Lied’s 2024-25 highlights include 'Annie,' Itzhak Perlman, ABBA tribute

The Lied Center for Performing Arts’ 2024-25 season will feature more than 35 events, including top artists and ensembles from around the world in dance, classical music, jazz, musical theater, comedy, family entertainment and illusion.

“The thrilling 35th anniversary season at the Lied is a celebration for all of Nebraska,” said Bill Stephan, the Lied’s executive director. “From the stunning power of world-renowned ensembles such as the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and Parsons Dance, to the return of Lied audience favorites such as Itzhak Perlman and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, to the Nebraska premiere of ‘Back to the Future: The Musical,’ to the world-premiere play ‘A House Divided’ featuring the Lincoln White House, there truly is something for everyone. Other highlights include ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Encanto: The Live Sing-Along Concert,’ the ABBA celebration Arrival From Sweden and the premiere tour of the new musical ‘Mystic Pizza.’”

“Create Your Own Season” packages go on sale at 11 a.m. May 14 online, by phone at 402-472-4747 and at the Lied Center box office, 301 N. 12th St. To become a subscriber, patrons can select any five or more shows in the season and receive a discount of 20% off the entire order.

The Lied Center’s 2023-24 schedule:

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• Aaron Watson, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m. — For more than 20 years, Watson has toured the country as an underdog troubadour — an independent artist with the spirit of the American frontier in his veins. He has had five top-10 albums on Billboard’s country album chart and was the first independent male artist to debut at No. 1 on that chart. Watson’s hits include “Outta Style,” “That Look,” “July in Cheyenne,” “Freight Train” and “Kiss That Girl Goodbye.”
• “A House Divided,” Sept. 17-22, Johnny Carson Theater (six performances) — The Lied Center presents the world premiere of “A House Divided,” a new play by Christina Kirk. Based on real events, the work examines the distressing choices faced by President Abraham Lincoln during a week in 1863 when Mary Todd Lincoln’s half-sister, Emilie Todd Helm, visits the White House. Helm, a fiercely loyal Confederate, refuses to pledge allegiance to the Union when trying to cross the border to return to Kentucky after her Confederate husband’s death in battle. Unsure of what else to do, Lincoln suggests the soldiers send her to the White House.
• “Dear Evan Hansen,” Sept. 27-29 (five performances) — Described as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by The Washington Post and “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond” by NBC Nightly News, the Tony- and Grammy-winning “Dear Evan Hansen” is one of the first contemporary musicals about connection in the digital age. Packed with such hits as “You Will Be Found,” “Waving Through a Window” and “For Forever,” the musical features an uplifting score by the Tony-, Grammy- and Oscar-winning team behind “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson.

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• “Step Afrika! The Migration,” Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. — After thrilling Lied audiences in 2021, Step Afrika! returns with lightning-fast footwork, percussive chants and incredible synchronicity, creating a heart-pounding experience that celebrates the African American tradition of stepping. Based on Jacob Lawrence’s iconic paintings “The Migration Series,” this powerful new work tells the story of Black migrants moving out of the South in the early 1900s
• “Back to the Future: The Musical,” Oct. 8-13 (eight performances) — Great Scott! The 1985 cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Lincoln in 2024. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now, he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself … back to the future. The production won the 2022 Olivier Award for best new musical.

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• Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. — This iconic group has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 60 years with its brilliant stage performances. The band, which returns to the Lied Center for the first time since 2006, has graced festival stages from Coachella to Newport and performed with such legends as Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello and the Grateful Dead, as well as modern acts Beck, The Foo Fighters, My Morning Jacket and The Black Keys.
• “Carson Tonight,” Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. — Relive the magic and laughter of Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” on Johnny’s 99th birthday with some of the performers and personalities who were frequent guests during the show’s 30-year late-night run. Carson Entertainment Group and the Lied Center present this special event, hosted by comedian Pat Hazell, with performances by magician Lance Burton, comedian Cathy Ladman, ventriloquist Jay Johnson, juggling act The Passing Zone and other surprise guests. The show will feature live music by the UNL Jazz Orchestra, playing from the original music charts of The Tonight Show Orchestra.
• Capitol Fools, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. — Capitol Fools is the new generation of the beloved Capitol Steps, Washington, D.C.’s premier political satire show. Featuring performers and a co-creator from Capitol Steps, this troupe “puts the mock in democracy,” specializing in bipartisan spoofery. With breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions and song parodies reflecting the day’s news, Capitol Fools is the next political movement in comedy.
• “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” Oct. 30, 7 p.m. — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award-winning film comes to life like never before. Experience the entire film on the Lied Center’s huge screen with a live band performing the full score. “Encanto” tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia. The beloved soundtrack features original songs by Tony- and Grammy-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”), including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “Surface Pressure” and the Oscar-nominated “Dos Oruguitas.”

