THE 2026/27 SEASON INCLUDES ACCLAIMED PLAYS, DARING WORLD PREMIERES, AND SPECTACULAR NEW MUSICALS, FEATURING:
ALICE IN NEVERLAND
A sweeping new musical that explores the magic of reclaiming childhood—and the sacrifice required to never grow up
LIKE FATHER
A coming-of-age musical set against America’s true-crime obsession
RECENT BROADWAY HITS:
PURPOSE
Winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 2025 Tony Award for Best Play
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
The critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated play by Georgia native Kimberly Belflower
PLUS:
MEXODUS
The Atlanta premiere of the hit Off-Broadway musical
MISEDUCATED
A new play inspired by Brandon P. Fleming’s powerful memoir
DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE
A recent finalist for the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition by Alanna Coby with direction by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
ON THE NEW GOIZUETA STAGE FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES:
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES
A lyrical and heartfelt story celebrating family, imagination, and the beauty of everyday life in a vibrant Latino community
ROOB & NOOB
An interactive adventure inspired by Rube Goldberg’s magical machines
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL
A new production packed with humor, heart, and showstopping tunes based upon the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile book series by Bernard Wabe
WINNIE-THE-POOH
A tender, funny, and deeply nostalgic world premiere adaptation of the cherished stories from the Hundred Acre Wood
Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre, Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses, and Managing Director Brandon Kahn, are pleased to announce the productions of the Alliance’s 58th season. The 2026/27 season will feature twelve productions on three stages including five world premieres, four musicals, and four productions for youth and families. The Alliance’s Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young season will include four additional productions designed for infants and toddlers who are newborn through 5 years old.
“From Pulitzer Prize–winning plays to world premiere musicals, this season is as varied as it is vibrant – a constellation of stories pulsing with imagination, courage, and heart,” said Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses. “These works celebrate the fearless artistry of our time – inviting us to gather closer, listen deeply, and rediscover the profound power of human connection. The productions of our 58th season inspire us with a renewed sense of what’s possible – both on our stages and in our lives. In short, we wanted to put together a season as aspirational as the city we love.”
The 58th season will begin this fall on the Coca-Cola Stage with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play PURPOSE (Aug 28 – Sep 20, 2026). This gripping and darkly funny drama has been described as “a thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (New York Daily News) that is “unstoppably fierce, funny, and ruthless!” (New York Post). PURPOSE is a co-production with McCarter Theatre Center.
On the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families, the Alliance will produce CARMELA FULL OF WISHES (Sep 1 – 27, 2026). Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña, CARMELA FULL OF WISHES is a lyrical and heartfelt story celebrating family, imagination, and the beauty of everyday life in a vibrant Latino community. With music, movement, and vivid storytelling, this production invites audiences of all ages to celebrate heritage, resilience, and the power of a single wish.
On the Coca-Cola Stage, Alliance will present the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical, MEXODUS (Oct 2 – 16, 2026). Written by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, MEXODUS is a thrilling hip-hop musical that uncovers a hidden chapter of American history – when thousands of enslaved people fled across the Rio Grande to freedom in Mexico. Described as “an electrifying theatrical experience” (The New York Times) and “bursting with infectious, buoyant energy” (New York Theatre Guide), MEXODUS blends live-looped music, storytelling, and raw theatricality to follow a freedom seeker and an unlikely ally forging a bond that transcends borders.
On the Hertz Stage, Alliance will produce the world premiere musical thriller, LIKE FATHER (Oct 8 – Nov 15, 2026), by Jacob Ryan Smith & Caroline Pernick with direction by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Covenant, The Preacher’s Wife). Driven by a bold, innovative folk-pop score, LIKE FATHER explores legacy, identity, and the cost of obsession, inspired by the loved ones left in the wake of infamous serial killers—and by the true-crime industry’s meteoric rise to over 250 million listeners worldwide. LIKE FATHER was a semi-finalist at The National Music Theater Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and emerged as the winner of the inaugural Open Jar Broadway Shark Tank.
