Stagecrafters Marks Its 70th Season with Purpose and Plurality
Stagecrafters—Metro Detroit’s venerable community theatre—celebrates its 70th season with a compelling and well-balanced lineup that honors tradition even as it embraces relevance for contemporary audiences. Drawing from a recent announcement in the Royal Oak Review, the season reflects both the theater’s deep roots and its forward-facing artistic ambition.
Founded in 1956, Stagecrafters remains a community beacon thanks to its inclusive ethos, volunteer-driven productions, and consistently high-quality offerings. As Sara Carolin, director of development and marketing, noted: “This season’s lineup honors our rich history while embracing the future of live theater.” Divided into three distinct subsections: The Main Stage, Second Stage, and the Youth Theatre, this latest season has something for everyone!
Stagecrafters’ 2025-2026 main stage: classic appeal, modern energy
The Main Stage slate delivers a dynamic fusion of beloved musicals and potent dramas:
Tuck Everlasting
Dates: September 12-28
As the season opener, this enchanting, Tony-nominated musical explores themes of timelessness, identity, and the weighty decision between immortality and the natural rhythm of life. When Winnie Foster is confronted with living forever or making the most of the life she has, what will she choose?
Frozen The Musical
Dates: November 1- 23
Built on the global phenomenon, this production brings Elsa, Anna, and the magic of Arendelle to the Baldwin Theatre, delighting both families and fans of modern musical storytelling. Disney’s magic comes alive on stage, but the true magic comes from the message of love and family at the center of the story.
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Dates: February 13- March 1, 2026
A classic whodunit, staged mid-season. Expect suspense, cunning twists, and a polished theatrical execution rooted in one of literature’s most enduring mysteries. When someone is murdered on the luxurious Orient Express, can Poirot solve the crime before the killer strikes again?
Fiddler on the Roof
Dates: April 10-26, 2026
A timeless exploration of tradition, family, and resilience. Directed by Ari Holland in April 2026, it promises emotional depth and ensemble strength. Steeped in tradition, Tevye and his wife, Golde, are faced with changing tides both in their personal lives and in Russia.
Newsies
Dates: May 29-June 14, 2026
A triumphant close to the season. Set to an energetic, newsboy-powered score, this crowd-pleaser cements the theatrical arc with joy and movement. The poignant tale of Jack Kelly and the strike against unfair conditions in the newspaper industry is coming at the perfect time in our world.
This Main Stage curation offers something for every taste: from heartfelt whimsy to cultural introspection, from edge-of-your-seat mystery to musical exuberance. It’s a season that respects legacy while daring to inspire anew.
2nd Stage: Diverse Dramatic Voices
Stagecrafters continues its commitment to varied storytelling with a 2nd Stage lineup that includes:
Amy and the Orphans
Dates: October 10-19
A heartfelt family story with humor and emotional resonance. When the patriarch of a family dies, how do siblings Maggie and Jake break the news to their sibling who has Down Syndrome? It’s a tale that will break your heart and make you cry as you watch this family heal together throughout a road trip.
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
Dates: January 16-25, 2026
A satirical comedy that speaks to politics, identity, and the reinforcement of comedic theatrical tradition in an irreverent style. Gathered for the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein’s annual quiche breakfast, the sirens go off signaling an atomic bomb! With danger all around, what will life look like for all gathered together?
Daddy Long Legs
Dates: March 20-29, 2026
A charming romantic musical adaptation blending whimsy and reflection.
These productions amplify Stagecrafters’ reputation for championing diverse voices, theatrical experimentation, and strong character-driven narratives.
Youth Theatre: Nurturing the Next Generation
The Youth Theatre continues its tradition of vibrant, accessible programming designed for families and young performers:
Beetlejuice Jr.
Dates: July 25- August 3
A spirited and playful adaptation of the cult classic, perfect for introducing theater to younger audiences through dark humor and musical energy. Lonely and lost, Lydia meets the ghost with the most, but what happens when she can’t put the Beetlejuice back in the bottle?
The Phantom Tollbooth
Dates: December 18-21
An imaginative journey into whimsy, language, and curious pre-adolescent adventure. What happens to a child who has everything and little excitement about any of it when they get a mysterious package in the mail?
These selections underscore Stagecrafters’ dedication to cultivating younger talent and instilling a lifelong love of performance in their community.
As president, Daryl Ziegelman stated, the programming “represents both our history and our future… a dynamic and balanced mix of beloved classics… fresh productions… diverse stories.”
Community commitment and impact
Stagecrafters thrives through volunteerism, community involvement, and its Royal Oak location at the Baldwin Theatre. Its inclusive model—inviting local talent to audition, volunteer, and engage—underlies the theater’s sustainability and artistic authenticity.
Through smart season planning, flexible ticketing (main, 2nd Stage, and Youth packages), and a reward card for local businesses, Stagecrafters reinforces its connection to both patrons and the broader Royal Oak community.
Final Thoughts on Stagecrafter’s 2025-2026 season
Stagecrafters’ 70th season is a testament to thoughtful curation, inclusive storytelling, and community theater at its most ambitious and accessible. From the heartfelt yearning of Tuck Everlasting to the triumphant choreography of Newsies, from the eerie intrigue of Murder on the Orient Express to the youthful imagination of Beetlejuice Jr.—this season catalyzes memory, relevance, and artistic connection. Check out Stagecrafters’ website for more information about all the upcoming shows and to get your tickets!
Stagecrafters’ Tuck Everlasting Blossoms With Life
