Memphis, TN, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is preparing for a vibrant live theatre season, featuring a variety of productions across numerous venues. The local theatre community continues to flourish, showcasing a blend of artistic diversity and community involvement. Prominent theatres including Theatre Memphis, Orpheum Theatre Group, and Hattiloo Theatre will present a range of performances from classic plays to inclusive children’s theatre, enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Memphis Theatre Scene Thrives with Diverse Productions for the 2025-2026 Season
Memphis is set to showcase a dynamic live theatre season for 2025-2026, with an array of productions scheduled across multiple venues. The theatre scene in Memphis, known for its rich contributions to music and the arts, continues to thrive thanks to a blend of community engagement, artistic diversity, and inclusion.
Local Theatre Highlights
The 2025-2026 season features performances from several prominent local theatres, each bringing unique stories and experiences to the stage:
Theatre Memphis
Established in 1920, Theatre Memphis has a long-standing tradition of engaging audiences with high-quality performances. It operates as a nonprofit, relying on approximately 750 volunteers each year. This season, Theatre Memphis will present:
- Something Rotten! from August 15 โ September 7, 2025
- Hamlet from October 17 โ November 2, 2025
- Stage Door Slasher from November 7 โ November 22, 2025
- The Thanksgiving Play from December 5 โ December 23, 2025
- A Christmas Carol from January 23 โ February 8, 2026
- The Wedding Singer from April 18 โ May 10, 2026
The Orpheum Theatre Group
As the sole venue for first-run Broadway tours in the region, the Orpheum Theatre Group not only headlines national productions but also supports local talent with year-round programs. Notable upcoming shows include:
- A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical from October 7-12, 2025
- Pride and Prejudice on October 3, 2025
- Rocky Horror Picture Show live event from December 16 โ 21, 2025
- Grinch Musical performance in December 2025
Hattiloo Theatre
Founded in 2006, Hattiloo Theatre is recognized as the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in the region. It aims to promote African American culture through compelling storytelling. This season, Hattiloo will present:
- Ain’t Misbehavin’ from August 25 โ September 23, 2025
Playhouse on the Square
Known for its extensive production history, Playhouse on the Square has delivered over 880 shows to 3.5 million audience members. Upcoming productions include:
- Come From Away from September 25 – October 23, 2025
- The Little Mermaid from November 15 – December 21, 2025
New Day Childrenโs Theatre
This organization emphasizes inclusion and accessibility for young audiences, with auditions coming up for the production of Crazy for You, which opens on October 23, 2025.
The Cannon Center
The newly constructed Cannon Center features a 2,072-seat capacity and is designed for large-scale performances, primarily hosting concerts and dance events. Currently, there are no theatre performances scheduled.
Additional Venues
Other institutions, such as the Memphis Black Arts Alliance (MBAA) and the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center (BPACC), contribute to the vibrant arts scene through diverse community events and support for local arts groups.
Conclusion
The 2025-2026 Memphis theatre season promises an enriching array of performances that highlight the importance of storytelling and creative expression within the community. As Memphis continues to cultivate its cultural landscape, audiences can look forward to a season that fosters inclusivity and artistic diversity.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Memphis theatre scene?
The Memphis theatre scene is recognized for its contributions to the arts, providing a platform for storytelling, self-expression, and diverse perspectives. It reflects the cultural richness of the community.
Which theatres are participating in the 2025-2026 season?
Major participating theatres include Theatre Memphis, the Orpheum Theatre Group, Hattiloo Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, New Day Children’s Theatre, and the Cannon Center among others.
Are there any opportunities for local volunteers in the Memphis theatre scene?
Yes, many theatres, such as Theatre Memphis, rely on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks and performances throughout the season.
What types of productions can audiences expect this season?
Audiences can look forward to a range of productions, including classic plays, musicals, and inclusive children’s theatre performances.
Key Features of the Memphis Theatre Scene
| Theatre | Established | Notable Productions 2025-2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre Memphis | 1920 | Something Rotten!, Hamlet, A Christmas Carol |
| The Orpheum Theatre Group | N/A | A Beautiful Noise, Pride and Prejudice |
| Hattiloo Theatre | 2006 | Ain’t Misbehavin’ |
| Playhouse on the Square | N/A | Come From Away, The Little Mermaid |
| New Day Children’s Theatre | N/A | Crazy for You |
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Live Theatre Memphis Season Highlights
- Wikipedia: Theatre in Memphis
- Ticket News: A Beautiful Noise Tickets
- Google Search: Memphis theatre 2025-2026
- Fox 13 Memphis: Orpheum Broadway Lineup
- Google Scholar: Memphis theatre
- Choose901: Where to See Live Theatre in Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
- Commercial Appeal: Orpheum Theatre Broadway Season
- Google News: Memphis theatre
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
