Theater is live art. It is too alive to be edited, and no show can ever be exactly replicated – you can never see the same one twice. This season’s theater lineup may have a few familiar titles, but it’s fair to say that the productions will be as fresh as the night they premiered. Shows in store for audiences this fall include musicals and suspense, along with plenty of comedy and family favorites.
Hoogland Center for the Arts
Dr. Suess’ beloved characters come to life in an unforgettable musical adventure, Suessical Jr., Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11. The Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant who discovers tiny people called The Whos in a speck of dust. He must protect them and also guard an egg that has been left in his care. Watch as the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and triumph.
The tension builds at an agonizingly steady pace in the psychological thriller Misery. Paul Sheldon, a romance novelist, is rescued from a car crash by his self-proclaimed No. 1 fan, Annie Wilkes. She takes him to her secluded house, and while he is recovering from the wreck, she reads the manuscript of his most recent book and discovers that Sheldon has killed off her favorite character. With emotional whiplash that swings between passive-aggressive sweetness and outright rage, Annie forces him to rewrite the novel, which he does with a hidden cunning that matches her own. The production will be presented by Springfield Theatre Company on Oct. 9-11 and October 16-18.
A talented pool of local artists, performers, musicians and designers have collaborated to present Come from Away, a musical based on a remarkable true story. On Sept. 11, 2001, 38 planes were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, carrying 6,579 passengers and crew. For the residents of Gander, a town of 10,000 residents, it was an incredible undertaking, but they opened their homes and built lasting connections with the stranded travelers. Come from Away will be on stage Oct. 23-27 and Oct. 31.
The young Prince Pippin, heir to the Frankish throne, is in search of the meaning of life and true happiness, searching for fulfillment through war, royal power and romance, only to find that happiness is found in simple, everyday life. Real historical figures of the early Middle Ages, Prince Pippin and King Charlemagne, were some of the inspirations for the musical Pippin. It will be performed Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 20-22.
UIS Performing Arts Center
Jersey Boys will be on stage on Oct. 2. This fantastic jukebox musical is presented in a documentary-style format that dramatizes the formation, success and breakup of the 1960s rock ’n’ roll group, The Four Seasons. Their music, however, lived on to become “symbolic of a generation.”
Ali Siddiq’s comedy album debuted in 2010, his television special in 2016 and his TV special in 2018. He is one of the world’s most talked about comedians and he is finally bringing The Custom Fit Tour to Springfield on Oct. 23. With his storytelling style, Siddiq’s sets involve stories from his personal life, as well his take on current events, socio-politics and race.
A haunting and hopeful theatrical experience, Hadestown grabs the audience and never lets go. It intertwines two mythic tales – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone – as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. On stage Oct. 24.
Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play, What the Constitution Means to Me, imagines how the U.S. Constitution it will shape the next generation of Americans. Schreck, who at 15 earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the U.S., presents this hilarious and hopeful new play. The memoir is part history lesson and part engaging conversation, bringing the document to life in unexpected ways. It will be presented by the UIS Performing Arts Center in partnership with the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership on Sept. 17-20.
On Nov. 7, bestselling author Candace Bushnell will bring her hit one-woman show to the stage. In True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City Bushell shares personal stories, humor and behind-the-scenes insights. With her unique style of wit and candor, she will tell of the real-life inspiration behind her iconic career, from the glamour of New York City to the creation of “Sex and the City.”
The adult-themed comedy, Golden Girls – The Laughs Continue, lets you relive the heartfelt hilarity of Sophia, Blanche, Rose and Dorothy – four ladies who never stopped being your friends. This all-new show will be on stage Nov. 14.
Some unwritten rules for teachers – If you see another teacher come in late … no you didn’t, never eat anything a kid hands you and never tie wet shoelaces. The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour is back. Their hilarious skits have been viewed by millions online, and they’re all joining comic forces on stage for a night of laughter on Nov. 15.
The Legacy Theatre
The Legacy Theatre’s magical coven of song sirens returns for the witching season with Good Witch/Bad Witch – A Wicked and Wonderful Celebration on Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 8-10. Join in as your favorite songs from the musical Wicked and other enchanting songs from the witches of stage and screen are conjured.
The much-loved musical, Annie, is 50! Set in 1930s New York, Annie is a fearless orphan who transforms everyone she meets. Described as the “ultimate feel-good musical,” Annie will burst on the stage again on Nov. 20.
The Muni
Although summer is coming to a close, The Muni is giving us one more opportunity to enjoy its outdoor theater on Sept. 12. Rockballet is an electrifying fusion of classical ballet and iconic rock music, taking audiences on a thrilling journey through the most influential eras of rock ’n’ roll. This innovative production showcases the dynamic versatility of the Copper Coin Ballet Company and will feature songs from Prince with a live band.
Looking ahead at the upcoming holiday season’s theater scene, it appears that popular favorites are in store for audiences – The Nutcracker ballet, comedian Bert Kreischer and a musical adaptation of White Christmas, just to name a few. Check the Illinois Times calendar for show dates and times, along with ticket information.
This article appears in 2026 Fall Guide.
