DECATUR, Ill. — Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center announces a phenomenal season featuring family-friendly extravaganzas, renowned ballets, Broadway musicals, world-class orchestras, and contemporary concerts. Tickets are on sale now at millikin.universitytickets.com.
The 2025-26 season promises a lineup that provides something for everyone. Cirque du Canines kicks off the season on September 20 with a jaw-dropping, tail-wagging performance. Packed with incredible stunts from world-class trick dogs, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming moments between humans and their four-legged friends, this premiere promises to be a family favorite.
On October 18, Hollywood Revisited, sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton, a musical revue of Old Hollywood, takes the Kirkland stage, featuring the authentic costumes worn by the great stars of the Golden Era of Hollywood. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to relive the greatest performances of the day—Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Liza Minelli, Superman, Gene Kelley, and others—and be close enough to touch the costumes they wore.
Then, get ready to start the holiday season off with family, friends and the Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet on November 2, sponsored by CEFCU and Jason White, Brinkoetter Realtors. The world-renowned touring ballet company will kick off its national tour at Kirkland Fine Arts Center on November 2. Open call auditions for children’s parts will be held on September 2 at the Vandalia Performing Arts Center. To sign up, visit www.nutcracker.com/auditions.
Kicking off 2026, Kirkland welcomes the Broadway musical cast of Ain’t Misbehavin’ on February 14, sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton. The show, named after the song by Fats Waller, is a musical tribute to black musicians of the 1920s and 1930s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance. A time when Manhattan nightclubs were the playgrounds of high society, and Lenox Avenue dives were filled with piano players creating this new beat known as swing.
Kirkland is thrilled to welcome back Decatur Park District in their production of Matilda the Musical Jr.. Featuring two adolescent casts, who each perform two shows, you can see them March 20-22. Matilda, a little girl whose wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers get the attention of not only her nurturing schoolteacher, Miss Honey, but the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Will Matilda’s cleverness be the key to ending Miss Trunchbull’s reign?
Later in March, enjoy The Music of The Lord of The Rings in Concert at 4 p.m. on March 27, followed by the Music of Hans Zimmer & Others at 8 p.m. on March 27. Tickets are sold per performance. The Music of The Lord of The Rings, at 4 p.m., features a world-class orchestra, cameos from the cast and stunning images.
At the 8 p.m. performance of the orchestral presentation of Hans Zimmer & Others, expect exciting pieces from Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Dark Knight performed by The Hollywood Film Orchestra, choir, star soloists and film sequences.
As a finale to an incredible season of entertainment, Kirkland Fine Arts Center proudly presents American Idol finalist and multi-time award winner, Danny Gokey, to Decatur on May 9, sponsored by Homewood Suites by Hilton. Danny has cemented his place in the music industry with multi-week, multi-chart Top 10 runs, has three Grammy nominations, three KLOVE Male Vocalist of the Year wins and two Dove Awards. His fan favorites include songs, Tell Your Heart to Beat Again, Haven’t Seen It Yet, and albums Hope In Front of Me and Rise.
Get your tickets now at millikin.universitytickets.com or call the Kirkland Ticket Office at 217-424-6318 to enjoy one or all of the exciting performances at Kirkland Fine Arts Center this season. Ticket availability and pricing vary per event. Discounts are available for children, seniors, Veterans and Millikin faculty and students. Call to reserve discounted tickets or request accommodations.
Kirkland thanks their media sponsors for the 25-26 season, including WAND, Cromwell Media, Hart Media Group, Central Illinois Media Group and Byers & Co.
About Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located on the Millikin University campus in Decatur, Illinois. Since opening in 1970, Kirkland has played an integral part in continuing the arts in Decatur and central Illinois. The center boasts a 1,903-seat auditorium and houses music and choral facilities, lecture halls, art galleries, and other multipurpose rooms. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has hosted nationally acclaimed musical tours, including g Rent, Grease, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Cats. World-renowned entertainers such as Trace Adkins, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Little Richard and Vicki Lawrence have also performed at the center. Visit kirklandfinearts.com to learn more.
