Taylor University Theatre is proud to announce its 2026–2027 season, a year of stories connected by the theme “What We Do With Our Longings.” Through comedy, music, mystery, tragedy, and joy, the season explores the desires that shape human lives: the longing to belong, to be known, to seek justice, to find beauty, and to experience joy in a fractured world.
The season opens in September with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, reimagined in a pirate- inspired world filled with music, adventure, mistaken identity, and romance. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, Twelfth Night explores love, identity, grief, and the strange vulnerability of becoming truly known. The production will feature live musical elements and a lively seafaring aesthetic. Twelfth Night opens September 24 for one weekend only.
In November, Taylor Theatre presents Sweeney Todd, widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in American musical theatre. Combining Stephen Sondheim’s soaring and intricate score with a haunting story of revenge and justice, Sweeney Todd examines what happens when human longing becomes consumed by bitterness and vengeance. The production opens November 13 and runs for two weekends.
The spring semester begins with The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, opening February 19 for two weekends. Based on the acclaimed novel, the play follows Christopher, a brilliant young man navigating grief, fear, truth, and connection as he investigates the mysterious death of a neighbor’s dog. Inventive, visually dynamic, and deeply moving, the production invites audiences into a unique perspective on family, perception, and courage.
The season concludes in April with Crazy For You, a joyful celebration of classic Broadway storytelling filled with Gershwin melodies, tap dancing, romance, and comedy. After a season wrestling with longing in its many forms, Crazy for You offers audiences a reminder of delight, community, and the transformative joy of performance. The production opens April 22 for one weekend only.
“This season invites us to consider the things that drive human beings toward one another and sometimes away from one another,” said Tracy Manning, Artistic Director of Taylor Theatre.
“Each of these stories asks important questions about identity, desire, justice, love, belonging, and joy. At Taylor, we believe theatre can help us engage those questions thoughtfully and faithfully while creating meaningful artistic experiences for both our students and our audiences.”
All productions will take place in Mitchell Theatre on the campus of Taylor University. Additional ticketing and audition information will be announced at a later date.
Taylor Theatre provides an immersive experience for audiences and participants by pursuing excellence on and off the stage, embracing difficulty and asking questions in pursuit of truth.
