What is Grand Night?
Each summer, UK Opera Theatre puts on It's a Grand Night for Singing!, a popular musical revue featuring the best of Broadway's past and present, starring more than 100 UK Opera Theatre and community performers. In 2017, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Grand Night and won an Emmy for the KET broadcast of the production.
What can you expect from Grand Night? A little of everything! From large dance numbers to heartfelt solos to a duet from Everett and Alicia Helm McCorvey. And, of course, a much-anticipated piano medley from Tedrin Blair Lindsay. Check out our Grand Night-inspired Spotify playlist below!
What's your favorite part of Grand Night?
Photo by Mark Mahan
Why Grand Night?
In 1992, the new director of the opera program, Everett McCorvey, wanted his students to learn how to sing and dance for musical theatre, affording them expanded job opportunities. Jim Rodgers, then chair of the UK Department of Theatre, knew his students would have more job opportunities if they could sing and dance. So, they created an early summer song and dance revue. The title - “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” - stems from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “State Fair."
Join us at Grand Night and we promise you'll have fun and hear a wide range of Broadway tunes from talented students and community members!
Who is Grand Night?
The cast of Grand Night is selected through auditions in March and is comprised of talented singers from Lexington and the surrounding community as well as students from the University of Kentucky. Many productions have also included a children's cast. Beyond the folks you see singing and dancing on stage, we have an amazing crew and a live orchestra!
Where is Grand Night?
Grand Night is performed at the Singletary Center for the Arts on UK's campus. Tickets can only be purchased through our box office, singletarycenter.com or 859-257-2949. Beware of scalper sites who charge a higher ticket price!
Parking can be a challenge on campus. Visit this page for tips on parking.
It's a Grand Night for Singing! 2025
Grand Night Media
Watch the rebroadcast of the Emmy Award-winning 25th anniversary "It's a Grand Night for Singing!" HERE. Watch our special pre-show event below with interviews from Grand Night alums.