The Reston Community Center is gearing up for an incredible year of live entertainment with its 2025-2026 Professional Touring Artists Series. The season kicks off Sept. 27 and runs through May 30, 2026, featuring 18 diverse performances in the newly renamed Leila Gordon Theater.
The venue, formerly known as Center Stage, now carries the name of Leila Gordon, who served as executive director and worked for Fairfax County for over 40 years. Gordon helped shape what the arts programming should be like at the community center.
“Leila was our executive director. She worked for Fairfax County for over 40 years, and she was the one who really cultivated what the stage in the arts there should be,” explained Kaitlyne Jones, the center’s Box Office Manager, who appeared on a recent episode of the County Conversation podcast.
The tech booth also received a new dedication to Linda Ifert, who worked behind the scenes for over 30 years, making sure lights, sound and staging met Gordon’s vision.
Season Opens with Vietnamese American Author
The season begins Sept. 27 with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen, who came to the United States as a refugee after the Vietnam War. Nguyen’s story offers audiences a chance to understand different perspectives on what America means to various people.
“We’re always trying to give the amplification of the voices who need to be heard,” said Jones. “It’s something that’s important to always diversify what we’re bringing. So, everyone gets a point on their soapbox, and we listen,” noted Jones on the intentional effort to feature diverse performers and voices.
After Nguyen’s presentation, guests can enjoy a reception with book signings, light food and a toast to start the new season.
Tickets cost $40 for Reston residents and $60 for non-residents.
Diverse Programming Appeals to All Ages
The season includes literature, music, dance, film and comedy performances. Jones highlighted several standout shows:
- Nobuntu, a female Zimbabwean a cappella group performing Oct. 29, offers what Jones describes as peaceful, calming music perfect for relaxation.
- Comedy fans can catch Aparna Nancherla on Nov. 8. The comedian, who has an HBO special coming out this fall, brings an existential style that resonates with everyday struggles.
- Holiday programming includes Navidad Flamenca, which celebrates Spanish and Puerto Rican traditions with music that makes you want to dance.
- The American Patchwork Quartet blends country, West African and East Asian sounds into one performance, appealing to fans of multiple music genres.
- For families with children, “Marooned! A Space Comedy” offers puppet theater set in outer space, combining artistry with kid-friendly entertainment.
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Features Prominent Scholar
The annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday celebration will feature Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., an author, scholar, and political commentator.
Glaude is a prominent scholar known for his impact as an author, political commentator and passionate educator. He explores the complexities of the American experience, particularly through the lens of race and democracy.
Jones has been preparing by listening to his college commencement speeches and reading excerpts from his book “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” which won the 2021 Stowe Prize.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Tickets range from $5 to $60, with most performances costing less for Reston residents due to the special tax district funding. One event will be completely free and non-ticketed.
Important ticket sale dates:
- Aug. 1: Reston residents only, 4-9 p.m. at the box office
- Aug. 8: Online sales begin at 9 a.m. for everyone
The intimate 260-seat theater means shows can sell out quickly, so early ticket purchases are recommended.
“I think there’s something to be said about captivating an audience in a small size. I think we are so used to seeing big, grand things. We’re like, oh, all the fireworks, all the fire, everything’s shooting out. But what can you do just with this [venue],” said Jones explaining the power of intimate performances at the Leila Gordon Theater.
Contact Information:
- Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com and navigate to “Things to Do” then “Performances”
- Phone: 703-476-4500 (press 3 for box office)
The Professional Touring Artists Series continues Reston Community Center’s mission to bring diverse, high-quality entertainment to the community while supporting both established and emerging artists from around the world.
The County Conversation Podcast
The “County Conversation” is a podcast featuring employees and subject matter experts from the Fairfax County Government discussing programs, services and items of interest to residents of Fairfax County. Listen to past episodes of “County Conversation.” To find other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.
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