Music, comedy, dance, free student programming, and a few singing bears.
From The Miller Center for the Arts
Clear your calendars, warm up your applause, and maybe stretch a little for dancing in your seat. The Miller Center of the Arts is thrilled to announce a joy-packed 2026 season bursting with Broadway sing-alongs, family favorites, legendary musicians, world-class dance, stand-up comedy, and even sharks (the educational kind… mostly).
From February through June, the Miller Center transforms into the region’s most exciting cultural playground, offering unforgettable experiences for everyone, from kids experiencing their very first live performance to lifelong arts lovers chasing their next “wow” moment.
“This season is what happens when Broadway, National Geographic, stand-up comedy, rock legends, Celtic candlelight, and a band of singing bears all decide to throw a party together, and everyone’s invited,” said Tony DeMarco, Executive Director of the Miller Center of the Arts. “Honestly, the hardest part is choosing what not to see, which is exactly why we recommend becoming a member and just saying ‘yes’ to everything. This lineup is joyful, bold, and unapologetically fun, just like live performance should be.”
The Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Area Community College is excited to launch free new student-focused programming this season, designed to enrich the college experience and bring the arts to life for RACC students and their communities. Students can now enjoy complimentary tickets for themselves and for friends and family to magical performances like Goldie B. Locks and the Three Singing Bears and the high-energy Sing-A-Long Broadway, inviting all ages to sing along to Broadway’s greatest hits. In addition, Miller Center presents a special daytime student program featuring National Geographic Live: The Untold Story of Sharks, offering an immersive educational experience into the world of shark science, conservation, and storytelling.
2026 Miller Center of the Arts Lineup
Feb. 20-21: Goldie B. Locks & the Three Singing Bears (three shows)
Sponsored by Steak-umm! Produced in partnership with the Yocum Institute for Arts Education and Berks Opera Company.
Opera meets fairytale in this hilarious and tuneful twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. When the curious Goldie B. Locks stumbles upon the home of a family of opera-singing bears, chaos, comedy, and soaring melodies quickly follow. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments and engaging musical numbers, this whimsical production introduces audiences to the world of opera in a playful, approachable way. Along the journey, Goldie learns meaningful lessons about honesty, respect, and harmony, both musical and personal, making this delightful show an entertaining and enriching experience for audiences of all ages.
Following the performance on Friday, Feb. 20, we invite you to stay and celebrate with us at a Dessert Reception in the lobby, featuring:
- Photo opportunities with the cast
- A cupcake decorating station — make your own mini bear cupcake – thanks to the support of Redner’s Markets.
- A coloring station for young artists
- Hot chocolate and other sweet treats
March 5: National Geographic Live: The Untold Story of Sharks
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs, but only recently have we begun to understand the lives of these powerful predators in the ocean. Fifty years after Jaws shocked audiences in theaters, we open the National Geographic archives to reveal the true story of 20th-century women leading shark science and dive into the cutting-edge conservation work of shark researcher and National Geographic Explorer Jess Cramp. Swim alongside her under the vibrant waters of the South Pacific to find out what it truly means to save sharks.
March 6: Sons of Mystro
With violins in hand and innovation in their veins, Sons of Mystro blend genres, generations, and cultures into an electrifying musical experience that’s rewriting the rules of what classical and contemporary music can be. Fusing virtuosic string playing with elements of reggae, hip-hop, pop, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, this dynamic duo transforms familiar melodies into bold, high-energy performances. Their fresh, boundary-breaking sound connects past and present, tradition and modernity, inviting audiences of all ages to experience the violin in a powerful, unexpected, and thrilling new way.
March 12: Yacht Rock Gold Experience
Presented by Tompkins Community Bank.
Set sail for a smooth-sailing night of late 70s and early 80s soft rock classics as timeless hits from Fleetwood Mac to Steely Dan come to life on stage. Packed with rich harmonies, polished musicianship, and laid-back grooves, this feel-good musical voyage captures the easygoing spirit of an era defined by unforgettable melodies. From breezy ballads to groove-filled favorites, audiences are invited to sit back, sing along, and soak in a nostalgic night where the music is smooth, the vibes are warm, and the good times just keep rolling.
March 13: The Artimus Pyle Band: Honoring Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd
Featuring Artimus Pyle, the last surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic lineup and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, this powerhouse tribute brings Southern rock anthems roaring back to life. With thunderous drums, fiery guitar work, and unmistakable authenticity, the band delivers the timeless hits and deep cuts that defined a generation. More than a concert, it’s a high-energy celebration of the music, stories, and spirit that made Lynyrd Skynyrd legendary, inviting fans old and new to experience the raw heart of Southern rock live on stage.