For the holidays, Alliance will present the 37th production of the Dickens classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Nov 14 – Dec 27, 2026) on The Coca-Cola Stage. Brought to life with stunning visuals, beautiful live music, and a richly imagined world of characters, this timeless story of redemption is filled with heart, wonder, and festive spirit. Alliance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, adapted by David H. Bell and directed by Amanda Watkins with original direction by Leora Morris, is an unforgettable holiday experience for audiences of all ages.
In January 2027 on the Goizueta Stage, the Alliance will produce a new production of LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL (Jan 23 – Feb 14, 2027). Inspired by Bernard Waber’s beloved picture books and the motion picture of the same name, this lively musical stage adaptation features songs written for the film by EGOT-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) with Mark Sonnenblick (Academy and Grammy Award-winner for KPop Demon Hunters), Ari Afsar, Emily Xu Hall, and Joriah Kwamé. A celebration for all ages, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL is packed with humor, heart, and showstopping tunes that will have audiences roaring along. LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is produced by special arrangement with Third Wish Productions.
The Alliance will produce the world-premiere play, MISEDUCATED (Jan 27 – Feb 21, 2027), on the Hertz Stage. Based on Brandon P. Fleming’s memoir and written by Rudi Goblen, MISEDUCATED is an electrifying theatrical experience that follows a debate coach as he guides his students toward a high-stakes Harvard competition. As they prepare, Brandon is pulled into a surreal debate with the universe, where his past and present collide with urgent questions of resilience, identity, and second chances. Through debate, music, and spoken word, Miseducated reveals the transformative power of mentorship and the courage it takes to claim your voice.
On the Coca-Cola Stage, Alliance will produce the spectacular world premiere musical ALICE IN NEVERLAND (Feb 20 – Apr 4, 2027) – a sequel to Alice in Wonderland and a prequel to Peter Pan. With book, music and lyrics by Phil Kenny and Reston Williams, choreography by Dominique Kelley, and direction by Catie Davis, ALICE IN NEVERLAND is a sweeping new musical that explores the magic of reclaiming childhood—and the sacrifice required to never grow up.
On the Hertz Stage, the Alliance will produce the world-premiere play, DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE (Mar 25 – Apr 25, 2027) by Alanna Coby with direction by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden. A sharp, ferocious satire that spans three centuries, DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE interrogates who gets to speak, who gets believed, and how “good intentions” become instruments of power. Blisteringly funny and deeply unsettling, DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE exposes the violence embedded in our shared language, the fragile line between compassion and control, and the cost of a world where women’s choices are endlessly discussed but rarely honored. DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE has been recognized as a finalist of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, and the Princess Grace Awards.
On the Goizueta Stage, the Alliance will produce a new adaptation of WINNIE-THE-POOH (Apr 10 – June 20, 2027) in honor of Pooh’s 100th Birthday. The new adaptation by Brendan Pelsue (A Tale of Two Cities), follows the unexpected adventures of Pooh and his friends – Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, and Christopher Robin – as they discover that even the smallest moments can be extraordinary. Tender, funny, and deeply nostalgic, this theatrical journey celebrates imagination, friendship, and the quiet beauty of “doing nothing” – reminding us that even as life moves forward, there is always a place where we can return and always time for play.
The season will close on the Coca-Cola Stage with the Tony-nominated play, JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN (May 14 – June 6, 2027). Described as “an American classic in the making” (New York Theatre Guide) and “vital, hilarious, [and] thrilling,” (The New York Times) the critically acclaimed play by Georgia native and frequent Alliance Theatre collaborator Kimberly Belflower makes its Atlanta debut. Full of pop music, biting humor, and emotional honesty, Kimberly Belflower’s electrifying play John Proctor is the Villain captures the messy brilliance of teenage girlhood – and the moment when a generation decides to rewrite the narrative.