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• Yunchan Lim, piano, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. — At just 18 years old, Lim recently became the youngest pianist ever to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. One of the most sought-after classical performers, he regularly sells out major venues around the world. Marin Alsop, Van Cliburn jury chair, praised Lim as “that rare artist who brings profound musicality and prodigious technique organically together.” Don’t miss Lim’s much-anticipated Lied Center debut.
• Metro Jazz Quintet, Nov. 8 and 9, 7:30 p.m.: Broadway and Hollywood: Jazz classics from the Broadway stage and big screen; Jan. 24 and 25, 2025, 7:30 p.m.: Songs of Love: Love songs from the rich tradition of jazz; April 11 and 12, 2025, 7:30pm: Bebop: The music of Charlie Parker, Dizzie Gillespie, Miles Davis and more, Lied Center Commons — The Metro Jazz Quintet will perform “club style” in the intimate setting of the Lied Commons. This new quintet includes some of Nebraska’s finest jazz musicians, performing a wide variety of music from legendary jazz performers. The events will feature table and theater seating, a candlelight atmosphere and cocktails available for purchase.
• “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” Nov. 12-17 (eight performances) — In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is a love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this fishy fable features such hits as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage,” Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. — Beloved Peanuts characters come to life in this all-new stage adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s classic Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning animated television special, set to Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable music. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the whole gang as they put on their own Christmas play and ultimately discover the true meaning of the holiday.

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• “The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays,” Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. — Celebrate the holidays with the entire family with this mind-blowing spectacle featuring some of the most talented illusionists on Earth. Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show is coming to Lincoln to dazzle audiences of all ages.
• “The Midtown Men: Holiday Hits,” Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. — Consisting of original cast members from the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” this celebrated vocal group returns to the Lied Center to ring in the holiday season with classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Known for their tight harmonies, The Midtown Men perform signature renditions of “Jersey Boys” songs, as well as classics by such bands as The Beatles, The Temptations and The Four Seasons.
• “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Bunny,” Jan. 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m. — Through charming puppetry, Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia brings two much-loved children’s books to life on stage. “Goodnight Moon” is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while “The Runaway Bunny’s” pretend tale of leaving home evokes loving reassurance from his mother. Both feature rabbit characters, soothing rhythms and dream-like imagery that provide young audiences with a sense of security, wonder and delight.
• “RENT in Concert,” Jan. 18, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Experience the iconic music of “Rent” like never before: live with stellar vocalists and the power of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. Premiering at the Kennedy Center in 2023, this symphonic experience includes the complete score, with such favorites as “Seasons of Love,” “La Vie Bohème” and “Take Me or Leave Me.” Set in the East Village of New York City, “Rent” is about falling in love, finding one’s voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for best musical and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, “Rent” has become a pop culture phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages.
• Syncopated Ladies Live, Jan. 23, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — This high-octane female tap dance group was created by tap dancer and choreographer Chloe Arnold, protege of Debbie Allen. The group’s viral videos have amassed more than 100 million views and have been shared by stars such as Janet Jackson and Missy Elliot. Syncopated Ladies has performed internationally with superstar Beyonce, won the first-ever dance crew battle on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and now performs to sold-out audiences nationwide.

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• A hit Broadway show to be announced, Feb. 4-16, 2025 (16 performances) — The fifth show in the 2024-25 Glenn Korff Broadway Series, to be announced this summer, will be only the third show in Lied Center history to run for two full weeks. One of the biggest shows currently running on Broadway, it will follow record-setting runs of “The Phantom of the Opera” in 2019 and “Hamilton” in 2023.
• Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Feb. 19, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Renowned for its fresh interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras. Founded in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner, the orchestra has evolved into a musical powerhouse, known for its joyful, inspiring performances. The orchestra will be joined by Bruce Liu, first prize winner of the 18th Chopin Piano Competition, for Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.”
• 123 Andrés, Feb. 23, 2025, 4 p.m. — Christina and Andrés are 123 Andrés, the Grammy- and Latin Grammy-winning duo for kids and families known for their interactive, high-energy shows. They bring fresh, original songs that blend Spanish and English, with an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of Latin America. 123 Andrés packs its show with positive vibes and energetic songs that get the whole family dancing and learning.
• Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Feb. 26, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra has been praised by The New York Times for its “brilliance and infectious exuberance.” American pianist Maxim Lando will open with Franz Liszt’s virtuosic “Piano Concerto No. 1,” and violinist Sandy Cameron will follow with Samuel Barber’s “Violin Concerto No. 1.” The concert concludes with Antonin Dvorak’s triumphant Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”

