The Performing Arts Center 2025-26 schedule reveal show. March 24, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Timeless tales and coming-of-age dramas are among the Broadway musicals hitting the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center stage in its upcoming season.
Officials revealed the 2025-26 lineup Monday to an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,300 season ticket holders, donors, group leaders and special guests.
In total, the 2025-26 season is comprised of 21 acts across four different series.
“We’re inviting you to explore history, culture, innovation and adventure,” Fox Cities PAC President/CEO Maria Van Laanen said.
As always, much of the excitement for the season surrounds the Broadway performances that come to town — whether they’re repeat visitors or making their Wisconsin premiere.
“It brings Tony and Grammy-award winning shows every year that are amazing, direct-from-Broadway hits,” Van Laanen said. “Our Broadway series continues to do extremely well. We’re grateful for the community’s support of everything that we do here at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.”
KIMBERLY-CLARK BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA – FOX CITIES SERIES
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
SUMMARY: A young prince is transformed into a hideous beast by an Enchantress as punishment for his selfishness and cruelty. The prince must learn to love and be loved in return by Belle — a book-loving young woman staying in his castle — in order to break the Enchantress’ spell before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls.
DATES: October 21-26, 2025
Hell’s Kitchen
SUMMARY: The award-winning Broadway musical created and inspired by Alicia Keys takes you on the journey of Ali – a 17-year-old girl full of fire. Relatable, raw and refreshingly fun, it’s a celebration of finding yourself, your purpose and the people who lift you up. The music — a mix of Keys’ classics and new songs written exclusively for the show — and exhilarating choreography bring to life a story that speaks to you no matter where you’re from, where you’ve been or where you’re going. Come experience where dreams begin: Hell’s Kitchen.
DATES: December 16-21, 2025 (Wisconsin premiere)
Hamilton
SUMMARY:The Tony-winning epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.
DATES: February 3-15, 2026
Kimberly Akimbo
SUMMARY: Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
DATES: March 3-8, 2026
The Great Gatsby
SUMMARY: Tony Award-winning new musical based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It follows self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit to rekindle a romance with his long-lost love, wealthy socialite Daisy Buchanan. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby explores the themes of wealth, love and the American Dream.
DATES: April 14-19, 2026
& Juliet
SUMMARY: Broadway’s most fun hit musical, & Juliet, flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her own terms. This audience favorite is created by the Emmy-winning writer of “Schitt’s Creek” and features a playlist of iconic pop hits from Max Martin and his collaborators, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” “Confident,” and more.
DATES: June 2-7, 2026
The Book of Mormon
SUMMARY: This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
DATES: November 18-23, 2025
BOLDT ARTS ALIVE! SERIES
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men tour of Hamlet
SUMMARY: Experience Hamlet as it was first produced. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s premier all-male Shakespeare company, brings their acclaimed production of this timeless tragedy to the U.S. for the first time. Through Elizabethan costumes, music and dance, witness The Bard’s most gripping tale of revenge, fate and human nature.
DATE: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Masters of Illusion – Believe the Impossible
SUMMARY: Starring world-class, award-winning magicians, Masters of Illusion is a cutting-edge magic show featuring modern illusions, grand spectacles and hilarious comedic magic. Performed live on stage, it combines fantasy, flair and mind-bending acts that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s impossible. This is a show that must be seen to be believed!
DATE: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Soweto Gospel Choir – PEACE
SUMMARY: The electrifying energy of the Soweto Gospel Choir is back! This globally renowned ensemble blends powerful harmonies, dynamic choreography, and vibrant South African heritage. With two GRAMMY Awards and a long history of captivating performances, their soul-stirring music, rich in faith and unity, promises an unforgettable, uplifting celebration of culture and spirit.
DATE: Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas By Chip Davis
SUMMARY: Experience Mannheim Steamroller live and discover why this legendary ensemble has captivated millions. A signature fusion of classical, new age and rock paired with stunning visuals creates an unforgettable performance. Don’t miss this mesmerizing musical journey presented during the time of year for holiday cheer.