The Alliance Theatre’s Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young will produce four plays developed specifically for children who are newborn through five years old and their caregivers. These productions include ALL SMILES (Sep 12 – Nov 8, 2026), a sensory friendly experience developed in partnership with the Marcus Autism Center that celebrates all the ways we express our emotions; the holiday celebration (KNOCK, KNOCK) (Nov 14 – Dec 23, 2026), discovering the mix of festive traditions observed by the residents of the same apartment building; THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD (Jan 23 – Feb 14, 2027) based on the book by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen; and DINOSAUR (Feb 20 – Apr 18, 2027), an epic dino-tastic adventure that will leave little ones laughing and roaring for more.
NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the five world premieres in the season this year, the Alliance will continue its important work developing new plays through its Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition and its Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab.
As previously announced, the winner of the 23rd Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition is THE RED MAN by JuCoby Johnson. THE RED MAN will have its world premiere on the Hertz Stage in the 2027/28 season. The finalists of the Competition will receive a developmental workshop and presentation as part of the 2027 Alliance/Kendeda Week. These finalists are:
- THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER by Nora Brigid Monahan, CUNY Hunter College
- 8½ COLLISIONS by Danielle Keiko Eyer, New York University
- VULTURINE by Matt Thekkethala, University of Texas at Austin
- WATER AEROBICS WITH CHRISTOPHER, 8:30 AM by Helen Gallagher, Brooklyn College
The Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition solicits plays from the leading MFA graduate programs in the United States and then conducts a rigorous selection process to find four finalists and one winning play. The judges for the 23rd competition include playwright, theater director, and MacArthur “Genius” Luis Alfaro; award-winning playwright York Walker; and director and educator Nicole A. Watson.
The Alliance is also pleased to announce the three projects selected for development in Round 12 of the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab. These lab projects will be presented in free performances in the Spring of 2027.
- A NIGHT AT THE SWEET GUM HEAD, Artists: Connor Lyons, Alex Franco, and Martin Padgett—In the electric and intimate theatrical adaptation of “A Night at the Sweet Gum Head”, 1970s gay Atlanta comes to vibrant life through the stories of its bedazzling drag clubs and burgeoning rights activism—and the people that made it all happen. Sometimes, to find out who you really are, you need to become someone else.
- LOST IN TRANSLATION – MOM MUST DIE, Artists: Suehyla El-Attar Young, Reay Maxwell, Sarah Beth Hester— Telling the true story of a mother’s prolonged death in an Egyptian hospital, this live performance uses actors, puppetry, and sound design and examines the fight to honor a loved one’s end-of-life wishes in a foreign country’s ICU, all while navigating cultural, religious, and familial conflict; bringing forth the questions of love, duty, and the truth of letting go.
- MONARCHS, Artists: Kelundra Smith, Jade Lambert-Smith, and JL Reed— In 1935, during the Great Migration, John and Mae Monarch are leaving sharecropping in rural Mississippi for a new life in Chicago, only to discover that life in the North is not quite as they thought it would be. The couple and their growing family strive to hold steadfast to their dreams and each other as the harsh realities of a changing nation try to get the best of them.
The Round 12 cohort was selected by a panel of five artistic leaders, including Christopher Moses and Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (Alliance Theatre), Caitlin Hargraves (Theater Emory, Cafecito Productions), Angela Farr Schiller (Round 4 Reiser Lab Artist), and Danielle De Matteo (SheNYC Arts).
TICKETS AND PACKAGES
Season Tickets Packages and Memberships for the Alliance’s 58th season are on sale now. Tickets for individual performances will go on sale on May 20, 2026.
2026/27 SPONSORS
The Alliance Series is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. The Hertz Series is sponsored by Warner Bros. Discovery. The Family Series is sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Inc. The Alliance’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by Chick-fil-A. The Alliance’s production of ALICE IN NEVERLAND is presented by Invesco.
