Lincoln Center Theater has unveiled its 2025-2026 season, showcasing a dynamic array of productions at the Vivian Beaumont, Mitzi E. Newhouse, and Claire Tow Theaters.
This season marks the first under the new executive leadership team, featuring Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, Managing Director Mike Schleifer, Executive Producer Bartlett Sher, Producer Nicole Kastrinos, Executive Director of Development and Planning Naomi Grabel, and LCT3 Artistic Director and Producer Maria Manuela Goyanes.
The much-anticipated season will commence with deBessonet’s new rendition of her celebrated New York City Center Gala revival of the iconic musical RAGTIME at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
This production will star an impressive lineup including Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, and Brandon Uranowitz, promising a remarkable theatrical experience.
In addition, the season will also welcome the U.S. premiere of the highly praised KYOTO, a production by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Good Chance, set to open the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater season.
**RAGTIME**
Performances for RAGTIME are scheduled to begin on Friday, September 26, with opening night set for Thursday, October 16.
Tickets are currently available for purchase, with accessibility options including Closed Captioning and Audio Description available beginning November 17, and Open Captioning offered through TDF starting November 19 at 8 PM.
Assisted Listening Devices and T-COIL will also be available from the first preview onward.
The cast of RAGTIME promises to deliver powerful performances, featuring Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Olivier Award nominee Caissie Levy as Sarah, and Tony Award winner Brandon Uranowitz as Tateh.
The story of RAGTIME, adapted from E. L. Doctorow’s novel, follows three fictional families in early 20th-century America, each seeking the American Dream amidst a backdrop of historical events.
With a stunning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, a compelling book by Terrence McNally, and original orchestrations by William David Brohn, RAGTIME blends historical and fictional narratives to create a richly woven tapestry of personal and national struggles.
The production will feature choreography by Ellenore Scott, with set designs by David Korins and costumes by Linda Cho.
Lighting design is by Adam Honoré, while sound design is by Kai Harada, and hair and wigs are crafted by Tom Watson.
Music Director James Moore will lead a 28-piece orchestra, ensuring that audiences experience the luscious and intricate orchestrations.
**KYOTO**
At the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, performances of KYOTO will kick off on Wednesday, October 8, with opening night scheduled for Monday, November 3.
This sharp and darkly comedic play takes place during the Kyoto Conference in December 1997, where global nations grapple with the effects of climate change.
Written by the Artistic Directors of Good Chance Theatre, Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, this production brings forth an urgent and provocative message, as it delves into the challenges faced in reaching a climate change agreement.
With themes centering around the global efforts to unite for the sake of the environment, KYOTO serves as a timely reflection of our current societal struggles regarding climate crises.
**AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS**
This holiday season, audiences can look forward to AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, a cherished family opera brought to life by multi-GRAMMY Award winner and Olivier Award-winning opera star Joyce DiDonato.
Performances will begin on Tuesday, December 16, with an opening night on Thursday, December 18, extending through Sunday, January 4, 2026.
This new production, which marks the first seasonal family offering by LCT, will be in collaboration with The Metropolitan Opera.
Set in the first century, the story follows a young boy, Amahl, who sees a giant star and soon encounters three kings on a journey to visit a newborn child.
Under the direction of the acclaimed Kenny Leon, this fresh take on Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic opera promises to capture the essence of joy and wonder during the holiday season.
**THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES**
In a return to Broadway, THE WHOOPI MONOLOGUES will commence performances on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with opening night on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
This revival of Whoopi Goldberg’s groundbreaking one-woman show features a talented ensemble of five women, including Emmy Award-winning producer and actress Kerry Washington.
Directed by Tony Award nominee Whitney White, this production aims to bring Goldberg’s iconic characters back to the stage for a new generation, ensuring that the humor and humanity remain as engaging and powerful as ever.
**The Comedy Series**
In a new collaboration, LCT3 will present a comedy series beginning in October 2025, featuring notable names such as Jenny Slate.
This series blends stand-up with storytelling, providing a dynamic platform for comedic voices looking to explore deeper themes and boundaries in live performance.
Every performance promises a unique experience, highlighting the evolving nature of comedy as artists share personal narratives and engage audiences in profound ways.
**NIGHT SIDE SONGS**
NIGHT SIDE SONGS will open on Saturday, February 14, 2026, with an opening night on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This transformative musical explores the intricate human connections that compose our lives, inspired by Susan Sontag’s insights about the challenges of illness.
Featuring a compelling folk score by The Lazours and directed by Taibi Magar, NIGHT SIDE SONGS delves into the experiences of patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, showcasing how song can heal and empower.
Originally commissioned by The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, this musical brings a moving portrait of community and healing to the stage.
**A WOMAN AMONG WOMEN**
Another exciting addition to the season, A WOMAN AMONG WOMEN, will begin performances on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with its opening night on Monday, June 1, 2026.
This acclaimed play offers a fresh narrative set in Northampton, Massachusetts, as Cleo, the founder of a women’s wellness center, navigates the intricacies of community and tension in her backyard.
Playwright Julia May Jonas presents a sharp commentary and subversive take on Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, with the production originally developed in collaboration with The Bushwick Starr and New Georges.
**THE READING SERIES**
Curated by distinguished playwrights Ayad Akhtar, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Lynn Nottage, Sarah Ruhl, Marco Ramirez, and J.T. Rogers, the reading series will take place at the Claire Tow Theater, with dates to be announced soon.
This intimate series features staged readings of new works, offering a platform for both established and emerging voices to share their stories alongside critical conversations.
**Expanded Programming**
In addition to its mainstage productions, Lincoln Center Theater will host an expanded programming lineup, including special events like the “WARRIORS” Silent Disco slated for Wednesday, July 30 at 9:30 PM at the Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza.
This unique event will feature Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, alongside a special guest DJ and artists connected to the album WARRIORS, inviting attendees to dance and engage with the vibrant heartbeat of New York City.
**“COME & SING”** will be another special event, encouraging community and participation.
Overall, Lincoln Center Theater’s 2025-2026 season promises an exciting variety of performances and programming, sure to enrich and inspire audiences throughout the year.
image source from:https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Kerry-Washington-and-Kara-Young-in-THE-WHOOPI-MONOLOGUES-and-More-Set-for-LCT-25-26-Season-20250602