WHAT'S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND? (September 18-20)
WHAT’S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?
SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2026
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
LET HIM SLEEP ‘TIL IT’S TIME FOR HIS FUNERAL (One weekend only. Opens September 18)
John is turning 50, and his loving wife decides to throw him the ultimate surprise — his own funeral! Her plan is to let him hear just how much everyone loves him while he’s still alive.
Unfortunately - John thinks she’s planning to KILL him.
Add in a plane ticket to Mexico, a suspicious wife, a teenage daughter, confused neighbors, an undertaker, and you’ve got enough misunderstandings to turn one well-intentioned surprise into complete chaos. At Harrisburg Christian Performing Art Center. (thehcpac.org)
F I N A L W E E K E N D
COME FROM AWAY (Through September 20)
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. At Theatre Harrisburg’s Krevsky Production Center, 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg. (theatreharrisburg.com)
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Through Thursday, 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)
C O N T I N U I N G
HAROLD AND MAUDE (Through September 26)
Harold is the proverbial poor little rich kid. Alienated and fixated upon death, he repeatedly stages his own suicide in a cry for attention from his self-obsessed mother. While attending a funeral – something he does for recreation - he encounters Maude, a delightfully wacky octogenarian, who shares his odd enthusiasm for memorial services. Harold soon develops a peculiar attachment to Maude and her eccentric philosophy, and their quirky relationship deepens, eventually opening a pathway for Harold to embrace life. This stage version will delight both aficionados of the film and newcomers to the story. From Open Stage (openstagehbg.com)
RAPUNZEL (Through September 26)
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 (Through September 27)
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 (Through September 27)
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)
I N T H E W I N G S
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Opens September 30)
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)
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)
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
HERE & HEARD (One performance only. September 26)
Featuring storytellers from Central PA, New York City, Baltimore and beyond, Here & Heard brings together a dynamic collection of voices and perspectives for an experience that explores identity, history, grief, resilience, joy, healing and transformation.
“Peace comes when we pick up the pieces and put them back together in a way that makes us stronger.”
Inspired by those words of Sharia Benn, Sankofa’s Executive Artistic Director, the program invites audiences to experience how art can help us reflect, reconnect, rebuild and imagine what is possible. Here & Heard will be performed at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York. (sankofatheatrehbg.org)
COURT STREET CABARET - SEPTEMBER (One night only: Sunday, September 27)
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)
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.