2025-26 Season
In choosing our season, we look for plays that speak from the heart; that are life-affirming and uplifting even when the subject matter is challenging; that use our language in powerful and provocative ways; that invite the audience to see their world in a new way. Artistic excellence is central to the mission of The Public Theatre.
Get ready for our 2026-27 Season!
2026-27 Subscriptions on sale now. To Subscribe or Renew your Subscription call 207-782-3200 Read more about Subscriptions >>
Read about the 2026-27 Season Shows
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
Oct 23 – Nov 8, 2026
This beloved comedy celebrates the lives and friendship of six southern women who gather weekly in their local hair salon to share gossip, laughter and tears and navigate the joys and challenges of life together. Filled to the brim with humor, heart and hairdos, grab your best friend and GO!
Darker the Night, Brighter the Stars by John Cariani
Jan 22 – 31, 2027
From the popular author of Almost, Maine comes another look at life in Northern Maine - this time through the eyes of a younger generation. Under the magic of a meteor shower, young Mainers wish on shooting stars and open their hearts to each other asking questions about love, their lives and themselves in this hopeful, funny and timely new play.
Primary Trust by Eboni Booth
Mar 12 – 21, 2027
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for drama, this quirky, moving and uplifting play tells the story of a lonely man named Kenneth who meets his imaginary friend every night for Mai Tai’s at a local tiki bar. When Kenneth unexpectedly loses his long-term job in a bookstore, he is forced to step outside his comfort zone to look for work and discovers the joy of making real friends and the importance of human connection.
Rights to this show are still pending.
The Fiancé by Emily Bohannon
April 30 – May 9, 2027
Don’t miss this heartfelt new comedy about love, loss and hope in three generations of single women! Imagine a recently heartbroken 31 year-old woman, her 62 year-old divorced mom and her 85 year-old widowed grandmother. Guess which one’s the fiancé? When a loving granddaughter convinces her grandmother to try online dating, they agree to write profiles for each other and jump in together. When love knocks on Grandma’s door first, everyone in the family is surprised, including the grandmother! This heartwarming comedy celebrates the joy that comes from opening your heart to the possibility of finding love at any age.
Single Tickets on sale July 1, 2026 - Why not Subscribe and SAVE! >>
Sold separately from Subscriptions:
A Christmas Carol adapted by Christopher Schario
Dec 11, 12, 13, 2026
Six actors and a fiddler perform the Dickens out of this beloved holiday story told in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget! Don’t miss this unique and acclaimed adaptation originally created at The Public Theatre, now published and performed all over the world!. Children 18 and under only $15!
2025-26 Season
Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk
by Catherine Bush
May 8, 9, 10, 13, 14*, 15, 16*, 17 – 2026
*Thurs @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm / Fri @ 7:00 pm / Sat @ 3:00 pm / Sun @ 2pm, *Sat, May 16 @ 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm ADDED MATINEE: Wednesday, May 13 @ 2pm
At the age of 67, “Grandma” Gatewood set out with her duffel bag and a pair of Keds sneakers to become the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail.
Content Advisory:
We consider Grandma Gatewood “PG-13” for depictions and descriptions of domestic violence.
Hansel and Gretel
by Tanglewood Marionettes
All Tickets $15!
Sat, May 30, 2026
Student Matinees: May 26-29 Read more about Student Matinees >>
*sold separately from subscriptions
Based on the classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved story comes to life with dazzling marionettes, music and a colorful set in the shape of a giant storybook.
From the award-winning Tanglewood Marionettes.
Running time: 45 minutes
Appropriate for Children 5 and up; best for Children 6 – 12
Coming this Summer!
Good Vibrations: A Celebration of The Beach Boys
June 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
June 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm
*sold separately from subscriptions
Much more than just your typical tribute band, Good Vibrations celebrates the legacy and spirit of the legendary California icons by re-creating all of their classic music and timeless sounds of summer LIVE on stage!
