The 2026-2027 Season
Pinocchio
By Carlo Collodi
Adapted and Directed by Greg Banks
September 8-October 18, 2026
Best enjoyed by ages 5-10
Using only paint brushes, scaffolding, and wallpaper rolls, five theatre painters inventively retell Pinocchio’s quest to become a “real boy.” Along the way, big questions arise—how do he and Gepetto end up inside a whale, will the good fairy really fly, and what’s the deal with Pinocchio’s nose? In this music-filled play, Pinocchio discovers empathy and accountability—the things that truly bring a person to life.
Twelve Kinds of Ice
Book, music, and lyrics by Ben Steinfeld
Directed by Rick Dildine
October 13–November 22, 2026
Best enjoyed by ages 10 and up
Glide through winter’s magic as Ellen recalls icy childhood adventures with her father. In this world premiere musical, frozen ponds become skating shows, hockey games, and moonlit solos. Watch ice form before your eyes and then melt your heart.
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Based on the Book How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason
Music by Mel Marvin
Music Direction by Jason Hansen and Victor Zupanc
Choreography by Karla Grotting
Directed by Dean Holt
November 3, 2026-January 3, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 5 and up
Climb up to snowy Mount Crumpit and revel in the holiday story that makes hearts grow three sizes! In this hit musical spectacular, the grumpy green Grinch plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville—until one small voice and a spark of holiday spirit help him discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical
Written by Nina Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Austin Zumbro
Produced by Third Wish Productions
January 12-February 7, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 4-7
Chicka chicka boom boom! Will there be enough room? Flip flop flee and find out as big-personality letters scramble up the coconut tree to a mixtape of lively songs. From adventurous A, B, and C to the lonely balladeer Z—and LMNOP, the ultimate boy band—this playful musical adventure celebrates music, literacy, and big alphabet fun, with plenty of chances to clap and join the fun.
Havana Hop
Written, choreographed, and performed by Paige Hernandez
With original music by Nick “Nick tha 1da” Hernandez and Kris Funn
Direced by Danielle Drakes
Commissioned by Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts
Developed by Playhouse Square
January 22-31, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 2-6
Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar, but stage fright keeps holding her back. When she visits her grandmother in Cuba, she adds a salsa spark to her hip-hop style and discovers the joy of her cultural roots. In this lively, audience-participation play, one actress brings three generations of women to life—inviting everyone to dance along.
Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Book, music, and lyrics by Jared Corak and Christopher Anselmo
Developed and directed by Addie Gorlin-Han
February 23–April 4, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 7 and up
Celebrate Minnesota’s finest tradition, the state fair. Between farm chores, Mom’s famous butterhead, and big teenage dreams—from 4-H contests to country music stardom—the Berglund family dives into a whirlwind of crowds, food, and one unforgettable ride on Ye Old Mill. And it’s a musical. Oh yeah, you betcha!
Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart
Created and Performed by Joshua Messado
March 12-21, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 5-12
Prepare to be amazed as the wildly entertaining Mr. Messado dazzles with astonishing tricks, clean comedy, and plenty of surprises. In this interactive spectacle, you’ll shout the magic words—or even join him on stage. Storytelling, mischief, and mind-bending magic await!
School of Rock The Musical
Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White
Book by Julian Fellowes
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Rick Dildine
May 4-June 27, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 10 and up
Based on the hit movie, the Broadway musical School of Rock follows struggling rocker Dewey Finn as he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding band. What begins as a wild plan to win a cash prize becomes an unforgettable journey of confidence, creativity, and rock ’n’ roll.
Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar
Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth
By Moses Goods in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings
Directed by Eric Johnson
May 14-23, 2027
Best enjoyed by ages 7 and up
In the late 1800s, young Native Hawaiian student Joseph Kekuku discovered a sound that would change music forever. By sliding steel across his guitar strings, he created the “Hawaiian sound,” inspiring blues, country, and rock and roll. Featuring thrilling live Hawaiian slide guitar and stunning projections, this powerful true story celebrates curiosity, innovation, and the global journey of one musical spark.
The 2026-2027 Season Sponsors
