Broadway Grand Rapids 2025-2026 Season Preview
Broadway Grand Rapids is thrilled to present an extraordinary lineup for its 2025-2026 season, offering theatergoers a dynamic mix of fresh, thought-provoking productions and beloved classics. With seven incredible shows, including three Michigan premieres, this season promises to deliver a range of captivating experiences that will engage and excite audiences. Whether you’re drawn to heartwarming tales, jaw-dropping spectacles, or timeless stories brought to life in a new way, this season has something for everyone. From Tony-winning musicals to iconic stories reimagined for the stage, Broadway Grand Rapids remains a premier destination for unforgettable live theater in Michigan. Here’s a closer look at the exciting productions you’ll be able to enjoy this season!
Water for Elephants
Dates: October 7-12
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
Adapted from Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, Water for Elephants tells the tale of Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student whose life is turned upside down after the tragic death of his parents. Left alone, Jacob finds himself with a traveling circus, where he becomes entangled with the beautiful Marlena, a circus performer, and her dangerous, unpredictable husband, August. Set in the 1930s during the Great Depression, this emotionally charged and visually stunning production explores themes of love, loyalty, and survival in a world of unpredictable events. The show brings the world of the circus to life with incredible choreography, a moving score, and powerful storytelling, immersing the audience in the tension and magic of the big top.
The Book of Mormon
Dates: November 4-9
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
The Book of Mormon is a raucous, irreverent, and hilarious musical from the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, alongside Robert Lopez of Frozen fame. The story follows two Mormon missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, as they are sent to Uganda to spread their faith. The pair quickly find themselves in over their heads as they face a series of challenges from the local villagers who are more concerned with their own struggles than with religion. The show features clever satire, unforgettable musical numbers, and uproarious humor, all while touching on deeper themes of faith, friendship, and cultural differences. The sharp wit and catchy tunes have made it a Tony Award-winning sensation, and it’s sure to bring a mix of laughter and thought-provoking moments.
Kimberly Akimbo
Dates: January 27- February 1, 2026
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
In Kimberly Akimbo, we meet the titular Kimberly, a 16-year-old girl living with a rare genetic disorder that causes her to age rapidly. Despite her condition, Kimberly is wise beyond her years and strives to live a full life, navigating family turmoil, a quirky group of friends, and her own identity. The show blends humor with heart, as Kimberly’s journey teaches audiences about resilience, the bonds of family, and the complexity of growing up, even when it feels like time is running out. This heartfelt musical features a captivating score and offers a poignant exploration of life and death through the lens of a teenager who is anything but ordinary.
& Juliet
Dates: March 10-15, 2026
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
& Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy Romeo and Juliet by asking the bold question: what if Juliet didn’t die? In this playful twist on the classic tale, Juliet decides to rewrite her own fate, choosing a different path after Romeo’s death. Featuring a pop-powered soundtrack filled with hits from Max Martin, including songs by Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and more, the musical blends modern pop culture with Elizabethan drama. With stunning choreography, a colorful set, and an empowering storyline, & Juliet is a joyful celebration of self-discovery, love, and taking control of your own destiny. This musical delivers both heart and infectious energy, proving that life and love are full of second chances.
Disney’s The Lion King
Dates: April 8 – 12, 2026
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
The stage adaptation of Disney’s The Lion King is one of the most visually stunning musicals to ever grace Broadway. With its breathtaking puppetry, spectacular costumes, and innovative set design, the show brings to life the story of Simba, a young lion prince, who must find his courage and assume his rightful place as king. Featuring iconic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, such as “Circle of Life“ and “Hakuna Matata,” this production immerses the audience in the beauty and struggles of the African savanna. The themes of identity, loss, and redemption resonate deeply as Simba navigates the trials of growing up and taking on responsibility. The Lion King is a masterful combination of Disney magic and Broadway grandeur, ensuring an unforgettable theater experience.
The Outsiders
Dates: June 9-14,2026
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
Based on S.E. Hinton’s timeless novel, The Outsiders explores the lives of Ponyboy Curtis and his gang of “Greasers,” teenagers caught in a turbulent world marked by social division, class struggle, and violence. The musical adaptation brings the iconic characters to life, highlighting their bonds of friendship, love, and survival as they face the harsh realities of adolescence. Set in 1960s America, The Outsiders continues to resonate with audiences for its exploration of the universal experiences of growing up, finding one’s identity, and navigating the pressures of society. With a dynamic, contemporary score, the production offers an emotionally raw and powerful retelling of Hinton’s beloved story.
The Great Gatsby
Dates: July 21-26, 2026
Venue: DeVos Performance Hall
The Great Gatsby is a dazzling theatrical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece, capturing the opulence, glamour, and tragedy of the Jazz Age. The story centers around the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby, who throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the musical portrays the excesses and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties while exploring themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream. With spectacular visuals, jazz-infused music, and an all-encompassing story of obsession and heartbreak, The Great Gatsby offers a thrilling, immersive experience that captures the essence of this iconic American novel.
This incredible lineup of shows promises something for everyone in the 2025-2026 Broadway Grand Rapids season, featuring heartwarming stories, timeless classics, and fresh, innovative productions. For more information on show dates, tickets, and subscription packages, visit Broadway Grand Rapids. Plan on checking out any of these productions when they stop in Grand Rapids? Let us know @BoxSeatBabes on all social media platforms!
Broadway in Detroit 2025-2026 Season Preview
