The Charleston Gaillard Center, one of the Southeast’s leading performing arts institutions, today unveiled its highly anticipated 2025–2026 season, celebrating 10 years of bold programming and boundary-pushing artistry. This milestone 10th season continues the Gaillard’s commitment to presenting a dynamic mix of multidisciplinary performances and spotlighting visionary artists from Charleston and around the globe. With more than thirty programs and additional performances still to be announced, the Gaillard’s 10th season spans dance, music, theater, comedy, conversation, film, illusion, outdoor installation, and family programming.
Major highlights include:
- The world premiere of Dark Water, a bold new ballet by Complexions Contemporary Ballet with choreography by Complexions co-founding artistic director Dwight Rhoden and music by Charleston composer Edward Hart . Co-commissioned with the Charleston Symphony , this landmark work is part of the Gaillard Center’s multi-year Dance Initiative , which supports the creation and presentation of innovative dance works.
- An adapted remount of Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls, the Gaillard’s first self-produced theatrical work, which will tour nationally in 2026/2027.
- The Lost Things by Scott Silven , a new immersive experience blending theater, storytelling, and illusion, co-commissioned by the Gaillard and an international consortium of arts presenters.
- Craig Walsh’s Monuments, a free outdoor installation that transforms trees into sculptural works through large-scale nighttime projections of Charleston's unsung heroes.
- The U.S. premiere of the Danish Radio Big Band with celebrated jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant , conducted by Grammy Award-nominated Miho Hazama .
- Conversations with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and America’s foremost astrophysicist and science ambassador, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson.
- The return of the festive Spiegeltent headlined by a new production of Cabaret Royale, a dazzling cabaret experience from the UK’s acclaimed Underbelly .
- A continued partnership with the preeminent smooth jazz event in Charleston, the Lowcountry Jazz Festival , supporting Closing the Gap in Health Care —a nonprofit celebrating 20 years of advancing health equity in underserved communities.
- An ongoing commitment to presenting leading Broadway Luminaries , including Matthew Morrison , Jessica Vosk , and David Foster and Katharine McPhee.
Over the past nine seasons, the Gaillard has become a cornerstone of Charleston’s cultural heartbeat—bringing world-class artistry to the Lowcountry while creating space for community, creativity, and connection. Since opening the Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall in 2015, the Gaillard has welcomed more than 415,000 audience members from all 50 states to 385 performances—including 16 original commissions that reflect the organization’s commitment to advancing new work and supporting contemporary voices.
Education and community initiatives remain central to the Gaillard’s mission. Over the past decade, the Gaillard has served more than 170,000 students and teachers—reaching 100% of Charleston County public schools. Seventy percent of student attendees come from Title I schools, where arts programs are more likely to be underfunded or absent. Through summer camps, artist residencies, and year-round outreach, the Gaillard has cultivated barrier-free creative exploration for young people across the Lowcountry. These efforts are further amplified through partnerships with other leading cultural institutions, including the International African American Museum, Charleston Symphony, MOJA Arts Festival, Buxton Books, and more, creating a robust and inclusive arts ecosystem that benefits the entire community. The Gaillard also honors those who serve, donating more than 10,000 tickets to veterans and their families through its ongoing partnership with VetTix.
“For nearly a decade, the Gaillard has stood as a home for the arts in Charleston—a place where bold ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable experiences come to life,” said Lissa Frenkel, President and CEO of the Gaillard. “This season celebrates the artists and audiences who have shaped our first ten years and looks ahead to what’s possible. It builds on our mission to share stories that reveal universal human truths and amplify underrepresented Southern narratives. It elevates both local talent and internationally renowned artists and supports the next generation of creators working toward a more equitable and culturally vibrant future.”
This year, the Gaillard will deepen its educational initiatives through programming connected to the unveiling of the Anson Street African Burial Memorial , which will be erected on the George Street-facing lawn to honor the unmarked graves of thirty-six formerly enslaved Africans uncovered during the Gaillard’s 2013 renovation. Curriculum-based lesson plans will help give voice to these ancestors—illuminating a vital chapter of Charleston’s history and inviting students to explore the memorial’s broader cultural and historical significance. Building on last season’s efforts to encourage civic participation, the Gaillard will also host a naturalization ceremony this fall, celebrating new American citizens in a powerful expression of inclusion and belonging. These community-centered initiatives reflect the Gaillard’s enduring commitment to supporting artists, educators, and individuals from all backgrounds.
