Arizona Theatre Company unveils its 59th season, a lineup of five mainstage productions that includes contemporary classics, a fan-favorite musical, and a World Premiere. The season highlights theatre’s power to surprise, spark imagination, and bring communities together.
“This season brings together stories that are funny, heartfelt, thrilling, and deeply human,” says ATC Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August. “From iconic works from the American Theatre to a world premiere mystery inspired by Shakespeare, the lineup offers something for everyone.”
The 2026/2027 season will open with the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Proof by David Auburn. The play follows Catherine as she copes with her world-renowned mathematician father’s death, while proving her own genius and falling in love.
Little Shop of Horrors takes center stage next. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, this wildly popular sci-fi inspired musical tells the story of Seymour, a meek flower shop employee who discovers a mysterious plant that promises fame and fortune, but also has a taste for human blood. Packed with unforgettable songs and outrageous humor, Little Shop of Horrors is a monstrously entertaining theatrical treat.
Laughter, fun, and chaos continue with the international sensation, The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. When an amateur theatre troupe attempts to stage a classic murder mystery, everything that can possibly go wrong ... does. From collapsing sets to missed cues to unconscious actors, this award-winning spectacle is perfect for the whole family.
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean continues the season. Guided by the wise and mystical Aunt Ester, a young man embarks on a profound journey of redemption and self-discovery that connects his past, present, and future. The first chronological play in Wilson’s monumental American Century Cycle, Gem of the Ocean is a powerful and poetic story that explores spirituality, responsibility and the search for freedom.
Finally, the season closes with the World Premiere of Killing Kit: A Shakespeare Murder Mystery, a thrilling new take on a real-life events. A web of secrets, rivalries, and ambition is untangled as a young Will Shakespeare is urged to solve the murder of his friend and rival Christopher “Kit” Marlowe. Written by NY Times Best Selling author and Hollywood executive producer John Stephens (Gotham, Gossip Girl, Gilmore Girls, The O.C.), Killing Kit invites audiences to help solve this original “true crime” story.
Subscriptions, including Season Tickets and Flex Passes that allow patrons to choose the shows that fit their schedules, are available now and can be purchased online at atc.org, or by calling the ATC box office at 833-ATC-SEAT (833-282-7328). Single tickets will go on sale in late July 2026.
ATC’s 2026/2027 59th Season Includes:
Proof
By David Auburn
Tucson: 9/27/26 - 10/17/26
Phoenix: 10/24/26 -11/8/26
When Catherine, the daughter of a late prize-winning mathematician, allows her father’s protege access to his archives, he discovers an impossible math proof – improbably solved. What follows is a debate over the proof’s true author, a clash between sisters over plans for the estate, and a romance that pushes Catherine to trust her heart. A story about escaping the isolation of genius and embracing the promise of love, Proof is the inspirational story we all need right now.
Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning Play
Little Shop of Horrors
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics and Book by Howard Ashman
Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Tucson: 11/28/26 - 12/20/26
Phoenix: 1/9/27 - 1/24/27
This beloved American musical blends horror, comedy, and a pop-infused score into a sci-fi love story about the dark side of success. When meek florist Seymour discovers a strange and unusual plant, his dream of winning the girl he loves begins to grow ... right along with the plant’s bloodthirsty appetite. Chaos erupts in this gleeful story packed with songs inspired by 1960s doo-wop, Motown, rock, and pop. This family friendly musical will take you on a joyful ride from Skid Row to Somewhere That’s Green!
Co-Production with Pioneer Theatre Company
The Play That Goes Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
Tucson: 1/31/27 - 2/20/27
Phoenix: 2/27/27 - 3/14/27
It’s opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, and despite the troupe’s best efforts, mishaps are causing mayhem on stage. From wayward props to malfunctioning scenery and unexpected understudies, the show must go on. But will the theater still be standing at the end of the performance? Fueled by energetic physical comedy and trick scenery, this award-winning sensation is perfect for the whole family.
Tony- and Olivier Award-winning Play
Co-Production with Seattle Rep and Portland Center Stage
Gem of the Ocean
By August Wilson
Tucson: 3/14/27 - 4/3/27
Phoenix: 4/10/27 - 4/25/27
When a young man arrives in 1904 Pittsburgh seeking a fresh start, he becomes entangled in a local dispute. Aunt Ester, a 285-year old spiritual matriarch, takes him on a journey to a mythological city which connects him to his ancestors, defines his duty to the town, and introduces him to the love of his life. The first chronological play in August Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, Gem of the Ocean is a powerful and poetic story of redemption, history, and self-determination.
Five-time Tony Award-nominated Play
Killing Kit: A Shakespeare Murder Mystery
World Premiere
By John Stephens
Tucson: 4/25/27 - 5/15/27
Phoenix: 5/22/27 - 6/6/27
Shakespeare, the greatest playwright who ever lived, meets the greatest mystery he never solved – the assassination of poet, playwright and spy Christopher “Kit” Marlowe. After six years, Kit’s ghost is back, with one command for his successful friend and rival – find the killer! Reluctant sleuth Will Shakespeare must follow the trail from London's darkest gutters to the halls of power to solve this original “true crime” mystery.
From John Stephens, New York Times best-selling author and writer/producer of television hits “Gotham,” “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls,” “The O.C.,” and “Pennyworth”
Tucson performances occur at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., and
Phoenix performances occur at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe.
About Arizona Theatre Company
Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) performances provide space for individuals to share moments of joy, communion, and reflection. The company’s diverse range of productions invites audiences to connect, offering an escape from daily pressures and a chance to rediscover the power of community through laughter, love, and awe. Founded in 1966 and celebrating its 58th season, ATC is led by Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August and Executive Director Ana Rose O’Halloran. The only League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member in Arizona, ATC operates in Tucson and Phoenix and is recognized as the Official Arizona State Theatre. More at
atc.org.
