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Zach Theater Reveals 2026–27 Season Including “The Color Purple,” Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and More

A dynamic mix of comedy, musicals and new works highlights another year of standout theatre

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The Topfer at ZACH Theater. (Photo courtesy of ZACH)

Austin audiences have plenty to anticipate as Zach Theater reveals its 2026–27 season, a dynamic lineup offering something for everyone — from laugh-out-loud comedy to heartwarming musical theater.

As longtime supporters of Zach Theater, we are continually inspired by the organization’s dedication to excellence and its ability to bring stories to life in ways that resonate deeply with Austin audiences. Each season is a reminder of the transformative power of live performance.

A Season of Bold Storytelling

At the heart of the season is a powerful new artistic initiative: a three-season trilogy spotlighting exceptional female playwrights. This initiative begins with “Liberation” by Bess Wohl, a Broadway work featuring a daughter’s exploration of her mother’s legacy. Additional titles in the trilogy will be announced in the coming years, underscoring Zach Theater’s investment in stories that challenge perspectives.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong marketing graphic from Zach Theater features a creative Tinkerbell character.
“Peter Pan Goes Wrong”

From Comedy to Classics

Early 2027 brings the Austin premiere of “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,” a popular international comedy that turns a beloved classic into a chaotic spectacle. 

In the spring, audiences can experience the Tony Award®-winning musical “The Color Purple,” inspired by Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. With its rich score and deeply moving story, the production celebrates resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love.

Summer audiences will be swept away by Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” reimagined with breathtaking aerial staging. The season also includes the suspenseful mystery “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie.

The Little Mermaid marketing graphic for Zach Theater showing an actress dressed as a mermaid
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”

Beloved Traditions and Family Favorites

The holiday season brings back two cherished traditions: “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Steakley, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” featuring Charles M. Schulz’s timeless characters and Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score.

Zach Theater’s Family Series includes imaginative offerings like “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” based on C. S. Lewis’s classic tale, and the bilingual production “Go, Dog. Go! | Ve Perro ¡Ve!,” created by local artists.

Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley shares, “Great storytelling needs an audience. Told sitting close and passed from voice to voice, stories are shaped by the people who tell them and the people who lean in to listen. That’s the soul of our 2026-27 Season. Join us in the room where strangers become neighbors.”  

Learn more about the season at zachtheater.org

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