WHAT PLAYING THIS WEEKEND? (July 31-August 2)

WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?

JULY 31-AUGUST 2, 2026

O P E N I N G  T H I S  W E E K E N D

EFF LIVE! (Special event. One night only: Friday, July 31)

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)

FINAL WEEKEND

WE WILL ROCK YOU (Through August 2)

We Will Rock You is a popular jukebox musical with a story by Ben Elton, featuring the hit songs of the rock band Queen, set in a dystopian future where rock music is banned. The plot follows two rebels, Galileo and Scaramouche, who join a group of outcasts called the Bohemians to fight against the oppressive Globalsoft and restore rock and roll. At Twin Valley Players. (tvpcolonnade.com)

HAIR (Through August 2)

Bursting with energy, heart, and rebellion, this iconic show captures the spirit of the 1960s counterculture in all its glory. With unforgettable anthems like Aquarius, Hair, and Let the Sunshine In, it’s a joyous celebration of freedom and expression that speaks to the hopes, struggles, and dreams of youth standing at the edge of change. At Gretna Theatre. (gretnatheatre.org)

FREAKY FRIDAY: THE MUSICAL (Through August 4)

A hilarious, heartfelt musical about a stressed, over-organized mother and her spontaneous teenage daughter. When the two magically swap bodies right before the mom’s wedding, they are forced to spend a day in each other’s shoes, ultimately learning empathy and understanding. As the day unfolds, they learn to appreciate one another’s struggles, self-acceptance, and renew the strong bond and love between a mother and daughter.  At Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (dutchapple.com)

C O N T I N U I N G

MARY POPPINS (Through August 8  )

Everyone’s favorite nanny is back! Adventure abounds as you get whisked away to meet dancing chimney sweeps and an array of colorful characters in this beloved musical. Hear classics like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Chim Chim Cher-ee. At Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (dutchapple.com)

HANSEL AND GRETEL (Through August 15)

Our production of this classic fairy tale has a "twist": We set the story in the 1950s! Don’t miss classic dancing, exciting production numbers and of course, the Hand Jive! It's very Coolsville. From Gamut Theatre’s Popcorn Hat Players. (gamuttheatre.org)

I N  T H E  W I N G S

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (Opens August 7)

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)

DARE TO DREAM JR.: A Theatre Harrisburg Penguin Project Production (Opens August 7)

Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio.

As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream Jr. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II.  From Theatre Harrisburg (theatreharrisburg.com)

LEGALLY BLONDE:THE MUSICAL JR. (Opens August 14)

Harvard’s favorite blonde takes the stage by storm in this fabulously pink, high-energy, and empowering musical! Legally Blonde Jr. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Packed with punchy, upbeat numbers and an inspiring message of staying true to yourself, this show is pure, heartwarming fun from start to finish.

Special Cast Feature: This unique production features a cast made up entirely of Theatre Harrisburg’s Penguin Project Peer Mentors. (theatreharrisburg.com)

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Opens August 14)

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)

BEEHIVE: THE 1960s MUSICAL (Opens 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)

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.