Key Takeaways
- The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and Servant Stage are offering a diverse range of musicals and plays in their 2026 seasons.
- Ephrata Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a slate of shows that include popular works by Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein.
- The 2026 season features a mix of classic and contemporary musicals, edgy plays, and theatrical revues that explore themes of community, politics, and social justice.
- The season includes productions such as "Hadestown: Teen Edition," "Into the Woods," "Slave Play," "1776," and "Kiss of the Spider Woman," among others.
- The Ephrata Performing Arts Center is committed to showcasing young talent and promoting diversity and inclusivity in its productions.
Introduction to the 2026 Season
The 2026 season of the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and Servant Stage promises to be an exciting and diverse one, with a range of musicals and plays that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Ephrata Performing Arts Center, in particular, is celebrating a milestone anniversary, marking 45 years as a nonprofit theater company. The center’s artistic director, Edward R. Fernandez, has put together a slate of shows that features popular works by renowned composers and playwrights, as well as productions that explore complex themes and social issues.
Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s 2026 Season
The Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s 2026 season includes a mix of classic and contemporary musicals, as well as edgy plays that seek to challenge and provoke audiences. The season opens with "Hadestown: Teen Edition," a youth-driven adaptation of the Broadway show that reimagines the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. This production features a talented cast of young performers and promises to be an exciting and energetic start to the season. Other highlights of the season include "Into the Woods," a musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one’s actions.
Exploring Social Justice and Politics
The 2026 season also features productions that tackle complex social justice and political issues. "Slave Play," a provocative play by Jeremy O. Harris, explores themes of race, sex, power, and trauma, and promises to be a thought-provoking and uncomfortable watch. "1776," a musical about the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, offers a fresh perspective on American history, with a racially diverse cast and a nuanced exploration of the complexities of the founding fathers. "The Thanksgiving Play," a satire about performative activism, uses humor and irony to critique the ways in which we approach issues of social justice and cultural sensitivity.
Showcasing Young Talent and Diversity
The Ephrata Performing Arts Center is committed to showcasing young talent and promoting diversity and inclusivity in its productions. The center’s "Young Performers Production" of "Cinderella" features a cast of talented young artists aged 14-19, and offers a fresh and empowering take on the classic fairy tale. The center is also committed to continuing its "Evolution of Black Music" concert series, which celebrates the rich and diverse musical heritage of African American culture. The Queer Voices Festival, which has delivered staged readings during June’s Pride month, will also return in 2026, with a range of performances and events that showcase the talents of LGBTQ+ artists and writers.
Conclusion
The 2026 season of the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Ephrata Performing Arts Center, and Servant Stage promises to be an exciting and diverse one, with a range of musicals and plays that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s commitment to showcasing young talent, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and exploring complex social justice and political issues makes it a vital and vibrant part of the Lancaster County theater scene. Whether you’re interested in classic musicals, edgy plays, or theatrical revues, there’s something for everyone in the 2026 season.
