Whether a fan of the classics, looking for something new or eager to introduce others to Lehigh Valley theater, this year has great shows in store.
From familiar favorites including “Kinky Boots” and “Into the Woods” to newer shows like “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged,” 2026 is an exciting year for theater in the Lehigh Valley.
One musical to watch out for is the world premiere of “Starstruck,” a musical retelling of “Cyrano de Bergerac” featuring music by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls and written by “Fun Home” actress Beth Malone, alongside Mary Ann Stratton. Set in Idaho, the show follows a love triangle between a woman creating a dark sky reserve, an NPR journalist and a bar owner.
Many shows this year feature the theme of romance including the annual Shakespeare Festival’s “Romeo and Juliet” and the new musical “Madison Square Park,” written and performed by local talent.
Here’s a look at some of the shows you can enjoy.
January/February
“9 to 5: The Musical” (Music Box Players, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Feb 6-8, 13-15)
Based on the 1980 hit movie starring Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, “9 to 5: The Musical” is directed by Jimmy Williams, with musical direction by Holly Major Baker.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.musicbox.org.
Elisabeth Spencer, Amanda Reese, Cate McDonald and Mike Wawrzynek star in “9 to 5: The Musical,” opening Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Music Box Players in Swoyersville. (Courtesy Music Box Players)
“Madison Square Park” (Shawnee Playhouse, Feb. 14-15, 20-22)
This new musical by Michael DeMaio & Michael F. Bruck follows a romantic New York City tour guide who meets an edgy man during her daily walks in Madison Square Park and the love story that unfolds, much to their surprise.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.shawneeplayhouse.org.
“The Importance of Being Earnest” (Zoellner Arts Center, Feb. 20-28)
Lehigh University students will perform Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy about two clever young men, Jack and Algernon, who invent alter egos to escape social obligations, leading to chaos and forcing them to reckon with their decisions.
Tickets can be purchased online at zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu.
“Sweeny Todd” (Civic Theatre, Feb. 27-March 15)
With music by Stephen Sondheim, “Sweeny Todd” explores revenge and injustice and love through the eyes of Todd, who seeks retaliation against the man who wrongfully exiled him from the country.
Tickets can be purchased online at civictheatre.com/.
“Starstruck” (Bucks County Playhouse, Feb. 19-March 21)
Among this year’s theater highlights is the world premiere of “Starstruck,” a modern retelling of “Cyrano de Bergerac” set in Idaho. Written by Beth Malone and Mary Ann Stratton, with music by the Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers, the musical follows a love triangle between a dark sky reserve creator, an NPR journalist and a bar owner.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://bcptheater.org/.
March/April
“Steel Hearts: The John Henry Musical” (Shawnee Playhouse, March 6-8)
This new musical brings folk hero John Henry to life in a story of love, hope, chains and freedom. Set in the South and featuring an original indie-gospel score, Steel Hearts follows a man who dares to dream bigger than the chains that tried to hold him — and stronger than the machine that tried to replace him.
Tickets can be purchased at www.shawneeplayhouse.org/.
“Kinky Boots” (State Theatre Center, March 7-8)
A drag queen and heir to a shoe factory form an unlikely pair in this award-winning musical as they seek to revive the factory. An upbeat musical about inspiration and acceptance accompanied by a Cindy Lauper soundtrack, “Kinky Boots” is a modern classic.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.statetheatre.org/.
“Into the Woods” (Zoellner Arts Center, April 10-18)
A modern twist on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, this musical follows a baker and his wife on a quest to lift a witch’s curse. On their way, they meet characters like Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella along a path filled with unintended consequences.
Tickets can be purchased online at zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu/.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (Bucks County Playhouse, April 23-May 23)
Tensions are high in Mississippi as Maggie, “the Cat,” works to save her marriage as her father, Big Daddy, dies of cancer. The truth is up in the air as the family throws around accusations and blame about her husband’s sexuality and intentions during Big Daddy’s last days.
Tickets can be purchased online at bcptheater.org/.
May/June
“South Pacific” (Bucks County Playhouse, June 18-July 26)
Playing in time for America’s 250th birthday celebration, “South Pacific” is a musical about love and racism in the time of war. Set on a South Pacific Island in World War II, the show follows two couples whose relationships are complicated by racial divides and the impact that war has on them.
Tickets can be purchased online at bcptheater.org/.
“Hair” (Civic Theatre, June 20-July 5)
At the heart of this musical about counterculture and war resistance is Claude, a young man deciding whether to follow his draft notice during the Vietnam War. Together with his “tribe” of long-haired hippies living in 1960s New York City, Claude and his friends search for identity and meaning in a turbulent time.
Tickets can be purchased online at civictheatre.com/.
“The 21st Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival” (Touchstone Theatre, May 17)
One-act plays written by talented elementary and middle school students are performed by professional and community actors in this 90-minute annual show. The plays are written by students involved in the Young Playwrights Lab and are selected for their excellence.
Tickets can be purchased online at touchstone.org/season/.
“The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged” (Schubert Theatre at Desales University, June 24-July 12)
A comedic summary of Jane Austen’s works, this show, part of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, touches on all of her novels, including “Pride and Prejudice” and “Persuasion” during an 80-minute performance. It features three actors playing a range of characters and providing laughs to celebrate all of Austen’s works.
Tickets can be purchased online at pashakespeare.org/.
DeSales University’s Schubert Theatre, seen on Monday, May 30, 2016, hosts Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival shows. (Harry Fisher / The Morning Call)
July/August
“Rent” (Bucks County Playhouse, Aug. 13-Sept. 13)
Measuring a year in more than 525,600 minutes, young artists living in 1990s New York City navigate the struggle of living by their values as they pay for rent, battle AIDS and create meaningful art. Their experiences of love, loss and growth are reflected in the iconic soundtrack and set design of the show.
Tickets can be purchased online at bcptheater.org/.
“Romeo and Juliet” (Main Stage, Desales University, July 8-Aug. 2)
A Shakespeare classic that has passed the test of time, “Romeo and Juliet” is a play about feuding families whose children fall in love despite the circumstances and the struggle of forbidden love in the midst of conflict and hate.
Tickets can be purchased online at pashakespeare.org/.
The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. (Jose F. Moreno / The Philadelphia Inquirer)
September/October
“Whodunit, The Musical” (Pines Dinner Theatre, Sept. 5-Oct. 24)
A show full of mystery, this musical follows a wealthy woman whose Connecticut summer home becomes a scene of murder where everyone is a suspect. Tensions rise as the characters become trapped and bodies continue to pile up in the quaint town.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.pinesdinnertheatre.com/index.html.
November-December
“Holiday Inn” (Bucks County Playhouse, Nov. 19-Jan. 3)
When Jim Hardy leaves Broadway to live on a quiet farm, things aren’t peaceful for long. Working with a spunky schoolteacher, he tries to save the farm from foreclosure by transforming it into the “Holiday Inn,” but complications arise when Hardy’s old partner comes to town and tries to take what Hardy has built out from under him.
Tickets can be purchased online at bcptheater.org/.
Jing Williams is a freelance writer.