CHARLESTON GAILLARD CENTER
2025/2026 SEASON PERFORMANCES
Find a full schedule of the 2025–2026 season performances below (with more still to be announced). For tickets and membership information, visit gaillardcenter.org.
TICKETS
Unless otherwise noted, tickets go on sale Friday, May 9, at 11:00 am EST at gaillardcenter.org or (843) 242-3099. Gaillard Members receive presale access. To learn more about our membership program, please contact our Development Office at (843) 579-6220 or development@gaillardcenter.org.
Buy More and Save: Patrons who purchase 3 or more performances in the same order will receive a 10% discount. Exclusions apply; visit gaillardcenter.org for more details.
10-YEAR CELEBRATION WEEKEND
November 1–2, 2025
Gaillard Gala
November 1, 2025 | 5:00pm
Toast to ten incredible years! Join us for a special evening as the Charleston Gaillard Center commemorates 10 years of artistic excellence and community connection with a one-night-only celebratory dinner and performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, joined by the Charleston Symphony. The Gaillard Gala will be a black-tie seated gala dinner marking the milestone 10th season. Individual tickets (available in July) include cocktails, dinner, an auction, and a performance. Support opportunities are available now.
Gregory Porter with the Charleston Symphony
November 1, 2025 | 8:30pm
Join us for a special evening as the Charleston Gaillard Center commemorates 10 years of artistic excellence and community connection with a one-night-only performance by Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, joined by the Charleston Symphony. This unforgettable concert brings together Porter’s soulful vocals and the symphony’s rich orchestral sound, celebrating the Gaillard Center’s first decade as Charleston’s home for world-class performances and cultural experiences.
Tickets will be available Summer 2025.
Choir! Choir! Choir!
Hallelujah: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!
November 2, 2025 | 7:00pm
Choir! Choir! Choir! is not your traditional concert—it is a fully interactive, participatory show that turns the audience into performers. Founded by Toronto-based artists Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman, Choir! Choir! Choir! has inspired thousands around the world to come together through the simple act of singing together. Centered on Leonard Cohen’s stirring “Hallelujah” and celebrating life’s most important moments, this latest EPIC Anthems Sing-Along invites audiences to lift their voices in a shared experience of music, memory, and connection. They teach. You sing. Offered as a $10 gift to the community, the evening is a highlight of the Gaillard’s 10th season—celebrating the spirit of togetherness at the heart of our mission.
DANCE
The Gaillard continues to spotlight dance as a key pillar of its programming thanks to the generous support of contributors to its multi-year Dance Initiative.
The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence by Step Afrika!
October 2, 2025 | 7:30pm
Following their extraordinary presentation of Drumfolk in 2023, Step Afrika! returns with their signature work The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence, which charts the story of African Americans moving from the rural South to the industrial North to escape Jim Crow, racial oppression, and lynchings in the early 1900s. Inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s iconic 60-panel “The Migration Series” (1940-41), this iconic work from the award-winning dance company uses the images, color palette, and motifs in the painting series to tell this story through pulsating rhythms and visually stunning movement. As part of its ongoing commitment to presenting Southern stories that have shaped the nation's history and identity, the Gaillard has curated this work in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Co-presented with the International African American Museum and MOJA Arts Festival.
Alice by MOMIX
October 23, 2025 | 7:30pm
Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. In addition to the performance, audiences will have the opportunity to further engage through special outdoor activations that extend beyond the theater and into the community.
