“Every year, when we're putting together the season, we're trying to find the balance of shows that are fresh and new right off of Broadway,” executive director of Wharton Center Eric Olmscheid said. “We also pair that with some returning shows that are audience favorites.”

Of the eight shows coming to Wharton, six are offered in a Broadway series package that patrons can purchase before the season starts. The other two are “special events” that come to Wharton for one weekend only. 

“One of the things that we’re trying to make sure the community knows about is our commitment to accessibility,” Olmscheid said. 

By purchasing all six shows, patrons receive significant discounts, secure their seats in advance, and renew those same seats year after year. For the other two shows that aren’t a part of the package, subscribers can get early access to them and then have those added to their package. 

Wharton Broadway marketing and PR manager Tara Peplowski said information about Broadway season packages can be found at the Wharton Season website.  

“The nice thing about being a subscriber is that they (people who purchase the package) will have access to those special events that other folks who are not subscribing will not have access to that early on,” Peplowksi said. 

Here is a list of the eight shows coming to Wharton for its 2026-2027 season: 

Beetlejuice: Sept. 18 – 20, 2026

Beetlejuice is a Broadway musical adapted from the 1988 film by Tim Burton. This show is a part of the “special event” section of Wharton’s 2026-2027 season, only being shown for one weekend. 

The show appeals to fans of the original film, Broadway newcomers and younger audiences seeking a fun, interactive theater experience.

Olmschied and Peplowski said the show is high-energy and comedic, with lots of visual spectacle. 

Peplowski added that the show is popular with students and young audiences, with many attending in costume. 

“We see so many people dress up,” Peplowski said. “It's just impressive…”

The Notebook: Oct. 27 – Nov. 1, 2026

The Notebook is a romantic musical based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling 1996 novel and the popular 2004 movie starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. 

The show features brand-new music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, with the script written by playwright Bekah Brunstetter.

Olmschied and Peplowski describe the show as being highly anticipated and emotional, with Olmschied highlighting Michaelson’s indie vibe as a standout for the student population. 

SIX: Dec 1 – 6, 2026

Six is a modern reimagining of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives as a pop concert. Each queen tells her story through powerful songs, blending pop, rock and contemporary musical theater styles.

Olmschied and Peplowski said this show is a returning favorite at Wharton Center, with a strong following among students and young audiences. They said that students are likely to gravitate toward it.

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen: Jan. 19 – 24, 2027

Hell’s Kitchen is inspired by the life and music of Alicia Keys, but isn’t a direct autobiography. The story is influenced by her experiences growing up at Manhattan Plaza in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.

It blends R&B and pop music with a heartfelt coming-of-age story, featuring popular Keys songs such as "Girl on Fire" and "Empire State of Mind," along with new songs written for the show. The music is described as dynamic and high-energy, with a strong, powerhouse feel. 

Peplowski highlights these familiar songs, saying they take on new meaning in the context of the story, and audiences may hear them differently after seeing the show.

Boop! The Musical: Feb. 23 – 28, 2027

Boop! The Musical is inspired by the classic cartoon character Betty Boop. While it draws on the original black-and-white animation, the story reimagines Boop in a modern setting, bringing her to present-day New York City for a colorful adventure.

There’s tap dancing, elaborate costumes and a puppet dog named Pudgy – a little bit of something for everyone. 

Olmschied is excited about this show, highlighting its impressive and dynamic nature. He said it’s something people might not initially expect. 

“It's a really fun adventure, but also this great story about being true to who you are, finding your own voice and really an empowerment journey of Betty Boop,” he said. 

Disney’s The Lion King: Apr. 8 – 25, 2027

The Lion King is a Broadway musical adaptation of the 1994 Disney animated film. It features music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice. The show first opened on Broadway in 1997 and has since become one of the longest-running and most successful musicals in history.

This show was among the most highly requested to be brought back to Wharton, said Olmschied, adding that it’s timeless and universal, resonating across generations. 

Olmscied and Peplowski said the timing is perfect for students who were too young to see it during its last visit at Wharton in 2018 – now a new generation can experience it.

The Outsiders: June 22 – 27, 2027

The Outsiders is a musical adaptation of S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel about teenage gangs in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show offers a fresh theatrical experience, blending drama, music and movement to bring the novel to life. 

“This is such a great early young adult connection to the story,” Olmscheid said, highlighting the dance and fight sequences, including a rain-filled “rumble” scene.

He also added that it is memorable for a young adult audience because of its teenage perspective and social dynamics.

The Phantom of the Opera: Aug. 25 – Sept. 5, 2027

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which tells the story of a mysterious man who haunts the Paris Opera House and becomes obsessed with Christine, a young soprano. 

This show was the second-most-requested to return to Wharton, with appeal to both longtime theatergoers and new audiences experiencing it for the first time.

Olmschied and Peplowski highlight the unbelievable sets and costumes, making it visually stunning, and how it continues to captivate audiences with its dramatic story and emotional depth. 

For more information about Wharton performances, visit https://www.whartoncenter.com/ or https://whartonseason.com/.