April 28, 2026
Media Contacts
Jennifer Neumann, Orlando Shakes
[email protected]
407.447.1700 ext.250
Schedule adjustments and the addition of The Mountaintop reflect a commitment to artistic excellence and the development of new work.
Orlando, FL – Orlando Shakes, in partnership with UCF, announces an update to its 2026–2027 Season. The revised lineup maintains the breadth and spirit of the originally announced season while introducing scheduling adjustments and one production change to support the continued development of a highly anticipated new work.
Their Eyes Were Watching God, originally scheduled for the 38th Season (2026–2027), will move to Orlando Shakes’ 39th Season (2027–2028) to allow additional development time for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames.
“At Orlando Shakes, our priority is always to serve both the work and our audience at the highest level,” said Cheryl Collins, Executive Director. “When a project needs additional time, we support that process so the final production can have the impact it deserves. We’re proud to continue developing Their Eyes Were Watching God with James Ijames and look forward to sharing it with our community in the 39th season.”
“This is a story rooted in the legacy of Eatonville and the lived experiences of Black communities that deserve to be honored with care, specificity, and intention,” said Roberta Emerson, Director of New Play Development. “Taking the time to continue developing this piece alongside our playwright ensures that when it reaches the stage, it does so with the depth, authenticity, and cultural integrity the story and our community deserve.”
In its place, Orlando Shakes will present The Mountaintop, a gripping and imaginative drama by Katori Hall that reimagines the final night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life—blending history, humanity, and a touch of the unexpected.
“The Mountaintop is a remarkable piece of theatre—dramatic, humorous, and deeply human,” said Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director. “It invites audiences to see Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not just as a historical figure, but as a man grappling with purpose, doubt, and legacy. It’s the kind of bold, thought-provoking work we’re excited to bring to our stages.”
Updated 2026-27 Season Lineup]
Signature Series
- Come From Away (August 26 – September 27, 2026) — unchanged
- Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (September 23 – November 8, 2026) — unchanged
- Richard III (January 13 – January 24, 2027) — updated dates
- As You Like It (February 17 – March 14, 2027) — updated dates
- The Mountaintop (March 17 – April 18, 2027) — new addition – After delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to his motel room, when an unexpected visit from a mysterious maid sparks a witty and soul-searching encounter. The Mountaintop reimagines his final night, revealing the man behind the legend and inviting reflection on his legacy and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
Holiday Tradition
- A Christmas Carol (November 25 – December 24, 2026) — unchanged
Children’s Series
- Corduroy (October 14 – November 8, 2026) — unchanged
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (April 14 – May 9, 2027) — unchanged
New Play Development: Playfest
- PlayFest (October 30 – November 1 & November 6 – 8, 2026) -unchanged
This updated season reflects Orlando Shakes’ continued commitment to bold storytelling, artistic excellence, and the development of new work, while ensuring every production is given the time and care it deserves.
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