WORLD PREMIERE
Dark Water by Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Composed by Edward Hart
Choreographed by Dwight Rhoden
March 6–7, 2026 | 7:30pm
Conducted by Ming Luke
The Charleston Gaillard Center and Charleston Symphony proudly present the world premiere of Dark Water, a bold new ballet by acclaimed choreographer and Complexions co-founding artistic director Dwight Rhoden with an original score by Charleston composer Edward Hart. Inspired by the Lowcountry’s most defining element—its dark, mysterious waters—Dark Water moves in mystery, tracing a choreographic journey through the harbors, swamps, tidal creeks, rice fields, and shoreline that shape the region. Hart’s sweeping composition provides a dense, ever-shifting soundscape that mirrors the power and beauty of these environments and the ecological challenges they face. Rhoden’s choreography—fluid, physical, and emotionally resonant—emphasizes transformation, as a large ensemble of artists forms and re-forms like a flock, conjuring images that blur the line between abstraction and vivid realism. With Complexions’ signature athleticism and expressive artistry, the work evokes both the natural landscapes and layered histories of South Carolina’s coast while exploring themes of time, memory, and the human impact on the environment. The evening’s program will also include a repertory work by Rhoden for Complexions, the boundary-pushing company he co-founded with the legendary Desmond Richardson.
Co-commissioned and co-presented with the Charleston Symphony.
Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen by Ballets Jazz Montréal
April 17, 2026 | 7:30pm
Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montréal-based poet, artist, and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems. Three internationally renowned choreographers were entrusted with putting movement to Cohen’s legendary songs: Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Ihsan Rustem. Surrounded by a team of celebrated designers, Dance Me combines scenic, visual, musical, dramaturgical, and choreographic writing to pay tribute to Montréal’s greatest ambassador.
THEATER/BROADWAY
Alongside original productions—such as its inaugural theatrical work honoring the legacy of Charleston hero Robert Smalls—the Gaillard has become a home for Broadway luminaries, groundbreaking productions, and new theatrical hits that forefront leading artists and captivate audiences.
The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy
October 29, 2025 | 7:30pm
Join us during Halloween week for a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. The Addams Family is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce
December 9, 2025 | 7:30pm
Ibsen Award winner, MacArthur Fellow, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Taylor Mac takes on the holidays to celebrate the season in all of its dysfunction. There is more to the holidays than rampant gift giving. In Taylor’s world, creativity and imagination are their own spirituality. Taylor Mac reminds us of the collective power of our chosen families—a message that rings true in spite of capitalism’s attempt to hijack the holidays. For this production, Taylor Mac is joined by longtime collaborators, designer Machine Dazzle, music director Matt Ray, and a spectacular 8-piece band to reframe the songs you love and the holidays you hate. Holiday Sauce contains adult language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences.
David Foster and Katharine McPhee
December 10, 2025 | 7:30pm
Sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television, and Broadway star Katharine McPhee return to the Gaillard Center stage with their spectacular live show. This intimate evening features Foster performing some of his greatest hits—made famous by Chicago, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé, and more—paired with McPhee’s stunning vocals on her most beloved songs from American Idol, Smash, and her acclaimed Broadway run in Waitress. Together, these Broadway luminaries also share a selection of their favorite holiday classics, creating an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and showstopping performances.
Tickets are already available.
NEW COMMISSION
Cabaret Royale by Underbelly
December 2025
Cabaret Royale returns to the magnificent Spiegeltent at the Gaillard Center with a brand new production of world-class cabaret, comedy, and spectacle. Step inside this glittering venue for an evening of jaw-dropping performances, dazzling burlesque, and irresistible humor—an exhilarating blend of elegance, edge, and playful mischief. Produced by the UK’s acclaimed Underbelly, Cabaret Royale promises a night of glamour, daring feats, and captivating entertainment—perfect for celebrating the season with friends, laughter, and a touch of sparkle.
Additional details and tickets are to be announced in Summer 2025.
NEW TOURING ADAPTATION
Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls
January 30, 2026 | 7:30pm
January 31, 2026 | 2:00pm
Adapted for Tour by JaMeeka D. Holloway
Original Story by Teralyn Reiter
Original Script Developed by JaMeeka D. Holloway, Celeste Jennings, and Caroline Randall Williams
Directed by JaMeeka D. Holloway
The Charleston Gaillard Center proudly re-premieres its first self-produced theatrical work, Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls, ahead of its nationwide tour. Reworked to appeal to a national audience and touring schedule, this powerful production brings to life the extraordinary true story of Robert Smalls—born enslaved in Beaufort, SC—who, through courage and ingenuity, changed the course of American history. In 1862, with his future and freedom on the line, Smalls seized the CSS Planter in Charleston’s harbor and delivered it to Union forces, securing freedom for himself, his family, and his crewmates. Infused with music, movement, and multimedia, Finding Freedom explores Smalls’s Gullah roots, his daring escape, and his legacy as a statesman and civil rights pioneer. Directed by JaMeeka D. Holloway and featuring music arranged by Charleston’s own Charlton Singleton, this inspiring production is a celebration of resilience, heritage, and heroism.