March 19: Gary Gulman: Misfit Stand Up Tour
Presented by Cherry Bekaert.
A master storyteller and one of stand-up comedy’s sharpest minds, Gary Gulman delivers big laughs with heart, honesty, and undeniable brilliance. With over 30 years in comedy, he has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer, known for meticulous craftsmanship and deeply relatable storytelling. Gulman has released five acclaimed television specials, including his most recent, Born on 3rd Base, and the HBO tour de force The Great Depresh, a powerful, hilarious, and inspiring exploration of mental health.
March 21: Candlelight Celtic (two shows)
Surrounded by the warm, flickering glow of over 1,000 candles, audiences are swept away into an intimate and enchanting atmosphere where music and light intertwine. Soul-stirring Irish melodies, soaring vocals, and the rich, timeless sounds of Celtic instruments fill the space, creating a deeply moving and immersive experience. From hauntingly beautiful airs to uplifting traditional favorites, this candlelit evening is pure magic for the senses, inviting listeners to relax, reflect, and lose themselves in the heart and spirit of Ireland.
April 9: The Return of the World-Renowned Parsons Dance Company
The Miller Center for the Arts will present an unforgettable evening of world-class dance on Thursday, April 9, as the internationally acclaimed Parsons Dance Company takes the stage for a special performance honoring Marlin Miller, founder of the Miller Center. Titled A Night at the Miller Center with Parsons Dance – A Thank You Marlin Miller, the event celebrates Miller’s vision and the lasting impact his leadership has had on generations of artists, audiences, and the cultural life of the Reading community.
Known for its athleticism, energy, and uplifting artistry, Parsons Dance has thrilled audiences around the globe with a dynamic repertory that blends modern dance with innovative storytelling. The April 9 performance will bring the company’s signature style to Reading for a one-night-only engagement, offering audiences the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary dance companies in an intimate theater setting.
The event promises to be both a powerful artistic experience and a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Marlin Miller and the vibrant arts community he helped build.
April 11: Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and founder of The Byrds, Roger McGuinn, is a living legend of folk-rock. With his iconic 12-string guitar and unmistakable voice, he brings timeless classics like “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” and “Eight Miles High” to life, captivating audiences with every note. Known not just for his music but for his storytelling, McGuinn shares the fascinating stories behind his songs and the revolutionary era that shaped them, offering fans an unforgettable journey through the golden age of folk-rock.
April 21: Private Event
20th Anniversary of the Schmidt Training & Technology Center
Schmidt Speaker Series: Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank
April 24: Café Con Boomers with Sara Contreras
The Latin Diva of Comedy brings her theatrical comedy experience, Cafe Con Boomers, to the stage in a high-energy, multimedia stand-up event celebrating Generation Jones (born 1954-1964) and redefining what it means to age in America. A veteran comedian, actor, and writer, Contreras blends sharp humor with personal storytelling as she tackles ageism, generational challenges, and her journey growing up Puerto Rican in 1970s New York and Puerto Rico.
May 8: Mamma Mania! NYC’s Premier Tribute to ABBA
Presented by Tompkins Community Bank.
Travel back to the vibrant 1970s with Mamma Mania!, celebrating the timeless music and joyful spirit of one of pop’s most iconic groups. Featuring dazzling costumes, flawless harmonies, and electrifying stage presence, this high-energy production brings classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” to life. Performed by a stellar cast of musicians with credits from major tours and artists, this show delivers an unforgettable night of nostalgia, energy, and nonstop dancing for lifelong ABBA fans and newcomers alike.
June 18: Britain’s Finest: The Beatles Experience
Presented by Habitat for Humanity.
Britain’s Finest is a high-energy, internationally touring Beatles tribute band that brings the look, sound, and cheeky spirit of the Fab Four to life with authentic, note-for-note live performances and era-perfect costumes. This dynamic cast delivers the timeless hits and youthful charm that defined Beatlemania, transporting audiences straight back to the heart of the 1960s rock-and-roll revolution.
With Broadway hits you can sing along to, family-friendly adventures, internationally acclaimed artists, legendary musicians, and laugh-out-loud comedy, the Miller Center’s 2026 season is a celebration of joy, connection, and the unforgettable magic of live performance.
“This season is packed with moments you’ll be talking about all year long,” said Megan Schappell, General Manager of the Miller Center of the Arts. “Shows will sell fast, so don’t wait: grab your tickets, bring your friends, and come experience the energy, laughter, and excitement that only live performance can deliver.”
Tickets and memberships are on sale now. For tickets, memberships, and full event details, visit millercenter.racc.edu.
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