Running time: 105 minutes including one intermission
Million Dollar Quartet
Book by COLIN ESCOTT and FLOYD MUTRUX · Original Concept and Direction by FLOYD MUTRUX · Inspired by ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH, JERRY LEE LEWIS, and CARL PERKINS
Aug 26 – Sept 13, 2026
- Wed, Fri, Sat at 7 PM
- Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun at 2 PM
*sold separately from subscriptions
Maine State Music Theatre and The Public Theatre proudly present a not-to-be-missed co-production of Million Dollar Quartet!
Maine’s own Scott Moreau Directs and portrays Johnny Cash, along with a cast of musicians who will transport you back in time to witness the birth of a sound that changed the world forever.
Presented by Maine State Music Theatre and The Public Theatre
Earlier this Season
The Irish . . . and How They Got That Way
by Frank McCourt
August 27, 28, 29, 30*, 31, September 3, 4, 5, 6*, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13*, 14 – 2025
Wednesdays & Fridays at 7 PM / Thursdays & Sundays at 2 PM / *Saturdays at 2 PM & 7 PM
*sold separately from subscriptions
The Irish… And How They Got That Way is an irreverent history of the Irish through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man).
Presented by Maine State Music Theatre and The Public Theatre
2025 Manhattan Short Film Festival
September 26 @ 7:00 pm | September 27 @ 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
*sold separately from subscriptions
Attention all film lovers and film makers:
The Public Theatre will be hosting the GLOBAL MANHATTAN SHORT film festival. Film lovers will unite in over 500 venues worldwide to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world.
Tickets: General Admission – All tickets $15
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.
Misery
by William Goldman adapted from the novel by Stephen King
Oct 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, Nov 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 ,9 – 2025
Thurs & Fri @ 7:00 pm / Sat @ 3:00 pm / Sun @ 2pm / *Sat, Nov 1 @ 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Stephen King’s best-selling psychological thriller and Oscar-winning film is now a spine-chilling Broadway play! Truth is stranger than fiction when a famous romance novelist veers off the road in a winter storm and wakes up incapacitated in the home of his “number-one fan”.
Public Theatre policy requires you to pay for your entire seat – even though you’ll only be using the edge.
A Christmas Carol
adapted by Christopher Schario
December 12, 13, 14 – 2025
Fri @ 7:00 pm / Sat @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm / Sun @ 2:00 pm
*Sold separately from subscriptions
Six actors and a fiddler perform the Dickens out of this beloved holiday story told in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget! Don’t miss this unique and acclaimed adaptation originally created at The Public Theatre, now published and performed all over the world!. Children 18 and under only $15!
Still
by Lia Romeo
Jan 30, 31, Feb 1, 5, 6, 7*, 8 – 2026
Thurs & Fri @ 7:00 pm / Sat @ 3:00 pm / Sun @ 2pm, Sat, Feb 7 @ 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Lost love is rekindled in this funny, heartbreaking, sexy, smart and timely story, when a couple who broke up in their 30s get a second chance at love in their 60s. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an ex’s picture and wondering, “What if?”—this one’s for you.
But what do you do when you love someone, but hate some of the things they believe?” Is rekindled love enough to overcome your differences? Second chances are given, secrets are exposed, and an avocado goes flying in the Maine premiere of this recent Off-Broadway hit and Outer Critics Circle nominee for Best New American Play. Timely and compelling, you’ll be talking about this show all the way home.
Whit’s End
by Norm Foster
Mar 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28*, 29 – 2026
Thurs & Fri @ 7:00 pm / Sat @ 3:00 pm / Sun @ 2pm, *Sat, Mar 28 @ 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm ADDED MATINEE: Thurs, March 26 @ 2pm
From the author of Lunenburg and last season’s hit, Halfway There, comes the US premiere of a hilarious and heartwarming new comedy about love, family and getting married.
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31 Maple Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Business: (207) 782-2211
Tickets: (207) 782-3200