Matthew Morrison: Rhythms & Revelations
February 3, 2026 | 7:30pm
Experience dynamic performer Matthew Morrison like never before in “Rhythms & Revelations,” a deeply personal journey through music and dance. Best known for Glee and his acclaimed Broadway career, Morrison steps beyond past roles to deliver an intimate, soul-stirring performance. This isn’t just a concert—it’s an invitation to reflect, connect, and explore the heart of what makes us human. With authenticity and vulnerability, Morrison blends storytelling, rhythm, and raw emotion, creating a transformative evening that goes beyond entertainment. Join us for a night of music, movement, and self-discovery in this inspiring addition to our Broadway Luminary program.
Tickets are already available.
An Evening with Jessica Vosk
March 22, 2026 | 7:00pm
Broadway Luminary Jessica Vosk brings her extraordinary talents to the Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall for a spellbinding night of music and storytelling. An Evening with Jessica Vosk features an electrifying mix of songs—from legendary musical theater numbers and timeless singer-songwriter classics to chart-topping pop hits, reimagined like never before. Best known for her star turn as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway and on tour, Vosk most recently graced the Broadway stage as Jersey in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, earning critical acclaim for her dynamic performances. She continues to enchant with a singular blend of humor, heart, and what Playbill hails as “her powerhouse and pristine vocals.”
NEW COMMISSION
The Lost Things: An All-New Magical Experience from Illusionist Scott Silven
May 2, 2026 | 7:30pm
May 3, 2026 | 2:00pm and 7:00pm
In The Lost Things, magic, memory, and mystery collide as Scott Silven takes you on a spellbinding journey where the unexpected leads to the extraordinary. Lost moments, chance encounters, and forgotten memories are brought vividly to life through a theatrical work that blends mind-bending illusions and mentalism that will leave you questioning what’s possible. This is not a magic show—it’s an interactive, immersive, and unforgettable theatrical experience, unlike anything you’ve seen before. You won’t just watch the impossible unfold—you’ll become part of it, as Silven blurs the line between audience and performer, redefines what live magic can be, and unites us all in an uplifting reflection on how we inhabit our memories.
The Lost Things is co-commissioned by Sydney Opera House, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at Illinois and Seattle Theatre Group, Opening Nights at Florida State University, Virginia Arts Festival, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Arizona Arts Live, ASU Gammage, Charleston Gaillard Center, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, Marion Cultural and Civic Center, Midland Center for the Arts, Modlin Center for the Arts, Performing Arts Houston, Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University, and the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
MUSIC
The Gaillard’s music programming spans a wide spectrum—from orchestral masterpieces and groundbreaking jazz to chart-topping popular artists—providing something for every listener while inviting performers across genres to explore their craft in the acoustically renowned Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
July 20, 2025 | 7:00pm
Critically acclaimed for his raw emotional honesty, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor Jason Isbell has steadily earned his place as one of music’s greatest performing songwriters. The six-time Grammy Award winner and rock ‘n’ roll icon celebrated a remarkable year in 2023, starring in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, releasing his ninth studio album Weathervanes, and adding two more Grammy Award wins to his growing list of accolades. Isbell continues his creative momentum with the release of Foxes in the Snow, a poignant new album that further showcases his lyrical brilliance and emotional depth.
Tickets are already available.
Lowcountry Jazz Festival
August 29 - 31, 2025 | 7:00pm
Celebrate Charleston’s signature smooth jazz weekend as the Lowcountry Jazz Festival returns this August! The Gaillard is proud to present this festival in collaboration with the extraordinary team at Closing the Gap in Health Care. Produced by Tony Clarke, this memorable three-day event features an all-star lineup, including KEM (Saturday), Boney James (Sunday), Bob James (Saturday), Pieces of a Dream (Sunday), and Eric Darius (Friday). Now in its 20th year, Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc., founded by Dr. Thaddeus J. Bell, continues its mission to advance health equity. The festival remains its primary fundraiser, supporting vital programs across South Carolina and the Southeast.
