2025-2026 MKAC Season is here!

Page 1


MATTIE KELLY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 29TH ANNIVERSARY

It has been twenty-nine years since the Mattie Kelly Arts Center first opened its doors. Each day since, we have been committed to bringing quality entertainment to the Emerald Coast. From national Broadway shows, performing artists, comedians, speakers, art exhibits, and our very own Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, we strive to provide diverse, engaging offerings every year. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is a vibrant and well-respected part of the arts community.

We have formed invaluable partnerships with the local ballet, area schools, chambers of commerce, promoters, and presenters. We are eager to continue providing quality live performances to our community, but we cannot do it without your support. Please continue to attend our shows, share your experiences, and invite others. You play the most important role in every production at our theatre.

Thank you for your loyalty throughout the years.

Follow us on Facebook!

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Follow us on Instagram! @mkac_niceville

Send a Tweet @MattieKellyArts

NORTHWEST FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Lori Kelley

Lyndsi Stevens Cory Fosdyck

Kristen “Rhea” Goff, Chair

Megan Harrison

Maj. Gen. Don Litke, Ret. USAF Tanner Peacock

Dr. Jon Ward, Vice Chair Mel Ponder, President

Get involved

THE USHER PROGRAM

An Integral Role

Ushers are vital to events at the Main Stage Theater, Sprint Theater, Tyler Recital Hall and the Northwest Florida State College Amphitheater. They scan tickets, direct patrons to their seats, hand out programs and present a warm welcome to our patrons.

Commitments

To become an usher, a person must commit to volunteering several times throughout the season, September through July. There are functions ranging from Broadway and Artist Series shows, to outdoor concerts, to morning school shows for students. Volunteers should be able to maintain patience, tact, and diplomacy, and should also be able to take genuine pleasure in greeting an audience and most importantly of all — to serve with a smile.

More Information

To find out more about becoming a Volunteer Usher, contact the House Manager Suzanne Flood at (850) 729-6065 or email flooda2@nwfsc.edu

Scalpers and secondary ticket brokers sell tickets, mostly on speculation, at inflated prices on websites that may mimic MKAC’s look. Tickets purchased from these websites are significantly more expensive than those purchased from MKAC directly. Plus, tickets NOT purchased through Mattiekellyartscenter.org may not be valid and admission could be denied.

For the best experience at the best price, guaranteed tickets, and access to priority offers for other events make Mattiekellyartscenter.org your online source for MKAC tickets. You also can buy tickets at the MKAC Box Office or by calling 850-729-6000.

september 4, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $18

Ray Lau is a Cantonese American standup comedian. His style has been praised by audiences for being unique, relatable, lighthearted, and playful. Ray’s most viral joke is about the “Chipotle Bean Scheme” and has been seen millions of times online. He has recently recorded a secret set for Don’t Tell Comedy. You can often see him performing live across Southern California on the stages of Don’t Tell Comedy, The Hollywood Improv, and many more.

His standout performances at the Big Pine Comedy Festival, Big Sky Comedy Festival, and Laughing Skull Comedy Festival have garnered significant attention, placing him on the comedy map and making him highly sought after.

september 26, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | free, open to public

What Students Hear

RYAN’S STORY PRESENTATION

A Father’s Powerful Mission to Prevent Bullying & Teen Suicide

Why Ryan’s Story?

On October 7, 2003, 13-year-old Ryan Halligan died by suicide after relentless bullying at school and online. His father, John Halligan, turned unimaginable pain into a national mission to protect other children.

Ryan’s Story Presentation is a deeply personal, real-life talk that educates, empowers, and moves students and parents alike.

John has spoken at over 2,000 schools across the U.S. and Canada.

What Parents and Educators Learn

- Ryan’s life and struggles with bullying & depression

- The lasting impact of words and exclusion

- Cyberbullying and digital responsibility

- The importance of kindness and speaking up

- A call to treat everyone with dignity and compassion

“You could hear a pin drop. Ive never seen our students so captivated.”

Middle School Principal, New Jersey

- Signs of depression and suicidal ideation

- How to talk to your children about difficult topics

- Internet safety and managing online risk

- Building a culture of empathy at home and school

October 10, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $39

Paul Reiser is a versatile entertainer known for his work as a comedian, actor, writer, and musician. Recently, he wrote, produced, and starred in The Problem with People, and reprised his role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. He co-authored the best-selling memoir What a Fool Believes with Michael McDonald and returned to stand-up with Life, Death and Rice Pudding. Reiser also appeared in The Gutter at SXSW and played key roles in hit TV series like Hulu’s Reboot and Amazon’s The Boys

He’s widely recognized for standout performances in Netflix’s Stranger Things and The Kominsky Method, earning an Emmy nomination. Reiser co-created the critically praised There’s Johnny, and his revival of Mad About You was well received. His bestselling books and music collaborations showcase his broad creative range. Named one of Comedy Central’s Top 100 Comedians, Reiser continues to perform stand-up nationwide and lives in Los Angeles with his family.

