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Curtain Up on 2026: The Shows We Can’t Wait to See

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At Great Performances, our story began in the arts. Founded as a waitress service for women in the performing arts, we’ve grown into one of the country’s leading catering and hospitality companies — yet our connection to culture, creativity, and community has never wavered. We’re proud to partner with theaters, museums, performance venues, and arts organizations across New York and beyond, fueling the experiences that inspire audiences every day.

As someone who travels around the world to experience theater — from major premieres to hidden-gem regional productions — I’m always excited for the upcoming season. And looking ahead to 2026, an extraordinary lineup of theater, opera, and new works is ready to take center stage. Whether you’re crafting your cultural calendar or searching for the perfect stocking stuffer (nothing beats the gift of live performance!), here are the productions topping our watchlist.

Broadway & New York Premieres

Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

  • Longacre Theatre
  • Opens November 20, 2025

A vibrant, contemporary musical following an unlikely duo — an upbeat Brit and a no-nonsense New Yorker — navigating secrets, second chances, and the magic of the city.

Stocking Stuffer Alert: A charming pick for anyone who loves modern, heart-forward musicals.

GIANT

  • Music Box Theatre
  • Previews March 11, 2026
  • Opens March 23, 2026

A gripping portrait of Roald Dahl and the scandal that shook his legacy. After a lauded West End run, this thoughtful, provocative drama arrives on Broadway with high expectations.

CATS: The Jellicle Ball

  • Broadhurst Theatre
  • Previews March 18, 2026

Fresh off its PAC sold out run, a reimagined, ballroom-infused revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic. With bold choreography, glittering design, and a Vogue-worthy edge, this production promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about events.

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

  • Barrymore Theatre
  • Previews March 30, 2026
  • Opens April 25, 2026

August Wilson’s powerful 1911-set masterpiece returns, exploring identity, healing, and the resilience of Black travelers navigating the Great Migration. A must-see for lovers of rich, character-driven drama.

Moby Dick

  • BAM – Howard Gilman Opera House
  • April 29 – May 3, 2026

Robert Wilson’s visually striking, avant-garde retelling of Melville’s novel lands at BAM, featuring a haunting score by indie musician Anna Calvi. Expect something bold, hypnotic, and wholly original.

El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego

  • The Metropolitan Opera
  • May 14 – June 5, 2026

A magical-realist opera that brings the tempestuous love story of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to vivid life. With a luminous score by Gabriela Lena Frank and staging inspired by the couple’s iconic artwork, this is a standout for opera and visual arts lovers alike.

Beyond Broadway: Regional Highlights

Come From Away

  • Paper Mill Playhouse
  • February 4 – March 1, 2026

The beloved musical returns locally, celebrating community, kindness, and the power of human connection.

The Recipe

  • La Jolla Playhouse
  • February – March 2026

A funny, heartfelt new play tracing Julia Child’s early years — from Pasadena to Paris and beyond — as she discovers her passion, purpose, and voice. A perfect match for the food-and-culture lovers in our GP community.

Support the Arts — Wherever You Are

As you plan your 2026 arts adventures, remember that the magic of live performance thrives not only on Broadway and major stages, but in communities everywhere. Consider supporting:

  • National tours bringing Broadway favorites across the country
  • Regional theaters developing new work
  • Community playhouses that nurture local talent
  • High school and college productions where the next generation of artists takes the stage

Every ticket purchased helps keep the arts vibrant, accessible, and sustainable.

At Great Performances, we’re honored to continue uplifting the artistic spirit that started our journey — and we can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us, on stage and beyond.

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