The Charleston Gaillard Center has announced its most robust season yet, with the promise of more to come.
There are 40 shows currently on the agenda, compared with last year's 26, and those range from music to dance to theater to family-friendly happenings to comedy.
"It's our biggest season to date," said Lissa Frenkel, president and CEO of the Gaillard Center, and there are still some shows yet to be announced. "We typically do add some shows along the way, but we like to have a handle on what the feel of the season is going to be so we can be deliberate."
Programming can start a year or a year-and-a-half out, said Frenkel, and this season is another great one for dance, which has been a top-of-mind initiative for the performance hall during the past three years.
"We're continuing that commitment beyond three years," said Frenkel. "We've seen such enthusiasm from the community."
In addition, the Gaillard is also continuing its educational programming, and at the forefront is the Gaillard's first self-produced theatrical work. It's about Robert Smalls and his enduring legacy in the Lowcountry and beyond.
Frenkel said the Gaillard hopes to have 6,000 local kids see the production and learn more about the historic figure. The creative team for the production is entirely based in the South, another aspect she's proud of when it comes to this milestone.
In its Charleston debut, "The Rite of Spring" is danced by a recently assembled company of more than 30 dancers from across 14 African countries. Maarten Vanden Abeele/Provided
"This inaugural work builds on the Gaillard’s larger efforts to share stories that elevate universal human truths and prompt critical dialogue about social justice issues to inspire and enrich the community in the Lowcountry and beyond," said Frenkel.
The Gaillard's partnerships with the Charleston Symphony, Lowcountry Jazz Festival and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will continue this year, as well. Plus, the beloved holiday season Spiegeltent will return on the lawn.
"We believe in cultivating relationships so the rising tide can raise all of us in the community," said Frenkel.
We've got the full season below, with a few more additions coming throughout the year.
Dance
Nashville Ballet: "Firebird"
Oct. 19-20, 2023
Presented by Nashville Ballet featuring the Charleston Symphony, this production is based on the Russian fairytale of the same name set to Igor Stravinsky's iconic score.
Step Afrika! "Drumfolk" is a performance that honors the communicative power of drums through the history of the South Carolina Stono Rebellion of 1739. Jim Saah/Provided
Step Afrika!: "Drumfolk"
Nov. 2, 2023
Step Afrika’s "Drumfolk" is a performance that honors the communicative power of drums through the history of the South Carolina Stono Rebellion of 1739.
Dorrance Dance: "The Nutcracker Suite"
Dec. 17, 2023
Set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s interpretation of the Tchaikovsky score, "The Nutcracker Suite" is a transformation of the classic tale, trading pointe shoes for tap shoes in this high-energy, large ensemble imagination of a seasonal favorite.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is coming to the Gaillard Center this season. Zoran Jelenic/Provided
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (50th anniversary)
Jan. 9, 2024
The all-male comedic ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo is bringing its internationally beloved troupe, in tutus, to Charleston.
"The Rite of Spring" / "common ground[s]"
Feb. 2-3, 2024
In its Charleston debut, "The Rite of Spring" is danced by a recently assembled company of more than 30 dancers from across 14 African countries.
"common ground[s]" is a new work created, performed, and inspired by the lives of two remarkable women: Germaine Acogny, “the mother of contemporary African dance” and Malou Airaudo, founder of École des Sables.
Broadway & Theater
"Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls"
Oct. 6-7, 2023
The Gaillard’s first-ever commissioned theatrical work tells the story of South Carolinian Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved man who engineered a daring sea-escape during the Civil War and spent the rest of his life — including five terms serving in the U.S. House of Representatives — working for equality in the postwar South.
Patti LuPone: Don’t Monkey with Broadway
Oct. 15, 2023
Spend an evening with a true Broadway legend as three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone performs her interpretations of classic Broadway showtunes.
"Passengers" tells a story of a group of people as they travel by train and contemplate the connections between their lives. Alexandre Galliez/Provided
The 7 Fingers: "Passengers"
Nov. 9, 2023
The 7 Fingers is an arts collective redefining circus with acrobatics and theater. "Passengers" tells a story of a group of people as they travel by train and contemplate the connections between their lives.
The Illusionists: "Magic of the Holidays"
Dec. 14, 2023
Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists "Magic of the Holidays," a mind-blowing illusionist showcase.
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
Feb. 22, 2024
Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning musician, composer and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, TV and Broadway star Katharine McPhee are joining forces.
Ellis Pusifer and Christopher Swan perform in the 2022 company of "Annie," which is coming to the Gaillard in February. Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade/Provided
"Annie"
Feb. 27, 2024
Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the beloved musical is set to return in this new production.
"Jagged Little Pill"
March 12–13, 2024
Making its Charleston premiere is this Broadway show of joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis and, well, life, based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music.