DATE: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales (*Sensory inclusive*)
SUMMARY: Relive cherished childhood memories and create new ones with the young people in your life. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents a playful retelling of three beloved stories! Billy Goats Gruff follows three clever goats outwitting a grumpy troll, Wolf vs. Pigs sees three resourceful pigs turn the tables on a sly wolf, and in Goldilocks, a mischievous raccoon faces surprises when the true homeowners return to a place she invaded for comforts and tasty treats.
DATE: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Drum TAO
SUMMARY: Experience the electrifying power of this globally acclaimed ensemble that fuses the thunderous beats of traditional Wadaiko drums with the soulful melodies of Japanese flutes and harps. Drum TAO delivers a breathtaking blend of ancient tradition and modern energy that will leave you spellbound.
DATE: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
QUINTO ELEMENTO by Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
SUMMARY: Feel the passion of flamenco as Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana presents QUINTO ELEMENTO by acclaimed choreographer Patricia Guerrero. Set to an original live score, this bold work explores ether – the invisible force that connects us. Through striking contrasts and intricate footwork, Guerrero reimagines flamenco’s essence in a mesmerizing display.
DATE: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
MENASHA CORPORATION SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Sacred Winds co-presented with IndUS of the Fox Valley
SUMMARY:Sacred Winds is an extraordinary musical experience blending North Indian classical and semi-classical traditions, from ragas to folk and devotional music. Featuring two distinct wind instruments, the performance highlights three renowned musicians: an ethno-saxophonist, a bansuri (flute) virtuoso and a Grammy-nominated tabla maestro. Presented with IndUS of the Fox Valley, celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2025.
DATE: Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Lucus Bohn – Lesson Plans to Late Night
SUMMARY:Lucas Bohn returns to the Fox Cities to bring his boundless energy and razor-sharp wit in a comedy experience full of new material. A master of impressions and punchlines, Bohn blends smart, bold humor with schoolboy charm in a special about his transition from full-time public school teacher to stand up comedian.
DATE: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Reunion in Song: 10 Years of Center Stage
SUMMARY: In celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Center Stage High School Musical Theater Program, select alumni are returning to serenade you in a special evening of cabaret. Join us in the Kimberly-Clark Theater for a magical night of nostalgia and talent.
DATE: Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Randy Otto is Winston Churchill: The Blitz
SUMMARY: Travel back to 1940 as Randy Otto transports you to the German bombing of London. Experience Churchill’s powerful speeches that strengthened British resolve during dark times. This immersive experience brings history to life through riveting storytelling and an interactive Q&A “Ask Winston.”
DATE: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
VIEWPOINT SPEAKER SERIES
Exploring our Wild Nature: Wolves, Chimps & Gorillas – Ronan Donovan
SUMMARY: What does it mean to be human? We build relationships, communicate, reproduce, establish territories, and adapt to shrinking resources. In these ways, we’re no different from other social mammals. Chimpanzees, wolves, and gorillas are among the most charismatic mammals we know and biologist-turned-photographer Ronan Donovan has embedded for months with each. Find out what he believes we – as fellow social mammals – can learn from our wild kin.
DATE: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Pink Boots and a Machete – Mireya Mayor
SUMMARY: Join world-renowned scientist and National Geographic explorer Mireya Mayor on a wild and inspiring romp through her unconventional path to success. From her early days as an NFL cheerleader to near-death experiences in the Congo and co-discovering the world’s smallest primate in Madagascar, the Travel Channel’s Expedition Bigfoot host shares her incredible journey with us.
DATE:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity – David McLain
SUMMARY: Join photographer David McLain on a journey to a life well-lived as he uncovers the secrets of the Blue Zones—places where people live vibrant lives beyond 100. David has spent years studying the habits of centenarians across the globe. Now, through personal anecdotes and scientific research, David shares how adopting their practices can add quality years to our own lives.
DATE: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets to a show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
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