The McSwain Theatre will feature the Glenn Miller Orchestra Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, led by tenor saxophonist Erik Stabnau, brings the unforgettable sound of swing to life with the music of legendary bandleader Glenn Miller.
“The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a big band,” McSwain General Manager Jae L. Stilwell said. “From vocals, horns to drums, they have some of the best music ever. The band plays all kinds of great songs — music you will recognize and love to dance to.”
Featuring more than 1,700 arrangements, the orchestra is renowned for its signature sound, where the clarinet carries the melody, doubled by the tenor saxophone.
Traveling nearly 100,000 miles each year and performing close to 300 concerts across the United States and around the world, the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to delight audiences of all ages. This celebrated ensemble now brings its iconic sound to Ada, Oklahoma, for a special performance at the historic McSwain Theatre — an evening of timeless music you are sure to enjoy.
“Glenn Miller was huge back in the 1940s. You could dance to just about all their songs. Slow, medium and fast songs — they are all great. They are a multipiece band. Two singers will be coming, a man and woman. Kind of like a Frank Sinatra and Doris Day sound,” Stilwell said.
In the past, attendees have dressed in period clothing of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Those who come to the McSwain to enjoy the evening may dress in period clothing if they wish.
“The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been to the McSwain twice before,” Stilwell said. “Some members of those audiences have dressed like they were going to an old 1940s club. This band takes you back in time, when people were a little glitzier. It’s a great time for people to enjoy an era that is no more.”
Ticket prices depend on seating, with upper balcony seats costing $30, lower balcony seats $35, and center, back left and right of stage, $35. Seats on the first four rows closest to the stage are $45. Remaining front left and front right seats are $40.
For special rates for groups of 15 or more, contact the McSwain for more information.
“We have all ages come to our shows,” Stilwell said. “We have had a school call to see if they could bring a group from their jazz band to see this performance.”
Stilwell said the McSwain Theatre is a venue for community and fellowship.
“We are all about community involvement at the McSwain. Without the community, we wouldn’t exist. We try to bring a little bit of everything for families to enjoy together. With a performance like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, we want the young to enjoy a different era of music.”
About the McSwain Theatre
This magnificent family destination attracts a wide variety of music fans of all ages.
Experience the monthly country music variety show featuring Jae L. Stilwell and the Crossover Band or catch a classic movie on the McSwain Theatre big screen. Family shows, comedy acts, variety shows and children's entertainment are fan favorites. The theater is also equipped to host stage plays, special events and more.
The McSwain Theatre has a long history full of imagination and entertainment.
Prominent Ada business owner Foster McSwain built the theater in 1920 as a home for silent films and vaudeville acts.
He decided to make the theater business a career after watching his first motion picture in 1910 in Enid, Oklahoma.
The theater grew up with the city of Ada. According to the May 29, 1929, issue of The Ada Evening News, the McSwain was the site for the showing of the first “talkie” picture in Ada, which was "Canary Murder Case," a Paramount-released murder mystery.
The McSwain stage has hosted Nashville stars, Branson favorites and talent from across the state.
Ada native Blake Shelton was a regular performer at the theater for two years before moving to Nashville and recording his first chart-topper.
In 2002, the Chickasaw Nation purchased the theater. One of the first orders of business was to retain theater manager Jae L. Stilwell to continue overseeing the theater and producing the live performances. An effort began to upgrade and restore much of the original look of the 1920s theater.
For more information, call (580) 332-8108, visit McSwainTheatre.com or visit the McSwain’s Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly known as Twitter) pages for more details. The McSwain Theatre is located at 130 W. Main St., Ada, Oklahoma.