Tampa\u2019s professional theaters have released their show schedules for the 2026-2027 season, and as always, before us is a mixed bag of compelling dramas and more lighthearted far.<\/p>\n
In case you missed it: St Pete theaters announce 2026-27 play seasons<\/a><\/p>\n Check the individual company websites for information on summer \u201926 shows.<\/p>\n Several of these new season schedules are incomplete or abbreviated, as the dearth of funding from Tallahassee, for going on three years now, is being strongly felt. There is uncertainty as to just how to carry on. On both sides of Tampa Bay, theaters are adding \u201cbelt-tightening\u201d to their list of professional skills.<\/p>\n Stageworks Theatre Artistic Director Karla Hartley will guest on Friday\u2019s edition of our Arts Alive! podcast to discuss the issue.<\/p>\n In the meantime \u2026 the show must go on.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Tampa Repertory Theatre<\/p>\n Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice. Nov. 6-22, Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center. A co-production with ThinkTank Theatre. Based on the book by Ridley Pierson and Dave Barry, it\u2019s prequel of sorts to J.M. Barrie\u2019s Peter Pan.<\/p>\n Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play, Dec. 4-23, Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center. Adapted by Lance Arthur Smith\/Original Songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz. Is the Kris Kringle at Macy\u2019s Department Store the real Santa Claus? Depends who you ask.<\/p>\n Job by Max Wolf Friedlich. Dates (April) and venue TBD. A tense drama revolving around a troubled young woman and her therapist.<\/p>\n Burn This by Lanford Wilson. July 9-25, 2027, Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center. Anna is mourning the death of her collaborator and roommate Robbie when Pale, Robbie\u2019s older brother, enters into her life and brings a menacing yet enticing presence to her grief-stricken world.<\/p>\n Tampa Rep website<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Jobsite Theater<\/p>\n Misery by William Goldman, adapted from the novel by Stephen King. Oct. 14-Nov. 8, Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center. Injured in a car accident, novelist Paul Sheldon is held captive by his \u201cNumber One\u201d fan, deeply disturbed former nurse Annie Wilkes.<\/p>\n The 2023 production of Misery was one of the highest-grossing in Jobsite history. Every performance in its five-week run sold out. In this go-round, Summer Bohnenkamp and David M. Jenkins return as Annie and Paul.<\/p>\n Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, Jan. 13-Feb. 7, Jaeb Theatre in the Straz Center. Original score by Jeremy Douglass. Shakespeare\u2019s well-loved comedy about star-crossed lovers, mistaken identities and town gossip.<\/p>\n John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, March 10-April 4, Shimberg Playhouse in the Straz Center. Set in 2018, it re-examines Arthur Miller\u2019s The Crucible through the eyes of modern high school girls in rural Georgia.<\/p>\n Proof by David Auburn, May 12-June 6, 2027, Shimberg Playhouse in the Straz Center. Auburn\u2019s Pulitzer Prize winning drama concern the mathematician daughter of a recently-deceased genius, and her grapples with mental instability, crippling insecurity and her own potential genius.<\/p>\n The Hobbit adapted by Greg Banks from the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, July 14-Aug. 8, Jaeb Theater in the Straz Center. Choreographed by Alexander Jones. Yes, it\u2019s the tale of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures with the wizard Gandalf, a bunch of dwarves, a dragon and others in Middle Earth.<\/p>\n TBD Aug. 18-Sept. 5, 2007, Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center.<\/p>\n Jobsite Theater website<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Stageworks Theatre<\/p>\n Jane Austen in 89 Minutes by Syrie James. Sept. 25-Oct. 11. A fast-paced, comedic review of Austen\u2019s novels in a \u201cdelightfully chaotic and condensed theatrical experience.\u201d<\/p>\n Holiday Incorporated by (former bay area resident) Jonathan Van Dyke, Dec. 4-20. \u201cWe are especially excited to support and showcase new work from a local artist with strong ties to the community,\u201d reads the official Stageworks announcement, which explains thusly: \u201cThe play explores the commercialization of modern holidays through satire, humor, and sharp social commentary, while examining how tradition, consumerism, and connection collide during the most emotionally charged times of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0The Roommate by Jen Silverman. March 5-21. A dark comedy (performed by St. Pete\u2019s American Stage back in 2019), it pairs uptight midwestern housewife Sharon with free-spirited New Yorker Robyn, who possibly has a shady past. Things happen, and it\u2019s not the Odd Couple one might expect.<\/p>\n TBA. May 21-June 13.<\/p>\n Stageworks will also host Tampa Works, a weekend featuring original 20-minute plays written by local Tampa Bay playwrights. And the Act 2 Series continues.<\/p>\n