PETER PAN, DRACULA and More Set for Genesius Theatre 2026 Season
The season will also feature The Behavior of Light, Pirates of Penzance, Kids Edition and more.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Jan. 15, 2026
Genesius Theatre has unveiled their 55th Season, brimming with eight fairies, a vampire, a hobgoblin, two boatloads of pirates, a mess of mermaids, and a runaway heiress. Artistic Director Douglas Carter Beane has dubbed 2026’s lineup, “a season of adventure,” which is fitting as Genesius embarks on a new journey under his acclaimed leadership. This season’s shows blend classic stories, world premieres, family-friendly productions, and theatrical reinvention – all infused with humor, heart, and imagination.
Genesius Theatre’s 2026 season lineup includes…
THE BEHAVIOR OF LIGHT
February 19, 20, 21, 22
Written & Directed by Douglas Carter Beane
Back by popular demand, this encore engagement of Beane’s acclaimed original play returns after an enthusiastic response in December. The Behavior of Light is both sentimental and self-aware, abstract and accessible, and above all, fast, funny, and deeply felt. If you missed it the first time, now’s your chance to experience what everyone’s been talking about.
PIRATES OF PENZANCE, KIDS EDITION
March 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15
Music, Lyrics and Libretto by Gilbert & Sullivan
Adapted for kids by Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Dara Tatarowicz
Enter the topsy-turvy world of Gilbert and Sullivan, lovingly edited for young performers. Packed with patter, pirates, and playful wit, this version boasts one bold band of pirates and a whole lot of fun for audiences of all ages.
PETER PAN
April 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
Written by J.M. Barrie
Co-Directed by Douglas Carter Beane & James Haggerty
Presented in the original 1905 American version, Peter Pan overflows with imagination: flying children, a fairy, a mess of mermaids, and boatloads of pirates. With a cast made up of blended ages and a story that resonates differently but just as deeply across generations, this production is fun for kids and wise for adults.
RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA: KIDS EDITION
July 23, 24
World Premiere Kids Edition
Adapted (again!) by Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Becka Malanios
If you caught Gensius’ sold-out run of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2022, you saw a Douglas Carter Beane original script! Now, Tony-nominated Beane, who got his own start as a child at Genesius, returns to adapt the show once more for the next generation of performers. Magical, quirky, and filled with heart, Cinderella continues Genesius’ commitment to introducing young audiences to great musical storytelling.
AESOP’S FABLES
August 21, 22
World Premiere Musical
Directed by Becka Malanios
A world premiere musical that will be created by Genesius Kids in the rehearsal room! Young performers will be encouraged to discover their own artistic interpretations of classic stories, like The Tortoise and the Hare, The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Fox and the Sour Grapes, and The Country Mouse and the City Mouse.Immense fun, timeless wisdom, and lessons for today, told by the next generation of theater-makers.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
September 25, 26, 27 & October 1, 2, 3, 4
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Douglas Carter Beane
Shakespeare’s most rollicking comedy gets a Genesius twist – it’s set in a dance club. Expect troublemakers, crisscrossed lovers, a magic potion, and more fairies – six to be exact – plus one adorable hobgoblin. Wild, physical, and laugh-out-loud funny.
DRACULA
October 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31
Adapted by Hamilton Dean & John L. Balderston from the novel by Bram Stoker
Directed by James Haggerty
The original stage adaptation that made Bela Lugosi a star and Frank Langella a sensation returns to chill audiences this Halloween. Gothic, romantic, and thrilling – perfect for spooky season.
SOCIETY HILL
December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26
Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Music & Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin
Directed by Douglas Carter Beane
Musical Arrangements & Performance by Michael O’Flaherty
A cracking new musical comedy like a black-and-white Katharine Hepburn movie come to life. A Philadelphia debutante, engaged to the season’s catch, gets a DUI and falls for the man she meets while doing community service. Featuring Gershwin classics including “The Man I Love,” “But Not for Me,” “Sweet and Lowdown,” and “Lady Be Good,” newly arranged by Genesius co-founder Michael O’Flaherty.
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