2025/26 Season
Center Stage Theatre Series
Sense & Sensibility
NOV 7–8 & 14–15, 2025 / 7:30 PM
NOV 9 & 16, 2025 / 2 PM
Auditions / TUE, AUG 26 / 6 - 9 PM (LEARN MORE)
When tragedy strikes and leaves the Dashwood sisters penniless and socially vulnerable, they must navigate a world in Regency England where love is ruled by wealth and gossip reigns supreme. Practical Elinor and passionate Marianne find themselves caught between romance and heartbreak, decorum and desire, as they struggle to secure their futures in a society that offers women little power over their own lives. Bursting with humor, wit, and bold theatricality, this highly acclaimed adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel brings the timeless story of love, loss, and sisterhood to the stage.
Directed by Keeley Stanley-Bohn
Adapted by Kate Hamill, based on the classic novel by Jane Austen
Sponsored by Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
Youth Theatre / The Emperor's New Clothes
DEC 11–14, 2025 / 7:30 PM
RELAXED PERFORMANCE / DEC 14 / 2 PM
LET THE FASHION FOOLERY COMMENCE!
In this colorful and comedic Youth Theatre play, two con artists arrive in town with a daring plan to swindle a vain Emperor who just can’t get enough of his own wardrobe. With a cast of hilariously over-the-top royal advisors and a fashion show for the ages, The Emperor’s New Clothes is a laugh-out-loud tale of vanity, honesty, and the courage to speak the truth.
Directed by Nick Pellegrino
By Greg Atkins
A Raisin in the Sun
FEB 27–28 & MAR 6–7, 2026 / 7:30 PM
MAR 1 & MAR 8, 2026 / 2 PM
Lorraine Hansberry's timeless drama follows the Younger family as they navigate ambition, hope, and injustice in 1950s Chicago. When a life insurance check arrives, each family member reflects on their dreams of a different future; one that promises freedom, security, or change in their life. As they face systematic barriers and personal struggles, the Younger family must decide what dreams are worth fighting for. A Raisin in the Sun is a powerful and deeply relevant story of resilience.
Directed by Glecia Tatum
By Lorraine Hansberry
Youth Theatre / 13 Jr
MAR 26–28, 2026 / 7:30 PM
RELAXED PERFORMANCE / MAR 28 / 2 PM
MAR 29, 2026 / 2 PM
“COOL” IS SOMETIMES WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.
Evan’s life is turned upside down when he moves from New York City to a small Midwest town, and right before his Bar Mitzvah. Desperate to fit in, he finds himself navigating crushes, cliques, and chaos in this hilarious coming-of-age musical. With a catchy rock score by Tony® Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 JR. is a high-energy celebration of friendship, growing up, and finding the confidence to be yourself.
1776
APR 24–25 & MAY 1–2, 2026 / 7:30 PM
APR 26 & MAY 3, 2026 / 2 PM
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence … if only the founding fathers agree to it! This musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince members of Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. With humor and a stirring score, the Tony® Award-winning musical presents the frustrations and triumphs of our founding fathers. Presented in partnership with the Midland County Historical Society, and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. 1776 brings a fresh look at the people, and the compromises that defined a revolution.
Directed by Susie Polito
Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards / Book by Peter Stone
A Midsummer Night's Dream
JUN 4 & 12, 2026 / 7:30 PM
JUN 6 & 14, 2026 / 2 PM
Shakespeare’s most enchanting comedy! On the shortest night of the year, runaway lovers, a troupe of amateur actors, and mischievous fairies collide in a magical forest where nothing is quite what it seems. As the rules of logic unravel, four young lovers are swept away in a tangled web of charms, feuds, and moonlit mischief. Whimsical and witty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a joyful celebration of transformation and the strange spell of love.
Directed by Kaeleigh Casavant
By William Shakespeare
Rising Stars / Legally Blonde the Musical
JUN 25-27, 2026 / 7:30 PM
In the Auditorium!
HARVARD’S GOT A NEW RISING STAR
Elle Woods has it all, until she’s dumped for someone “serious.” With determination (and a killer wardrobe), she follows her ex to Harvard Law, only to discover she’s more heart and smarts than anyone gave her credit for. Full of big laughs, catchy songs, and unstoppable girl power, Legally Blonde The Musical is a fabulously fun journey of self-discovery and defying expectations. Performed by our talented Rising Stars on the Auditorium Stage, this empowering musical proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Like, ever.
Great Lakes Bay Theatre Festival
Join us for the Great Lakes Bay Theatre Festival in June 2026! A Midsummer Night's Dream celebrates an exciting collaboration between Midland Center for the Arts and The Friction Theatre. More information will be announced in Fall 2025.
Tickets for festival performances with The Friction Theatre are not included in a subscription package and will be sold separately.