Tickets and limited VIP packages are already available.
One Night of Queen: Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works
September 7, 2025 | 7:30pm
For over 20 years, Gary Mullen and The Works have been performing their world-renowned One Night of Queen live concert. Featuring Gary Mullen on vocals, David Brockett on guitar, Malcolm Gentles on keyboards, Jon Halliwell on drums, and Alan McGeoch on bass guitar, Gary Mullen & The Works will have you dancing in the aisles during their show, while the band pays tribute to the stage theatrics, showmanship, and music of arguably the greatest rock band of all time: Queen.
Tickets are already available.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton
October 3, 2025 | 7:30pm
D.P. MacManus—better known as Elvis Costello—has been performing for over fifty years and has written more than 600 songs, including collaborations with Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, and Diana Krall. His work spans genres and generations, with songs composed for Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Johnny Cash, and more. Costello is a two-time Grammy Award winner, a BAFTA recipient, and a member of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elvis Costello & The Imposters, joined by Charlie Sexton, bring an unforgettable evening of musical storytelling to the Gaillard Center stage.
Tickets are already available.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA
October 5, 2025 | 7:30pm
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA is the world’s top ABBA tribute, thrilling audiences across North America for over two decades. With stunning vocals, dazzling musicianship, and infectious energy, this acclaimed production delivers an unforgettable night of iconic hits—including “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “S.O.S.,” and more. Not featuring the original members but praised as the closest experience to the real thing, the concert invites fans of all ages to sing, dance, and relive the magic of ABBA. If you loved Mamma Mia, you won’t want to miss this spectacular celebration. Please note: this performance is not presented with an orchestra.
Tickets are already available.
The Marshgrass Mamas
December 21, 2025 | 7:30pm
Hailing from Johns Island, South Carolina, the Marshgrass Mamas have been creating their signature blend of “swampy” bluegrass and old-time music since 2001. Rooted in Appalachian folk traditions and shaped by more than two decades of shared musicianship, this all-female ensemble delivers a sound that is both soulful and unmistakably their own. This December, they infuse their toe-tapping Lowcountry style with a holiday twist—interspersing festive favorites and welcoming special guests, including a spirited horn section. Known for rich harmonies, high-energy performances, and a playful stage presence, The Mamas promise an undeniably festive evening in the Spiegeltent.
Additional details and tickets are to be announced in Summer 2025.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Ray Chen
Vasily Petrenko, Music Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
January 21, 2026 | 7:30pm
One of the most celebrated touring orchestras in the world, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), joined this season by acclaimed violinist Ray Chen, enriches lives through orchestral experiences that are uncompromising in their excellence and inclusive in their appeal, placing it at the forefront of music-making in the UK and beyond. Performing approximately 200 concerts annually, the orchestra proudly embraces a broad repertoire and reaches a diverse, global audience of more than 60 million people—both live and online. While artistic integrity remains paramount, the RPO boldly pushes boundaries, recording video game, film, and television soundtracks and collaborating with pop stars as it tours the world performing the great symphonic repertoire. Providing a world-class acoustic setting, the Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall offers the community the perfect environment to experience this renowned orchestra as part of the Gaillard Center’s celebratory 10th season.
Carl Nielsen—Helios Overture, Op. 17
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
Dmitri Shostakovich—Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op. 93
US PREMIERE
Danish Radio Big Band Conducted by Miho Hazama
Featuring Vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant
February 21, 2026 | 7:30pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the renowned Danish Radio Big Band, conducted by Miho Hazama, takes the stage with special guest vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. Known for their innovative sound and impeccable musicianship, the Danish Radio Big Band pushes the boundaries of jazz, blending dynamic orchestral arrangements with bold improvisation. Hazama’s visionary direction brings a fresh energy to this performance, while Salvant, one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary jazz, captivates with her rich, emotive tone and unique interpretations. Together, they create a powerful fusion of artistry that will leave a lasting impression.
