Imagination Stage, the DMV’s leader in youth development through the arts, is thrilled to announce its 2026/27 professional theater lineup. Centered around the inspiring theme, “A Season of Heroes and Hope,” this year’s slate of productions is packed with high-energy musicals, interactive e xperiences for toddlers, and deeply moving stories that celebrate everyday heroism and the power of optimism. “Through the magic of live theater, young audiences don’t just watch stories unfold — they see themselves in them,” says Joanne Lamparter, Imagination Stage’s Chief Artistic Programming Officer. “This season is all about helping children identify the heroes around them, discover what it truly means to be an active, helping member of a community, and walk away inspired with hope for the future.” Bringing this vision to life, the season kicks off with the infectious rhythms of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical (September 26–October 18, 2026), followed by a spectacular holiday production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027), directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Ashleigh King. In January and February, Wake Up, Brother Bear! (January 16–February 21, 2027) invites you into the world of Brother and Sister Bear as they follow a year through the seasons. Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Children sit on the floor around the stage and may join in the action with this funny and reflective exploration for young imaginations. In March and April, audiences will see the return of Inside Out and Backwards (March 13–April 18, 2027). It’s bedtime, and two children use their imaginations to turn their room inside out! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastical creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet! The excitement builds in the winter and spring with a lineup curated for elementary-school-aged children, starting with a highly anticipated world-premiere musical, Pandora: Out of the Box! (February 27–April 10, 2027). This landmark production marks a major creative union for Imagination Stage, bringing together playwright Psalmayene 24 and composer Deborah Wicks La Puma. Both celebrated artists return to the theater where they previously broke ground in Theatre for Young Audiences. Following the Pandora premiere, audiences will be treated to the problem-solving adventures of Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers for a limited, two-week run (April 17–25, 2027). The season culminates in the summer with the musical Grand Slam Hero (June 16–July 24, 2027), which centers on real-life hero and baseball legend, Roberto Clemente. Grand Slam Hero highlights another creative partnership for the theater, written by the internationally celebrated musical theater writing team of Karen Zacarías and Deborah Wicks La Puma. Discount ticket packages for 3, 5, or all 7 shows are now available for purchase. Packages are structured by the age of the child(ren), as well as flexible options to pick and choose among all of the shows. Discounts are as high as 35%, the best prices of the year. To learn more about extra benefits and to purchase a ticket package, go to Imagination Stage’s website or call the box office at 301-280-1660. Single tickets go on sale in early August, with prices starting at $16. 2026-2027 Professional Theatre Season Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The MusicalSeptember 26–October 18, 2026Written and Directed by Nina Meehan Music and Lyrics by Austin Zumbro Produced by Third Wish ProductionsOriginally Developed and Produced by Seattle Children’s TheatreBased on Chicka Chicka Boom Boom ©1989 by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert. All rights reserved. Licensed by Moxie Company, LLC. This musical bursts onto the stage as a joy-filled celebration of letters, words, and imagination that will captivate kids and adults alike. With infectious rhythms, dazzling puppets, lively dancing, and playful audience interaction, this high-energy production transforms the beloved story into a whirlwind of color, creativity, and fun to launch our season of hope. Best for ages 3-9. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The MusicalBased on the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. SeussNovember 21, 2026–January 3, 2027 Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason Music by Mel MarvinAdditional Music and Lyrics by Albert Hague and Dr. SeussDirected and Choreographed by Ashleigh KingPresented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) Get ready to grow your heart three sizes this holiday season as the world’s most famous “green menace” marches onto our stage! Directed by prominent DMV director and choreographer Ashleigh King — who previously directed Imagination Stage’s hit A Year with Frog and Toad and choreographed Nate the Great — this spectacular musical adaptation brings Whoville to life with whimsical sets, toe-tapping songs, and the timeless story of a Grinch who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. From an unlikely anti-hero comes a message of community, kindness, and redemption that will leave even the “grinchiest” audience members full of holiday hope. This show is great for all ages! Wake Up, Brother Bear!January 16–February 21, 2027Directed by Kathryn Chase BryerWritten by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Janet StanfordOriginally Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Janet Stanford Music Arrangements by Moira Todd Wake Up, Brother Bear! invites you into the world of Brother and Sister Bear as they follow a year through the seasons. Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Seated on the stage, children can join the action in this funny and reflective exploration for young imaginations. Best for ages 1-4. Pandora: Out of the Box!February 27–April 10, 2027A World Premiere Musical Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24 Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Step into a world where Ancient Greece meets the modern day in this high-energy, world-premiere musical. When 10-year-old Pandora can’t resist opening an oversized, mysterious gift from her grandfather Zeus, she accidentally unleashes a rowdy quartet of troublemakers: Selfishness, Sorrow, Worry, and Meanness, and only through sheer determination and resilience is she able to face the problems they create! Best for ages 5+. Inside Out and BackwardsMarch 13–April 18, 2027Directed by Kathryn Chase BryerWritten by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Natasha HolmesOriginally Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Natasha Holmes Music Composed by Tim Guillot It’s bedtime, and two children use their imaginations to turn their room inside out! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastical creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet! This interactive, highly visual production celebrates how hope and play can transform any ordinary space into an extraordinary world. Best for ages 1-4. TheaterWorksUSA’s Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck: The QuestioneersApril 17–25, 2027Based on the books by Andrea Beaty Book by Lauren GundersonMusic by Bree Lowdermilk Lyrics by Kait Kerrigan Ms. Greer’s classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box STEM heroes. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist’s curiosity can lead her to solve any problem. Armed with hope, teamwork, and determination, these young thinkers prove that asking questions is the first step to saving the day! Best for ages 5+. Grand Slam HeroJune 16–July 24, 2027Directed by Mina MoritaBook and Lyrics by Karen Zacarías Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma This dynamic baseball musical transports audiences to 1972 Pittsburgh, where legendary Pirates player Roberto Clemente is at the top of his game. Sam Kowalski and the neighborhood baseball-playing kids are in an intense competition to win the chance to meet Clemente in person. But when their favorite sports hero steps up to help victims of a natural disaster in Nicaragua, the kids must learn that there is far more to life than winning. Best for ages 4+. ABOUT IMAGINATION STAGE Imagination Stage, the DMV’s leader in youth development through the arts, is driven to build a generation of compassionate, collaborative young people who are capable of changing the world. Starting as an arts academy in Bethesda in 1979, it has responded to the evolving “needs of now” over the last 47 years by expanding its reach throughout Montgomery County and Washington, DC. Children from every socio-economic group need experiences that teach empathy, demonstrate resilience, and inspire hope. Theater does just that. Beyond the classes, camps, and shows at its Bethesda location, Imagination Stage brings programming to over 50 locations per year in Montgomery County and DC, through partnerships with Montgomery County Public Schools, DC Public Schools, and others. One such program is Theatre for Change. It serves teenagers, using theater productions and educational workshops to bridge cultural divides, lift up underrepresented voices, and explore complex social justice issues. ...read more read less