $10.
Elle Woods appears to have it all until her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend dumps her to attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. With the support of some new friends, Elle realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world, tackling stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. This musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Sponsored by Don & Mary Susan Fishman.
Art Exhibits in the Anne P. Baker Gallery
Exhibit: Glema Center’s 2025 Juried Photography Exhibit and 2025 Juried Art Exhibit
September 8 – November 16, 2025
Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony: Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 2:00 – 3:30 P.M.
Exhibit: Glitter, Glisten, & Glow: Community Organizations Christmas Tree/Wreath Decoration Contest
December 1, 2025 – December 19, 2025
Exhibit: A Collection of Watercolors by Carl Berges
January 26 –March 8, 2026
Opening Reception: January 25, 2026 at 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Exhibit: Hopkins County Student Art Exhibit
March 17-April 16, 2026
Gallery Preview Night: March 17, 2026 at 3 – 6 P.M.
Exhibit: TBA
May 7 – July 12, 2026
Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 6 – 7:30 P.M.