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The Sparkle Wars

By Brendan Bourque-Sheil
Directed by Kate Arecchi

THU-SAT, AUG 21-23
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The Sparkle Wars

By Brendan Bourque-Sheil
Directed by Kate Arecchi

THU-SAT, AUG 21-23
 STUDIO THEATRE


In a major city of the American South lies the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Memorial, where just about every type of American life is crammed into fifteen chaotic miles.

The Madison New Works Laboratory is made possible by the generosity of Paul Holland and Linda Yates.

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Sarai’s Knife

By John Minigan
Directed by Ingrid De Sanctis

FRI-SAT, AUG 22-23
 STUDIO THEATRE

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Sarai’s Knife

By John Minigan
Directed by Ingrid De Sanctis

FRI-SAT, AUG 22-23
 STUDIO THEATRE


When a vandal cuts the face of a Black student at Boston’s Classical Academy out of a photographic self-portrait on display in the school lobby, mixed-race collage artist and first-year teacher Sarai is asked to capitalize on the strong rapport she has with the student victim to investigate the incident. Contains adult language, discussions of self-harm and portrayals of systemic racism.

The Madison New Works Laboratory is made possible by the generosity of Paul Holland and Linda Yates.

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The Play That Goes Wrong

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer

TUE-SUN, OCT 7-12
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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The Play That Goes Wrong

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer

TUE-SUN, OCT 7-12
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


The Play That Goes Wrong is “comic gold” (Variety), winning awards around the world, including the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy plus a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design. A 1920s whodunit, The Play That Goes Wrong has everything you never wanted in a show—an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines).
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Jamie Adkins
Circus Incognitus

THU, OCT 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Jamie Adkins
Circus Incognitus

THU, OCT 16
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Jamie Adkins channels the timeless spirit of vaudeville legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton in Circus Incognitus, a one-man show that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Video
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The Light in the Piazza

Book by Craig Lucas
Music and lyrics by Adam Guettel

WED-SUN, NOV 5-16
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The Light in the Piazza

Book by Craig Lucas
Music and lyrics by Adam Guettel

WED-SUN, NOV 5-16
 STUDIO THEATRE


The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, this lush romance unfolds with what The New York Times calls “the most intensely romantic score of any musical since West Side Story.” Features students from JMU’s School of Theatre and Dance. Contains adult content, adult language, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
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Béatrice et Bénédict

Music and libretto by Hector Berlioz

Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

FRI-SUN, NOV 14-16
 RECITAL HALL

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Béatrice et Bénédict

Music and libretto by Hector Berlioz

Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

FRI-SUN, NOV 14-16
 RECITAL HALL


Join JMU Opera Theatre for the operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. When a military regiment returns from war, Hero will marry Claudio! However, Hero’s cousin, Béatrice, is annoyed that this also means her nemesis, Bénédict, is back. Sung in French with English surtitles and dialogue.
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Push Physical Theatre
Hyde

FRI, NOV 21
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Push Physical Theatre
Hyde

FRI, NOV 21
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


It’s Jekyll and Hyde with a twist! The internationally renowned PUSH Physical Theatre presents an innovative and harrowing retelling of the iconic classic Jekyll and Hyde with their own adaptation. This “perennial powerhouse” (City News) stretches the boundaries of conventional theatre, presenting work that blends humor with intense athleticism, gravity-defying acrobatics, and soulful artistry. Experiencing PUSH’s unique blend of theatre is “a rare treat.” Recommended for ages 13 and above. Adult content and adult language. Video

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Sell Me: I Am From North Korea

Written and performed by Sora Baek

FRI, JAN 23
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Sell Me: I Am From North Korea

Written and performed by Sora Baek

FRI, JAN 23
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


Sora Baek is an award-winning actor, writer and producer from South Korea whose masterful one-woman show is inspired by the true stories of North Korean defectors and survivors who risk everything to escape one of the world’s most repressive regimes. This acclaimed show was a sell-out sensation at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Video
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Dialogues of the Carmelites

Music and libretto by Francis Poulenc
Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

FRI-SUN, FEB 6-8
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Dialogues of the Carmelites

Music and libretto by Francis Poulenc
Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

