Knoxville is bursting at the seams with theatrical offerings and astounding talent. From local community theatre groups like Theatre Knoxville Downtown to Broadway touring shows at the Tennessee Theatre, there is much to be considered when making your entertainment choices for the 2025-2026 season!
Theatre Knoxville Downtown 2024–2025 Season
We begin by highlighting the delightful community at Theatre Knoxville Downtown. I attended their debut night announcing all of the upcoming shows and was so very impressed with the camaraderie, talent from the stage in the quick read previews and the history of the group itself. I definitely recommend checking them out this season if you never have before. Talk about a hidden gem! They are still looking for directors for a few of these shows. You’ll also find the cast sizes below in case you are considering your own community theater debut. In the 2024-2025 season, there were thirty female roles and 29 male roles offered with eleven making their theatre debut!
Harvey
Dates: July 25-August 10, 2025
Step into the whimsical world of Elwood P. Dowd and his invisible rabbit friend, Harvey. This classic comedy by Mary Chase explores the fine line between reality and imagination, reminding us of the joy found in embracing the unexpected.
Cast size: 6 male, 6 female
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
Dates: September 5–21, 2025
Neil Simon takes us behind the scenes of a 1950s TV comedy writers’ room, offering a hilarious and heartfelt glimpse into the chaos and camaraderie that fuel creativity. Expect rapid-fire wit and a nostalgic nod to the golden age of television.
Cast size: 7 male, 2 female
The Birds
Dates: October 17- November 2, 2025
Inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s chilling tale, this adaptation brings suspense and psychological intrigue to the stage. As nature turns ominous, the play delves into themes of survival and human vulnerability.
Cast size: 4 male, 2 female
A Sherlock Carol
Dates: November 28-December 14, 2025
What happens when the world’s greatest detective meets Dickens’ holiday classic? This inventive mash-up sees Sherlock Holmes unraveling a yuletide mystery, blending intrigue with festive cheer.
Case size: 4 male, 2 female
Doubt: A Parable
Dates: January 16-February 1, 2026
John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama confronts the complexities of faith, morality, and uncertainty within a 1960s Catholic school. A gripping narrative that challenges perceptions and provokes thought.
Private Lives
Dates: To be announced
Noël Coward’s sophisticated comedy of manners explores the tumultuous relationship between ex-spouses who find themselves honeymooning with new partners in adjacent hotel rooms. Witty banter and romantic entanglements ensue.
Bug
Dates: April 24–May 10, 2026
Part of TKD’s After Dark series, this intense psychological thriller by Tracy Letts delves into paranoia and conspiracy theories. A haunting exploration of trust, reality, and the human psyche.
She Kills Monsters
Dates: June 12–28, 2026
Qui Nguyen’s action-packed adventure follows a young woman discovering her late sister’s Dungeons & Dragons world. A heartfelt journey through grief, geek culture, and the power of imagination.
Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre 2025–2026 Season
The Tennessee Theatre is at it again with the most impressive lineup of Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre productions! I am so excited about several of these shows, and they will sell out FAST! So be aware of the single ticket dates if you plan to see any of these locally.
Monday, June 16: New Subscription Packages On Sale
Subscriber benefits include first notification of season lineups, opportunity to purchase tickets to individual shows before the general public, securing reduced ticket fees and the best available prices of the season, and the ability to renew the subscription for the 2026-2027 season.
August 4-8: Subscriber Courtesy Week
Subscribers can exchange tickets for another performance of the same title (limitations exist, please see FAQs) and purchase additional tickets.
Dates TBA: Single-Performance Tickets On Sale
The Book of Mormon
Dates: November 11–16, 2025
This Tony Award-winning musical by the creators of “South Park” delivers a satirical yet surprisingly heartfelt story of two missionaries in Uganda. Prepare for catchy tunes and irreverent humor.
