Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., has announced its upcoming 2025/26 season, marking its 75th anniversary. This significant milestone showcases the theater’s ongoing dedication to presenting diverse and impactful works that resonate with both the community and the broader national narrative.
Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif emphasized the theater’s mission, stating, “The story of Arena has always been rooted in a simple, powerful truth—that theater, at its best, is a gathering place for reflection, for revelation, and for joy.” She expressed excitement over the anniversary, noting that it not only recognizes the past but also looks forward to new stories and voices.
This season will feature nine dynamic productions, beginning with a fresh adaptation of the classic musical Damn Yankees, which has been revitalized for contemporary audiences. The adaptation, spearheaded by award-winning creators including Will Power and Doug Wright, retains the beloved elements of the original while offering a modern twist. The musical, renowned for its humorous storytelling and vibrant characters, will run from September 9 to November 9, 2025.
Following this, the theater will present Fremont Ave., a multi-generational play by Reggie D. White, exploring themes of love, legacy, and identity through the lens of a card game that brings familial tensions to light. Directed by Lili-Anne Brown, it is set to run from October 8 to November 23, 2025.
In December, audiences can look forward to the return of Step Afrika!‘s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, featuring high-energy performances and holiday cheer, promising fun for the entire family from December 5 to December 21.
The new year will usher in a reimagined version of Pal Joey. This beloved musical about a charming vocalist caught between aspirations and romantic entanglements will introduce new material while retaining the essence of its classic score. Co-directed by Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn, the production will run from January 30 to March 15, 2026.
Arena Stage will then revisit the seminal play Inherit the Wind, directed by Ryan Guzzo Purcell. This drama, adapted from the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, examines the clash between science and faith in America, scheduled to be performed from February 27 to April 5, 2026.
Subsequently, Lameece Issaq’s A Good Day to Me Not to You will focus on the tumultuous life of a 40-something woman navigating her chaotic life while pursuing her dreams. This piece, with its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, is set for performances from March 27 to May 3, 2026.
Next in the lineup is The Motion, penned by Christopher Chen and directed by Sharif. This complex exploration of identity and belief emerges from a debate that spirals into profound questions about human existence, scheduled for May 6 to June 14, 2026.
Later, CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical will celebrate the iconic girl group TLC, showcasing their music and the story behind their legacy. This musical, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, will feature their chart-topping hits and run from June 12 to August 9, 2026.
The season will conclude with My Joy is Heavy, a poignant reflection on mourning and connection as expressed through song, by the Obie-winning duo The Bengsons. This deeply emotional piece is set for summer performances in 2026.
2025/26 Season Highlights
DAMN YANKEES
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Book by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop
New Adaptation by Lucille Lortel Award Winner Will Power and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winner Doug Wright
Directed and Choreographed by Tony Award Winner Sergio Trujillo
In the Fichandler Stage | September 9 – November 9, 2025
FREMONT AVE.
By Colman Domingo Award Winner Reggie D. White
Directed by Helen Hayes Award Winner Lili-Anne Brown
In the Kreeger Theater | October 8 – November 23, 2025
STEP AFRIKA!’S MAGICAL MUSICAL HOLIDAY STEP SHOW
In the Fichandler Stage | December 5 – December 21, 2025
PAL JOEY
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Lorenz Hart
New Book by Academy Award Nominee Richard LaGravenese
Co-Directed by Tony Goldwyn and Savion Glover
In the Kreeger Theater | January 30 – March 15, 2026
INHERIT THE WIND
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Directed by Ryan Guzzo Purcell
In the Fichandler Stage | February 27 – April 5, 2026
A GOOD DAY TO ME NOT TO YOU
By Lameece Issaq
Directed by Lee Sunday Evans
In the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle | March 27 – May 3, 2026
THE MOTION
By Christopher Chen
Directed by Hana S. Sharif
In the Fichandler Stage | May 6 – June 14, 2026
CRAZYSEXYCOOL – THE TLC MUSICAL
Written and Directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah
In the Kreeger Theater | June 12 – August 9, 2026
MY JOY IS HEAVY
By The Bengsons
Directed by Rachel Chavkin
In the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle | Summer 2026
Tickets are now available through Arena Stage’s website or via phone. As a pioneering regional theater, Arena Stage continues to play a vital role in American culture, showcasing works that reflect diverse experiences and fostering educational engagement and community involvement.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com