Key Takeaways
- Tulane University’s Summer Lyric Theatre and the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival have announced their 2026 seasons, featuring a range of classic Broadway shows and Shakespearean plays.
- Summer Lyric Theatre will present three musicals: "Chicago," "La Cage aux Folles," and "A Little Night Music."
- The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival will feature two Shakespearean tragedies, "King Lear" and "Macbeth," as well as a comedy by Molière and a night of unprompted theatrical hilarity.
- The seasons will include a range of special events, including a bonus show and a pair of lagniappe events featuring The Fools Ensemble.
- Tickets and information are available at liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre or neworleansshakespeare.org.
Introduction to the Seasons
Tulane University’s two powerhouse theatrical programs, Summer Lyric Theatre and the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival, have announced their 2026 seasons, featuring a range of exciting shows and events. The seasons were unveiled at a special kickoff event on the Uptown campus, giving audiences a sneak peek at what’s in store for the upcoming year. With a total of six shows, plus a bonus event, there’s something for everyone in the 2026 seasons.
Summer Lyric Theatre’s Musical Lineup
Summer Lyric Theatre is celebrating its 59th season, and it’s pulling out all the stops with a trio of classic Broadway blockbusters. The season kicks off with "Chicago," directed by Jaune Buisson, which runs from June 18-21. This Kander and Ebb classic is a "thriller-diller" of a show, featuring the merry murderesses of the Roaring ’20s. Next up is "La Cage aux Folles," directed by Diane Lala, which runs from July 9-12. This story of glamour, glitz, and empowerment features Jerry Herman’s iconic tunes and Harvey Fierstein’s book. Finally, the season wraps up with "A Little Night Music," directed by Ricky Graham, which runs from July 30 through August 2. This Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler classic is a farcical look at complicated human relationships, set against the backdrop of a circus.
The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival’s Lineup
The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival is also offering a range of exciting shows and events in its 33rd season. The festival will feature two Shakespearean tragedies, "King Lear" and "Macbeth," as well as a comedy by Molière and a night of unprompted theatrical hilarity. "King Lear," directed by Jana Mestecky, runs from May 22 through June 2, and tells the classic story of a king, his daughters, and the dark futures they experience. "Macbeth," directed by Graham Burk, runs from June 26 through July 12, and features murder, tyranny, and mayhem in one of Shakespeare’s most popular works.
Special Events and Lagniappe
In addition to the mainstage shows, the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival will also feature a pair of lagniappe events, featuring The Fools Ensemble. These events will take place on June 13 and July 8, and will feature the ensemble performing Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" and Molière’s comedy "School For Wives." These shows will be practiced, costumed, rehearsed, and performed all in the same day, and are billed as "(un)prompted." The Fools Ensemble is a talented group of actors, writers, and directors who come together to create unique and innovative productions. Their performances are known for their energy, creativity, and spontaneity, making them a must-see for fans of Shakespeare and Molière.
Conclusion and Tickets
Overall, the 2026 seasons of Summer Lyric Theatre and the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival promise to be exciting and unforgettable. With a range of classic Broadway shows and Shakespearean plays, as well as special events and lagniappe, there’s something for everyone in these seasons. Tickets and information are available at liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre or neworleansshakespeare.org. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of theatre in New Orleans – get your tickets today! The seasons are expected to be a huge success, with many shows already generating buzz and excitement among theatre-goers. With their talented casts, creative productions, and unique events, Summer Lyric Theatre and the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival are sure to delight audiences and leave a lasting impression.