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• “Kerfuffle’s The Conductors: A Play for Very Young Children,” Feb. 28-March 1, 2025, Carson Theater (three performances) — Magical train conductors are on a search for treasure in this play designed for very young children. Featuring live music and audience participation, “The Conductors” is a silly, joyful and engaging first theater experience. Join the conductors as they explore community and connection along the railroad lines. Best enjoyed by children under 6 years old and their caregivers, “The Conductors” runs 45 minutes.
• Mnozil Brass, March 1, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Back by popular demand, one of the world’s top brass ensembles returns to Nebraska celebrating its 30th anniversary. Known as the “Monty Python of the music world” and for its viral YouTube videos, Austria’s Mnozil Brass combines slapstick comedy with extraordinary musical ability. The group plays an eclectic mix of folk, classical, jazz and pop, all executed with fearlessness, technical skill and typical Viennese “schmäh.”
• “Beetlejuice The Musical,” March 4-9, 2025 (eight performances) — It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s beloved 1988 film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, astonishing set and exhilarating score, “Beetlejuice’ is “screamingly good fun,” according to Variety. And under its uproarious surface — six feet under, to be exact — it’s a touching show about family, love and making the most of every day-O! (This musical contains strong language and mature subject matter, so parental discretion is advised.)

• Murphy’s Celtic Legacy, March 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Embark on a mesmerizing journey with Murphy’s Celtic Legacy, an Irish music and dance extravaganza that has captivated audiences worldwide. Delve into the rich lore of the Murphy clan as its saga unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of Ireland and the boundless expanse of the open sea. The show features a dynamic fusion of the finest Irish dancers, virtuoso musicians and an original soundtrack that stirs the soul.
• “Eminent Domain,” March 20-30, 2025, Carson Theater (eight performances) — Any Nebraska farmer or rancher worth their salt will tell you their connection to the land is equally as strong as their bonds to family, community and their good name. When Rob McLeod is confronted with a threat underneath his land, he and his entire family discover how fragile and endangered their bonds will become. This award-winning work by Nebraska playwright Laura Leninger-Campbell, produced by Angels Theatre Company, digs beneath the day-to-day struggles facing family farms. Dig deeper, and the greatest threat to America’s Heartland is revealed: How can this way of life survive without its next generation?
• “Annie,” March 21-22, 2025 (three performances) — Holding onto hope when times are tough can take a lot of determination, and sometimes that determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the musical returns with a new production. “Annie,” directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all of life’s hard knocks.
• The Barricade Boys, March 29, 7:30 p.m. — Direct from London, hear the music and inspiring stories from this quartet’s time touring the world and performing on stage in the biggest West End shows, including “Wicked” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” The Barricade Boys also put their spin on the iconic hits of Queen, Elton John, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
• Parsons Dance, April 5, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Praised for its remarkable athleticism and stunning ensemble work, Parsons Dance delivers exhilarating choreography that leaves audiences mesmerized. New and celebrated American choreographers take center stage, including Parsons’ own stroboscopic masterpiece “Caught.”

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• The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, April 9, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Playful and irreverent, these world-renowned ukulele virtuosos return to the Lied with their toe-tapping music and hilarious banter. They are masters of the unexpected, known for putting quirky spins on folk songs, classical favorites and rock tunes. Featuring only ukuleles and a menagerie of voices, the group is a global sensation.

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• “Alton Brown: Live! Last Bite – The Final Tour,” April 15, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — The famed foodist will reflect on his decades in food media, present several of his favorite culinary hacks and sing some of his funny food songs in this culinary variety show. The James Beard and Peabody award winner has performed to sold-out crowds across the country since 2013.
• “An Evening with Itzhak Perlman, Violin,” April 19, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — Perhaps no violinist more beautifully conveys the joy of music than Itzhak Perlman. Having performed with countless major orchestras and at concert halls around the globe, Perlman was granted a Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Barack Obama in 2015, a Kennedy Center Honor in 2003, a National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 2000 and a Medal of Liberty by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Perlman has also received 16 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, four Emmy Awards and a Genesis Prize. On April 19, he will be joined by his musical partner of 25 years, pianist Rohan De Silva.

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• Take3, May 4, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — This trio of violin, cello and piano brings together the power and energy of rock music with the sophistication and beauty of classical. Their performance will feature the music of popular artists such as the The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elvis, Neil Diamond and Imagine Dragons and crowd favorites such as “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Hallelujah” and “Stand By Me.”
• “Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA,” May 22, 2025, 7:30 p.m. — The most successful and authentic ABBA tribute band in the world, Arrival from Sweden has been selling out venues around the world since 1995. The group will perform such hits as “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Does Your Mother Know,” “Take A Chance,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Super Trouper,” “Money Money Money” and “Lay All Your Love on Me.” Arrival from Sweden is the only group that has been entrusted with a previously unreleased ABBA song.
• “Mystic Pizza,” June 14-15, 2025 (three performances) — Based on the popular 1988 romantic comedy, “Mystic Pizza” is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint. The score features hits from the ’80s and ’90s by Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper, John Cougar Mellencamp, Debbie Gibson, Wilson Phillips, The Bangles, Belinda Carlisle, Rick Astley and Bryan Adams.

For more information on these shows and others, click here.