February 23, 2026
An unforgettable lineup that celebrates community, imagination, and stories that live close to home
Orlando, FL – Orlando Shakes proudly announces its upcoming 38th season, a vibrant and powerful collection of stories that span continents, generations, and genres—each one rooted in what theater does best: bringing people together. From Broadway sensations to beloved children’s tales, bold comedies to sweeping Shakespeare, this season invites audiences to laugh, feel, reflect, and belong.
At the heart of the season is a belief that stories shape who we are—and where we are. This year’s lineup reflects that spirit with productions that explore home, resilience, joy, and identity, while honoring Orlando Shakes’ commitment to both classic storytelling and new work created for today’s audiences.
Signature Series:
- Come From Away (August 26 – September 27, 2026) – This Tony Award-winning musical shares the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers grounded in the wake of 9/11 and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Warm, funny, and deeply uplifting, Come From Away reminds us that community isn’t just where you’re from; it’s what you build together.
- Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (September 23 – November 8, 2026) – Get ready for FANGtastic fun in this hilarious comic vampire spoof! Packed with witty wordplay, pop culture references, and a nod to Mel Brooks and Monty Python, five actors sink their teeth into dozens of characters in this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud version of Dracula.
- Their Eyes Were Watching God (January 20 – February 14, 2027) – Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel blazes to life in this world premiere adaptation by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Set in Eatonville—just minutes from Orlando Shakes and the very community that shaped Hurston’s voice—this powerful new production brings the story home. Follow Janie’s breathtaking journey—lush, funny, aching, and fiercely alive—as she chases love on her own terms and refuses to shrink for anyone.
- As You Like It (March 3- March 28, 2027)– Fall headfirst into Shakespeare’s most romantic comedy! Bursting with mistaken identities, quick wit, and love in all its ridiculous forms, As You Like It sends us from the high-stakes drama of the court into a romantic, dreamlike forest of secret meetings, poems on trees, and flirtation at every turn.
- Richard III (April 7 – April 25)– Shakespeare’s most notorious villain spins his web of lies and claws his way to the crown through manipulation, betrayal, and sheer force of will. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize the ruthless family rivalries and shifting alliances in this thrilling end of the Wars of the Roses. Told in raw, “Bare Bard/Original Practices” style, Orlando Shakes’ actors will perform the play with no designers and no director – just like the acting companies of Shakespeare’s time!
Holiday Tradition:
- A Christmas Carol (November 25 – December 24, 2026)– Join us for a timeless celebration of redemption, hope, and the magic of the season. The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
Children’s Series:
- Corduroy (October 14 – November 8, 2026)– Embark on a heartwarming adventure with a beloved bear whose button has gone missing, and he can’t go home without it! Based on the cherished children’s book, this charming show highlights friendship, curiosity, and the joy of discovery.
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (April 14 – May 8, 2027)– Get ready for a cookie-fueled, kid-powered comedy! One tiny cookie turns into a hilarious chain of requests—straw, napkin, bedtime story, and a whole lot more—as Mouse’s big personality takes over the day.
New Play Development: PlayFest
- PlayFest (October 30 – November 1 & November 6 – 8, 2026) – Orlando Shakes’ annual festival of new works returns for two dynamic weekends of readings, workshops, and conversations with playwrights from across the country. PlayFest gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the future of American theater and the rare opportunity to help shape new plays before they reach stages nationwide.
A defining highlight of the season is Their Eyes Were Watching God, adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright James Ijames and co-commissioned by Orlando Shakes and Arden Theatre located in Philadelphia, PA. Set in Eatonville—just miles from the Orlando Shakes theater—this production brings Zora Neale Hurston’s iconic story home, both literally and spiritually. It is a rare opportunity to experience a
new work of national significance, deeply connected to Central Florida’s history and cultural landscape.
“This season reflects who we are as a community,” said Jim Helsinger. “It honors stories born right here, embraces voices from around the world, and creates space for laughter, wonder, and reflection. These are stories meant to be experienced together.”
In addition to the Signature, Holiday, Children’s Series, and PlayFest, Orlando Shakes will announce details about its upcoming Concert Series later this year.
Season subscription renewals go on sale on March 4, 2026, and offer the best way to experience the full season—along with exclusive savings, priority seating, and flexibility for busy schedules. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.
Whether you are a longtime subscriber or discovering Orlando Shakes for the first time, this season promises moments that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Subscriptions and ticket information are available at orlandoshakes.org.
About Orlando Shakes
Now in its 37th season, Orlando Shakes, in partnership with UCF, is Central Florida’s largest
non-profit professional theater, featuring classic, contemporary, and children’s plays at the
John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Conveniently located in Loch Haven Cultural Park,
just minutes from the heart of Orlando’s Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village Main Street
entertainment districts, Orlando Shakes is one of the region’s top date-night destinations. Visit
OrlandoShakes.org to learn more about our annual Signature Series, Children’s Series, PlayFest,
Concert series, and immersive educational programming.
** Orlando Shakes is sponsored in part by the City of Orlando, Division of Cultural Affairs, the
Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural
Affairs, and by United Arts of Central Florida, your local agency for the arts. Additional support
is also provided by generous individual and organizational donors. The mission of Orlando
Shakes is to enrich our community with engaging professional theater, inspiring educational
experiences, and thought-provoking new plays.
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” – The Tempest