IMAGINE ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN
Alliance Theatre programming on the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families will be supported by the Imagine Endowment, a permanent fund which will keep ticket prices highly accessible for a greatly expanded base of young audiences, provide field trip resources for Georgia schools, and support high-quality streaming for classrooms around the globe. The Alliance’s Imagine Endowment Campaign has raised $8.6 million of its $10 million goal to date and will ensure that the lifelong academic and mental health benefits that come with early exposure to world-class theatrical experiences are available to young audiences of all backgrounds for generations to come. Learn more.
2026/27 SEASON
PURPOSE
August 28 – September 20, 2026
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Directed by Keith Arthur Bolden
A co-production with McCarter Theatre Center
What happens when the stories we tell about ourselves start to unravel?
In Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the Jasper family is gathering for a long-overdue reunion. For decades, they’ve been the embodiment of Black political power and public virtue – a dynasty of ministers, activists, and changemakers whose legacy has shaped generations. But when a young outsider arrives with questions no one is prepared to answer, carefully guarded secrets begin to surface.
Over the course of one unforgettable evening, old wounds reopen, loyalties are tested, and the truth threatens to upend everything the family has built. At once biting, hilarious, and deeply human, PURPOSE asks what we owe our families, our communities, and ourselves.
Celebrated playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate, An Octoroon) delivers a thrilling, sharply observed drama about legacy, faith, and the courage it takes to confront the truth. This gripping and darkly funny drama has been described as “a thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (New York Daily News) that is “unstoppably fierce, funny, and ruthless!” (New York Post).
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/purpose.
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES
September 1 – 27, 2026
Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios
Based on the book by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Directed by Dell Howlett
Inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña, CARMELA FULL OF WISHES is a lyrical and heartfelt story celebrating family, imagination, and the beauty of everyday life in a vibrant Latino community.
Carmela is a dreamer, and on her birthday she is finally old enough to join her big brother on his daily errands—a small milestone that opens up a world of possibility. As they go, Carmela’s imagination blooms, transforming familiar sights into small wonders, even as her brother reminds her to keep her feet on the ground.
When Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing stubbornly through the sidewalk, she’s told it can grant a wish—but choosing the right one proves harder than she expected. With a heart full of hopes for her family, her community, and a future she can’t quite name, Carmela must decide what matters most before the day—and the fluffy seeds—drift away.
Tender, playful, and deeply resonant, Carmela Full of Wishes explores the quiet strength of families, the love between siblings, and the way children make meaning—and magic—out of the world around them. With music, movement, and vivid storytelling, this production invites audiences of all ages to celebrate heritage, resilience, and the power of a single wish.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.og/carmela.
MEXODUS (Musical)
October 2 – 16, 2026
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Written by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson
Choreographed by Tony Thomas
Directed by David Mendizábal
The path to freedom didn’t only lead north.
MEXODUS is a thrilling hip-hop musical that uncovers a hidden chapter of American history – when thousands of enslaved people fled across the Rio Grande to freedom in Mexico. Created by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, this exciting two-person tour de force blends live-looped music, storytelling, and raw theatricality to follow a freedom seeker and an unlikely ally forging a bond that transcends borders.
Following its acclaimed Off-Broadway production, MEXODUS makes its Atlanta debut. Described as “an electrifying theatrical experience,” (The New York Times) and “bursting with infectious, buoyant energy” (New York Theatre Guide), MEXODUS invites you to laugh, reflect, and rise to your feet – because history isn’t just something you learn. It’s something you feel.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/mexodus.
LIKE FATHER (World Premiere; Musical)
October 8 – November 15, 2026
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Created by Jacob Ryan Smith
By Jacob Ryan Smith & Caroline Pernick
Choreography by Dell Howlett
Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
Produced by Special Arrangement with Westway Studios
Like Father is a coming-of-age musical set against America’s true-crime obsession. After her father’s arrest, seventeen-year-old Chris moves in with her estranged mother, Michelle, and stepfather, Ben. When a hit true-crime podcast exposes their family’s disturbing past to the world, they are forced to face the truth of what brought them together or risk being undone by its consequences.
