WILMINGTON — For more than four decades, Opera House Theatre Company has celebrated live theater in Wilmington. Shows for its 2025-2026 season have been announced as well.
“After celebrating a remarkable 40th season, we are thrilled to look ahead to a year of productions that showcase the extraordinary talent and passion of our artists, musicians, backstage crew, technicians, volunteers, patrons, subscribers, and supporters,” Artistic Director Justin Smith said in a release. “This community makes it possible for Opera House to thrive.”
All performances take place on the main stage at Thalian Hall, except for one show to be staged in Thailand’s upcoming performance space, The Red Box — dedicated to new works and immersive theatre experiences.
Subscriptions go on sale here for returning subscribers on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and new subscriptions open on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with tickets opening to the general public in November.
Rock of Ages
Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
It’s every rock ‘n’ roll lovers’ dream, celebrating 1980’s anthems, big hair and bigger energy. The jukebox musical covers songs like “Wanted Dead of Alive,” “Sister Christian,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
It also will be the show to ring in the new year at the 2026 NYE Gala at Thalian Hall. The show will be directed by Morganna Bridgers, with music direction by Chiaki Ito.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Feb. 19 – March 1, 2026
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Southern graphic novel by Harper Lee takes a look at a segregated town in Alabama, when a Black man is wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. The story captures themes of racial injustice, compassion, and courage.
Directed by Justin Smith, “To Kill a Mockingbird” will star former Wilmingtonian and acclaimed actor Cullen Moss (Dep. Shoupe, “Outer Banks,” Judge Smith “The Underground Railroad”) in the role of Atticus Finch.
The Wild Party
May 14 – 24, 2026
Andrew Lippa’s sultry, jazz-fueled “The Wild Party” will be directed by Kendra Goehring and with music direction by Brian Whitted. Set in the decadent 1920s, the show presents a tale of passion and betrayal will keep audiences captivated.
Gypsy
June 18 – 28, 2026
Often called the greatest American musical, “Gypsy” will be directed by Jenny Latimer, with music direction by Brian Whitted and choreography by Bradley Barefoot. This classic tells the story of ambition, show business, and family, with Broadway classics like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”
Crazy For You
July 16 – 26, 2026
A joyous Gershwin spectacular, “Crazy For You” combines romance, comedy, and show-stopping tap numbers to the stage. It’s directed and choreographed by Ron Chisholm and features “I Got Rhythm” and “Embraceable You.”
West Side Story
Aug 13 – 23, 2026
Closing out the season next August will be the iconic “West Side Story,” as directed by Shane Fernando. Music direction will be handled by Brian Whitted, with choreography by Carson Hobb.
The story retells Shakesperare’s “Romeo and Juliet” with Leonard Bernstein’s groundbreaking score and Jerome Robbins-inspired dance choreography.
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