Memphis is widely known for its contribution to music and the arts, so it’s no surprise that the live theatre scene is thriving. The unique, communal experience of plays and musicals offers space for storytelling, self-expression, and exploring diverse perspectives, making local theatre well worth your time if you find yourself in the 901. Check out this season’s roundup of Memphis theatre!
Theatre Memphis
More Info: theatrememphis.org
This community theatre has been entertaining Memphis audiences for over 100 years! A nonprofit 501(c)(3), it began in 1920, held its first production in 1921, and was officially incorporated as The Little Theatre Players Association of Memphis on January 17, 1922.
Today, the theatre relies on up to 750 volunteers annually for everything from acting and backstage crew work to ushering and building sets and costumes. Its two performance spaces include the Lohrey Theatre, a 400+ seat proscenium stage, and The Next Stage, an intimate black box theatre that seats up to 100.
Something Rotten!
- Runs from August 15 – September 7, 2025, at the Lohrey Theatre
- Set in 1590s England, Something Rotten! follows struggling playwrights Nick and Nigel Bottom as they try to outshine Shakespeare by creating the world’s first musical. This fast-paced comedy is packed with clever wordplay, over-the-top characters, and tons of fun.
Hamlet
- Runs from September 19 – October 5, 2025, at the Next Stage
- One of Shakespeare’s most acclaimed tragedies, Hamlet is a classic many of us know and love. Watch as Prince Hamlet seeks revenge on his uncle in this gripping family drama set in Denmark.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
- Runs from October 17 – November 2, 2025, at the Lohrey Theatre
- This fast-paced comedic mystery pokes fun at classic Hollywood thrillers with over-the-top satire and nonstop laughs. As the “Stage Door Slasher” strikes repeatedly, a group trapped by a blizzard must navigate secret passageways, masked figures, and mounting suspicion to solve the mystery.
The Thanksgiving Play
- Runs from November 7 – November 22, 2025, at the Next Stage
- This comedy follows four well-meaning artists trying to create a politically correct Thanksgiving play for elementary students. As they confront their own biases, their efforts unfold into a humorous and thought-provoking commentary on cultural sensitivity.
A Christmas Carol ’25
- Runs from December 5 – December 23, 2025, at the Lohrey Theatre
- A Memphis holiday tradition, this festive production follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he’s visited by the ghost of his former business partner, who warns him to change his ways. Through a series of ghostly encounters, Scrooge embarks on a heartwarming journey filled with music, dance, and holiday spirit.
Always a Bridesmaid
- Runs from January 23 – February 8, 2026, at the Next Stage
- This charming comedy follows four Southern women who made a pact at prom to be in each other’s weddings. Thirty years later, they’re still honoring that promise, navigating love, friendship, and some truly questionable bridesmaid dresses along the way.
Mamma Mia!
- Runs from February 27 – March 29, 2026, at the Lohrey Theatre
- Set to ABBA’s biggest hits, this lively musical follows a bride-to-be as she tries to discover which of three men is her father.
The Shawshank Redemption
- Runs from April 3 – April 19, 2026, at the Next Stage
- Based on the acclaimed film, this powerful story follows a man sentenced to life at Shawshank prison who must rely on hope, friendship, and resilience to survive.
Noises Off
- Runs from April 24 – May 10, 2026, at the Lohrey Theatre
- A dysfunctional troupe of B-list actors attempts to stage a British bedroom comedy, but egos clash and chaos quickly takes over. As everything unravels, the play falls apart in a disastrously funny performance. This fast-paced, behind-the-scenes comedy turns theatrical mayhem into nonstop laughter!
Legally Blonde, The Musical
- Runs from June 5 – June 28, 2026, at the Lohrey Theatre
- This musical adaptation of the cult classic film follows Elle Woods, a fashion-loving sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law to win back her ex. Packed with humor, heart, and high-energy songs, it’s a fabulously fun journey of self-discovery.
The Orpheum Theatre Group
More Info: orpheum-memphis.com
It’s all happening at The Orpheum Theatre Group! As the only venue for first-run Broadway tours between Nashville, Little Rock, St. Louis, and Birmingham, the Orpheum brings world-class productions to Memphis. But that’s not all. The organization also champions homegrown talent through year-round programming that fosters a creative landscape uniquely rooted in the city.
The Orpheum Theatre Group’s mission is to use the performing arts to entertain, educate, and enlighten the communities it serves, while preserving the historic Orpheum Theatre and the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. Check out the options running this season below!
The O’Kays
- August 16, 2025, at the Halloran Centre
- Three young men come together to chase their dreams of making it in the booming R&B music scene of 1970s Memphis.
The Jenkins Family Reunion: A Soulful Murder Mystery Experience
- August 24, 2025, at the Halloran Centre
- This suspenseful and immersive experience is like no other. Audience members are invited to help solve the case of the Jenkins clan murder — and even dress the part for the performance.
Austen’s Pride
- Runs from September 9 – 10, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre
- A reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this story of self-discovery follows Austen as she gains new insight into both her characters and herself, all set to a beautiful original score.
Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Featuring Barry Bostwick
- October 3, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre
- Enjoy a screening of the original, unedited Rocky Horror Picture Show — complete with a live shadow cast and audience participation! Barry Bostwick, who played the original Brad Majors, will also be in attendance.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Runs from December 16 – 21, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre
- This musical features the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Enjoy the heartwarming tale of the scheming Grinch and his plot to steal Christmas from the holiday-loving Whos, brought to life with stunning sets and imaginative costumes.
Menopause The Musical 2
- February 26, 2026, at the Orpheum Theatre
- This hilarious sequel to Menopause The Musical offers a heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship. Join the characters on a journey of self-discovery filled with hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses!
Hattiloo Theatre
More Info: hattiloo.org
In 2006, Ekundayo Bandele decided to name his new theatre after his two daughters, merging their names to form “Hattiloo.” It opened its doors on September 22 in Memphis’s Edge District, and it grew fast over the next eight years. By 2014, the theatre had wrapped up a $4.3 million capital campaign, moved into a beautiful new, debt-free home, and even built a $500,000 endowment. Two years later, another campaign brought a brand-new Development Center and transformed a former school into the Hattiloo Technical Theatre Center.
In 2017, Hattiloo added the HattiHouse — a welcoming residence for guest artists and interns. Today, it stands as the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states, celebrated for its top-tier, free programming and performances that pop up all over Memphis.
Jubilee
- Runs from July 25 – August 24, 2025
- This a cappella performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers is sure to be a treat. Formed on the campus of Fisk University, the ensemble is credited with helping give Nashville its nickname, “Music City.” Enjoy more than three dozen spirituals and hymns in this powerful performance!
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
- Runs from September 12 – October 12, 2025
- Set in a vibrant Harlem hair braiding shop, this play follows a group of West African immigrant women as they navigate love, ambition, and buried truths over a sweltering summer day.
Madagascar
- Runs from October 31 – November 9, 2025
- Alex the lion and his best friends venture outside the confines of the New York Central Park Zoo to explore the world.
If Scrooge Was a Brother
- Runs from November 28 – December 21, 2025
- Don’t miss this urban spin on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, where the ghosts and characters are icons of Black culture!
Dreamgirls
- Runs from January 30 – March 8, 2026
- When an all-girl Motown singing group goes from obscurity to superstardom, they must weigh the price of fame and the meaning of family. Set in the ’60s and ’70s, it’s a whirlwind ride through the highs and lows of showbiz during a transformative era in American pop music!
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
- Runs from April 10 – May 10, 2026
- It’s 1927 in a run-down Chicago studio, and Ma Rainey — the “Mother of the Blues” — is laying down new takes on some old favorites. But as she fights to keep control of her music, tensions rise in a powerful story of ambition, exploitation, and the harsh realities of the time.
Playhouse on the Square
More Info: playhouseonthesquare.org
Located in the heart of Memphis, Circuit Playhouse, Inc. is the city’s leading professional theatre company, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of growth and imagination. Playhouse on the Square has produced over 880 shows for an audience of 3.5 million and counting! Today, it continues to deliver theatrical experiences that enrich the lives of its diverse audiences and the greater community.
Come From Away
- Runs from August 15 – September 14, 2025, at Playhouse on the Square
- The residents of a small Newfoundland town are put to the test when 7,000 passengers become unexpectedly stranded there. Based on a true story, this show explores hospitality under pressure, cultural clashes, and rising tensions — and how they ultimately give way to trust, gratitude, and meaningful friendship.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
- Runs from September 12 – October 5, 2025, at The Circuit Playhouse
- Set in the 1930s, a murder is discovered when the Orient Express — a luxurious train — stops due to snowfall. A detective aboard the train sets out to find answers. Full of alibis, clues, and contradictions, this story, adapted for the stage, is a fan favorite!
Junie B. Jones The Musical
- Runs from November 7 – December 20, 2025, at The Circuit Playhouse
- This stage adaptation of the popular children’s book by Barbara Park takes the audience along for the ride as boisterous first grader Junie B. Jones navigates classroom dynamics. Featuring musical numbers, humorous situations, and themes of friendship and self-discovery, it’s a great show for the whole family!
The Wizard of Oz
- Runs from November 14 – December 21, 2025, at Playhouse on the Square
- This classic story is hitting the stage in Memphis! Dorothy is swept away by a twister into the land of Oz, where she makes unlikely friends and embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard. Follow the yellow brick road to Playhouse on the Square, and be sure to catch this magical production!
A Tuna Christmas
- Runs from November 21 – December 21, 2025, at The Circuit Playhouse
- A notable show for more reasons than one, it features only two actors portraying over 20 characters. Don’t miss this holiday-themed satirical look at small-town life, set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas!
sex/work
- Runs from January 9 – 25, 2026, at TheatreWorks@The Square
- Raw, honest, and full of heart, this show follows four individuals from entirely different walks of life as they figure out what it really means to be a woman. Get ready for a bold ride through a world built on transactions, where questions of self-worth, identity, and empowerment take center stage.
