Events – Page 3 – The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts

Lion, Witch & Wardrobe

Co-presented by: Children’s Dance Theatre and the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts – City of Tracy

Date: Saturday, December 19th, 2026 at 1:00PM & 6:00PM
Sunday, December 20th, 2026 at 1:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $27-$47 | VIP $62 includes (1) drink, charcuterie box, and a small popcorn

($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

This dance and theatre adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe brings a magical adventure to life through expressive dialog, movement and music. It follows four siblings who discover a hiddenworld called Narnia, where they encounter both danger and friendship. Under the rule of the White Witch, the land is trapped in an endless winter, but hope begins to grow with the arrival of Aslan. Through a mix of playful, dramatic, and powerful dancing, the story explores themes of courage, loyalty, and good versus evil. As the characters face challenges and work together, the performance builds to an exciting conclusion where light overcomes darkness, leaving the siblings forever changed by their journey.

Ballet Hispanico New York

Date: Sunday, May 9, 2027 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $50 – $60 ($4 per ticket fee included)

Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Ballet Hispánico New York is the nation’s leading American Latino dance company and the largest cultural institution of its kind in the United States. For over five decades, it has been a beacon of artistic excellence, celebrated for its bold repertory and exceptional training programs. The Company has commissioned over 100 original works, performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, and inspired generations through performances, education, and community engagement. Recognized as one of America’s Cultural Treasures by the Ford Foundation, Ballet Hispánico New York continues to redefine what it means to be an American dance company.

At the helm is Artistic Director & CEO Eduardo Vilaro, a former Ballet Hispánico dancer and acclaimed choreographer who assumed leadership in 2009. Under his dynamic guidance, the Company has entered a new era—broadening its artistic scope, deepening its repertory, and elevating its distinctive movement language. Vilaro carries forward the founding vision of Tina Ramirez, who launched Ballet Hispánico in 1970 to celebrate the beauty of Latino cultures through dance. The Company has garnered widespread acclaim, with The New York Times noting, “Many companies pay lip service to nurturing talent, but Ballet Hispánico has devoted significant resources and care to cultivating emerging artists.” Today, Ballet Hispánico New York stands not only as a cultural institution, but as a movement—pushing the boundaries of performance while honoring the traditions that shaped its legacy.

Jeff Allen: My ‘First’ Final Farewell Tour

Date: Friday, March 19, 2027 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $30 – $50 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Jeff Allen may or may not want to admit it, but he’s getting old. At 69, Jeff is staring down
his 70th year and decided it might be time to think about slowing down. The result? My
‘First’ Final Farewell Tour 2026. Yes, you read that right – “First” and “Final” in the same
sentence – because Jeff’s not totally sure he’s done. (After all, Cher had twenty farewell
tours, and Elton John is still out there.)

Jeff’s show features his brilliant standup comedy, which has garnered hundreds of millions
of fans around the globe. There is a part of Jeff’s show where he speaks about his book, Are
We There Yet? which tears down all walls and shows Jeff’s journey from very dark times to
recovery, restoration, and ultimately redemption. For those inspired by Jeff’s arc, thistour is
more than just laughs – it’s about hope, healing, and making a difference. Jeff’s mission
statement is Tikkun Olam, a Hebrew phrase meaning “Repairing the World.” His goal is
simple: “I want to make a difference that outlives the tour… that outlives me.”

Jeff Allen is one of America’s most beloved comedians, with over one billion online views. His
rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. He has appeared
everywhere – on Comedy Central, Showtime, TBN, CBN, Family Net, Dry Bar Comedy (their
most viewed comedian with seven comedy specials), America’s Got Talent, HBO, Amazon
Prime, Huckabee, Pureflix, VH-1, The Today Show, and starred in the films Apostles of Comedy
and My 7 Grandmas. He has performed for our troops on aircraft carriers and shipsin the
Indian Ocean. Jeff has also performed at three Presidential Inaugural Galas. Millions have seen
him across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. But nothing compares to seeing Jeff live.
He is presently in pre-production for his new series based on his book, Are We There Yet?

Ruben Studdard

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $50 – $70 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Grammy Award nominee Ruben Studdard rose to fame as the winner of season two of American Idol.

In the years following Idol, Ruben has released seven studio albums, including his platinum-selling debut, Soulful, and the top-selling gospel follow-up, I Need an Angel. He is most well-known for his recording career, which has produced hits including “Flying Without Wings”, “Sorry 2004”, and “Change Me”. Ruben has also segued into television and stage work. Most notably, he toured with Robin Givens in the comedy-drama I Need a Hug, and starred as Fats Waller in a national tour revival of Ain’t Misbehavin, which spawned a Grammy-nominated soundtrack.

In 2023 and 2024, Ruben embarked on an eighty-two show tour throughout North America with his close friend and fellow American Idol alum Clay Aiken. Ruben & Clay – Twenty The Tour was a celebration of the duo’s 20th anniversary of their storied run on Idol.