Pink Martini
February 25, 2026 | 7:30pm
Pink Martini returns to the Gaillard Center with their signature blend of classical, jazz, and vintage pop. Founded in 1994 to create beautiful, inclusive music for political fundraisers, the “little orchestra” quickly gained international acclaim. Joined by vocalist China Forbes, their debut song “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)” became a breakout hit in France and remains their most popular hit. Featuring a dozen musicians and performing in 25 languages, Pink Martini delivers a rich, multilingual musical experience that spans the globe. With 11 studio albums and millions of records sold, the band continues to charm audiences worldwide with its sophisticated, genre-spanning sound celebrating diversity and connection.
SPEAKERS
The Gaillard is committed to presenting influential speakers and thought leaders, serving as a space where the community can engage in meaningful dialogue around ideas that inspire, challenge, and connect us.
An Evening with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
Moderated by Judge Richard Gergel
September 2, 2025 | 7:30pm
Join us for a live appearance by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as she shares stories from her memoir, LOVELY ONE. As the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Justice Jackson offers a moving, candid reflection on her life—from her family’s rise out of segregation to her historic confirmation. Through personal stories of perseverance, ambition, and hope, she explores the values and experiences that shaped her journey. This event is part of the Gaillard Center’s commitment to fostering essential dialogue and sparking the most relevant conversations in our community. Inspiring and deeply resonant, LOVELY ONE is a testament to the power of dreaming big—don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices of our time.
Signed hardcover books are available for pre-order at the time of purchase.
Student and teacher tickets are available.
Co-presented with Buxton Books.
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
December 13, 2025 | 7:00pm
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at The Princess Bride. After a screening of the beloved film, Elwes shares personal stories, secrets, and hilarious tales from the set in a live, moderated conversation. Relive the adventure—fencing, fighting, giants, escapes, miracles, and true love—all through the eyes of one of its stars. Known for roles in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Saw, Stranger Things, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Elwes brings his signature charm and wit to this special evening.
Tickets are already available.
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson
Search for Life in the Universe
February 26, 2026 | 7:00pm
With his signature wit and infectious enthusiasm, America’s foremost astrophysicist and science ambassador, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, reviews humanity’s search for intelligent life beyond Earth—examining the quest for habitable planets, liquid water, and the cosmic mysteries that drive scientific discovery. As part of the Gaillard Center’s dedication to thought-provoking and engaging discourse, this talk arrives at a time of heightened curiosity, with recent UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) sightings and new astronomical discoveries reigniting public fascination with the possibilities of life beyond our planet.
COMEDY
The Gaillard’s comedy programming brings some of today’s most beloved stand-up stars and sharpest voices to Charleston, with more laugh-out-loud performances to be announced throughout the season.
Sal Vulcano
Everything’s Fine Tour
July 26, 2026 | 7:00pm
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit Impractical Jokers and for The Misery Index on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe in sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting Hey Babe! and Taste Buds podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special, Terrified, was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
Recommended for ages 16+.
Co-presented with Outback Presents.
Tickets are already available.
OUTDOOR INSTALLATION
NEW COMMISSION
Monuments by Craig Walsh
Spring 2026, Nightly
Experience Craig Walsh’s Monuments, a striking outdoor installation that transforms trees into sculptural works of art through large-scale nighttime projections. Celebrating individuals from the Charleston community, Monuments challenges traditional ideas of public monuments and the histories they represent. The result is a powerful, haunting blend of human portraiture and nature, inviting viewers to see both in a new light. Presented free and open to the public, this installation will feature individuals selected through a community call for submissions.
Additional details are to be announced soon.
Additional programming will be announced throughout the 10th season.
TICKETS
Unless otherwise noted, tickets go on sale Friday, May 9, at 11:00 am EST at gaillardcenter.org or (843) 242-3099. Gaillard Members receive presale access. To learn more about our membership program, please contact our Development Office at (843) 579-6220 or development@gaillardcenter.org.
Buy More and Save: Patrons who purchase 3 or more performances in the same order will receive a 10% discount. Exclusions apply; visit gaillardcenter.org for more details.