Tickets are on sale for the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts’ 2024-2025 season. This season features a diverse program including two Tony Award-winning musicals, comedians, tribute bands and more.
“In the fall and spring there are many performances that will be of interest to our students,” Julia Aubrey, director of the Ford Center, said. “Be sure to ask about student discounts.”
Stand-up comedian and Ole Miss graduate Heather McMahan’s comedy performance will kick off the fall semester on Thursday, August 29.
““We had Ole Miss students in mind when we booked comedian Heather McMahan for our opening show this fall,” Aubrey said. “She’s an alumna (Delta Gamma) and very popular with a younger audience.”
In the fall semester, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical “Dear Evan Hansen” will be on stage, and in the spring, “Hadestown” by Anaïs Mitchell will retell the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in song and dance.
In response to student focus groups who requested more country music performances, the Ford Center will host the Frontmen on September 26. The group consists of three legendary country music lead singers: Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Richie McDonald of Lonestar and Tim Rushlow of Little Texas.
While many of the offerings appeal to students, the season also has something to offer all members of the Oxford community.
On September 12, former lead singer of the rock and roll group Journey, Steve Augeri, will perform the band’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Any Way You Want It.” On February 8, “Britbeat – the Immersive Beatles Tribute Experience” will offer visitors “a transformative encounter with the timeless legacy of the Beatles,” according to the Ford Center’s website.
On October 19, the a cappella group Voctave will perform, and on the evening of November 18, the Jazz Ambassadors of the US Army Band will play. In the spring semester, the string ensemble Catalyst Quartet will take over the Ford Center on January 30.
The Ford Center is hosting two educational programs this fall. Mister C Live! The World in Motion – Newton’s Laws will take place on September 30, while Our Planet Live – Living on Our Planet with Dan Tapster will take place on October 17.
During the 2024 Christmas season, “A Charlie Brown Christmas, Live!” will present well-known stories from the Peanuts crew on December 5th.
The new year at the Ford Center begins on February 11 with “The Simon and Garfunkel Story,” featuring a full live band that showcases the journey of folk-rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The season will conclude with William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” translated into modern verse by Christina Anderson, performed at the Ford Center on April 1.