For 2025, Ruben will be constantly creating and performing. His brand-new album – The Way I Remember It – has charted the first two singles. Ruben will hit the road with “The Masterpiece Tour”. This new show will feature Ruben’s biggest hits, a handful of songs paying tribute to his idols, and songs from his brand new album.

CIFFA International Film & Art Festival

Co-Presented By: One World Arts Foundation & Grand Theatre Center for the Arts – City of Tracy

Date(s) & Time(s):

Friday, April 2, 2026 | 10:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday, April 3, 2026 | 10am – 10pm
Sunday, April 4, 2025 | 10am – 6pm

Ticket Price(s): $20 per day | $ 52 3-day pass ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts

NOTE: Seating is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Crossover International Festival of Film and Art returns in 2027 for four powerful days of storytelling, creativity, culture, workshops and global connection.

Taking place April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2027, CIFFA will unite filmmakers, artists, musicians, industry professionals, and audiences for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and culture — both locally and worldwide.

CIFFA is more than a festival — it is a global platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, supporting underdog filmmakers, and helping meaningful stories reach broader audiences. Co-presented with the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, the City of Tracy, and OWAF, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit public charity organization, CIFFA provides filmmakers and creators with meaningful exposure, industry connection, and opportunities for distribution.

Through strategic partnerships with distributors, streaming platforms, and industry associates, all accepted submissions will be given a distribution offer, with theatrical and/or digital opportunities depending on the content.

The vision of the Crossover International Festival of Film and Art is to become a leading global platform where independent filmmakers can showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, build partnerships with distributors, and reach global audiences. By nurturing emerging talent and championing diverse voices, CIFFA helps filmmakers and artists cross borders and cultures through the universal language of storytelling, music, art, and cinema.

CIFFA 2027 will be a 3-day international celebration where independent voices meet global audiences — bringing together communities and worldwide creators for an inspiring festival experience.

For inquiries about the CIFFA Film Festival schedule, call the Box Office at (209) 831-6858.

Celebrating Meatloaf: The Neverland Express

Date: Friday, March 12, 2027 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $50 – $60 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

This live show is the only authentic reimagining of the legendary Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman songbook, performed by world-class alumni of The Neverland Express who brought his musical visions to life both in the studio and live on stages across the world.

Led by Meat Loaf’s longtime record producer/music director/guitarist Paul Crook alongside fellow alumni John Miceli (drums), Randy Flowers (guitar), Lyssa Lynne (female lead/backing vocals), Danny Miranda (bass) and including Andy Ascolese (piano) and Kiley Baxter (featured vocals), the band performs a thoughtfully curated set list of Meat Loaf’s best loved classics such as ‘Bat Out of Hell’, ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ and ‘I Would Do Anything For Love’.

The band is fronted by Andrew Polec, who originated the lead role of Strat in Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell: The Musical (UK, Toronto and NYC) and won the Stage Debut Award for Best West End Debut. Critics and audiences praised him for delivering one of the most demanding vocals in a rock production, a role built around the Meat Loaf catalog and Jim Steinman’s unmistakable sound. He delivers the theatricality, the vocal intensity, and the emotional DNA of this music.  

Finding Neverland

Dates:

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 7pm
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2pm

Ticket Price(s): $25 | $10 discount for ages 12 and under ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Based on the Academy Award-winning motion picture and the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan, Finding Neverland follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” Finding Neverland features music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and a book by James Graham.

J.M. Barrie, a struggling playwright, encounters a widowed mother, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four sons in Kensington Park. As Barrie befriends the family, he is inspired by their adventures, particularly Peter, who is reluctant to play due to his grief. Barrie helps him to learn to play again and becomes inspired to create a new art form: children’s theatre. But who will pay to see a play about children? Who will play these characters? And how will they make Peter Pan fly?

James Matthew Barrie: Lucas Jacinto

Sylvia Llewelyn Davies: Annie Wardle

Mary Barrie: Regina Jaderstrom

Mrs. du Maurier: Cathryn Waters

Charles Frohman

Scott Snyder

Mrs. Frohman:

Jennie Hokanson

Captain James Hook:

Patrick Paris

Peter Llewelyn Davies (approx 8-10 yr): Daniel Aragon

Michael Llewelyn Davies (approx 6-8 yr): Todd Wardle

Jack Llewelyn Davies (approx 10-12 yr): Alex Toledo

George Llewelyn Davies (approx 12-14 yr): Annabel Fleckner

Lord Canaan: Alejandro Lopez

Mr. Cromer: Dennis Lockhard

Mr. Henshaw: Spencer Canton

Elliott: Christian Robles-Fernandez

Miss Basset: Sophia Solano

Miss Jones: Emi Rodriguez

Mr. Turpin:

Reegan Snyder

Peter Pan: Moriah Hokanson

Wendy Alyssa Noll

Alberta: Riley Matz

Emily: Saige Chapin

Miriam: Jana Shields

Ensemble: (Servants, Londoners, Pirates, Indians, Lost Boys)

Samantha Wallace

Dahlia Wetherell

Eva Hokanson

Avery Feldman

Braden Green

Lorenzo Morales

Benjamin Galvan

Oscar Marin

Ansh Menon

Elena Canseco

Sofia Reynolds

Tanner Andrews

Ashley Gonzales

Natalie Hayward (Dance Capt.)