Driven by a bold, innovative folk-pop score, Like Father explores legacy, identity, and the cost of obsession, inspired by the loved ones left in the wake of infamous serial killers—and by the true-crime industry’s meteoric rise to over 250 million listeners worldwide.
Like Father was a semi-finalist at the Eugene O’Neill New Music Theater Festival and emerged as the winner of the inaugural Open Jar Broadway Shark Tank.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/likefather.
ROOB AND NOOB
November 1 – 7, 2026
Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at Alliance Theatre
Best enjoyed by grades kindergarten through 2nd
Originally Created by Andy Gaukel
Directed by Olivia Aston Bosworth
Meet Roob and Noob: two overly curious scientists who love nothing more than discovering something new. Join them on an interactive adventure, as they build machines from simple objects and explore the wonder and sensations of each of the four seasons. Inspired by Rube Goldberg’s magical machines, this unique theatrical performance combines science and the arts, proving that sometimes the most profound discoveries are achieved by simply playing. To book this tour, call 404.733.4690 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 14 – December 27, 2026
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by David H. Bell
Directed by Amanda Watkins
Original Direction by Leora Morris
Step into one of Atlanta’s most cherished holiday traditions with A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre. This dazzling adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic follows Ebenezer Scrooge on a transformative journey through past, present, and future, as three spirits guide him toward a new understanding of compassion, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas. Brought to life with stunning visuals, beautiful live music, and a richly imagined world of characters, this timeless story of redemption is filled with heart, wonder, and festive spirit. Alliance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is an unforgettable holiday experience for audiences of all ages.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/carol.
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL
January 23 – February 14, 2027
Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Ari Afsar, Emily Xu Hall, Joriah Kwamé, and Mark Sonnenblick
Libretto by Timothy Allen McDonald and Sara Wordsworth
Based on the books Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber, and the Columbia Pictures motion picture Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Vocal Arrangements and Incidental Music by Daniel Mertzlufft
Produced by special arrangement with Third Wish Productions
Directed by Nina Meehan
LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL splashes onto the stage with a song to sing! Join Lyle as he and his new human friends face their fears and find their voices. Inspired by Bernard Waber’s beloved picture books and the motion picture of the same name, this lively musical stage adaptation features songs written for the film by EGOT-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) with Mark Sonnenblick (Academy and Grammy Award-winner for KPop Demon Hunters), Ari Afsar, Emily Xu Hall, and Joriah Kwamé. A celebration for all ages, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL is packed with humor, heart, and showstopping tunes that will have audiences roaring along.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/lyle.
MISEDUCATED (World Premiere)
January 27 – February 21, 2027
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Rudi Goblen
Based on the book by Brandon P. Fleming
Commissioned and developed by Alliance Theatre
MISEDUCATED was developed with support from Alliance Theatre’s James Anderson Prize
Directed by Teo Castellanos
Inspired by Brandon P. Fleming’s memoir, MISEDUCATED is a bold, immersive theatrical experience that places the audience in a high-stakes world of debate, memory, and self-discovery.
As a group of exceptional high school students from Atlanta prepares to compete in an elite Harvard debate program, their coach, Brandon, demands excellence—pushing them to sharpen their voices, their arguments, and their sense of purpose. But as his students prepare for the national stage, Brandon finds himself pulled into a surreal debate with the universe itself, where his past and present collide. Confronting the memories that shaped him and the choices that define him, he must argue for the meaning of his life and the possibility of transformation.
Told through electrifying debate rounds, music, and spoken word, MISEDUCATED moves between the classroom and a metaphysical debate hall where the stakes are no longer victory, but truth. As teacher and students challenge one another—and the systems around them—they discover that the most important argument is not made to win, but to claim the right to be heard.
