Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will perform in Orem this September as part of a fall concert tour featuring her signature collection of American musical theater songs. The upcoming performance in Utah follows the singer's recent summer season on Broadway.
Fall Tour Schedule
McDonald's fall tour includes a stop at Utah Valley University, where she will be accompanied by a trio consisting of pianist and conductor Andy Einhorn, drummer Gene Lewin, and bassist Mark Vanderpoel. The Orem engagement is part of a multi-city itinerary that also features stops in Iowa City, Iowa; Fairfax, Virginia; and Worcester, Massachusetts.
In addition to the tour dates, McDonald is scheduled to headline several high-profile special events throughout the autumn season. These include a September 15 concert with Seth Rudetsky at Chicago’s Steely Wolf Theatre and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s season-opening gala featuring Yannick Nézet-Séguin on September 18. She is also slated to perform for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra's 90th season-opening night on September 21.
Distinguished Artistic Career
The singer's upcoming schedule also includes a performance for the annual benefit of The Jessye Norman School of the Arts in Augusta, Georgia, on October 13. McDonald's career is marked by significant achievements across stage, screen, and concert halls, having earned a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award.
Her versatility as an artist has led to recognition from both the literary and political worlds; in 2015, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people. She was also honored with the National Medal of Arts, America's highest honor for achievement in the field, presented by President Barack Obama.
Record-Breaking Tony Awards
McDonald's theatrical history includes an unprecedented run of success in the early stages of her career. Within her first four years of Broadway success, she secured three Tony Awards for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, and Ragglime. She later achieved a fourth Tony for A Raisin in the Sun and a fifth for her lead role in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.
She made history as the most decorated performer in Tony Awards history by winning her sixth award for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. This achievement made her the first person to receive awards in all four acting categories. Her recent Broadway work includes a 2024–25 revival of Gypsy.
Orchestral and Opera Work
Beyond the theater, McDonald has established herself as a major recording and concert artist. She has performed with many of the world's most prominent orchestras, including the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony. Her work under conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir Simon Rattle, and Esa-Pekka Salonen has solidified her presence on the global stage.
Her classical and opera achievements include a debut at the Houston Grand Opera in 2006 and a Los Angeles Opera debut in 2007. The latter production, alongside Patti LuPone, earned her two Grammy Awards for Best Opera Recording and Best Classical Album.
Television and Media Presence
McDonald's presence in television is equally extensive, ranging from her early introduction to audiences on the Peabody Award-winning CBS program Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years to more recent roles. She has appeared in various series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Private Practice, and The Good Wife.
She also maintains a high profile as a television host and guest, appearing on programs such as The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and various PBS specials. Her performance in the 2013 live telecast of The Sound of Music was viewed by an estimated 18.5 million people.
UVU School of the Arts
The upcoming performance at Utah Valley University aligns with the mission of the UVU School of the Arts, which focuses on preparing students to become engaged and professional artists. The school emphasizes opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals through performances and outreach activities.
UVU's School of the Arts provides various degree paths, including Bachelor's and Associate degrees, as well as minors in fields such as Art & Design, Dance, Music, and Theatre. The university also manages the Museum of Art at Lakemount and the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.
Legacy of Excellence
As McDonald prepares for her September tour, she continues to be recognized as one of the greatest living stage actors. Her upcoming stop in Orem offers local audiences a rare opportunity to witness the work of an artist who has shaped modern American musical theater.
