Duluth-area Theater Primer 2025-2026
The time of year for giant lawn skeletons, crunchy leaves and the theatrical arts is upon us. Though plays are put up year-round, the fall is when most theatrical organizations fire up a new season of productions. This primer lists upcoming shows from a bunch of Duluth-area theater entities, but first gives an overview of other theater options in the region.
In addition to the works of the Duluth/Superior theater companies listed below, a sprinkling of other productions are scheduled across the region, including community theater by the Grand Marais Playhouse, Grand Rapids Players, Fourth Wall Theater (formerly StageNorth Groundlings) in Washburn, The Backstage in Ashland and County Seat Theater Company in Cloquet, along with the variety of local and touring productions at Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids. There’s also a new theater club at the College of St. Scholastica to keep an eye on.
In addition to the “Broadway at the DECC” series (listed below), the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center continues to bring in other touring shows, including Mania: The ABBA Tribute on Oct. 16 and World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet on Oct. 19, among other theater-adjacent kids’ offerings and comedy events.
Boat Club Productions is an offshoot theater company of the Boat Club Restaurant. It stages its productions to the Spirit of the North Theater in the Fitger’s complex.
Tick, Tick … Boom!
Sept. 26 to Oct. 5
A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol
Dec. 4-14
Broadway at the DECC‘s second outing brings five fan-favorite Broadway shows to town.
The Book of Mormon
Oct. 28-29
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 16
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Feb. 15
Hadestown
March 16
The Music Man
April 29
The Duluth Playhouse was founded in 1914 and is one of the nation’s oldest community theaters, producing a year-round season of dramas, musicals and children’s productions. Performances are in the NorShor Theatre.
Million Dollar Quartet
Sept. 12-28
Disney’s Frozen
Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Dial M for Murder
Jan. 30 to Feb. 8
Little Shop of Horrors
March 13-29
The Comedy of Errors
May 29 to June 7
Legally Blonde: the Musical
July 10-26
Duluth Playhouse Underground presents contemporary theater focused on unique stories. Plays are performed in The Lab, a studio space adjacent to the NorShor Theatre.
The Shark is Broken
Oct. 16 to Nov. 2
White Rabbit Red Rabbit
Feb. 19 to March 1
Women in Theatre New Works Festival
June 12
Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre produces shows for all ages, showcasing the talents of young artists.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Oct. 10-12
Seussical Jr.
April 24-26
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Aug. 7-9
Honk! Jr.
Aug. 14-16
Lyric Opera of The North provides world-class opera performances and education for all ages. Performances are at the Depot Theater in the St. Louis County Depot.
An Evening with Sadie Cheslak and Lacy Sauter
Sept. 18
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Jan. 23 and 25
A Little Night Music
June 12-14
Rubber Chicken Theater produces original theater created by local artists, typically within the realm of comedy. Performances this season are primarily at the St. Louis County Depot, with one show at Harbor City School, as noted below.
Holiday Comedy Revue
Dec. 19-20, 26-27
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve
Dec. 31
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
Lust & Lutefisk: A Duluth Parka-Ripping Romance
Feb. 13-14
The Depot Theater in the St. Louis County Depot
An Act of God
May 22-24 and 29-31
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
The Chicken Hat Plays
June 13
Harbor City International School Theater
Heathers: The Musical
Aug. 14-15 and 21-22
The Depot Theater in the St. Louis County Depot
Time Arc Theatre performs three yearly shows in the ballroom of the Old Post Office in downtown Superior. It features local playwrights, directors and actors, as well as community members interested in technical aspects of theater.
When Storms Come Calling
Oct. 24 to Nov. 3
The 39 Steps
Feb. 13-26
Watch on the Rhine
April 10-19
UMD Theatre provides academic and professional training in the theater arts, generating opportunities in production and the classroom to prepare students for professional opportunities in the arts and beyond. Performances are held in the Marshall Performing Arts Center.
Anne of Green Gables
Oct. 10-12 and 15-18
The Gales of November
Nov. 6
The Women of Lockerbie
Nov. 14-16 and 19-22
Dancing Tales
Feb. 13-15
The Baltimore Waltz
March 6-7 and 17-22
The SpongeBob Musical
April 17-19 and 22-25
University Theatre at UWS emphasizes active student participation, providing hands-on experiences in acting, stage direction, set design and technical production. Performances are held at Manion Theater in the Holden Fine Arts building.
Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy Really
Oct. 31 to Nov. 8
Godspell
April 10-18
Zeitgeist Theater Company is committed to introducing the area to the boldest, newest and most imaginative works in theater. It produces and performs improv, original plays and family-friendly shows in the Zeitgeist Teatro. And Renegade Improv comedy happens every Friday night at 10 p.m.
La Ronde
Sept. 25 to Oct. 4
Dance TV: Halloween
Oct. 15-18
God of Carnage
Nov. 13-22