By turns funny, fierce, and deeply moving, MISEDUCATED is a story of mentorship, resilience, and the radical possibility to rewrite your story.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/miseducated.
ALICE IN NEVERLAND (World Premiere, Musical)
February 20 – April 4, 2027
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Book, music, and lyrics by Phil Kenny and Reston Williams
Directed by Catie Davis
Choreographed by Dominique Kelley
A sequel to Alice in Wonderland.
A prequel to Peter Pan.
Twenty years after her journey down the rabbit hole, Alice’s life has fallen apart. She can’t shake the fear that her happiest days are behind her, and so she sets out to return to WONDERLAND.
Instead, she lands in NEVERLAND.
What begins as a high-flying adventure quickly becomes something far more dangerous. With book, music and lyrics by Phil Kenny and Reston Williams, direction by Catie Davis, and choreography by Dominique Kelley, Alice in Neverland is a sweeping new musical that explores the magic of reclaiming childhood—and the sacrifice required to never grow up.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/aliceinneverland.
DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE (World Premiere)
March 25 – April 25, 2027
Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Alanna Coby
Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden
A sharp, ferocious satire that spans three centuries, DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE interrogates who gets to speak, who gets believed, and how “good intentions” become instruments of power.
In a pristine Connecticut living room, a group of affluent women gather in the comfort of their own certainty—but that certainty begins to fracture when a young working-class mother arrives with nowhere left to turn. With dazzling theatrical audacity, the play fractures time revealing how class, gender, and power replicate themselves across generations under the guise of civility, charity, and righteousness.
Blisteringly funny and deeply unsettling, DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE exposes the violence embedded in our shared language, the fragile line between compassion and control, and the cost of a world where women’s choices are endlessly discussed but rarely honored. What begins as satire sharpens into tragedy, daring audiences to confront not just what is said but who gets to define what counts as virtue.
Alanna Coby is a playwright known for incisive, historically grounded work that blends savage humor with rigorous moral inquiry, excavating how language shapes and distorts our understanding of power, class, and gender. DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE has been recognized as a finalist of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, and the Princess Grace Awards.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/dictionary.
WINNIE-THE-POOH (World Premiere Adaptation)
April 10 – June 20, 2027
Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Brendan Pelsue
Commissioned and developed by Alliance Theatre
Directed by Leora Morris
In the quiet magic of the Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie-the-Pooh sets out to do what he does best: nothing at all. But when “nothing” turns into stick races, honey hunts, missing tails, imaginary beasts, and unexpected adventures, Pooh and his friends – Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, and Christopher Robin – discover that even the smallest moments can be extraordinary.
As the seasons change and Christopher Robin grows up, the simple joys of childhood shift. Through whimsical misadventures and gentle humor, Pooh navigates friendship, fear, and the bittersweet feeling of change. Along the way, he learns that being brave doesn’t always mean doing something big – and that sometimes the most important thing is waiting, wondering, and being together.
Tender, funny, and deeply nostalgic, this theatrical journey celebrates imagination, friendship, and the quiet beauty of “doing nothing” – reminding us that even as life moves forward, there is always a place where we can return, and always time for play.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/pooh.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
May 14 – June 6, 2027
The Coca-Cola Stage at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
By Kimberly Belflower
Directed by Autumn Angelettie
Described as “an American classic in the making” (New York Theatre Guide) and “vital, hilarious, [and] thrilling,” (The New York Times) the critically acclaimed, Tony-nominated play John Proctor is the Villain makes its Georgia debut.
At a high school in a one-stoplight town in Georgia, a group of lively teens navigate young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals while studying a canonical play in English class. As the students delve into the American classic, they begin to question the play’s perspective and grapple with what happens when the story you’ve always been told suddenly doesn’t add up.
