A concert featuring “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton is among 13 shows Poway OnStage has booked for its 2025-26 Professional Performance series. “I’m thrilled to be bringing Wayne Newton to Poway,” said Poway OnStage Executive Director Sharlene O’Keefe about the Nov. 1 performance at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. “What’s most special about this show is that it’s a chance to not only experience a true entertainment legend in person, but a rare chance to hear the stories behind the songs,” she said. “It’s all the nostalgia of the classic hits plus personal moments and memories that make the evening unforgettable.” Tickets for Newton’s concert, along with all of the other shows, go on sale to E-Club members on Friday, July 11 and to the general public on Saturday, July 12. The mix of theatrical offerings will appeal to all ages — from young children through seniors. “From rock legends and country icons to classic Motown, contemporary circus and Broadway hits, our new season reflects Poway OnStage’s mission to present diverse, world-class arts experiences for our community,” O’Keefe said. “I’m especially excited about some of the new experiences we’re bringing to the stage this season,” she said. “(They vary) from the Broadway-style spectacle of ‘A Musical Christmas Carol’ to the debut of ‘International Guitar Night,’ which features three world-class guitarists and an incredible ukulele virtuoso. “I’m also deeply moved to present ‘Not the Right Mom,’ a beautifully written and heartfelt story that will resonate with anyone connected to the journey of raising a child with autism,” O’Keefe said. The season opens on Saturday, Sept. 27 with Cassie B performing an evening of Taylor Swift’s iconic hits. The “Dream Like Taylor” show has been described as not just a tribute concert, but “an immersive musical experience that invites audiences to relive the enchanting eras of Taylor Swift’s illustrious career.” The show was conceived by Cassie B — a San Diego resident — and developed at UC San Diego. The 7 p.m. concert will be preceded by a family-friendly Back to School Party on the PCPA Plaza that benefits Poway OnStage’s Arts in Education program. There will be food, specialty desserts, hands-on activities, a prize wheel, silent auction and opportunity drawing. “I’m also excited to be launching our new Back to School Party alongside the ‘Dream Like Taylor’ concert,” O’Keefe said. “It will be a vibrant, joyful fundraiser that shines a spotlight on the vital role arts education plays in our community. We can’t wait to feel the energy and excitement the Swifties will bring to our concert.” Tickets are $39-$57 for adults; $35-$50 for seniors (65-plus), active duty military and students (ages 13-21); and $24-$33 for youths (12 and under). Jaime O’Neal, a platinum-selling country artist and multiple Grammy nominee, will perform hits such as “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels” during her show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Those who arrive early will be able to attend the Poway Days Party on the Plaza that will include food, artisan vendors, line dancing, hands-on activities and opportunity drawings. Tickets are $54-$73 for adults; $47-$63 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $32-$41 for youths. Broadway’s Rock of Ages Band — featuring the original cast musicians from the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical — will take to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 with the music of Bon Jovi, Journey, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, Poison, Styx, Joan Jett and others from the ‘80s rock era. The band has performed more than 2,000 shows on Broadway during the musical’s run and their show focuses solely on the music. Many of them also performed with the original artists who made the songs famous. Tickets are $64-$78 for adults; $56-$68 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $37-$44 for youths. Newton will be sharing his iconic hits and personal stories from his six-decades-long career during the 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 “Up Close and Personal” concert. The program will include his signature song “Danke Schoen” and tunes such as “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast” and “Red Roses for a Blue Lady.” Tickets are $89-$119 for adults; $77-$103 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $49-$64 for youths. This year’s holiday show is “A Musical Christmas Carol” with performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Attendees of all ages will get to see a fresh, Broadway-style adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story featuring Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet-to-come. Tickets are $54-$78 for adults; $47-$68 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $32-$44 for youths. The first show of the New Year will be the children’s show “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. It features a 60-minute musical adaptation of the acclaimed picture book and was written by Mo Willems himself. It combines humor, original songs and interactive fun that is “perfect for young audiences.” The musical version is described as “more than just a children’s show; it’s an introduction to the joys of live theater. By combining a beloved story with professional production values, it offers an accessible and enjoyable experience that can spark a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts in young audiences.” Tickets are $35-$49 for adults; $31-$43 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $22-$29 for youths. International Guitar Night XXVI at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 will feature musicians Stephanie Jones, a classical guitarist from Australia; Alexandr Misko, a creative fingerstyle guitarist from Russia; Lucas Imbiriba, a rock/flamenco guitarist from Brazil; and Taimane, a ukulele player from Hawaii. Tickets are $48-$68 for adults; $42-$59 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $29-$39 for youths. “Cirque Flip Fabrique: Blizzard” will blend breathtaking acrobatics, live music and stunning imagery at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27. This contemporary circus production seen in 12 countries delves into the multifaceted nature of winter. Tickets are $54-$74 for adults; $47-$64 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $32-$42 for youths. The popular Back to the Garden is returning with another story concert, this time with “1965-A Music Revolution” in two shows. They are 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13 and 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The concert will feature music from 1965 by Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, James Brown, John Coltrane and others. According to the show’s description, “1965 (was) … the most ground-breaking year in music history ever. It was the year rock and roll evolved into the premier art form of its time and accelerated the drive for personal freedom throughout the Western world.” Tickets are $64-$78 for adults; $56-$68 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $37-$44 for youths. Drum Tao is back by popular demand with its traditional Japanese taiko drumming combined with acrobatics and stunning visuals. The two shows will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Since its founding in 1993, Drum Tao has performed in more than 500 cities and been seen by nearly 10 million spectators. Tickets are $69-$89 for adults; $60-$77 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $39-$49 for youths. Former Journey lead vocalist Steve Augeri will perform the music of Journey, including classic songs “Don’t Stop Believin” and “Faithfully” and other songs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. In addition to being Journey’s lead vocalist from 1998 to 2006, he was involved with many other music projects throughout his career. These include being a founding member of the band Tall Stories, forming the Steve Augeri Band and joining the supergroup Bad Penny. “As a lifelong Journey fan, the Steve Augeri concert is truly one of the shows I’m most looking forward to this season,” O’Keefe said. “I vividly remember playing Journey records in my living room, singing along to every word. Being able to experience the former lead singer perform live in our intimate space will be incredible for fellow fans like me.” Tickets are $74-$94 for adults; $64-$81 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $42-$52 for youths. “Not the Right Mom: A Full Spectrum Comedy,” a heartfelt solo comedy show, will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Megan Dolar will talk about raising a son on the autism spectrum, sharing the challenges, joys and chaos with humor, warmth and brutal honesty, according to the show’s description. “‘Not the Right Mom’ is a truly special opportunity to recognize the shared experience of raising a child with autism,” O’Keefe said. “Having seen the show, I can say it’s an amazingly well-written and heartfelt account that blends humor and honesty in a way that deeply resonates with anyone touched by this journey.” Tickets are $39-$51 for adults; $35-$45 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $24-$30 for youths. Closing the 2025-26 season will be “Forever Motown: So Good for the Soul” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16. The show will be a tribute to the iconic sounds of Motown, featuring nearly 30 hits from legends like The Temptations, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell, The Four Tops and Stevie Wonder. Tickets are $58-$81 for adults; $51-$70 for seniors, active duty military and students; and $34-$45 for youths. E-Club members will have exclusive pre-sale access to tickets at 1 p.m. Friday, July 11, while the public sale starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12. It is free to join the E-Club. Visit powayonstage.org or call 858-748-0505 for details on joining E-Club or to purchase tickets. The Poway Center for the Performing Arts is at 15498 Espola Road.