Ascension Community Theatre recently announced its 2026 season. From iconic pieces of theatrical history to adaptations of hilarious and beloved animated movies, the upcoming season is full of musicals and plays for everyone to enjoy.
To begin the season, ACT will be opening with a classic: William Shakespeare’s famous “Romeo and Juliet.” The play follows Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, children of a family feud that goes back generations. However, the forbidden nature of their love doesn’t stop them as they navigate their relationship and their families’ hate. “Romeo and Juliet” is set to open in February of 2026.
Opening in April, “Bright Star” is a Tony-award nominated musical created by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. The show is a jukebox musical that uses the music from Brickell and Martin’s Grammy-winning album “Love Has Come for You.”
Taking place in the early 20th century in the Blue Ridge Mountains, “Bright Star” follows Alice Murphy as she tells her story of love and life. After the Second World War, Alice meets a soldier who inspires her to find her long-lost son. As she goes back through her history, she reconnects with those from her past and transforms in the hope of finding her son.
In July of 2026, ACT will be producing “Shrek the Musical”. The 2001 animated cult classic is beloved for its storybook satire and ogre-like sense of humor, and the faithfully adapted musical does not disappoint. It follows the ogre, Shrek, as he progresses from protecting his swamp to making new friends and falling in love with Princess Fiona. The only question is, would a princess choose an ogre over a Lord?
There are very few people who would enjoy being stuck on a boat in the middle of nowhere with their coworkers. Three different actors all stuck together on a fishing boat waiting for an animatronic shark to work isn’t exactly a normal situation. “The Shark is Broken” is a comedy, written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, following the three leads of the blockbuster movie “Jaws” as they try to get along while Bruce the shark is fixed.
Set to open in October, “Misery” is the play adaptation of horror writer Stephen King’s 1987 novel of the same name. Paul Sheldon, a famous novelist, gets into a dangerous car crash and is saved by one of his fans, Annie Wilkes. As he continues to stay with Annie, the situation becomes increasingly odd, especially when Annie learns her favorite character will be killed off.
“Sorry! Wrong Chimney!” is ACT’s final show, opening in December of 2026. The play is a silly Christmas farce that follows David Tuttle, who has taken on an extra job as a store Santa in order to purchase his wife an expensive gift for Christmas. Things go awry when his wife finds out he isn’t working late, and when a burglar Santa and a determined police officer are introduced.
Currently, ACT is looking for directors and is accepting applications. Visit the Ascension Community Theatre website or Instagram page for more information on the current season.
