Orlando Shakes has announced its 38th season, a lineup of productions that the organization says spans continents, generations and genres, running from August 2026 into May 2027. The season includes its Signature Series, a holiday tradition, a children's series and the annual new play festival PlayFest.
The Signature Series opens with Come From Away (August 26 through September 27, 2026), a Tony Award-winning musical about 7,000 airline passengers grounded in the wake of 9/11 and the Newfoundland town that welcomed them. It continues with Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (September 23 through November 8, 2026), a comic vampire spoof performed by five actors in dozens of roles; Their Eyes Were Watching God (January 20 through February 14, 2027), a world premiere adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's novel by playwright James Ijames, set in Eatonville; As You Like It (March 3 through March 28, 2027); and Richard III (April 7 through April 25), performed in a style without designers or a director, as Orlando Shakes describes the practice of Shakespeare's time.
A Christmas Carol returns November 25 through December 24, 2026. The children's series features Corduroy (October 14 through November 8, 2026) and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (April 14 through May 8, 2027). PlayFest runs October 30 through November 1 and November 6 through 8, 2026, with readings, workshops and conversations with playwrights. The season highlight, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was co-commissioned by Orlando Shakes and Arden Theatre in Philadelphia.
Press release issued by Orlando Shakes:
https://orlandoshakes.org/orlando-shakes-announces-a-season-of-belonging-bold-stories-and-timeless-classics/
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