Get ready for a theatrical treat! The Old Globe just dropped its 2026 season lineup, and it’s absolutely packed with stellar performances. Imagine three world premieres, iconic classics like “Fences,” and the legendary Summer Shakespeare Festival. Plus, a certain Hollywood star is making an appearance! Which show are you most excited to experience?
The esteemed Old Globe Theatre, a jewel in the crown of San Diego Arts, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Season, promising an exquisite array of theatrical experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This monumental lineup features a captivating blend of twelve shows, including groundbreaking World Premieres, timeless classics, and innovative adaptations, further solidifying the institution’s commitment to artistic excellence within the realm of Performing Arts.
The 2026 Season is set to ignite with the much-anticipated debut of a re-worked classic, Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler,” opening on February 7th. This bold new version by Erin Cressida Wilson will star acclaimed film, television, and stage sensation Katie Holmes, under the visionary direction of Old Globe Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. Audiences can expect a fresh and compelling interpretation of this psychological drama, offering a unique start to the theatrical calendar.
Adding to the season’s gravitas, the Old Globe will also stage the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning masterpiece, “August Wilson’s Fences.” Directed by the talented Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, this powerful American classic explores profound themes of race, family, and ambition, guaranteeing a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience for all attendees of the Old Globe Theatre.
A perennial highlight, the Old Globe’s 2026 Summer Shakespeare Festival, scheduled from June 14th to August 30th, will transport audiences to the Bard’s world. The festival proudly presents “King Lear,” a profound exploration of power and hypocrisy directed by Vivienne Benesch, alongside “The Taming of the Shrew,” the famed clash of the sexes, directed by Edelstein. These productions are cornerstones of the Summer Shakespeare program, drawing fans from across the region.
Beyond the classics, the 2026 Season embraces contemporary storytelling with exciting new works. The fifth production of the season, a brand new musical, is slated to run from September 6th to October 11th on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, with details to be announced at a later date, generating significant buzz among musical theatre aficionados.
Further enriching the diverse offerings are “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” a witty adaptation by Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers, and Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” both scheduled to grace the stage during the vibrant summer months. These additions underscore the theatre’s dedication to a broad spectrum of narratives and theatrical styles within the Performing Arts landscape.
The inclusion of three World Premieres throughout the year signals an exciting period of innovation and new artistic ventures for the Old Globe Theatre. These new productions, alongside beloved revivals and the robust Summer Shakespeare offerings, collectively promise a dynamic and memorable 2026 Season that will undoubtedly captivate the cultural landscape of San Diego Arts and beyond.
Under the masterful guidance of Barry Edelstein, the entire 2026 Season reflects a carefully curated blend of theatrical legacy and contemporary relevance. From the star-studded “Hedda Gabler” to the powerful “Fences” and the festive Summer Shakespeare, the Old Globe continues its tradition of delivering world-class performances that resonate deeply with its audience, ensuring its place as a leading institution in the nation’s Performing Arts scene.
