Buckle up, theater fans — the Denver Center for the Performing Arts has dropped its 2025-26 Broadway season, and it's refreshingly eclectic. It's a lineup where Tony-winning crowd-pleasers share the spotlight with intriguing new voices and high-profile adaptations, ensuring there’s something irresistible for every taste.
“The 2025-26 Broadway season is full of spellbinding, spine-tingling (and slightly corny) hits, and we can’t wait to see you at the theater,” says John Ekeberg, executive director of DCPA Broadway and Cabaret. “With auto-renew, subscribers no longer need to go through the trouble of re-subscribing every year, so they never have to worry about losing their favorite seats or their DCPA subscriber perks.”
The upcoming season's performances are divided into two sections: subscription shows, which feature the most popular Broadway newcomers and must-see hits, and added attractions, which highlight beloved classics and limited engagements. From the soulful melodies of Alicia Keys to a little wizardry and a dash of Monty Python’s absurdity, here’s a closer look at what's waiting in the wings:
Subscription Shows
The first mainstage performance at the Buell Theatre is Shucked October 7-19, which kicks things off with clever comedy and irresistible music. This Tony-winning satirical love letter to American optimism features witty dialogue, catchy country-infused tunes and an atmosphere of pure, hilarious joy.
In the Garner Galleria Theatre, the side-splittingly funny Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, November 8–May 10, 2026, puts a comedic spin on Bram Stoker’s gothic tale. Five actors play dozens of roles in this locally produced madcap comedy, which is reminiscent of the current season's production of Gutenberg! The Musical!
Next up, The Notebook, which runs from December 16–28 in the Buell, vividly brings the well-loved book and movie to life with heartfelt songs by Ingrid Michaelson and a poignant examination of enduring love between Allie and Noah. With Water for Elephants, February 11-22, 2026, audiences will step into the spectacular yet gritty world of a 1930s traveling circus, adapted from Sara Gruen’s beloved novel. It follows Jacob, a young man who jumps onto a moving train after losing everything, discovering romance, danger, and a newfound purpose among the performers.
Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, April 14-26, 2026, centers on Ali, a rebellious seventeen-year-old navigating the complex dynamics of family and identity in 1990s New York City. Driven by Keys’ powerful music and signature soul, Ali’s coming-of-age journey explores the emotional tensions between a protective single mother, dreams of musical greatness, and the vibrant community that ultimately helps her discover her voice and place in the world.
The only non-musical coming through the Buell this season, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, May 30-June 27, 2026, brings an award-winning magical spectacle that boasts six Tony Awards, including Best Play. Set nineteen years after the events of the beloved book series, the story centers on Harry Potter's son, Albus, who struggles under his father's legacy while befriending Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius, in a magical, time-bending experience.
Monty Python fans will rejoice as Spamalot, August 11-23, 2026, gallops onto the Denver stage fresh from its critically acclaimed Broadway revival in New York City. This hilarious Tony-winning musical, inspired by the iconic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, lovingly mocks medieval legend through absurd sketches, memorable musical numbers and playful nods to other beloved Python bits.
Closing the subscription season, The Outsiders, September 8-27, 2026, brings S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking novel to the stage in a fresh, electrifying new musical that won four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in 1967 Tulsa, the story dives deep into the lives of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and their close-knit band of "Greasers" who struggle against the privileged "Socs" while grappling with class conflict, identity and the aching search for belonging.
Added Attractions
Kicking off the added attractions with comedy star power, Bluebird Improv, May 16-18, showcases improv legends like Tim Meadows of Mean Girls and Matt Walsh of Veep. Audiences provide the inspiration, fueling hilarious, spontaneous sketches that will never be repeated — making each night a unique comedic experience. Next is the irreverently hilarious Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, May 28-June 29, satirizing current Broadway hits and stars.
Summer brings Dixie Longate’s farewell performances: the uproarious Dixie’s Tupperware Party, July 16-August 17, and the equally hilarious follow-up, Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull, August 20-September 7. On the opposite end of the theatrical spectrum, the visually spectacular Disney’s The Lion King, October 23-November 16, returns with groundbreaking puppetry and timeless songs.
Holiday festivities take a modern spin with the return of The Hip Hop Nutcracker, November 21-23, blending hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's classic score in a vibrant NYC setting. Families can also enjoy the heartwarming classic Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, December 3-7, capturing Whoville's whimsical spirit.
Rock out to girl-power anthems with SIX, January 7-11, 2026, where Henry VIII's six wives reclaim history with contemporary sass and infectious pop tunes that arrive after its 2023 run in Denver. Enjoy timeless Americana with The Music Man, February 27-March 1, 2026, following charismatic conman Harold Hill and his redemption in River City, Iowa.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting classic The Phantom of the Opera, March 18-April 5, 2026, will enchant with its romantic storyline and unforgettable melodies. Hadestown, May 5-10, 2026, a jazz-infused retelling of the Orpheus myth, offers emotional depth and striking visuals. MJ, May 13-17, 2026, revisits Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Dangerous Tour, delivering iconic choreography and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Beloved classic The Sound of Music returns July 29-August 2, 2026, charming audiences with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless story of Maria, who transforms the lives of the von Trapp family amid the backdrop of pre-WWII Austria, featuring unforgettable songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss.” The darkly comic and spirited Beetlejuice, August 4-9, 2026, wraps up the season’s attractions, blending irreverent comedy with heartwarming storytelling.
