WHAT'S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND? (OCTOBER 2-4)
WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?
OCTOBER 2-4, 2026
OPENING THIS WEEK/WEEKEND
THE BIRDS (Opens October 2)
In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds. They find relative sanctuary but not comfort or peace – there’s no electricity and little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them. Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord. Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress – an internal threat to match that of the birds outside. Adapted for the stage by Conor McPerson from a story by Daphne du Maurier. At Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg. (ltmpa.com)
THE TEMPEST (Opens October 3)
Years earlier, Prospera was betrayed and forced into exile with her daughter Miranda. Now, on the island of Ometepe, Prospera uses the island's magical powers to create a violent storm that shipwrecks Queen Alonsa of Managua and her court.
Prospera, with the help of her servant and spirit of the island Ariel, brings her enemies to shore and sets into motion a long-awaited reckoning. As her plan unfolds, old betrayals surface, exploring how hurt people hurt people, while all on the island question power, rightful home, and belonging.
With Spanish dialogue, traditional Latin song and dance, and costumes nodding to Nicaragua, The Tempest is both a celebration of culture and a powerful examination of what it means to share our land and our love. Featuring Gamut’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson as Prospera. At Gamut Theatre. (gamuttheatre.org)
AMERICAN HIGHWAYMEN (Two performances only. October 5-6)
A tribute to the great American Outlaws! Step back into the golden era of American music featuring the music of these four trailblazing legends Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. Hear timeless classics including I Walk the Line, On the Road Again, Ring of Fire, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys, (Ghost) Riders in the Sky and more! A special event from Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (dutchapple.com)
C O N T I N U I N G
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Through November 4)
This inspiring true story about Carole King spans from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager struggling to enter the record business to her years spent as a chart-topping music legend and one of the most successful singer-songwriters in music history.
With unforgettable hits like It’s Too Late, You’ve Got a Friend, So Far Away, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Beautiful is a moving, music-filled portrait of resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of song. From Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (dutchapple.com)
I N T H E W I N G S
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD LIVE! (Opens October 9)
Night of the Living Dead Live is a fun and hilarious re-imagining of George A. Romero’s legendary classic. Set in 1968 and presented in all black and white, it literally feels like the film has been brought to life and placed onstage. The play lovingly examines the movie itself, the period in which it was made, and the film’s undying influence on the horror genre.
More than just a recreation of the story, the play celebrates the history and influence of the movie. Through a series of multiple endings, the characters are all faced with different issues and challenges while desperately trying to survive the night. However, their contrasting personalities and agendas always seem to prevent the group from working together. Which leaves us all wondering: Could anyone survive a night of the living dead? From Open Stage (openstagehbg.com)
THE CURIOUS SAVAGE (Opens October 15)
When Mrs. Savage inherits a fortune, her stepchildren place her in a sanatorium to prevent her from giving it away. There, she befriends an unusual group of residents who help her discover that kindness, friendship, and happiness are worth more than wealth. Together, they challenge her family’s greed and selfishness. At Twin Valley Players (tvpcolonnade.com)
DISENCHANTED! (Opens October 15)
Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ’em?! Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in the hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm. The original storybook heroines are none-too-happy with the way they’ve been portrayed in today’s pop culture, so they’ve tossed their tiaras and have come to life to set the record straight. Forget the princesses you think you know — these royal renegades are here to comically belt out the truth. From Keystone Theatrics/performances as West Shore Theatre in New Cumberland. (keystonetheatrics.com)
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
EFF LIVE! (Special Event. October 21)
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)
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: A Benefit Concert for Prima Theatre (Special event. One night only. October 24)
Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz — the Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award–winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many others — comes to Lancaster County for a once-in-a-lifetime benefit event.
At the piano, Schwartz will perform his most beloved works and share stories from a career that has shaped Broadway and Disney alike. He will be joined by powerhouse Prima performers, filling the space with music, heart, and meaning. From Prima Theatre. Performance at Rock Lititz. (primatheatre.org)
HALLOQWEEN DRAG BRUNCH AND COSTUME CONTEST (Special event. October 25)
Four fabulous drag performers take over the stage for a spooktacular afternoon filled with rib-tickling comedy, gobs of glamour, and immersive entertainment full of crowd participation. Hosted by Astala Vista (HGTV, Peacock, Judge Jerry, & Netflix) with performances by Drag Queen Entertainment’s fiercest Drag Divas! From Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (dutchapple.com)
WAR OF THE WORLDS:THE RADIO PLAY (Special event. One weekend only. Opens October 30)
Theatre Harrisburg presents Dave Olmsted’s thrilling new radio play adaptation of WAR OF THE WORLDS. Based on Orson Welles’ iconic 1938 Mercury Theatre broadcast that panicked a nation, this vintage audio-visual experience brings Martian invaders, frantic news bulletins, and pulse-pounding sound effects live to the stage. Don’t miss this gripping, limited-run radio drama! At Theatre Harrisburg’s Krevsky Production Center, 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg. (theatreharrisburg.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.