The York Theatre’s 2026-27 season will include two new musicals—Truly, Howard Hughes and Kilgallen—as well as the return of the New2NY Series, reaffirming the Off-Broadway company’s mission to develop, produce, and celebrate new musical theatre.
The world premiere of Truly, Howard Hughes—about the late aviator, filmmaker, businessman, and recluse—will be presented September 9–October 4. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Paulson-Lee, the new musical features a book by Frank Evans, Paulson-Lee, and James Scully; lyrics by Evans and Chad Gorn; and music by Scully. Truly unfolds as Hughes
revisits his life during his final moments, confronting
the one thing his power and fortune could never secure.
Another world premiere will follow, Kilgallen, running November 28–December 27. Featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Chuck Strand and additional music by George Petersen, this true crime musical spotlights Dorothy Kilgallen, the most powerful
female journalist of the 1950s who died under suspicious circumstances in 1965.
Three musical titles to be announced will be part of the return of the NEW2NY Series, which spotlights new work. Running March 6-April 11, 2027, the series features staged concert presentations of developing musicals.
The York Theatre has also announced a partnership with TheaterWorksUSA that will bring the company’s work to The York’s current home at The Theater at St. Jean’s. Three productions are scheduled for the upcoming season: The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System (music and lyrics by Matthew Lee Robinson and a book by Marshall Pailet; January
16, 2027), The Pout-Pout Catfish (book
by Christopher Anselmo, Jared Corak, Matt Acheson, and Fergus J.
Walsh and music and lyrics by Christopher Anselmo and Jared Corak; May
2), and Click, Clack, Moo (book by Billy Aronson, lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, and music by Brad Alexander; May 23).
“Building on the momentum of last season, we are proud to present eight musicals in the year ahead, including an exciting collaboration with TheaterWorksUSA,” said Producing Artistic Director Joseph Hayward in a statement “The York has a long and proud legacy of launching new musical works. At this very moment, our production of Gotta Dance, presented in association with Riki Kane Larimer, is enjoying a commercial run at Stage 42, with more exciting news to come in the weeks ahead. As always, we remain committed to developing exceptional new work, bringing the finest talent to the Upper East Side, and above all, keeping our theatre accessible and affordable.”
Casting and additional creative team members will be announced at a later date.
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