Will Lauren Boebert be back to vape during Beetlejuice in Orchestra C Row E seats 1-2? Only time will tell, but either way, Denver, this season promises unforgettable moments on stage and off.
“The 2025-26 Broadway season is full of spellbinding, spine-tingling (and slightly corny) hits, and we can’t wait to see you at the theater,” says John Ekeberg, executive director of DCPA Broadway and Cabaret. “With auto-renew, subscribers no longer need to go through the trouble of re-subscribing every year, so they never have to worry about losing their favorite seats or their DCPA subscriber perks.”
The upcoming season's performances are divided into two sections: subscription shows, which feature the most popular Broadway newcomers and must-see hits, and added attractions, which highlight beloved classics and limited engagements. From the soulful melodies of Alicia Keys to a little wizardry and a dash of Monty Python’s absurdity, here’s a closer look at what's waiting in the wings:
Shucked, the Tony-winning musical, will play at the DCPA from October 7 to 19.
Courtesy of Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Subscription Shows
The first mainstage performance at the Buell Theatre is Shucked October 7-19, which kicks things off with clever comedy and irresistible music. This Tony-winning satirical love letter to American optimism features witty dialogue, catchy country-infused tunes and an atmosphere of pure, hilarious joy.In the Garner Galleria Theatre, the side-splittingly funny Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, November 8–May 10, 2026, puts a comedic spin on Bram Stoker’s gothic tale. Five actors play dozens of roles in this locally produced madcap comedy, which is reminiscent of the current season's production of Gutenberg! The Musical!
Bring plenty of Kleenex to The Notebook at the DCPA on December 16-28.
Courtesy of Julieta Cervantes
Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, which comes to Denver April 14-26, 2026, centers on Ali, a rebellious 17-year-old navigating 1990s New York City.
Courtesy of Marc J. Franklin
The only non-musical coming through the Buell this season, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, May 30-June 27, 2026, brings an award-winning magical spectacle that boasts six Tony Awards, including Best Play. Set nineteen years after the events of the beloved book series, the story centers on Harry Potter's son, Albus, who struggles under his father's legacy while befriending Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius, in a magical, time-bending experience.
Look on the bright side of life: Monthy Python's Spamlot is coming to Denver from August 11 to 23, 2026.
Courtesy of Matthew Murphy
Closing the subscription season, The Outsiders, September 8-27, 2026, brings S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking novel to the stage in a fresh, electrifying new musical that won four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in 1967 Tulsa, the story dives deep into the lives of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and their close-knit band of "Greasers" who struggle against the privileged "Socs" while grappling with class conflict, identity and the aching search for belonging.
Added Attractions
Kicking off the added attractions with comedy star power, Bluebird Improv, May 16-18, showcases improv legends like Tim Meadows of Mean Girls and Matt Walsh of Veep. Audiences provide the inspiration, fueling hilarious, spontaneous sketches that will never be repeated — making each night a unique comedic experience. Next is the irreverently hilarious Forbidden Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song, May 28-June 29, satirizing current Broadway hits and stars.
Disney's The Lion King gallopes back to the Mile High City October 23–November 16.
Courtesy of Matthew Murphy
Holiday festivities take a modern spin with the return of The Hip Hop Nutcracker, November 21-23, blending hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's classic score in a vibrant NYC setting. Families can also enjoy the heartwarming classic Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, December 3-7, capturing Whoville's whimsical spirit.
Rock out to girl-power anthems with SIX, January 7-11, 2026, where Henry VIII's six wives reclaim history with contemporary sass and infectious pop tunes that arrive after its 2023 run in Denver. Enjoy timeless Americana with The Music Man, February 27-March 1, 2026, following charismatic conman Harold Hill and his redemption in River City, Iowa.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting classic The Phantom of the Opera, March 18-April 5, 2026, will enchant with its romantic storyline and unforgettable melodies. Hadestown, May 5-10, 2026, a jazz-infused retelling of the Orpheus myth, offers emotional depth and striking visuals. MJ, May 13-17, 2026, revisits Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Dangerous Tour, delivering iconic choreography and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
Beloved classic The Sound of Music returns July 29-August 2, 2026, charming audiences with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless story of Maria, who transforms the lives of the von Trapp family amid the backdrop of pre-WWII Austria, featuring unforgettable songs like “Do-Re-Mi” and “Edelweiss.” The darkly comic and spirited Beetlejuice, August 4-9, 2026, wraps up the season’s attractions, blending irreverent comedy with heartwarming storytelling.
Will Lauren Boebert be back to vape during Beetlejuice in Orchestra C Row E seats 1-2? Only time will tell, but either way, Denver, this season promises unforgettable moments on stage and off.
For tickets and more information, visit denvercenter.org.
