WHAT'S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND? (August 21-23)

WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?

AUGUST 21-23, 2026

OPENING THIS WEEKEND

BEEHIVE: THE 1960s MUSICAL (Opens Wednesday, August 19)

Beehive: The 60s Musical is a loving, rockin’ celebration of that era’s powerful female voices whose music stands the test of time – including Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner!

With over two dozen timeless hits, including It’s My Party, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, Where the Boys Are, and You Don’t Own Me, the show takes you on a song-filled journey told from the perspective of six women coming of age during this unforgettable time, taking us from their first Beehive Dance through a decade of change. BEEHIVE will have you dancing in the aisles!  From Keystone Theatrics/performances as West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland. (keystonetheatrics.com)

BROADWAY’S BEST (One weekend only. August 21-22)

Step into the dazzling world of Broadway with an unforgettable evening celebrating the greatest hits from the musical stage!  Featuring some of Central PA’s most talented vocalists and musicians, prepare for a night of unforgettable melodies and stunning performances! At Gretna Theatre (gretnatheatre.org)

EFF LIVE! (August 22)

Nerd culture has given us some amazing characters over the years, and television, movies, comics, and books have given us nuanced, deep, and emotionally stirring storylines. This is not that.  EFF LIVE! features local artists reading the best of the worst of online erotic fanfiction for your amusement and horror. It's gonna get weird. Join us?  At Open Stage (openstagehbg.com)

COURT STREET CABARET (August 23)

Bring your sheet music and sing your favorite songs on stage with a live accompanist! This time we want YOU to take the stage in the Court Street Cabaret. Sign up at the door and enjoy an entertaining evening of music and drinks! At Open Stage. (openstagehbg.com)

IN NATURE’S STUDIO (One performance only. August 23)

IN NATURE’S STUDIO brings performing artists out from inside the theater to the beautiful Reading Public Museum Arboretum. Performers (music, dance, theater) will be stationed throughout the landscape areas along the accessible walking path, so the audience may enjoy nature and art together.

As an audience member, you can sign up for a tour group to walk the path with a guide and see each performance along the path. You may always walk your own path at your own pace and see what you see.  Performance at Reading Public Museum Arboretum, 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA.  From Reading Theater Project (readingtheaterproject.org)

FINAL WEEKEND

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Through August 23)

In this classic comedy from Shakespeare, young Lucentio finds his one obstacle to marrying his beloved Bianca is Bianca’s sister — the volatile Katherina – who, by their father’s decree, must be wed before Bianca. Enter Petruchio, who arrives in Padua in search of a wealthy wife, agrees to marry the "shrewish" Katherina, then subjects her to a series of psychological tactics and punishments to break her will. At Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg (ltmpa.com)

C O N T I N U I N G

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Through September 24)

If you loved the movie, you’ll love the musical. This modern Cinderella tale follows a wealthy businessman who picks up a companion/young sex worker as an escort for the weekend, and ends up being taught a lot about life, beyond-the-boardroom, from the experience. Through its comical moments, the musical focuses on unexpected romance, self-discovery and the importance of passion.  Pretty Woman: The Musical will lift your spirits and light up your heart. From Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (dutchapple.com)

I N  T H E  W I N G S

TMI IMPROV – (One performance only. August 27)

I swear. This will never happen again….I promise.
TMI specializes in character-driven improv comedy, using both long- and short-form, where simple suggestions from the audience pave the way for improvised story-telling that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. At Gamut Theatre. (gamuttheatre.org)

L’INFERNO (One weekend only. Opens August 28)

In the hours just before dawn on Good Friday, Dante finds himself lost in a treacherous wood with no way out but through the gaping chasm of Hell. So into the abyss he goes, comforted and guided by the poet Virgil. Together, they venture through each of the Nine Circles of Hell, meeting myriad damned souls along the way. They must make it out by Easter morning, else all hope is lost. 

Dante Alighieri’s towering 14th century epic, L’Inferno, is brought to life on stage in this new adaptation by Alex Winnick, inspired by the most renowned 18th and 19th century translations of the text.

Presented by Gamut Theatre’s Stage Door Ensemble. (gamuttheatre.org)

COME FROM AWAY (Opens September 4)

What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to an airstrip in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001.

Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Based on a true story, this show serves as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances.

Winner of Best New Musical at the 2019 Olivier Awards & Outstanding Musical at the 2017 Drama Desk Awards. At Theatre Harrisburg’s Krevsky Production Center, 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg.  (theatreharrisburg.com)

THE SUMMER CLUB (One night only. September 4)

Join Gretna Theatre for a swinging evening featuring some of your favorite big band music and incredible singing. Featuring an incredible 17-piece big band, and hits like "That's Life", "Mack the Knife", Come Fly With Me" and so many more, come experience an evening of live music that you’ll never forget! At Gretna Theatre (gretnatheatre.org)

RAPUNZEL (Opens September 9)

An old couple desperately wishes for a child, and when their dream comes true they name the child Rapunzel. In true fairytale fashion, a Witch steals the child and locks her away in a tower.

Will the Witch keep Rapunzel forever? How will the Prince rescue Rapunzel from the tower? What happens to the old couple? The children from the audience use their own creativity to help tell this story and to make sure that everyone lives “happily ever after!” From Gamut Theatre’s Popcorn Hat Players. (gamuttheatre.org)

BAD SEED (Opens September 11)

Christine Penmark lives in a small suburban town with her young daughter, Rhoda. On the surface, little Rhoda is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, and loved by all her elders.

But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her daughter.

When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs. Penmark recognizes with alarm that the schoolmate who was drowned was the one who had won the Penmanship Medal…the medal that Rhoda was so adamant she deserved. At Oyster Mill Playhouse (oystermillplayhouse.com)

BLANK (Opens September 11)

A guest performer walks onstage having never seen the script. They receive it then for the first time, and discover it along with the audience. Plus, there is one more surprise waiting: the script is full of blanks.

With help from the audience, the performer fills in the story in real time. Every performance features a new person on stage and a completely one-of-a-kind experience shaped by the people who are present. From Prima Theatre. (primatheatre.org)

Visit these theatres’ websites for ticket information or go to paonstage.com for details. 

If you are part of a theatre staff or board, and have questions about how to include your organization on PA On Stage, contact us at richwine@paonstage.com.