American Dreams with Brian Stokes Mitchell

Returning to SPAC for the first time since 2014, two-time Tony® Award–winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell leads an “American Dreams” program, highlighted by his narration of Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait — a stirring reflection on unity, equality, and democratic responsibility. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the program also pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s landmark performance of the work at SPAC 50 years ago.

The evening continues with Broadway favorites, including "Wheels of a Dream" from Ragtime (the role Mitchell originally brought to life), "The Impossible Dream" (Man of La Mancha), Iryna Aleksiychuk’s Go Where the Wind Takes You… (dedicated to the courageous women of Ukraine), and concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9.

Conductor Marin Alsop is featured. Highlights from her biography included in this program information:

• One of the foremost conductors of our time; the first woman to serve as the head of major orchestras in the United States, South America, Austria, and Great Britain.
• Recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship; founder of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship (36 award winners to date hold over 30 music director or chief conductor positions).
• Serves as Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Polish National Radio Symphony; Principal Guest Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra and The Philadelphia Orchestra; Chief Conductor of the Ravinia Festival.
• First female conductor of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms; Berlin Philharmonic debut in 2025.
• 2025–26 Carnegie Hall Perspectives artist; season highlights listed include concerts with major orchestras and the world premiere of John Adams’ The Rock You Stand On (dedicated to her).
• In 2021 she became Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; winner of the 2025 Golden Baton Award from the League of American Orchestras.

About Brian Stokes Mitchell (selected highlights):

• Dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times; two-time Tony Award winner with a career spanning Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances.
• Received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his performance in Kiss Me, Kate; Tony-nominated for Man of La Mancha, King Hedley II, and Ragtime.
• Other Broadway credits include Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jelly’s Last Jam, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and Shuffle Along.
• Awarded the Isabelle Stevenson Tony in 2016 for charitable work with The Actors Fund; inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 2016.
• Performer across jazz, opera, pops, country, and musical theater; has worked with John Williams, Marvin Hamlisch, Gustavo Dudamel, Keith Lockhart, Michael Tilson Thomas, and others.
• Multiple Carnegie Hall appearances; invited twice to perform at the White House (both aired on PBS’s Great Performances); has performed for Presidents Clinton and Obama.
• Musical background includes piano from age 6; self-taught in composing, arranging, and orchestration; studied film scoring, orchestration, and conducting privately and through UCLA; has scored and conducted TV episodes and produced/arranged his solo albums.
• Extensive screen credits from Roots: The Next Generations and Trapper John, MD to recent recurring roles on Madam Secretary, Mr. Robot, The Path, Billions, and The Good Fight; other TV appearances include The Blacklist, Elementary, and Bull. Voice-over credits include DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt.
• Writing credits include contributions to Hirschfeld’s Harlem, the preface to At This Theatre, and co-authoring the children’s book Lights on Broadway.
• For fun, he has been known to fly planes and jump out of them (usually not at the same time), and he can ride a bicycle on a high wire.
• Active in charitable organizations; on the board of Americans For the Arts and serving his 16th term as Chairman of the Board of the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund).

Permitted items

• Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
• Blankets and breathable ground coverings
• Umbrellas (please note: only personal-sized umbrellas will be permitted on the amphitheater lawn)
• Lawn chairs (must not exceed 43" in height when opened; lawn chairs on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26" in height when opened)
• Tents (please note: tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage)

Items Not Permitted

• Metal utensils
• Plastic tarps
• Lawn chairs over 43" in height when opened
• Tents on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
• Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
• Laser pointers
• Drones
• Professional audio or video recording equipment
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
• Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
• Illegal drugs or substances
• Weapons of any kind

Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day

Ground Rules

• Security procedure: all bags will be inspected, and all personnel will be searched via metal detectors. Bags include coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Prohibited items should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
• Smoking is permitted on the SPAC grounds in designated areas only; please dispose of cigarette butts properly.
• Guests may bring blankets and umbrellas but should consider others; disruptive items may be removed on request.
• Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events with a reentry wristband obtained from staff at the gates prior to exiting.
• SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. Report concerns to SPAC staff or security immediately.

Amphitheater House Rules for Classical Performances

• Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater, but food is not.
• Guests arriving after the performance begins will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity at the discretion of House Staff.
• Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the start of the program. If an emergency requires mobile use, please step outside the theater.
• Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.