Tessa McGuire

Porthos: Barrie’s dog.

Crew:

Veronica Solorzano (Costumes)

JT Amador (Asst Stage Manager/SR)

Caitlyn DeBenedetti

Melissa Brohard

Ishel Fatima

Chanell Watkins

Shayne Hackney

Jill Lockhard (Costumes/Set Dress Asst)

Aaron Simens (Sound Asst)

Amanda Reinheimer (Music)

Nate Hernandez (Sound)

Cristina Gomes (Costumes)

TTAC Production Team:

Producer: Maggie Foresee-Griese

Director: Geri Neylan

Lighting Director: David Bermillo

Music Director: Sarah McGuire

Choreographer: Abigail Simens

Stage & Talent Director: Grace Reinheimer

Set Design: Jennifer Messenger

Set Build:

Mike Neylan & Kevin Messenger

Bassel & The Supernaturals

Date: Saturday, March 6, 2026 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $35 General Admission ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Bassel Almadani is an activist and the frontman of the nationally touring funk-soul ensemble, Bassel & The Supernaturals. A first generation Syrian-American, he uses his platform to connect with communities while amplifying the voices of the Syrian diaspora and calling attention to the struggles of refugees worldwide. Beyond performing at concerts throughout the U.S., Bassel also organizes events and residencies with educational, cultural, and charity organizations related to his cultural heritage, empowering refugees and the next generations of artists to connect to their own cultural identity and use their artistry to uplift others.

Bassel & The Supernaturals isn’t just a funk fusion ensemble with captivating lyrics and a humanitarian mission, they’re a community building force. Blending funky grooves with the passionate melodies of soul and the playful intricacies of jazz, B&TS builds bridges across genres as well as cultures. Their musical influence is as diverse as the stages they frequent. From funk parties and jazz festivals, to community arts centers and local music venues, to educational workshops in grade schools and universities, B&TS promote fellowship everywhere they go. Frontman Bassel Almadani, a first generation Syrian American singer, songwriter, and activist for radical empathy, weaves his story as the product of immigrants from Aleppo throughout the group’s passionate, engaging, lively set. Whether you’re looking to unwind to some heartfelt music, enjoy the timeless storytelling of soul, or lose yourself on the dancefloor, come meet your neighbors and join the movement with Bassel & The Supernaturals.

Dallas Brass

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 8:00PM
Ticket Price(s): $40-$50 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

One of America’s foremost musical ensembles, Dallas Brass is a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion offering concerts enjoyed by the entire family! Each performance combines an extraordinary range of classical masterpieces, Broadway, Hollywood and American music. The group’s 40+ year career has taken them to Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the CBS Early Show, and countless national and international tours. Greatly committed to education, Dallas Brass will often invite a local high school band to join them on stage for a special collaboration. Current programs include American Musical Journey and their popular A Merry Christmas with Brass.

“A first rate brass ensemble….could have toppled the walls of Jericho!”
– The Washington Post

The Time Machine

Co-presented with Central West Ballet

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 7pm

Ticket Price(s): $27 – $36 ($4 per ticket fee included)
Venue: Madame Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis Theatre (EK Theatre)

Parental Guidance Suggested

Central West Ballet is the first in the world to take you on a journey with THE TIME MACHINE, a new Science Fiction Ballet Experience based on the classic novel by H.G. Wells! Thrilling, action-packed and visually striking from rich Victorian scenes to dystopian landscapes, The Time Machine breaks new boundaries in entertainment. If you loved Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Dracula and Frankenstein then you know The Time Machine is your ticket to a first of its kind. A brand new Halloween Sci-Fi experience!

Archives: Events

Lion, Witch & Wardrobe

Lion, Witch & Wardrobe

Ballet Hispanico New York

Ballet Hispanico New York

Jeff Allen: My ‘First’ Final Farewell Tour

Jeff Allen: My ‘First’ Final Farewell Tour

Ruben Studdard

Ruben Studdard

CIFFA International Film & Art Festival

CIFFA International Film & Art Festival

Celebrating Meatloaf: The Neverland Express

Celebrating Meatloaf: The Neverland Express

Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland

Bassel & The Supernaturals

Bassel & The Supernaturals

Dallas Brass

Dallas Brass

The Time Machine

The Time Machine

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