Sutton Foster
Feb. 11, 2024
Two-time Tony Award winner and star of TV Land’s "Younger Sutton Foster" will perform Broadway favorites.
Family Programs
"Coco in Concert"
Oct. 22, 2023
Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos at the Gaillard with Disney Pixar’s "Coco in Concert on Tour."
Based on the DreamWorks’ animated motion picture, "Madagascar the Musical" follows all your favorite animal friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and head to King Julian's Madagascar. Mark Dawson/Provided
"Madagascar the Musical"
Nov. 12, 2023
Based on the DreamWorks’ animated motion picture, "Madagascar the Musical" follows all your favorite animal friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo.
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical"
Dec. 6, 2023
The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season.
"Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King For A Day!"
March 17, 2024
The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back, based on the PBS kids' TV series.
Festivals
Lowcountry Jazz Festival
Sept. 2–3, 2023
For the first time ever, the Gaillard is co-producing South Carolina’s premier annual smooth jazz festival.
International cabaret star Meow Meow will perform inside the Gaillard's Spiegeltent this holiday season. Harmony Nicholas Model/Provided
Spiegeltent
Nov.–Dec. 2023
This holiday season, the Gaillard brings back its unique Spiegeltent, a “mirror tent,” originally used as a traveling European dance hall in the 20th century. This season will include a U.S. premiere by circus, comedy and cabaret producers Underbelly, along with performances by international cabaret star Meow Meow and bluesy High Water Festival alum Kyshona. Local two-time Grammy Award-winning musician Charlton Singleton will also lead the second annual Homegrown and Nationally Known concert.
Colour of Music Festival
Feb. 10, 2023
To usher in Black History Month, the Colour of Music Festival will honor and present never-before-heard orchestrations from Charleston’s "Father of Black Contributions" to classical music, Edmund Thornton Jenkins
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Dates TBA
The Gaillard will once again partner with SEWE to present a musical act to complement the festival.
Music: Classical
Vienna Boys Choir
Feb. 25, 2024
For six centuries, these angelic-voiced musicians have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone and generosity of musical spirit.
"Jurassic Park" in Concert with the Charleston Symphony
March 7, 2024
"Jurassic Park" will be projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live.
Blackstar Symphony is propelled by a 55-piece orchestra, jazz quartet and singers that include an original member of David Bowie's band. Provided
Blackstar Symphony: The Music of David Bowie with the Charleston Symphony
April 27, 2023
Blackstar Symphony is propelled by a 55-piece orchestra, jazz quartet and singers that include an original member of Bowie's band.
Music: Jazz & Blues
Buddy Guy
Sept. 17, 2023
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Steve Ray Vaughan will perform.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis’ Big Band Holidays
Dec. 10, 2023
Soulful big band arrangements of songs both sacred and secular this holiday season.
Ranky Tanky with Lisa Fisher
April 7, 2024
Hometown favorite and two-time Grammy Award winners Ranky Tanky will perform with Lisa Fischer for this very special collaboration.
Music: Pop, Rock & Country
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Aug. 11, 2023
Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.
Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
Aug. 16, 2023
The former lead guitarist of The Eagles will play.
Lake Street Dive is performing as part of the Gaillard Center's 2023-24 season. Shervin Lainez/Provided
Pink Martini with China Forbes
Oct. 23, 2023
This "little orchestra” from Portland, Oregon, will perform jazz, classical, Latin and pop soundtracks of Hollywood's golden age.
Lake Street Dive with Monica Martin
Oct. 29, 2023
This easygoing, semi-acoustic evening will star Lake Street Dive.
Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience
Nov. 25, 2023
The music never stops in this multimedia celebration that uses state-of-the-art technology to lift Johnny Cash’s rich, iconic baritone from archival concert footage and recordings, enabling the “Man in Black” to perform his biggest hits.
The Righteous Brothers
March 3, 2024
Blue-eyed soul pioneers The Righteous Brothers are back with hits that include "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'."
Live From Laurel Canyon is one of the Gaillard Center's musical performances slated for the 2023-24 season. David B. Moore/Provided
Live from Laurel Canyon
April 21, 2024
This evening of live music and narrated stories features some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid-1960s and '70s, from the Mamas and The Papas to James Taylor to Carole King.
Comedy
Ilana Glazer
July 21, 2023
Ilana Glazer is a creator and comedian who co-created and co-starred in the series "Broad City."
Matt Mathews: When That Thang Get Ta’ Thangn’ Tour
Aug. 25, 2023
TikTok star Matt Mathews makes his stand-up comedy debut with this tour.
Anthony Jeselnik
Sept. 16, 2023
Anthony Jeselnik brings his latest show "Bones and All" to the Gaillard.