MAC announces 40th anniversary season
Actor/comedian and Wheaton native Jim Belushi and his band The Sacred Hearts, renowned dance ensemble MOMIX, noted improvisers Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, Ballet Hispánico New York and The King’s Singers are among the artists set to perform at the McAninch Arts Center during its upcoming 40th anniversary season.
It kicks off Aug. 23 with a free, family-friendly 40th Anniversary Festival at the Lakeside Pavilion headlined by 1980s cover band Sixteen Candles and including food vendors, art and other activities.
That’s followed by Belushi and The Sacred Hearts on Sept. 12; an evening of stand-up comedy featuring WGN reporter Ana Belaval on Sept. 19; Ballet Hispánico New York on Oct. 10; The Barricade Boys on Oct. 17; and MOMIX on Nov. 7.
“Forty years ago, the MAC made a promise to this community to bring the world’s best artists right to their doorstep. This season, we are keeping that promise in a big way,” said MAC director Diana Martinez in a prepared statement. “We’ve also woven in a celebration of American artistic achievement in honor of the nation’s 250th, and we’re proud to mark milestone anniversaries alongside our beloved resident companies, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and the New Philharmonic.”
The Buffalo Theatre Ensemble opens its season Nov. 12 with a revival of Lauren Gunderson’s “Little Women,” adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s novel. The thriller “Dial M for Murder” follows on Jan. 28, 2027. The Second City returns to the MAC on Dec. 5 with its “Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue” and on Feb. 12, 2027, with its “Best of Second City” show.
The New Philharmonic plays homage to Scotland, performing works by Mendelssohn, Bruch and Davis on Oct. 24 and 25. The orchestra returns Dec. 19 and 20 to accompany the Salt Creek Ballet’s annual performances of “The Nutcracker” and on Dec. 31 for its annual New Year’s Eve concert.
Other performances include: the Grammy Award-winning a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers performing Feb. 20, 2027, followed by Hiplet Ballerinas, a company that combines classical ballet with hip-hop, on Feb. 21, 2027.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” veterans Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood perform their improv show “Asking for Trouble” on April 3, 2027. The Italian circus arts ensemble No Gravity brings its version of “The Divine Comedy” to the arts center on April 11, 2027.
Performances take place at 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. A complete schedule is available at AtTheMac.org.
Subscriptions to the 2026-2027 season are on sale. Renewing subscribers receive 25% off, new subscribers receive 20% off. They’re available online, at the box office or at (630) 942-4000.