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical
- Runs from January 23 – February 22, 2026, at Playhouse on the Square
- Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s iconic 1995 album, this powerful musical confronts hidden struggles with pain, addiction, identity, and social issues. Through raw emotion and unforgettable music, it explores the pressures of appearing “perfect” while facing life’s toughest challenges.
JOB
- Runs from January 30 – February 15, 2026, at The Circuit Playhouse
- An employee at a big tech company has a public breakdown that goes viral, and once placed on leave, she visits a therapist. In this psychological thriller addressing mental health, social media, and generational divides, she realizes her job may be doing more harm than good.
Seussical
- Runs from March 13 – April 12, 2026, at The Circuit Playhouse
- A musical full of beloved Dr. Seuss characters and places takes audiences on a journey through themes of friendship and community! Watch as fan favorites like Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and Jojo traverse the Jungle of Nool, the Circus McGurkus, and more. A perfect show to see with the family, be sure to catch it at the Circuit Playhouse!
Jesus Christ Superstar
- Runs from April 24 – May 17, 2026, at Playhouse on the Square
- Told from the point of view of Judas Iscariot, this show recounts the story of the last week of Jesus’s life. A cult classic and imaginative retelling of a familiar tale, it addresses the complex relationships of characters in the Bible.
Primary Trust
- Runs from May 8 – 31, 2026, at The Circuit Playhouse
- Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this play follows Kenneth, a middle-aged man finally forced to face a reality he’s been avoiding. Along the way, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery, searching for the courage to break through his personal barriers.
Sweeney Todd
- Runs from June 12 – July 12, 2026, at Playhouse on the Square
- When Benjamin Barker is accused of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to Australia, he returns to London under the name Sweeney Todd. He learns what happened while he was gone and seeks revenge on Judge Turpin, who sent him away all those years ago.
Winnie The Pooh (Tour)
- Public performances on April 18 – 19, 2026, at The Circuit Playhouse
- Winnie-the-Pooh sings his way through a new adventure! This pay-what-you-can performance follows the story of Rabbit, who is skeptical of neighbors Kanga and her baby Roo bringing medicine, soap, and baths to the forest. Join the Hundred Acre Wood gang on a musical journey as they carry out Rabbit’s plan to do something about these new arrivals.
New Day Children’s Theatre
More Info: newdaytheatre.org
New Day Children’s Theatre is a creative space where young people grow, discover, and shine. Rooted in inclusion and accessibility, it nurtures every child’s unique talent while fostering a sense of belonging. Each performance brings beloved stories to life — radiating joy, wonder, and connection between the stage and audience.
While there aren’t any performances to purchase tickets for at this time, auditions have been held for the production Crazy for You, which opens on October 23, 2025.
The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
More Info: thecannoncenter.com
The Cannon Center now stands where the historic Ellis Auditorium once hosted legends like Elvis Presley, Baryshnikov, and even Barney. Today, this state-of-the-art venue is Memphis’ most modern theatre and the proud home of the renowned Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The stunning space features 2,072 seats, a Broadway-sized stage, and multiple dressing rooms. Located in Downtown Memphis, its acoustics are truly unmatched.
While no musicals or plays are currently on the calendar, be sure to check out the concert and dance performances coming to the stage this season!
Memphis Black Arts Alliance
More Info: memphisblackarts.org
A true South Memphis staple, the Memphis Black Arts Alliance (MBAA) celebrates the past, present, and future of the city’s Black arts community. By bringing together local artists and organizations, MBAA champions African American arts, literature, and culture while creating space for voices to be heard and progress to take shape. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances from MBAA on the website and social media.
The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center
More Info: bpacc.org
The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center (BPACC) is a multi-purpose facility offering cultural performances and conference spaces. Centrally located in Shelby County, it hosts world-class performers, with each season packed full of must-see events. As part of its commitment to fostering the arts in the community, BPACC provides a stage for local groups and entertainers, along with programming designed to develop young thespians. Catch one of this season’s shows in the comfort of its 350-seat auditorium!
Much Ado About Nothing
- October 10, 2025, at Theatre by the Lake
- Enjoy a free performance by the Tennessee Shakespeare Company on BPACC’s lawn. This classic Shakespeare comedy follows several love stories and a quintessential villain bent on disrupting their potential connections.
The Wedding Singer
- Runs from December 5 – 7, 2025
- This musical adaptation of the hit movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore follows a hopeless romantic who finds fulfillment in his wedding singer career. He falls for a woman set to marry the wrong guy, and chaos ensues.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical
- February 28, 2026, at TheaterWorks USA
- Hop aboard for a silly show based on the children’s book by Mo Willems. The wily pigeon tries to help the bus driver, and fun is sure to follow. Grab the family and catch this performance for guaranteed giggles.
The Music Man
- Runs from April 10 – 12, 2026, at BPACC Youth Theatre
- This musical follows Harold Hill, a con man who hopes to swindle the townsfolk of River City, Iowa. His plans are thwarted when a well-intentioned librarian named Marian comes into the picture.
Curtains up, Memphis!
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