APPLETON (WLUK) — From Phantom to Parton, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center is pulling back the curtain on its 2026-27 season.
The performing arts center revealed its list of upcoming shows during a livestream Monday due to winter weather conditions from Blizzard Elsa.
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The schedule includes eight Broadway musicals, including “Sound of Music” and “Phantom of the Opera.”
“Both the Phantom of the Opera and the Sound of Music have been completely retooled productions,” said President & CEO Maria Van Laanen. “So while they are long-standing favorites in our community, I think people are going to be really surprised and delighted by the new productions.”
The newest season includes four distinct series designed to entertain, inspire exploration, and bring the community together.
“This season is a celebration of relationships that enrich our lives and bring us together,” said Fox Cities P.A.C. President and CEO Maria Van Laanen. “From shared laughter to the profound stories that mirror our own lives, we invite lifelong learners and lovers of the live performing arts to join us in 2026-27 for a season rooted in community and the connections we cherish.”
Hadestown National Tour (Photo courtesy of Hadestown)
The 2026-27 Season officially launches on Sept. 29, 2026, with The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration as part of the Boldt Arts Alive! Series. The Broadway Across America – Fox Cities Series begins shortly after with the return of the fan-favorite Hadestown, running October 16-17, 2026.
Official tickets for the 2026-27 season are available solely via Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Ticketmaster. Tickets for individual titles are not available at this time except through a Ticket Package or group sale. Tickets obtained via secondary markets may be invalid or overpriced, and the Center cannot guarantee their authenticity.
The Boldt Arts Alive! Series invites patrons of all ages to dive into diverse cultural and artistic experiences spanning eras and continents – all from the comfort of Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s exquisite Thrivent Hall. With a spirit of discovery at its core, this series unites audiences through explorations of modern and traditional artistry, from dance to drama and all the worlds in between.
The 2026-27 Boldt Arts Alive! Series includes titles:
The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Few voices in pop history are as instantly recognizable, or as deeply loved, as Karen Carpenter’s. The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration brings the icon’s extraordinary voice and the brother-sister duo’s unforgettable music back to the stage in a touching tribute that invites audiences to reminisce and fall in love all over again.
Ballet Hispánico’s CARMEN.maquia
- Wednesday, October 7, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Experience a bold reimagining of Bizet’s beloved classic with this Picasso-inspired take on the tragic tale from the famed – and familiar to Fox Cities audiences – Ballet Hispánico New York dance company. Hailed as a “masterpiece” by Chicago Sun-Times, this physically charged fusion of contemporary dance and flamenco brings stunning minimalist design and high-energy partnering to leave audiences breathless.
Lance Burton Master Magician and Friends
- Friday, October 30, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Witness the wonder of a Las Vegas show suitable for the whole family! With his new live touring show, the legendary Vegas headliner brings a mix of illusions, sleight of hand, audience participation and amazing guest stars from The Strip to the stage.
Symphony Rocks featuring Billy McGuigan and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- From the iconic British Invasion and classic American rock anthems to Billy’s heartfelt originals, this symphonic spectacular showcases hits and hidden gems from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Relive the magic of songs you know by heart, thrillingly arranged in this production co-presented with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra in celebration of its 60th Anniversary.
- This performance is included in the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra season package.
360 ALLSTARS Urban Circus
- Sunday, November 15, 2026
- 4:00 p.m.
- Don’t miss the revolutionary production that has left audiences across the country dizzy with excitement! A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record-holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.
Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
- Sunday, November 22, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Experience the legendary holiday tale, rewritten as a new American classic! Featuring Dickens’ classic characters and Dolly Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting expertise, this is a holiday event you’ll want to share with those you love. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this unforgettable production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Ocean Blue
- Thursday, February 18, 2027
- 6:30 p.m
- Get swept away by the mystery and majesty of Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s stunning new production, Ocean Blue, as the unknowable depths of our oceans come to life with spectacular puppetry, immersive design, and heartwarming storytelling. From the chilly Arctic waters where walruses lounge and gulls soar, to the sun-dappled seas where baby beluga whales dance and hammerhead sharks dart beneath the waves to avoid orcas, Ocean Blue is a vibrant celebration of marine ecosystems and the extraordinary creatures that call them home. This sensory-inclusive performance is recommended for ages 5+.
Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- Step into a soulful, syncopated soundscape, a century in the making. Celebrate 100 years of John Coltrane with the transcendent talents of the Branford Marsalis Quartet and vocalist Dianne Reeves, as they pay tribute to Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with vocalist Johnny Hartman alongside a selection of leg Coltrane classics. Join us in honoring the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most unforgettable icons.
Cantus – Wanting Memories with special guest On a Positive Note Chorus
- Saturday, April 24, 2027
- 2 p.m.
- Why is it that we can recall the lyrics and melody of a song from our childhood, but we struggle to find our keys in the morning, or find ourselves unable to remember peoples’ names? Explore the unique and enduring relationship between music and memory from one of America’s only full-time, artist-led vocal ensembles, including a special appearance by the inspiring voices of Fox Valley Memory Project’s “On a Positive Note” chorus. Through selections that include timeless tunes like “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” and anchored by Ysaÿe M. Barnwell’s “Wanting Memories”, this performance traverses the realms of nostalgia and family, loss and love, grief, laughter, fear and hope.
The Menasha Corporation Spotlight Series showcases talented artists across a variety of disciplines and delivers an inviting, engaging experience in the beautiful Kimberly-Clark Theater. Audiences enjoy a closer proximity to the performers, enhancing the connection of shared experiences, whether through music, storytelling, or history brought vividly to life.
The 2026-27 Menasha Corporation Spotlight Series includes:
The Accidental Hero
- Thursday, October 22, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Travel back in time, from Wisconsin to World War II Czechoslovakia, as Patrick Dewane recounts the 1945 heroism of his grandfather, Lt. Col. Matt Konop in this stirring, inspiring multimedia performance. Decades of untold family history, buried in war documents and lost film, come vibrantly to life in this powerful true story that transcends borders and generations.
Cabaret – Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble (LUJE)
- Friday, February 5, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- A hometown performance of national prestige! As one of America’s finest collegiate jazz groups, the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble (LUJE) has earned the Outstanding Performance award in Downbeat magazine’s annual Student Music Awards for the past four consecutive years. Join us for an upbeat, swinging selection of songs that blur genres and eras in an intimate cabaret setting.
Chef Dan Jacobs
- Tuesday, March 9, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- Get the inside dish on culinary culture with Chef Dan Jacobs, a 5x James Beard semifinalist, Tournament of Champions competitor, and Milwaukee restaurateur (EsterEv, DanDan). Dan takes you inside world-class kitchens, discusses his global advocacy against hunger and welcomes you behind the scenes of his personal journey balancing a high-pressure career while fighting Kennedy’s Disease.
Dreamcatcher: The Magical Adventures and Wonder Tales of Native America
- Friday, March 12, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- Step inside traditional Native American wonder tales and magical adventures, told with an original and personal perspective. Listen with the heart of a child, the mind of an elder, and the soul of a warrior and you too will walk the path to other places and other times.
Style Thief Fashion Show
- Thursday, May 6, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- This catwalk is for everyone! Erin Stoll’s “Tools, Not Rules” fashion philosophy has inspired audiences worldwide with lively discussions – and even live, on-stage styling sessions – exploring personal style and its impact on identity. Gather a table of your trendiest friends for this interactive evening of fashion, and seek out your authentic style with an empowering celebration of creativity and individuality in an intimate cabaret-style setting.
The Viewpoint Speaker Series is your invitation to rediscover the world around you – and your place in it. Journey alongside adventurers, researchers and experts as they share vivid visuals and bold personal stories that expose the exploratory dimensions of life. Hear from these compelling speakers who will indulge your curiosity, challenge your perspective and expand your understanding.
