As the lights dim and the curtain rises, the 2026 theater season in the DMV promises to be a spectacular showcase of creativity, storytelling, and unforgettable performances. From Broadway blockbusters to intimate world premieres, the region’s stages are set to dazzle audiences with a diverse lineup of productions. Here’s your guide to many of the must-see shows that will define the year.
The National
- Stereophonic (February 10 – March 1): A gripping new show that explores the dynamics of a 1970s rock band, blending music and drama in a way that will resonate long after the final note.
- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (March 18 – April 5): A timeless tale brought to life with stunning visuals and beloved songs.
- Suffs (June 16-28): Direct from Broadway, comes the acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote.
- The Notebook (August 18-30): A musical based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film.
Shakespeare Theatre Company
- Paranormal Activity (January 28 – February 7, 2026): A thrilling new stage adaptation of the popular film franchise, bringing suspense and chills to Harman Hall.
- Antony & Cleopatra (January 9 – 25, 2026): Presented by Synetic Theater, this visually stunning production reimagines Shakespeare’s tale of love and power.
- On Beckett (February 11 – March 15, 2026): A one-man showcase exploring the comedy and tragedy of Samuel Beckett’s works.
- Hamnet (March 17 – April 12, 2026): A poignant exploration of Shakespeare’s son and the impact of loss on the Bard’s life and work.
- Eddie Izzard performs The Tragedy of Hamlet (March 27 – April 11, 2026): A unique and captivating interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
- Othello (May 19 – June 21, 2026): Simon Godwin directs Wendell Pierce (Elsbeth, The Wire) in Shakespeare’s towering tragedy about the power of words to kill.
Kennedy Center
- West Side Story (May 8 – 23): Experience the Leonard Bernstein, Jerome Robbins, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents classic on a grand scale.
- Back to the Future: The Musical (July 7 – 19): The beloved cinematic classic reimagined as a Broadway musical.
Arena Stage
- Chez Joey (January 30 – March 15): A jazzy, high-stakes tale of romance and ambition.
- Inherit the Wind (February 27 – April 5): Based on the real-life Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this electrifying courtroom drama pits two towering legal minds against each other in a small-town battle over science, religion, and the right to think freely.
- The Motion (May 6 – June 14): A fiercely intelligent and emotionally charged exploration of humanity.
- CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical (June 12 – August 9): A celebration of the iconic R&B group TLC, blending music and storytelling.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
- The World to Come (February 3 – March 1): A visionary exploration of humanity’s future.
- Travesty (March 24 – April 12): A sharp, satirical look at the absurdities of modern life.
Mosaic Theater Company (Atlas Performing Arts Center)
- Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest (March 26 – April 26): The musical tells the story of how the murder of Emmett Till inspired a young John Lewis to dedicate his life to service, from leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and working alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serving in the U.S. Congress.
- Precarious (June 4 – 28): A world premiere comedy about family, climate change, and generational divides.
Warner Theatre
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (January 30 – February 8): A celebration of modern dance and cultural storytelling
Ford’s Theatre
- 1776 (March 13 – May 16): This popular American musical is an insightful, vibrant and humorous take on our founding fathers’ determination to do the right thing for their fledgling nation
Signature Theatre
- Safety Not Guaranteed (March 3 – April 12, 2026): A new indie-rock musical based on the film of the same name, exploring themes of time travel, love, and adventure.
- Pippin (May 12 – July 26, 2026): Stephen Schwartz’s masterpiece about ambition, purpose, and glory, brought to life with dazzling performances.
- What Became of Us (June 16 – July 26, 2026): A D.C. premiere of a poignant play about two siblings navigating their relationship over the course of a lifetime.
Capital One Hall (Tysons, VA)
- Kinky Boots (January 31 – February 1): A heartwarming and high-energy musical about acceptance and fabulous footwear.
- Dog Man: The Musical (April 3 & 4): A hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.
Everyman Theatre
- Dawn (February 1 – March 1): A world premiere by Tuyết Thị Phạm, author of the acclaimed Dinner and Cake and recognized for her powerful writing on the topics of family, culture, and identity.
- Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (March 22 – April 19): A Tony Award-winning comedy about family tensions and longing for relevance.
- Emma (May 17 – June 14): A lively, modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic romantic comedy.
Hippodrome Theatre
- Next to Normal (March 6 – 15): Not just a musical—it’s a daring, boundary-breaking work that transformed what musical theatre can be.
- Kimberly Akimbo (Apr 28 – May 3): A Tony Award-winning musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order).
