DPAC 2025-2026: A Spectacular New Season

Photo from DPAC NC

Calling all theater kids, music buffs, and people who love a good show! DPAC has released its 2025-2026 season. This season’s lineup already has received some praise and excitement from those who know about it. There’s a little bit of everything coming onto the stage, with shows containing spectacular dance numbers, heart-wrenching romances, magical sets and effects, adventures back in time, and, of course, vocals that captivate the audience. 

The 2025-2026 season starts off in September with the classic Disney romance, Beauty and the Beast. Its score has been commended with Oscar wins and Tony nominations (with the same team working on it this season), with songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Come to see Belle’s adventure through the Beast’s treacherous castle from September 2nd through the 14th. 

From December 2nd through the 7th, The Outsiders will make its way to the DPAC stage. This show is based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and the following film by Francis Ford Coppola about the class war between the “Greasers” and the “Socs” in the 50s that explores the concepts of family and friendship. Directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor, make sure not to miss it!

Third in the lineup is Water for Elephants, an emotional journey of a man and his new life, and love, in the circus. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone, working alongside PigPen Theatre Co. for the score, will surely bring an innovative show to the stage! Shows start December 16th through the 21st.

Magic comes to DPAC from December 28th to January 17th with Harry Potter and The Cursed Child! Directed by John Tiffany, and from the world of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, this show is for those who want to be stunned by its theatrical magic and effects. Come see the next generation of Potters, Malfoys, and Weasleys at Hogwarts!

17 time Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys brings the new show, Hell’s Kitchen, to the DPAC stage from February 17th to the 22nd. Hell’s Kitchen is a story about a 17 year old girl coming into herself in the big world around her and her relationship with her mom and music. Directed by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif, it is sure to wow the crowd!

The most Tony Award-winning show of the year, Stereophonic, is about a band about to make it big in the heat of the 70s! This musical, directed by Daniel Aukin, explores the joy of creation, and will make its way to the stage from March 17th to the 22nd.

The next show is based on the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby! With award winning costumes, this show portrays love, wealth, and loss taking place in the Roaring Twenties. This beautiful tale, directed by Marc Bruni, will come to DPAC May 5th through the 10th and is ready for you to experience it just like you were back in time, too!

Last but certainly not least, The Notebook comes to DPAC from July 14th to the 19th! Fans of romance will swoon over the tale of two people in love, but living in worlds that are too different. Allie and Noah’s romance, told through song and directed by Micheal Greif, shouldn’t be missed this DPAC season!

Tickets for all 2025-2026 season shows have not yet been released, but as soon as they are, these casts will be hoping for an eager audience to come and see all their hard work and the stories they have to tell. If tickets are looking too pricey, don’t worry. With DPAC for All, students, military, and Durham residents can get up to 20-75% off their tickets! Visit the DPAC website for more information and how to purchase online or in person.