The 2026-27 Viewpoint Speaker Series presented with support from the David L. & Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region includes:
Forces of Nature: Capturing Earth’s Extremes with Photographer Keith Ladzinski
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026
- 7:30 p.m.
- Whether dangling from ropes thousands of feet up to document first ascents in interior Antarctica, storm chasing in Tornado Alley, uncovering the ecological secrets of the Great Lakes, or diving with wild alligators in the Florida Everglades, Keith Ladzinski goes to the extreme to capture the moment and share it with us. Journey to the farthest reaches of our planet in this sweeping look at nature and man.
Exploring Nature’s Hidden Wonders: Beyond the Naked Eye with Photographer Anand Varma
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- Anand Varma’s images and videos reveal the hidden worlds that exist just outside of our perception, from the mesmerizing life cycle of a honeybee to the lightning-fast wings of a hummingbird. With Anand’s expert guidance, we can slow down the fast, speed up the slow, and magnify the miniature, enabling us to see the true beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Inside America’s Favorite Pastime with Sports Photographer Jean Fruth
- Tuesday, April 20, 2027
- 7:30 p.m.
- As one of the few women to break through and cover the Majors, Jean Fruth has brought a fresh perspective to America’s favorite pastime. Drawing on extensive interviews, the all-women league that inspired the film A League of Their Own, and the trailblazers of today, she paints a vivid picture of the sport’s rich history and pitches an exciting future.
KIMBERLY-CLARK BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA – FOX CITIES SERIES
Find yourself at the Center of it all in 2026-27! Inside the luxurious Thrivent Hall, the Kimberly-Clark Broadway Across America-Fox Cities Series will bring audiences across the hills of Austria, into the vibrant nightspots of 1950s Havana, or behind the velvet curtain at the Paris Opera House. This season, cultures – and maybe even timelines – will collide in electrifying ways.
The Sound of Music – Nov 3-8, 2026
- For 65 years, The Sound of Music has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed – it’s meant to be shared. Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the von Trapp family features beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss.”
Maybe Happy Ending – Dec 15-20, 2026
- Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Maybe Happy Ending tells the deeply human story of a chance encounter that sparks connection, adventure, and maybe even love. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden (Parade), Maybe Happy Ending has been called “one of the best musicals in years” (USA Today) and even “The best musical in eons!” (Observer). Don’t miss the totally original new musical adventure that explores what it means to be human. Even if they’re not.
Buena Vista Social Club™ – Jan 12-17, 2027
- Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the real sound of Havana is born–and one woman discovers the music that will change her life forever.
- Inspired by true events, five-time Tony Award-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club™ brings the GRAMMY Award-winning album to thrilling life–and tells the story of the legends who lived it. A world-class band joins a sensational cast of musicians, actors, and dancers from across the globe for an authentic experience unlike any you’ve seen or heard before. “A jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must-see!” (The Washington Post). Experience the tale of big dreams, second chances, and the unbreakable bonds of making music together that captivated Broadway.
The Outsiders – March 2-7, 2027
- The winner of four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is The Outsiders. This classic coming-of-age story takes you to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967, where Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their family of Greaser “outsiders” dream about who they want to become in a world that will never accept them. The Outsiders features Danya Taymor’s Tony Award winning direction that’s “refreshing, gritty, and endlessly effective.” (The New York Times). With “high-octane choreography” (New York Magazine), The Outsiders has been described as “more pulse-pounding than anything else on Broadway!” (Time Out New York).
Water for Elephants – April 27-May 2, 2027
- The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
- After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
The Phantom of the Opera – March 31-April 11, 2027
- The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, The Phantom of the Opera, which was rapturously received by London critics when it reopened in 2021. Featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, Phantom now returns “more spectacular than ever” (Sunday Express) to the Fox Cities.
Hadestown – Oct 16-17, 2026
- Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today… and always. Intertwining two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
SIX – Feb 9-14, 2027
- From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!
- The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!”
For more information on ticket packages, go online.
