The 2026-27 Season
The Onyx Center for the Performing Arts opens its first season at home in Detroit, then travels to New York City, carrying one mission across two great American arts cities.
Upcoming - A Community Celebration
Defending the Light: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Woodie King, Jr.
Monday, July 27, 2026 - Detroit
The Onyx Center for the Performing Arts family is honored to join the Wayne State University Department of Theatre and Dance and Mind Your Business Art in a tribute to Dr. Woodie King, Jr., a pioneer of American theatre whose work helped shape the careers of Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Debbie Allen, Chadwick Boseman, Ron Milner, Bill Harris, and Ntozake Shange.
The evening features live performances, dramatic readings, tributes, archival exhibits, and the panel discussion "Keepers of the Flame: Black Theatre's Legacy, Leadership, and Future."
- Reception 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Celebration program 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Venue Hilberry Gateway Theatre, 4715 Cass Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48202
- RSVP [email protected]
The season at a glance
-
In Celebration of the Arts 2026
The Center's inaugural celebration in its home city. An evening honoring the artists, and the mission, that the Onyx Center brings to Detroit.
-
In Celebration of the Arts 2027
The celebration travels to the Center's New York partners, marking the inaugural season in the second of the two cities the Center calls its own.
-
Black Nativity
Langston Hughes' beloved gospel song-play retelling the Nativity story. A holiday centerpiece for the Center's first season.
-
Born to Sing
The world premiere of an original musical by Dr. Evelyn Collins and Gregg Payne - a heartfelt story of grief, resilience, and the healing power of the voice.
-
Trouble in Mind
Alice Childress' acclaimed backstage drama takes the stage as the season's second theatre production.
-
Summer Arts Institute
Intensive summer training for young artists, closing the inaugural season with the Center's education mission on stage.
Season Spotlight
Born to Sing
Born to Sing is an original musical with book and lyrics by Dr. Evelyn Collins and music by Gregg Payne. Following a successful workshop production in New York City, the musical will celebrate its world premiere in Detroit in March 2027.
The story follows 12-year-old Ella, a gifted young girl struggling to cope with the devastating loss of her mother. Overwhelmed by grief and believing she cannot go on, Ella loses hope and begins to lose sight of her purpose.
Guided by the loving spirit of her mother and the unwavering friendship of a young companion, Ella embarks on a transformative journey of healing, courage, and self-discovery. Through the power of music, she comes to understand that her voice is more than a talent - it is her calling. As Ella embraces the gift that has always lived within her, she discovers that she was truly born to sing.
Featuring an inspiring original score, Born to Sing is a heartfelt musical about grief, resilience, friendship, faith, and the healing power of love. It reminds audiences that even after life's darkest storms, there is always a rainbow after the storm, and that our greatest purpose often emerges through our deepest pain.
A Celebration with History
From earlier celebrations
Guest performers
In Celebration of the Arts has brought together a remarkable roster of guest performers, including:
- Lillias White
- Dormeshia
- Geoffrey Owens
- Natasha Yvette Williams
- Priscilla Baskerville
- Stanley Wayne Mathis
- Mamie Duncan-Gibbs
- Alvin Waddles
- Patience Higgins
- Antonio Watts
- Eve Sotto
Tickets and updates
Dates, venues, and ticketing details will be announced. For season updates, write to [email protected].