2026 Promises to Be a Season of Laughs, Tears, and Excitement at UpStage Artists

UpStage Artists is thrilled to announce our 2026 season! This year's lineup promises a dynamic mix of comedy, drama, mystery, and musical fun. At UpStage Artists, we aim to present theatre that speaks to everyone—and we’re excited for what 2026 will bring with these four shows:

The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy follows two friends, each pretending to be a man named “Ernest” to win the hearts of women who claim they could only love someone with that name. Chaos and hilarity ensue in this sharp, witty satire filled with lies, tangled plots, and mistaken identities.

American Son

This powerful, award-winning drama centers on an estranged biracial couple grappling with their personal histories and perspectives on race and bias after their son is detained by police following a traffic stop. Tensions rise as they wait for answers and confront long-standing emotional divides.

The Maltese Falcon

Based on Dashiell Hammett’s noir classic, this mystery follows private investigator Sam Spade as he becomes embroiled in the hunt for a priceless artifact—the titular Maltese Falcon. With his partner murdered and a gallery of ruthless criminals in pursuit, Spade must navigate a dark world of deceit, betrayal, and greed.

Babes in Toyland: The Musical

Villainous Barnaby is determined to marry sweet Mary Quite Contrary—if not by charm, then by coercion. But Mary loves Barnaby’s nephew, Alan. When Barnaby’s plot to eliminate Alan fails, Alan returns triumphantly to Mother Goose Land. Mary escapes to the magical Toyland, pursued by Barnaby and the rest of the Mother Goose gang. There, they encounter the whimsical Toymaker and his quirky helpers in this charming musical adventure perfect for audiences of all ages.

Whether you’re looking to laugh, reflect, cry, or simply escape reality for a while, UpStage Artists has something for you in 2026!