The Center for Performing Arts wrapped up their 2025-2026 season with performances of “Divided” and “Lizzy and the Triggerman.” The performances revolved around the theme of legacy and the anniversary of the Center itself.

Jane Cox, the Cultural Marketing Director, said that, overall, the season was well received, but struggled with ticket sales. “I’ll be frank, ticket sales were not good. And that’s a funding issue, and I think that’s also across the board. People are more hesitant to part with their money because of the state of the world, various reasons.” Cox said that other arts organizations are struggling with similar obstacles.

“Lizzy and the Triggerman” was one of the ending shows for the 30th season of the center, but the attendance was just over 200 people. The band focuses on covers and original songwriting, which was originally thought to have an appeal to multiple audiences.

“It’s A Wonderful Life,” the radio play at the Center was well received and was held in Sherman Hall this season. “I think it elevated the production, because of the intimate, retro feel of Sherman Hall,” Cox said.

“The Nutcracker” also had great feedback and audience numbers, possibly due to the inclusion of local community members in the show and the technical possibilities the Center is able to provide to the production. “Ruth Page is a combination of really high level professionals, with students from the Ruth Page Academy. We also have some local community dancers as well,” Cox says.  Both will be returning to the next season.

The Center encourages the audience members to give honest feedback, even if it may be negative. At every event, the Center includes post-show surveys and asks the audience how the event was received. Some of that feedback partially influenced the theme of the upcoming 2026-2027 season.

“Part of it was audience feedback. And us, as a whole, as a community, needing that escape from some of the darker things going on in the world.” Cox explains. “Art can do a lot of things, and one of those is to serve as an escape and a refuge of the joy.”

The season will focus on the electricity, joy, and passion of live performances, with most shows and performances already confirmed.

The Center is looking to include local organizations and businesses in their season, but nothing has been confirmed. “One of our goals is to be a central, cultural, and creative hub in the Southland,” she says.

Some of the confirmed upcoming shows at the center are “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Sugar Skull! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure,” and “Carmina Burana” by the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.