With deep wells of passion and humor, this dramatic comedy captures a generation mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury. Alternating between touching, unsettling and bitingly funny moments, these teens discover that their future is not bound by the past and that they have the power to change it all by writing their own coming-of-age story. Full of emotional honesty, Kimberly Belflower’s electrifying play captures the messy brilliance of teenage girlhood – and the moment when a generation decides to rewrite the narrative.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/johnproctor.
BERNHARDT THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG
ALL SMILES
September 12 – November 8, 2026
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Created by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden & Samantha Provenzano
Directed by Samantha Provenzano
How do you smile? With your mouth or with your eyes? Does it show on your face or just on the inside? We all have different ways of showing, sharing and processing our emotions. Created in partnership with the Marcus Autism Center, this delightful show explores how all smiles are unique.
All Smiles is a sensory friendly production. Lighting remains constant throughout the performance and tactile props are offered as part of the show experience. Vocalizations and movement are welcome and encouraged during all Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young productions.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/smiles.
KNOCK, KNOCK
November 14 – December 23, 2026
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Created by Olivia Aston Bosworth & Samantha Provenzano
Come in from the cold and celebrate community, family, and warmth this holiday season! Welcome to The Apartment Building. Below us, above us, and beside us, the residents are preparing for the holidays and trying to stay warm. Join us on a floor-to-floor adventure, meeting and celebrating with a variety of friends who all call The Apartment Building home. Surprises hide behind each door — all you need to do is (Knock, Knock).
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/knock.
THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD
January 23 – February 14, 2027
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Written and Directed by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman
Based on the book by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
How can you repair the world, finding one spark at a time? Gather around and lean forward as we share a gift with you – a story about how the world was born and how it needs your help to be filled with light again. Based on the beautiful children’s book by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, this immersive performance brings a timeless and timely story to life through gentle storytelling, visual wonder, and sensory play.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/birthday.
DINOSAUR
February 20 – April 18, 2027
Selig Family Black Box Theatre at Alliance Theatre
1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Created by Olivia Aston Bosworth & Samantha Provenzano
When you love dinosaurs, they pop up everywhere — at the grocery store, at preschool, and even when your grown-ups are hosting a fancy dinner party! But how can you focus on folding your napkin and chewing with your mouth closed when there’s an apatosaurus munching on your salad and pterodactyls swarming your soup? You can’t! Get ready to find out how even the simplest day-to-day task can turn into an epic dino-tastic adventure that will leave little ones laughing and roaring for more.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org/dinosaur.
IN-SCHOOL TOURING PRODUCTIONS
THE MELVIN INVENTION
November 9 – 13, 2026
Best enjoyed by grades 4th through 8th
By Megan Tabaque
Directed by Samantha Provenzano
When Max and Abby, two brainy students, use a 3D printer to invent Melvin – the coolest, most confident 7th grader ever – their plan to fit in with the popular crowd takes an unexpected turn. A hilarious and heartwarming play for middle schoolers, THE MELVIN INVENTION celebrates creativity, individuality, and the true meaning of “cool.” Packed with laughs and relatable moments, this play shows students that being themselves is the coolest thing of all. To book this tour, call 404.733.4690 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org.
THIS GIRL LAUGHS, THIS GIRL CRIES, THIS GIRL DOES NOTHING
Tour dates Oct 2, 9, 12, 13, 16
Best enjoyed by grades 3rd through 5th
By Finegan Kruckemeyer
Directed by Sam Provenzano
Presented in partnership with Theater Emory
Three sisters. Three paths. One world full of possibilities.
When triplets are separated and sent out into the unknown, each must find her own way: one chasing adventure, one searching for meaning, and one staying close to home. Across forests, oceans, and years, their journeys unfold in surprising and deeply human ways.
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Finegan Kruckemeyer is a playful and poetic exploration of what it means to grow up, grow apart, and find your place in the world. To book this tour, call 404.733.4690 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org.
Additional productions available for in-school performances for daycares and pre-schools include THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD, DINOSAUR, and ALL SMILES. For information or to book the tour, call 404.733.4690 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org.