37 shows are set for Performing Arts Center next season. See what’s coming to SLO

Cal Poly Arts performances are back for its 40th anniversary season.

Thirty-seven acts are coming to San Luis Obispo over the next year, including several Broadway national tours, global dance companies and world-renowned musicians.

“We have a season of artists with a lot of variety and diversity with many different backgrounds, artistic disciplines and voices represented,” said Cal Poly Arts director Molly Clark.

Who is coming to SLO performing arts center?

Cal Poly arts is bringing a myriad of performances to the San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center. Some of the most popular are the Broadway national tours, for which Cal Poly tries to offer two-day show runs to address demand, Clark said.

The Broadway shows coming to San Luis Obispo this season include “Chicago” on Nov. 5, “Kinky Boots” on Dec. 1 and 2, “The Book of Mormon” on March 3 and 4 and “The Choir of Man” on Jan. 9 and 10.

Another performance Clark expects to be a big draw this season is Patti LuPone’s “Matters of the Heart” tour on Feb. 25. She has toured nationally and globally, singing over two dozen love songs.

Clark is particularly excited about Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience on Nov. 16, which blends blues artists and symphonic music to tell the story of the Mississippi Delta’s cultural roots and influence.

“There are limited locations where Morgan Freeman is appearing live with the show, and we are one of those locations,” Clark said.

Cal Poly Arts is also bringing actor Kal Penn to speak on his journey through Hollywood, Grammy award winner Chris Thile’s classical genius and Cirque Kalabanté’s acrobatic tricks.

“I encourage prospective audience members to be adventurous and curious to try out a new performer, Clark said. “Those experiences are some of the most fulfilling.”

How to snag tickets

Season subscriptions are available now until July 20. Around 700 people subscribe each year.

Season subscribers save 10% and waive the $2 processing fee when purchasing tickets to four or more shows, but the total cost depends on the shows.

Cal Poly faculty and staff subscribers save even more with a 20% discount plus the waiving of the $2 processing fee on regular season shows.

Subscribers can request seats, but their request is not guaranteed, according to SLO Arts Center’s website.

Singular tickets go on sale on July 28, and the price also depends on the show and seat. Cal Poly students can purchase discounted tickets starting at $17.

Although most shows can accommodate everyone, some events are in a special setting that limit the amount of attendees, Clark said. Some shows are in Cal Poly’s Miosi Hall which seats 1,286 people or Spanos Theatre which can fit around 500. For shows that are not sold out, tickets will be sold at the door.

Tickets are available at the ticket office, calpolyarts.org or via phone at 805-756-4849.