FRI-SUN, FEB 6-8
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


In 1794, during the final days of the French Revolution, a group of Carmelite nuns joyously went to the guillotine singing psalms and hymns of praise. This defiant display of love and generosity in the face of certain death helped turn the tide of the Reign of Terror and has inspired countless individuals in times of crisis and turmoil. Sung in English with English surtitles.
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Secrets of Space

Produced by Cahoots NI
From Belfast, Northern Ireland

SUN, FEB 8
 WILSON HALL

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Secrets of Space

Produced by Cahoots NI
From Belfast, Northern Ireland

SUN, FEB 8
 WILSON HALL


Suni and Mae are dreamers. As young girls, they dreamt about journeying far beyond our solar system, singing among the stars and discovering all that was unknown to them - the secrets of space. Using magical illusions and a state-of-the-art digital LED wall, the sisters and the audience embark on an interactive journey across the galaxy. Recommended for audiences ages 7 and up. Video
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The Great Race: The Story of The Chinese Zodiac

Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth of Honolulu, HI

SUN, MAR 1
 CONCERT HALL

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The Great Race: The Story of The Chinese Zodiac

Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth of Honolulu, HI

SUN, MAR 1
 CONCERT HALL


The show weaves a joy-filled family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore - the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. Meet Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. Recommended for audiences ages 4 and up. Video
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PIPPIN

Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson

Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

TUE-SUN, MAR 3-8
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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PIPPIN

Music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson

Originally produced on the Broadway stage by Stuart Ostrow
Originally directed on the Broadway stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway revival directed by Diane Paulus
Theo ending originally conceived in 1998 by Mitch Sebastian

TUE-SUN, MAR 3-8
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time GRAMMY winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN is the story of a man’s journey to the extraordinary. The son of a king, Pippin is stuck between what is expected of him and the possibilities that forging his own path holds. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and sexual content. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
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The House of Bernarda Alba

By Federico García Lorca
Adapted by Caridad Svich

WED-SUN, APR 1-12
 STUDIO THEATRE

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The House of Bernarda Alba

By Federico García Lorca
Adapted by Caridad Svich

WED-SUN, APR 1-12
 STUDIO THEATRE


The House of Bernarda Alba is a provocative drama set in a small, Spanish village, which follows the legacy of Bernarda Alba, the matriarch, and her five daughters. Living under Bernarda’s control as they mourn their father’s passing, these sisters seek a world beyond their mother’s walls. Contains adult content, adult language, violence, and references to suicide. Parental discretion advised.
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Cinderella: A Classic Fairytale Opera

Adapted by Joshua Borths
Based on the operas by Gioachino Rossini and Jules Massenet

Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

SAT-SUN, APR 11-12
 RECITAL HALL

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Cinderella: A Classic Fairytale Opera

Adapted by Joshua Borths
Based on the operas by Gioachino Rossini and Jules Massenet

Featuring the JMU Opera Theatre

SAT-SUN, APR 11-12
 RECITAL HALL


Once upon a time, a young prince threw a royal ball to choose his future bride! Everyone in the kingdom was invited, but Cinderella was forced to stay behind by her devious stepfather, Don Magnifico, and her shallow stepsister. However, with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella wins the day, transforming herself-and the kingdom-along the way. 35-minute children’s opera sung in English. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
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Basement Demons and Trailer Saints

By Briandaniel Oglesby

TUE-SUN, APR 28-MAY 3
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE

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Basement Demons and Trailer Saints

By Briandaniel Oglesby

TUE-SUN, APR 28-MAY 3
 MAINSTAGE THEATRE


This new work was a finalist in the inaugural season of the School of Theatre and Dance’s Madison New Works Lab (MNWL), an incubator for developing new plays with professional playwrights from across the country. Seven years after workshopping Basement Demons and Trailer Saints, JMU welcomes its world premiere. Madison New Works Lab is made possible by the generosity of Paul Holland and Linda Yates. Contains adult content and adult language. Parental discretion advised.
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2025 Circle of Excellence
in the Arts Award

View the 2025-2026
Masterpiece Season Brochure
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The Travlin'McCourys

Emi Ferguson and Ruckus
Fly the Coop!

Push Physical Theater
Hyde

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951 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807