Playhouse on the Square's 58th Season

A guide to the 2026–27 season at Playhouse on the Square!

 

Playhouse on the Square kicks off its 58th season on July 10th, 2026, with a full year of drama, musicals, holiday shows, and family entertainment spread across three stages. Here is a look at what’s coming up.

exterior neon lights of Playhouse Theatre sign
Craig Thompson

SEASON 58 SHOW LINEUP

YOUR ROMEO

TheatreWorks@TheSquare  •  July 10 – 26, 2026

Set in 1847, YOUR ROMEO tells the story of actress Charlotte Cushman and writer Matilda “Max” Hays, who performed Romeo and Juliet together to wide acclaim while carrying on their own romance offstage. When their relationship ends, Max takes the remarkable step of suing Charlotte for alimony, forcing one final confrontation between two women navigating love and independence in a world that had few words for either. An intimate, emotionally rich start to the season.

MEAN GIRLS 

Playhouse on the Square  •  August 21 – September 13, 2026

Tina Fey’s beloved film comes to the main stage as a full Broadway musical. Cady Heron arrives at North Shore High after a childhood homeschooled in Africa and quickly falls into the orbit of The Plastics — with predictably complicated results. Sharp, funny, and energetic, it’s a crowd-pleasing late-summer outing.

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

The Circuit Playhouse  •  September 11 – October 4, 2026

Amy Herzog’s adaptation of Ibsen’s classic follows Dr. Thomas Stockmann, who discovers that his town’s popular spa is contaminated and expects to be celebrated for it — only to find himself up against a community more interested in protecting its reputation than confronting the truth. A thought-provoking drama that feels as relevant now as when it was written.

NARNIA

The Circuit Playhouse  •  November 6 – December 20, 2026

This stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ classic follows the four Pevensie siblings through the wardrobe into Narnia, a land ruled by the White Witch, where they must find the courage to break an ancient curse. A warm and imaginative holiday production that works well for families and returning fans of the books alike.

DISNEY'S FROZEN

Playhouse on the Square  •  November 13 – December 20, 2026

Based on the Disney film, FROZEN follows Anna on a journey to find her sister Elsa, whose powers have plunged their kingdom into an eternal winter. The show brings the familiar songs to life on stage and runs concurrently with NARNIA, giving families two options for holiday theater this season.

THE NIGHT SHIFT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The Circuit Playhouse  •  November 20 – December 20, 2026

An adult comedy that takes a loose approach to A Christmas Carol: Margot works the late shift at a Texas burger chain when she is visited by the spirit of her late best friend, kicking off a series of encounters that push her to reckon with herself. Funny and irreverent, and a good option if you’re looking for something a little different among the holiday offerings.

ATRIUM

TheatreWorks@The Square  •  January 8 – 24, 2027

After a pandemic, the wealthy built The Atrium: a sterile city where families no longer touch each other. When a young sculptor forms a connection with a “touch worker,” she must choose between safety and something more human before The Atrium closes itself off entirely. A quietly unsettling story that opens 2027 at TheatreWorks@The Square.

PURPOSE

The Circuit Playhouse  •  February 19 – March 14, 2027

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award, PURPOSE centers on the Jaspers, a prominent African-American family in Chicago whose family dinner becomes the setting for a series of unexpected confrontations. Set during the Civil Rights Movement, the play examines identity, ambition, and the weight of legacy with honesty and precision.

AIN'T TOO PROUD

Playhouse on the Square  •  March 26 – April 18, 2027

The true story of The Temptations, from Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Dominique Morisseau’s book captures the bonds and tensions within the group across decades of the music industry and the Civil Rights era, set to the group’s own catalog — including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.”

THE SHARK IS BROKEN

The Circuit Playhouse  •  May 7 – 30, 2027

Set aboard the Orca during the troubled filming of Jaws, this play puts Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider together while they wait for the malfunctioning mechanical shark to cooperate. What starts as professional frustration opens into something more personal. Written by Ian Shaw (son of Robert Shaw) and Joseph Nixon, it’s sharp, funny, and a little unexpected.

LES MISERABLES

Playhouse on the Square  •  May 28 – June 27, 2027

Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, LES MISERABLES follows ex-convict Jean Valjean’s journey toward redemption in 19th-century France, with Inspector Javert in relentless pursuit. The story expands across revolutionaries, a love story, and a sweeping cast of characters. A month-long run through late June closes out the season on the main stage.

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

Education Tour  •  Fall 2026 / Winter 2027

Adapted from Laura Numeroff’s popular children’s books, this Education Tour production follows Mouse’s irresistible chain of requests — one small act of generosity spiraling into ever more chaos — brought to life on stage with music and humor. The tour brings professional theater directly to schools and community spaces across the Memphis area. Performance dates will be announced as the schedule is finalized.

 

Don't forget! Season 57 is underway now. See what's coming up soon:


SEUSSICAL – 
Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty
The Circuit Playhouse -  March 13 – April 12, 2026
 

This beloved musical for Young Audiences captures the essence of Dr. Seuss's characters in a magical production by Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. From Horton the Elephant to The Cat in the Hat and Jojo, it's a journey through themes of friendship and community. Set in vibrant scenes from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, it's perfect for families and offers endless opportunities for creative discussion. 


JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – 
Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Playhouse on the Square – April 24 – May 17, 2026
 

This wildly popular and beloved rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber is finally taking Playhouse on the Square’s mainstage by storm. Loosely based on the Gospels' accounts of the Passion, the work interprets the psychology of Jesus and other characters, with much of the plot centered on Judas, who is dissatisfied with the direction in which Jesus is steering his disciples. Contemporary attitudes, sensibilities, and slang pervade the rock opera's lyrics, and ironic allusions to modern life are scattered throughout the depiction of political events in. 


PRIMARY TRUST – 
By Eboni Booth
The Circuit Playhouse – May 8 – 31, 2026
 

This new and dramatic Off-Broadway play tells the story of Kenneth, a 30-something African-American suburban bookstore worker with an imaginary friend who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. After being laid off from his long-time job, he considers applying for a new one at the Primary Trust Bank.  Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.


SWEENEY TODD – 
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
Playhouse on the Square – June 12 – July 12, 2026
 

A misunderstood man who is grieving the loss of his wife takes it upon himself to seek revenge.  Befriending a lonely owner of the local eatery, he enlists her help to bring justice to his family.  Swing your razor high, Sweeney – the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is coming at last to Playhouse on the Square.  Closing our season in a joint effort with our friends at Opera Memphis.

performers on stage posing
Bill Simmers

Plan Your Season

Season subscriptions for the 2026/27 season are on sale now. Single tickets are available as well, with general admission priced at $35. Senior citizens, military, and first responders receive tickets for $25, and children under 18 are $15.

More information is available at www.playhouseonthesquare.org, or you can reach the Box Office directly at 901-726-4656.

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About the Author

Hey, I’m Jalyn Souchek! Director of Content for the I Love Memphis Blog and a full-time Memphis hype woman. I’m proud to call the 901 home, and when I’m not sharing the best of the city online, you’ll probably find me repping the Grizzlies, taking coffee walks down South Main, catching live music, posted up at a dive bar or brewery, or chasing down my next favorite bite to eat. Come explore Memphis with me. I’ll show you why this city is easy to love.

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