Announcing Stages' 2025–26 Season

Sterling Stage | Sept. 19 – Oct. 12

WRITTEN BY Stefano Massini
ADAPTED BY Ben Power
DIRECTED BY Derek Charles Livingston
LEAD PRODUCERS Mady & Ken Kades

An epic examination of the American dream

In 1844, Hayum Lehmann arrives in New York from Bavaria to make his way in a new world. After changing his name to Henry Lehman, he and his brothers start a small fabric business that evolves over generations to become a powerful international finance firm. More than a century later, the firm spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, leaving unprecedented disaster in its wake. This sweeping generational saga questions how we define heroes and villains — and where we draw the line between them. Showcasing tour-de-force performances by three actors playing multiple characters, the real-life story of the Lehman brothers unfolds with surprising elegance and astonishing theatricality.

Levit Stage | Oct. 10 – Nov. 2

WRITTEN BY Tony-Award nominee Dominique Morisseau

Past and present collide in this vibrant tribute to sisterhood

Two generations of sisters navigate class, race, love, and family in Mud Row, set in an area in the East End of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Regine must decide the fate of a house she never wanted, the same house where Toshi’s been squatting for three months. Elsie is willing to do anything to move up in the world, while her sister Frances is willing to risk her life to change it. Beneath the roof of one house, generations apart, these women must confront their shared legacies, and each other, in this riveting, humorous, and hopeful story about the love between sisters from one of America’s most vital voices.

Smith Stage | Nov. 28 – Dec. 28

ADAPTED BY Joe Landry

Experience the magic of Bedford Falls live!

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings the beloved holiday classic to life in a unique and heartwarming way. Set in a 1940s radio station, the show features live sound effects, commercial breaks, and a talented cast bringing the iconic characters of George Bailey, Mary Hatch, and Clarence the angel to the stage. Experience the timeless story of hope, community, and redemption like never before. With captivating performances and nostalgic charm, this play will make you feel the magic of the season. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through Bedford Falls that will warm your heart and inspire your spirit! Starring Stages’ very own “Buttons” of fifteen years of Panto productions, Ryan Schabach, as George Bailey.

Smith Stage | Feb. 27 – Mar. 22, 2026

WRITTEN BY Lloyd Suh

Producer George C. Lancaster

The untold story behind the spectacle

Inspired by the true story of the first Chinese woman to step foot in America, Lloyd Suh’s critically-acclaimed play, The Chinese Lady, is a tale of dark poetic whimsy and a unique portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of a young Chinese girl. In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy sailed into New York Harbor and was immediately put on display for a paying public who were mesmerized by her exotic ways and horrified by her tiny bound feet. As audiences follow Moy’s travels through America as a living exhibit for decades, The Chinese Lady shares her impressions of a young country struggling with how to define itself.

Levit Stage | Mar. 27 – Apr. 19, 2026

Based on the Book by Cheryl Strayed
Adapted for the Stages by Nia Vardalos
Co-Conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos

Producer John and Monica Isgren

Finding strength in the questions we ask

Based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed and inspired the 2023 Hulu original series. Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos,Tiny Beautiful Things personifies the questions and answers that ”Sugar” published online from 2010 to 2012. When the struggling writer was asked to take over the unpaid, anonymous position of advice columnist, Strayed used empathy and her personal experiences to help those seeking guidance for obstacles both large and small. Tiny Beautiful Things is a play about reaching out when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions that have no answers.

Smith Stage | May 8 – June 7, 2026

WRITTEN BY matthew paul olmos

Producer Walt and Syma Zerkow

World Premiere from Stages’ Sin Muros Festival

Commencing in 1971 Los Angeles near Olivera Street where Monterey lives with her family, that drive is a journey in which first, nerdy love, Chicano pride, self worth, and machismo intertwine. The story literally and figuratively traverses Monterey’s life and the town after which she’s named in this beautiful play filled with mysterious premonitions, poetic language, powerful imagery, and transcendent emotions to arrive at profound understanding and reconciliation.

Sterling Stage | May 29 – June 21, 2026

Created and written by Gerard Alessandrini

Producer Michael and Debra Dishberger

TWO HILARIOUS MUSICALS AT THE SAME PERFORMANCE

Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway, and performed by a versatile cast of six, Spamilton: An American Parody is a side-splitting musical parody. Enjoy a crash course in everyone’s favorite Broadway blockbusters, including celebrity satires, pop culture zings, all accompanied with hip-hop on the piano! After tearing it up in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution in Houston!

Only Stages has decided to pair Hamilton creator
Lin Manuel Miranda’s short, musical gem 21 Chump Street with the Broadway musical homage, Spamilton.

Smith Stage | July 25 – Aug 17

WRITTEN BY Roger Bean

MUSIC BY Jon Newton

DIRECTED BY Mitchell Greco

The creator of The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Andrews Brothers and Sh-Boom! Life Could Be A Dream brings us a brand new boot-scootin’ musical! After inheriting the Wishy Washy Washeteria from her grandmother, Lana Mae hires Katie to help run the business, but the two soon join forces to convert their good ol’ laundromat into the town’s hottest honky-tonk. This hilarious musical is packed with a country song list that spans decades of classic and contemporary hits from “I Fall to Pieces” and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin” to “Take It Back” and “Wide Open Spaces”.

Levit Stage | Dec. 12 – 28

WRITTEN BY Ginna Hoben

After seeing her fiance kiss another woman at the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart — just in time for the holidays. Over the next year, she stumbles back into the dating world, where “romance” ranges from weird and creepy to absurd and comical. It seems nothing can help Mary’s growing cynicism, until the charm and innocence of a five-year-old boy unexpectedly brings a new outlook on life and love. This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season.

Levit Stage | Dec. 13–24, 2025

Introduce the magic of theater to your family with these morning matinees for children! Plus plenty fun activities and hot cocoa. Recommended for ages 3-13.

Sterling Stage | Jan. 16 – Feb. 8, 2026

WRITTEN BY Rick Pasqualone and Denise Fennell

Lead Producer Robin and Danny Klaes

Beloved fan favorite Denise Fennell, best known for her role as Sister in Late Nite Catechism, returns to Stages for The Bride. Fresh off it’s record-breaking run in 2023 right here at Stages, THE BRIDE has gone on to tour nationally to audience and critical acclaim.

With less than two hours until her wedding, a bride of a certain age begins to question the meaning of love, life, and the ritual of marriage. Drawing inspiration from her own life and the advice of the audience, The Bride will lead to the decision of a lifetime: Will she or won’t she?

Smith Stage | Aug. 5 – 16, 2026

WRITTEN BY MARIPAT DONOVAN

The church needs a new roof, so Father Murphy has decided that Sister, with her extensive gambling experience running the Church Bingo for the last 25 years, will organize a Las Vegas Night! Sister will tackle topics ranging from magicians to show girls. Don’t forget: “What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas,” but God sees everything!