Peoria theater fans have plenty to look forward to as Peoria Players Theatre prepares for its 2026-27 season, with a lineup that spans classic musicals, contemporary Broadway favorites, comedy, drama, horror and a celebration of one of music’s most recognizable stars. The six-production season is designed to offer something for a wide range of theatergoers, continuing Peoria Players’ tradition of presenting a mix of established theater standards, classics and newer works.

Peoria Players Theatre, located at 4300 N. University St. in Peoria, is the oldest continuously operating community theater in Illinois and one of the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1919, the organization has continued producing theater for more than a century while providing opportunities for local performers, musicians, technicians and volunteers.

Come From Away

Opening the season is Come From Away, the acclaimed musical inspired by the true story of thousands of airline passengers who were stranded in Newfoundland following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  Performances are September 11 – 13 and 16 – 20, 2026.

When U.S. airspace was suddenly closed, dozens of international flights were diverted to the small Canadian town of Gander. The unexpected arrival of thousands of strangers dramatically changed life in the community, but the residents responded by opening their homes, schools and hearts to the stranded passengers.

The musical follows both the travelers and the residents as they navigate cultural differences, uncertainty and fear, eventually forming friendships and a remarkable sense of community. Although the story originates in a tragic historical event, Come From Away is ultimately a celebration of generosity, compassion and human connection. The show will be directed by Steve Bortolotti.

Dracula

The season then takes a darker turn with Dracula, bringing Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire to the Peoria Players stage.  Performances are October 9 – 11 and 15 – 18, 2026.

The familiar Gothic tale follows Count Dracula as he travels from Transylvania to England, where his sinister plans bring him into contact with Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray and a group of people determined to stop him. As Dracula’s influence spreads, the characters confront the terrifying possibility that the ancient vampire may be far more powerful than they imagined.

The production provides a dramatic change of pace from the season’s musicals and comedies, giving audiences an opportunity to experience a classic horror story in a live theatrical setting. Peoria Players has previously staged Dracula, making its return another connection to the theater’s long history of presenting a wide variety of productions.   The show will be directed by Jake Van Hoorn.

Hello, Dolly!

Following the Gothic atmosphere of Dracula, Peoria Players turns to one of musical theater’s most beloved characters with Hello, Dolly!  Performances are November 13 – 15 and 18 -22, 2026.

The story follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a widowed matchmaker who makes a living arranging marriages for other people. Her latest client is the wealthy, stubborn and famously unmarried Horace Vandergelder. While Dolly is supposed to find Horace a suitable wife, she gradually develops other plans—and begins considering whether she might be the perfect match for him herself.

At the same time, several younger characters find themselves caught up in their own romantic complications. The result is a lively musical filled with romance, comedy, colorful characters and classic songs.  The show will be directed by John Donlan.

Dear Evan Hansen

The new year brings Dear Evan Hansen, one of the most prominent contemporary musicals in the lineup.  Performances are January 29 – 31 and February 3 – 7, 2027.

The story follows Evan Hansen, an anxious high school student who struggles to fit in. After a misunderstanding involving a letter he wrote to himself, Evan becomes entangled in a lie that unexpectedly gives him the popularity and acceptance he has long wanted.

What begins as a seemingly simple falsehood grows increasingly complicated as Evan becomes more deeply involved with another family and finds himself at the center of a community conversation about loneliness, social media and the desire to belong. The musical explores difficult questions about honesty, friendship, grief and the consequences of seeking connection in the wrong way.  The show will be directed by Deric Kimler.

Jesus Christ Superstar!

The season continues with Jesus Christ Superstar!, the landmark rock musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.  Performances are March 5 – 7 and 10 – 14, 2027.

Told largely through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, the musical follows the final days of Jesus’ life, beginning with the growing popularity of Jesus and continuing through the events that lead to his crucifixion. Rather than presenting the story as a conventional biblical pageant, Jesus Christ Superstar! uses rock music and a contemporary theatrical style to explore the relationships, doubts, conflicts and political tensions surrounding Jesus and his followers.

The score includes such well-known songs as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Superstar” and “Gethsemane,” making the production an opportunity for Peoria Players to combine powerful storytelling with one of musical theater’s most recognizable rock scores.  The show will be directed by Chip Joyce.

The Cher Show

Closing the 2026-27 mainstage season is The Cher Show, a musical celebration of the extraordinary career of singer, actress and pop-culture icon Cher.  Performances are April 23 – 25 and April 28 – May 2, 2027.

Rather than simply presenting a chronological biography, the musical divides Cher’s life into three different stages, represented by three performers playing different versions of Cher. The story follows her journey from her early career with Sonny Bono through her rise as a solo recording artist, television personality, actress and enduring fashion icon.

The production features songs associated with Cher’s career while exploring the professional triumphs and personal challenges that helped shape her remarkable public life. As the season finale, The Cher Show promises to send audiences out with music, spectacle and plenty of personality.  The show will be directed by Jimmy Ulrich.

Season Tickets Offer a Way to See the Entire Season

For theatergoers who want to experience all six productions, Peoria Players offers season-ticket options. The theater’s current ticket information includes a Flex Season Ticket option, allowing subscribers to select their performance and seats for each production when reservations open.

For the 2026-27 season, season-ticket holders have advance reservation dates for each production: August 24 for Come From Away, September 21 for Dracula, October 26 for Hello, Dolly!, January 11, 2027 for Dear Evan Hansen, February 15 for Jesus Christ Superstar! and April 5 for The Cher Show.

The theater notes that Flex Season Ticket holders have an additional $20 included in their charge to cover certain transaction fees in advance. Peoria Players also says the online ticketing system applies service charges to season-ticket purchases, and those charges are fees imposed by the ticketing system rather than revenue retained by the theater. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.  For those who want the convenience of choosing their performances throughout the season while enjoying the benefits of subscribing, the Flex option can be particularly appealing.

More Than the Mainstage

A season at Peoria Players is not limited to its six primary productions. The theater also hosts special events and annual traditions that have become popular with local audiences.

Perhaps the most famous is The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has been a Peoria Players tradition since 1991. The event combines a screening of the cult classic film with live actors performing onstage alongside the movie. Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite characters and participate with approved props.

Performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show are October 29 & 30, with doors opening at 11:30 pm and the film and live performance beginning at midnight. General admission is $25, with tickets going on sale October 1.  Check the Peoria Players website for a list of approved props, including items such as rice, newspapers, flashlights, noisemakers, confetti, party hats, playing cards, bells and toilet paper, while prohibiting items such as lighters, glitter and glass or ceramic bells.

The combination of audience participation, costumes, live performers and the movie on the big screen has made Rocky Horror one of the theater’s most distinctive annual events.

A Season Built Around Variety

The 2026-27 Peoria Players season demonstrates the breadth that has long been a hallmark of the organization.  That variety is consistent with Peoria Players Theatre’s stated mission of producing quality theatrical entertainment while creating opportunities for local talent and hands-on experiences for volunteers both onstage and backstage.

With its 2026-27 season, Peoria Players Theatre is once again offering Peoria-area audiences a chance to see major works of musical and dramatic theater close to home – and to participate in the community-theater tradition that has been part of Peoria for more than a century.  For current ticket information, performance schedules and season-ticket details, visit PeoriaPlayersTheatre.org   The theater’s box office is located in the theatre at 4300 N. University St. in Peoria and is open Monday through Friday from 11 am – 4 pm with holiday-hour variations.