Full Breakdown
Center Theatre Group Announces 2026-2027 Season Lineup
3/30/2026, 8:03:28 AM
Upcoming Productions at the Mark Taper Forum
Center Theatre Group (CTG) has unveiled its 2026-2027 season, featuring a diverse array of performances aimed at engaging audiences amid a politically charged climate. The season will kick off with the world premiere of Zack Zadek’s original musical “The Turning,” described as a folk thriller set in California’s Sequoia groves. Following this, the lineup includes comedic productions such as Karen Zacarías’ “Destiny of Desire,” Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!,” and the family-friendly “Dog Man: The Musical.” Artistic director Snehal Desai emphasized the importance of a cohesive season, stating, “I look at the calendar a lot as to, where do we think we’re gonna be a year from now?”
Highlighting August Wilson’s “Fences”
A significant highlight of the upcoming season is the staging of August Wilson’s “Fences,” which will serve as both the closing production of the current season and the opening of CTG’s 60th anniversary season. Desai noted that the decision to include “Fences” was a collaborative effort with associate artistic director Lindsay Allbaugh, who suggested the play as a fitting choice. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores the life of a former Negro League baseball player and his family in 1950s segregated Pittsburgh. Desai expressed his intent to present works that provoke thought about identity and community, stating, “I wanted voices that felt bold and fearless.”
Addressing Challenges in Regional Theater
Desai acknowledged the challenges facing regional theater, including rising production costs and audience declines post-pandemic. He highlighted the impact of external factors such as the L.A. wildfires and immigration crackdowns on the theater community. Despite these challenges, CTG is adapting through initiatives like CTG: FWD, which will feature productions such as “Riverdance 30 - The New Generation” and “Clue.” Desai is also focusing on the development of new works, believing they offer the best prospects for longevity and commercial success.
Official Statements & Responses
Snehal Desai articulated his vision for the upcoming season, emphasizing the need for productions that resonate with contemporary societal issues. He remarked, “We just constantly live in this time period that feels like we’re on shifting sands,” yet expressed optimism about the theater's ability to navigate these challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “both to end this season and kick off our 60th.” — Snehal Desai, Artistic Director
- “I wanted voices that felt bold and fearless, that were both outspoken and unafraid in a world where, right now, it feels like there’s a lot of things that are trying to stifle us from speaking out or coming together,” — Snehal Desai, Artistic Director
- “So to get a world premiere musical that is based on its own original concept — that, I found, was really compelling.” — Snehal Desai, Artistic Director
What's Next
As CTG prepares for its 2026-2027 season, the theater community will be closely watching how these productions resonate with audiences and address the pressing issues of the day. The announcement of the Kirk Douglas Theatre's season is expected in the spring or early summer, further expanding CTG's offerings.
