The Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company, located at 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2025-26 season, featuring a dynamic lineup of performances.
Highlights include the production of Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award- winning musical Dear Evan Hansen, as well as the Philadelphia premiere of Good Bones by Pulitzer Prize- winning playwright James Ijames—continuing the Arden’s commitment to bold, impactful storytelling.
“We are thrilled to announce our 2025/26 season and welcome a brilliant group of Philadelphia artists to direct these productions – Kevin Glaccum, Brett Ashley Robinson, Akeem Davis, and Amina Robinson,” says Arden Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. “We are honored to be producing the Philadelphia premiere of Good Bones by James Ijames, an artist whose work as an actor, director, and playwright has enlivened and enriched the Arden’s stages for many years and who is now inspiring audiences in theatres across the world,” says Nolen.
“Next season represents the range of work we seek to share with our audiences: a wildly original musical, an intimate drama featuring two powerhouse performers, a new play by a Pulitzer Prize-winning Philadelphia playwright, areturn to William Shakespeare with one of this region’s most exciting directors, and a musical that I have been dying to direct, co-created with video genius Jorge Cousineau. How wonderful to be collaborating with these extraordinary storytellers who have shaped and continue to help lead the way for what Philly theatre can be!”
The Arden kicks off its new season on September 25 with Falsettos, the bold, Tony Award-winning musical by William Finn and James Lapine. Directed by Philadelphia-based theatre artist Kevin Glaccum, Falsettos is a contemporary musical set at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, exploring love and its consequences. Runs September 25 to October 26, 2025 with opening night on Wednesday, October 1 at 7 p.m.
On October 30, Barrymore Award-winning Philadelphia-based theater maker, divisor, and educator Brett Ashley Robinson will direct The Mountaintop. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and television creator Katori Hall, The Mountaintop—recipient of the 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Play. Mountaintop is an intimate reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night: a powerful and poetic meditation on legacy, mortality, and the man behind the movement that changed a nation. Runs October 30 to December 14, 2025 with opening night on Wednesday, November 5 at 7 p.m.
In 2026, the Arden rings in the New Year with the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ Good Bones on January 22. Directed by Philadelphia-based, award-winning actor Akeem Davis, ***Philadelphia Premiere*** Good Bones is a story about community, change, and the soul of our cities. Runs January 22 to March 8, 2026 with opening night on Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m.
On March 5, Philadelphia native Amina Robinson, winner of two Barrymore Awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Musical for the Arden’s 2024 production of Once on This Island, will bring new life to William Shakespeare’s iconic tale, Romeo and Juliet. Runs March 5 to April 5, 2026 with opening night on Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m.
The 2025-26 season comes to an end on May 21 with Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning musical by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen, Dear Evan Hansen is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical for anyone who’s ever felt alone in a crowded room. Runs May 21 to June 28, 2026 with opening night on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m.
Click here to read more of the story behind each production,
***Programming and dates are subject to change.***
Subscribers to Arden’s 2025/26 season receive 40% off regular ticket prices and receive exclusive benefits. Click here to learn more about benefits and subscribe.
Click here to purchase priority subscriptions online or call the Arden’s box office at 215-922-1122.