October 25, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $35

• Valerie Coleman – Seven O’Clock Shout

• Maurice Ravel – Piano Concerto in G

• Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” $16 (YOUTH 18 & UNDER)

A powerful season opener exploring courage, defiance, and the hero’s journey.

The program begins with Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, a vibrant tribute to frontline heroes of the pandemic. Ravel’s dazzling Piano Concerto in G follows, featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Zhang Zuo. The evening culminates in Beethoven’s groundbreaking Eroica Symphony, a bold and revolutionary portrait of heroism in all its complexity.

November 12, 2025 | 9:45 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | tickets: $10

Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series. Recommended for ages 5+

CKCC Photos by Jeremy Daniel L-R, L.R. Davidson, Jamie LaVerdiere, Brian Owen (Back), Markia Nicole Smith, Dan Rosales, Sonia Roman
CKCC Photos by Jeremy Daniel L-R, Markia Nicole Smith, Dan Rosales, Brian Owen CKCC Photos by Jeremy Daniel L-R, Markia Nicole Smith, Brian Owen, L.R. Davidson, Dan Rosales, Sonia Roman, Jamie LaVerdiere

december 5, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $35

$16 (YOUTH 18 & UNDER)

Celebrate the season with an enchanting blend of holiday magic and Celtic tradition as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra welcomes the reknowned ensemble, Solas. Known for their dynamic performances and rich musical storytelling, Solas brings the warmth, rhythm, and spirit of Celtic heritage to the concert stage.

This festive program weaves together beloved holiday favorites with lively jigs, reels, and traditional Irish melodies, creating a joyful and heartwarming experience for the whole family. With the full orchestra and the unmistakable sound of Solas, this concert promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.

DECEMBER 9, 2025 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $36

The hit holiday spectacular for the whole family! Dance to the Holidays! – the Holiday dance sensation that has swept the country and now Dance to the Holidays! has a special gift for its many fans.

It features celebrity pros from Dancing with the Stars performing with finalists from So You

Think You Can Dance, American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. Here are all the live talent-based reality TV shows up close and personal in an unforgettable Spectacular for all Seasons! Directed and choreographed by Jaymz Tuaileva from Dancing with the Stars, Donny and Marie’s Las Vegas Christmas Show and So You Think You Can Dance, Dance to the Holidays! will be a new tradition for your family – Raise your glass to a star-studded evening you won’t ever forget!

January 24, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $45

$16 (YOUTH 18 & UNDER)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and powerhouse vocals in Stand in the Light, featuring vocalist Jordan Smith, winner of “The Voice.” Known for his extraordinary range and heartfelt delivery, Smith will perform selections from his latest gospel album, The People’s Hymnal, alongside other soul-stirring favorites. This uplifting concert celebrates hope, faith, and the enduring power of music to bring people together.

From contemporary pop ballads to gospel-infused anthems, Jordan Smith’s performance, backed by the full power of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, promises to be a radiant and emotionally rich highlight of the season. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of today’s most compelling voices live in concert.

February 12, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $49

Known across the globe as “the ultimate-feel good show,” THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up one hour of indisputable joy for all ages! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s the best pub “lock-in” you’ve ever been to. Featuring pop, classic rock, folk, Broadway and pub tunes, THE CHOIR OF MAN has something for everyone. A multi-talented cast of nine handsome guys combines hair-raising harmonies, footstomping singalongs, world-class tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community in this riotously enjoyable homage to that gathering place we all know— the local pub. With a real working bar on stage, come ready to drink in the action. The first round’s on us. Cheers!

february 17, 2026 | 9:45 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | tickets: $10

No more milk and eggs... the cows and hens are on strike! Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Find out in a hilariously moo-ving musical about negotiation and compromise. Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Click, Clack, Moo is written by Billy Aronson (book), Kevin Del Aguila (lyrics), and Brad Alexander (music); based on the book by Doreen Cronin with illustrations by Betsy Lewin. Original direction by John Rando (Broadway: On the Town, Tony Nom; Urinetown, Tony Award) and original choreography by Wendy Seyb. Orchestrations by Brad Alexander, set design by Beowulf Boritt (Broadway: Be More Chill; Act 1, Tony Award), and costume design by Lora LaVon (Broadway: Urinetown)

TheaterWorksUSA_Click Clack Moo_Photo by Joan Marcus_ L-R_ Gretchen Bieber, Kristy Cates, Michael Thomas Holmes
TheaterWorksUSA_Click Clack Moo_Photo by Joan Marcus_ L-R_ Gretchen Bieber, Sarah Katherine Gee, Kristy Cates, Drew McVety, DeMond B. Nason, Michael Thomas Holmes

february 21, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $35

$16 (YOUTH 18 & UNDER)

• Concertos featuring the student winners of the annual John Leatherwood Concerto Competition

• Jennifer Higdon: Blue Cathedral

• Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 3

• Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4, Finale (joined by the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra)

