MODESTO, CA — The Gallo Center for the Arts announced its 2025/26 season, marking the 18th anniversary of the downtown Modesto performing arts center, recently named a Top 10 venue globally by Pollstar. Advance ticket sales to Gallo Center donors are already underway. Tickets go on sale to the public on June 2.
“I know we often say that this season is the best one yet, but that’s because it continues to be true.” said Chief Executive Officer Chad Hilligus. “Every year, our goal is to outdo ourselves, and I think we’ve done just that.”
This year’s official season opening event, on Sept. 13, features comedy legend Jay Leno with special guest Arsenio Hall, Leno’s former late night talk show rival. Leno and Hall will perform two shows, at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Between the shows, the Center will present a “Party on the Plaza” from 5:30 to 8 pm. Held on the outdoor plaza in front of the theater, the party will have outdoor seating, local food trucks, a live DJ, a classic car display and more.
Two iconic actors figure prominently among the season’s highlights. Morgan Freeman will appear live on stage to present “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience,” described as “a transformative journey through the music, culture and legacy of the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of the Blues,” while Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”) is slated to appear in “Mark Twain Tonight! by Hal Holbrook.” Thomas is the first and only actor authorized to perform the one-man play since Holbrook originated it.
Broadway national tours coming to the Center include three new productions, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Tina—the Tina Turner Musical,” and “Clue,” a play based on the popular film comedy. Gallo Center favorite “Chicago” will return for one night only, and the international sensation “Riverdance” will return for three nights with its reimagined 30th anniversary tour, “Riverdance 30—The Next Generation.”
The Broadway stage and Disney film legend, singer Lea Salonga, is also returning to the Gallo Center for two shows on Oct. 5, both of which are expected to sell out quickly.
Others scheduled to perform include country music’s Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker; standup comics Marlon Wayans and Brian Regan; dance companies Ailey II and the Calidanza Dance Company; pop, rock and R&B stars including Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes, Montell Jordan & Ginuwine, Joss Stone, Air Supply on their 50th anniversary tour and Kansas; Latino artists Los Tigres del Norte and La Santa Cecilia; international stars including the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and Canadian Brass; Brian McKnight, Stella Cole, Mannheim Steamroller and Dave Koz with special holiday performances; and audience favorites such as Postmodern Jukebox, Theresa Caputo, MasterChef All-Stars Live, and The Ten Tenors round out the Gallo Center’s popular “Blockbusters” series.
Three new performance series will make their debut at the Gallo Center in the new season: GCA Cabaret, Coffee House: Acoustic, Folk & America, and Cinematic Events.
“Trying new things and introducing audiences to new artists and ideas was a priority as we put the new season together,” Hilligus said. “Particularly with our new GCA Cabaret series, patrons can now choose from VIP table seating, both on stage and in the orchestra pit in our Foster Family Theater. These tickets include a complimentary beverage served tableside for a uniquely cabaret-style experience.”
“Disney Moana—Live-to-Film Concert,” “Dog Man: The Musical” and Sesame Street Live presents “Elmo & Friends Say Hello” are part of the Center’s customary variety of family performances, along with free community events including the third annual Family Fun Festival and the fifth annual, outdoor Brown Bag Summer Concert Series that showcases regional bands and singer-songwriters.
The Gallo Center prioritizes its members as the season is launched, and is offering advance sales to them through May 31. Ticket sales for the public start at 10 a.m. June 2. Tickets will be available online at GalloArts.org, by calling (209) 338-2100, or at the ticket office, 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto.
