By Brenda Hillegas

At 218 years old, Walnut Street Theatre — America’s oldest continuously operating theatre and a National Historic Landmark — has spent more than two centuries reflecting the tastes, tensions and triumphs of its audiences.

Now, as it steps into its 2026–27 season, the Philadelphia institution is once again aiming to surprise, move and endure with a lineup of five productions that range from Pulitzer Prize-winning plays to musicals that move the heart.

“In thinking about the 218th season, we wanted to create the perfect gift for our audiences,” says Producing Artistic Director Bernard Havard, who celebrates his own 44th season at the Walnut. “Each of these shows has the opportunity to become a defining example of excellent theatre and we have the honor of bringing them to life on the stage. We want this season to leave audiences astounded by what they just saw and thinking about it for years to come.”

Here is a look at what audiences can expect on stage during the 2026–27 season. 

‘The Addams Family’

Sept. 22 to Nov. 1, 2026

‘The Addams Family’ is a comical feast featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky family. Wednesday Addams is the ultimate princess of darkness and has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family, but her parents have never met him. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. In this hit musical, everything will change for the whole family when they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Disney’s ‘Frozen’

Nov. 17, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027

Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle in the kingdom of Arendelle, isolated from the rest of the world. When Elsa is crowned queen, magical powers she tried to conceal take control and she flees to the mountains. Anna sets off on a journey to find Elsa and bring her home, but not without the help of ice harvester Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. ‘Frozen’ is full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score. It’s a powerful story of sisterhood, acceptance and finding the real meaning of true love. Discover 12 new songs written especially for the musical plus favorites like ‘Do you Want to Build a Snowman?’ and ‘Let It Go.’

David Mamet’s ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’

Jan. 12 to Feb. 14, 2027

‘Glengarry Glen Ross,’ the Pulitzer Prize-winning play that took Broadway by storm, is set in a cutthroat Chicago real estate office where four salespeople compete to sell mostly worthless Florida properties to unwitting customers. Witness the ferocious comedy and drama of the high-stakes competition where each employee will do anything to come out on top in the never-ending scramble for their share of the American dream.

Noël Coward’s ‘Present Laughter’

Feb. 23 to March 28, 2027

As he prepares to embark on a world tour, stage matinee idol Gary Essendine’s life is in danger of spiraling out of control. His various relationships are trying to compete for his attention and his secrets are discovered right before leaving to go overseas. The few remaining days at home are a whirlwind of love, panic and soul-searching. This comedy brings a timely reflection of self-absorption, desire and the true cost of fame.

‘Come From Away’

April 13 to May 30, 2027

This is the true story of one small town and 7,000 stranded passengers from around the globe. ‘Come From Away’ is the exhilarating, award-winning musical that begins on Sept. 11, 2001, when 38 planes are diverted to the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland. The power of human connection is celebrated in this heartwarming and funny musical, reminding us that kindness can bring people together in the unlikeliest of times and hope can arise in the unlikeliest of places.

Subscriptions are available now for as little as $20 per show. For information on season subscriptions, call 215-574-3550 or visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org.