Our annual spotlight on extraordinary young talent returns as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra is joined by the winners of the John Leatherwood Concerto Competition, showcasing some of the most promising young soloists in our region.The program continues with Jennifer Higdon’s Blue Cathedral, a luminous and meditative work that reflects on life, loss, and transcendence. The evening also features Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, a masterwork of emotional depth and lyrical beauty—his most personal symphony, full of introspection and noble spirit. Concluding the concert is a special side-by-side performance with the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. This inspiring collaboration highlights the NFSO’s ongoing commitment to music education and artistic mentorship.

march 10, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $49

Join us for Dirty Dancing in Concert, the classic film’s first live film-to-concert experience. Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film like never before on a full-size cinema screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. With a soundtrack that marked a generation, Dirty Dancing in Concert promises to bring a thrilling new and unique experience to the 80s classic.

Directly following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party that will surely take you back to the time of your life as you sing and dance along to your favorite Dirty Dancing songs.

Immerse yourself in the timeless romance and experience one of the most memorable movies of the past 35 years - now live!

april 10, 2026 | 9:45 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | tickets: $10

Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!

It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

april 18, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. | tickets: $35

$16 (YOUTH 18 & UNDER)

The season reaches its breathtaking conclusion with Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”, a work that demands—and rewards—an extraordinary gathering of musical forces. This monumental symphony explores themes of life, death, and spiritual renewal, unfolding in a dramatic arc that moves from darkness and struggle to radiant transcendence. With its sweeping scope and emotional intensity, The Resurrection Symphony is one of the most powerful statements in all of symphonic literature.

For this unforgettable performance, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra is joined by over 150 voices, including the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, the Choral Society of Pensacola, students from the Niceville High School Chorus, and two guest operatic soloists. From the intimate to the explosive, Mahler’s vision will be brought to life with massive orchestral and choral forces in a concert that promises to shake the walls and stir the soul.

: 12:30-2:00pm | September 3rd and 4th, 2025

mattie kelly arts center galleries & collection:

MKAC Art Galleries produces seasonal fine arts programming utilizing 2700 square feet of airy exhibition space on the Niceville Campus. Offering workshops, guest artist presentations, faculty development opportunities, tours, and an educational volunteer program.

The Collection comprises seven Subcollections, including several thousand items ranging from contemporary to classical art, for example, a Salvador Dalí set of 135 watercolor woodblock prints of Dante’s Divine

Mission: Conduct programs to enhance Northwest Florida State College’s educational mission. As a teaching adjunct to NWFSC, the galleries present exhibitions featuring national and international artists from diverse styles and media. The MKAC galleries are a valuable cultural asset for the entire campus and community.

Volunteer: Volunteers can work as docents, object handlers, and more and gain a wealth of experience in the field. Interview, fingerprinting, and training are required for all volunteers.

To inquire, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Jasmine, at 850-729-6044 or richar48@nwfsc.edu.

Thank you for your support!

Jennifer Wren Supak, MFA, MA Gallery Director & Curator

Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College

Jasmine Richardson, BA Gallery Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

Hours: Monday - Thursday | 10am -4pm

Tours: artgalleries@nwfsc.edu or call (850) 729-6044.

This year’s season calendar features mocha mousse, Pantone’s color of the year. To learn more, go to Pantone.com.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Music

There would be no without you!

Diamond - $7,500-$15,000

• 20 season ticket subscriptions in seating of choice

• Conduct national anthem before concert

• Verbal recognition from stage before event

• Logo projection in theatre before event

• Full page ad in concert program (ad provided by sponsor)

• Pre-concert reception for sponsor (if desired)

• Sponsorship mention on NFSO social media account

• All benefits in bronze level sponsorship

Platinum - $5,000-$7,500

• 10 season ticket subscriptions in seating of choice

• Verbal recognition from stage before event

• Logo projection in theatre before event

• Full page ad in concert program (ad provided by sponsor)

• Pre-concert reception for sponsor (if desired)

• Sponsorship mention on NFSO social media account

• All benefits in bronze level sponsorship

Gold - $2,500-$5,000

• 8 season ticket subscriptions in seating of choice

• Verbal recognition from stage before event

• Ad in concert program (ad provided by sponsor)

• Sponsorship mention on NFSO social media account

• All benefits in bronze level sponsorship

Silver - $1,000-$2,500

• 6 season ticket subscriptions in seating of choice

• Sponsorship mention on NFSO social media account

• All benefits in bronze level sponsorship

Bronze - $500-$1,000

• 4 season ticket subscriptions in seating of choice

• Company name listed on NFSO website

• Recognition as sponsor in event program

Concerto - $250-$500

• Recognition as sponsor in event program

Friend’s Circle - $100-$250

• Recognition as sponsor in event program

For donations and sponsorships call Jeanette Shires at 850.729.6004 or click

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at mattiekellyartscenter.org

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
2025-2026 MKAC Season is here! by nwfscstratcomm - Issuu