Island City Stage, the award-winning theatre company, celebrates its 15th anniversary season with a captivating and eclectic collection of works. The 2026–27 season features a signature camp revival, a nostalgic Broadway musical, an emotional portrait of post-war life, an off-Broadway study in murderous mayhem, and a timely classic play. Together, these productions promise cryptic calamity, familial yearning, healing, and dramatic royal scheming.
Since its inception, Island City Stage has been committed to sharing stories of universal interest and engaging diverse audiences with entertaining and inspiring productions, often exploring LGBTQ+ culture. This season’s lineup promises outrageous theatrical moments, imaginative productions, and extraordinary shared experiences. Artistic Director Andy Rogow shared: “Our 15th season is a celebration of the types of plays and the quality of artists on which our reputation was built: side-splitting comedies, heartfelt drama, beloved musicals, and American classics. It is designed to entertain and delight all of the patrons that make up our community.”
Who Killed Joan Crawford? Directed by Michael Leeds – October 1–25, 2026. On a dark, stormy night in 1993, five men arrive at a cabin for a soap star’s surprise birthday party. Each guest has been asked to dress as the birthday boy’s favorite actress, Joan Crawford, in one of her signature roles—and the results aren’t pretty. As they wait for the star, the five “Joans” begin drinking and dishing. Dark secrets emerge, and soon there’s one Joan less… and then another… leaving everyone asking, “Who Killed Joan Crawford?!” A revival of Island City Stage’s 2016 hit world premiere.
Grey Gardens (The Musical) Directed by Andy Rogow – January 14–February 14, 2027. Based on the 1975 documentary by Albert and David Maysles, this musical follows Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once bright names on the social register, they now live in Grey Gardens, an East Hampton estate overrun by cats and haunted by memories. Both haunting and hilarious, the musical tracks the two faded socialites from glamor to isolation, offering a vivid portrait of a singular mother–daughter relationship.
Paper Cut By Andrew Rosendorf – Directed by Andy Rogow – March 11–April 4, 2027. This powerful new play explores the emotional cost of war long after the battlefield is left behind. When Kyle returns home from Afghanistan profoundly changed, he and those closest to him must navigate the invisible wounds of trauma, identity, and healing. Both humorous and deeply moving, Paper Cut is an intimate story about courage, love, and resilience that challenges perceptions of what it means to be a hero.
Messy White Gays Directed by Christopher Michaels – May 20–June 13, 2027. It’s Sunday morning in Hell’s Kitchen. Brecken and Caden have just murdered their boyfriend and stuffed his body into a Jonathan Adler credenza. Unfortunately, they’ve also invited friends over for brunch—and they’re out of limes. In this super-satirical comedy, writer Drew Droege shines a harsh light on over-privileged White Gaydom, revealing what happens when throuples crumble, neighbors bicker, and rich and p(r)etty clash with hot and dumb.
The Lion in Winter Directed by Michael Leeds – July 8–August 1, 2027. Sibling rivalry, adultery, and dungeons fuel this modern classic. Comedic in tone yet dramatic in action, the play follows the Plantagenet family as they battle for the throne. Eleanor of Aquitaine, imprisoned for raising an army against her husband King Henry II, joins the royal fray during Christmas 1183. As Eleanor says, “Every family has its ups and downs,” and this royal family is no exception.
Island City Stage also brings back its popular Comedy After Hours series, featuring late-night performances from South Florida’s best stand-up comedians. Managing Director Martin Childers notes: “Comedy After Hours has become one of the most successful additions to our programming. We’re excited to continue expanding the series with an even stronger lineup.”
Individual tickets start at $50. Flexpass options include the Flexpass5 ($250) and Flexpass3 ($150), both offering fee-free tickets and discounts on additional purchases. Group discounts are available.
For more information or tickets, visit www.islandcitystage.org, call 954-928-9800, or email boxoffice@islandcitystage.org.