Kimberly Akimbo
Dates: December 30, 2025–January 4, 2026
A fresh, poignant musical about a teenager with a rare aging condition navigating family dysfunction and the quest for happiness. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
MJ: The Musical
Dates: January 20–25, 2026
Experience the life and artistry of Michael Jackson through this electrifying production featuring over 25 of his biggest hits. A dance-filled journey celebrating the King of Pop’s legacy.
The Outsiders
Dates: April 22–26, 2026
Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, this new musical captures the struggles of youth and class division in 1960s America. A compelling story of brotherhood and resilience.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Dates: May 20–24, 2026
Be our guest for this enchanting tale as old as time. With stunning visuals and beloved songs, this production brings the magic of Disney’s classic to life on stage.
& Juliet
Dates: August 4–9, 2026
What if Juliet chose her own fate? This vibrant musical reimagines Shakespeare’s heroine with a pop soundtrack featuring hits from Britney Spears to Katy Perry. A modern twist on a timeless story.
Clarence Brown Theatre 2025–2026 Season
Broadway productions coming to town are always exciting, but the local talent we have producing Broadway-caliber entertainment cannot be denied. If you have never attended one of the masterful productions put on by the Clarence Brown Theatre, can you really call yourself a true fan of theatre? This year’s lineup is not to be missed!
Sense & Sensibility
Dates: September 17 – October 5, 2025
Kate Hamill’s lively adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic brings the Dashwood sisters’ tale to life with humor and heart. A fresh take on societal expectations and personal desires.
The Harvest
Dates: October 22 – November 9, 2025
Set in an Idaho church basement, Samuel D. Hunter’s play delves into faith and uncertainty as young missionaries prepare for a journey abroad. A poignant exploration of belief and belonging.
A Christmas Carol
Dates: November 20 – December 20, 2025
Celebrate the holidays with this cherished production of Dickens’ timeless story. Experience Scrooge’s transformative journey filled with warmth and festive spirit.
Cabaret
Dates: February 11 – March 1, 2026
Enter the Kit Kat Club in this iconic musical set against the backdrop of 1930s Berlin. A provocative tale of love and decadence amidst political upheaval.
The Royale
Dates: March 25 – April 12, 2026
Inspired by boxing legend Jack Johnson, Marco Ramirez’s drama captures the struggle for equality inside and outside the ring. A powerful story of ambition and identity.
You Can’t Take It With You
Dates: April 15 – May 3, 2026
Join the eccentric Sycamore family in this classic comedy that celebrates individuality and the joy of living life on one’s own terms.
As reported earlier this year by Urban Guy, River and Rail Theatre announced the sale of its building in the Old City Performing Arts Center on State Street and will be relocating to 2651 Magnolia Avenue. They are partnering with Pellissippi State Community College to produce shows this season and some will be held on their Hardin Valley campus. Here they are!
Moon Man Walk is a heartfelt and imaginative story about love, loss, and finding your way. When Spencer returns home after his mother’s death, he’s forced to face his past and the things he never said. As memories and childhood stories come to life, he begins a journey that’s both emotional and magical. With humor, warmth, and a touch of the unexpected, Moon Man Walk reminds us how stories shape who we are—and how we can keep moving forward, even when we feel lost.
Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl offers a fresh, imaginative take on an old myth, told through the eyes of its often-overlooked heroine. After a sudden accident pulls Eurydice into the underworld, she reunites with her father—someone she lost long ago but never stopped needing. As she struggles to remember her life and the love she left behind, her father patiently helps her rebuild her sense of self. Meanwhile, Orpheus attempts to reach her with music and memory. With its inventive storytelling and quiet emotional power, Eurydice is a poignant, often humorous exploration of family, love and grief.
Joshua Peterson, founding artistic director of River and Rail had this to say about their upcoming season.
“A common thread for our 2025-2026 Season, is that the shows are all stories about family. In a time where we only seem to talk about the things that separate and divide us from our neighbors, I think stories about family can show us how much we all have in common.”
Which shows are you most excited to see? Will you be opting for season subscriptions or selecting individual performances? Share your plans and let’s celebrate the rich tapestry of theater coming to Knoxville!