Signature Theatre has unveiled its programming for the 2026-27 season, a slate that balances surreal family histories, high-stakes political journeys, and the return of one of New York’s most energetic comedies. The upcoming schedule reflects the institution’s ongoing mission to champion the voices of resident playwrights while introducing challenging new works to the Pershing Square Signature Center.
The season is anchored by two major comedic highlights: a new, surrealist exploration of lineage from acclaimed playwright Lauren Yee and a revival of Miles for Mary, the hit production from the collaborative troupe The Mad Ones. From the search for a missing sibling in London to the radical legacy of Angela Davis, the programming suggests a year focused on the tension between individual identity and the larger forces of family and politics.
The 2026-27 calendar begins on September 26 with Noor, a play by Melis Aker. The production, a co-production with WP Theater and presented in association with the New Light Theater Project, follows a London teenager searching for her brother, whom she believes was recruited by an ISIS catfisher. The production will run at WP Theater through October 25.
Lauren Yee Explores Lineage in ‘King of the Yees’
In October, the theater will present King of the Yees, a new comedy from Lauren Yee. Known for her ability to blend the poignant with the absurd in works like Cambodian Rock Band and Mother Russia, Yee describes the new play as a surreal, magical journey through the history and myths of her own ancestry.
The production will feature Tony Award winner Francis Jue in the role of Yee’s father, with Joshua Kahan Brody directing. By centering the narrative on the “myths” of lineage, the play is expected to continue Yee’s trend of examining the intersection of cultural heritage and personal memory through a stylized, comedic lens.
The Return of ‘Miles for Mary’
Coming in February 2027, Signature will welcome back The Mad Ones for a new production of Miles for Mary. The play, a fast-paced comedy centered on the organizing committee of a 1988 Ohio high school charity telethon, has earned a reputation as one of the most kinetic comedies to emerge from the indie theater scene in recent years.
(© The Mad Ones)
The play first debuted at the Bushwick Starr in 2016 before moving to Playwrights Horizons in 2018. Its return to a major New York stage underscores the lasting appeal of the troupe’s collaborative writing and performing style, which captures the specific, often claustrophobic energy of small-town ambition.
Residencies and Experimental Works
Signature Theatre’s 2026-27 season also emphasizes its commitment to long-term artistic development. In May 2027, Eisa Davis will launch her Signature residency with Angela’s Mixtape. The play explores Davis’s radical upbringing, drawing on her personal connection to figures such as her aunt, the renowned activist and scholar Angela Davis.
Adding a layer of experimentalism to the season, the lobby of the Pershing Square Signature Center will host free concert performances of Terce: A Practical Breviary for one weekend in November 2026. Composed by resident artist Heather Christian, the work is noted for its expansive sonic range, moving from contemplative prayer to raucous gospel and improvisatory sections.
The following table provides a timeline of the announced productions for the upcoming season:
| Production | Start Date/Period | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Noor | September 26, 2026 | Co-production with WP Theater |
| King of the Yees | October 2026 | New comedy by Lauren Yee |
| Terce: A Practical Breviary | November 2026 | Free lobby concert performances |
| Miles for Mary | February 2027 | Revival by The Mad Ones |
| Angela’s Mixtape | May 2027 | Eisa Davis Residency kickoff |
By mixing high-profile returns like Miles for Mary with the intimate, personal explorations of Eisa Davis and Lauren Yee, Signature Theatre’s 2026-27 season positions itself as a vital crossroads for contemporary American drama. The variety of formats—from full-scale productions to free lobby concerts—suggests an effort to make high-caliber theater more accessible to a broader New York audience.
Further details regarding ticketing, casting for the February and May productions, and specific dates for the November concert series are expected to be released as the season approaches. For official updates, patrons can monitor the Signature Theatre official website.
Do you have a favorite Lauren Yee play or a memory of Miles for Mary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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