Genesius Theatre has announced its 55th season, unveiling a 2026 lineup that blends classic works, original productions, family-friendly programming and world premieres under the theme “a season of adventure”.
Artistic Director Douglas Carter Beane, who is leading the theater through its next chapter, described the season as an opportunity to bring audiences of all ages together through imaginative storytelling. “This season is about leaning into wonder,” Beane said. “It’s about children and adults performing and sitting side by side, laughing at the same joke for different reasons. It’s about old stories made brash and new again, and new stories discovered together”.
Season 55 opens with The Behavior of Light on Feb. 19–22, an encore presentation of Beane’s original play that previously drew strong audience response. The production is written and directed by Beane and returns following its December run.
In March, Genesius will present Pirates of Penzance, a family-focused adaptation by Beane of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic, running March 6–8 and March 12–15. The production is directed by Dara Tatarowicz and tailored for young performers and audiences.
Peter Pan follows in April, presented in the original 1905 American version. Co-directed by Beane and James Haggerty, the production runs April 10–12 and April 16–19 and features a cast spanning multiple age groups.
Summer programming includes Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Genesius Kids Edition, a world-premiere adaptation by Beane, directed by Becka Malanios, on July 23 and 24. The theater will also debut Aesop’s Fables, a world-premiere musical created by Genesius Kids, running Aug. 21 and 22.
The fall season brings A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Beane and set in a dance club, running Sept. 25–27 and Oct. 1–4, followed by Dracula, directed by James Haggerty, scheduled for Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 29–31.
Season 55 concludes with Society Hill, a new musical comedy with a book by Beane and music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, running Dec. 11–13, Dec. 18–20 and Dec. 26. Musical arrangements and performance are by Genesius co-founder Michael O’Flaherty.
Founded in 1971 in Reading, Genesius Theatre continues its mission of bold storytelling and arts education alongside its mainstage productions. The organization also plans to continue its monthly pay-what-you-will cabaret series, Walnut Street Sessions, and host its second annual play reading series this fall.
For more information about the season and upcoming productions, visit the Genesius Theatre website.
