Center Theatre Group (CTG) is charting a bold course for its 2026-27 season, a lineup that artistic director Snehal Desai describes as a deliberate reflection of the moment – a blend of escapism, catharsis, and unflinching examination of the American experience. The season, announced this week, features a mix of world premieres, revivals, and innovative productions across the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre, and Kirk Douglas Theatre, all while looking ahead to the company’s 60th anniversary in 2027-28 and the arrival of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Kicking off the season at the Mark Taper Forum is the world premiere of “The Turning,” a new musical by Zack Zadek. Described as a folk thriller set amidst California’s majestic Sequoia groves, Desai says the production embodies a distinctly “L.A. Vibe.” The Taper recently celebrated a major success with “Here Lies Love,” a critically acclaimed musical that broke box office records, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The 2026-27 season isn’t solely focused on weighty themes. Desai intentionally programmed a series of comedic offerings – Karen Zacarías’ “Destiny of Desire,” Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!,” and the family-friendly “Dog Man: The Musical” – to provide audiences with much-needed levity during what is expected to be a politically charged midterm election year. This strategic balance, Desai explained, is a hallmark of his approach to season planning.
A Season Shaped by the Calendar and Beyond
Desai’s process isn’t simply about selecting compelling plays; it’s about understanding the cultural and political landscape. “I look at the calendar a lot,” he said in a recent interview. “Where do we think we’re gonna be a year from now? Six to eight months from now?” He views the season as a curated experience, akin to an album where the order of tracks contributes to the overall narrative. Some choices, like the Mischief Comedy team’s “Christmas Carol Goes Wrong,” are intuitively timed for the holiday season. Others are more deliberately placed to create a thematic arc.
This year, that forward-looking perspective extended further than usual, influenced by both CTG’s approaching 60th anniversary and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “We were having conversations of, what are the plays that we want to do or we want to bring back,” Desai shared, recalling a discussion with associate artistic director Lindsay Allbaugh that led to the inclusion of August Wilson’s “Fences.”
“Fences” and a Commitment to Bold Storytelling
“Fences,” the final play in Wilson’s celebrated Century Cycle, will close out the season and serve as a cornerstone for CTG’s 60th anniversary celebration. Desai has not yet announced who will direct the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, which explores the life of a former Negro League baseball player and his family in 1950s Pittsburgh. The play’s selection, Desai emphasized, aligns with his broader goal of presenting work that grapples with fundamental questions of American identity. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center provides extensive resources on the Century Cycle and Wilson’s work.
“I wanted voices that felt bold and fearless, that were both outspoken and unafraid in a world where, right now, it feels like there’s a lot of things that are trying to stifle us from speaking out or coming together,” Desai said. He pointed to productions like a Yiddish-language performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “John Proctor Is the Villain,” a feminist reinterpretation of Arthur Miller’s classic, as examples of this commitment to challenging and thought-provoking theater.
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Access
Regional theater faces significant headwinds, including rising costs, declining post-pandemic audiences, and competition from streaming entertainment. Desai acknowledged the particularly challenging environment in Los Angeles, where recent events – including devastating wildfires and immigration crackdowns – have further impacted cultural institutions. The Los Angeles Times has reported extensively on the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region, while another article details the impact of recent immigration enforcement actions.
CTG is responding to these challenges through initiatives like CTG: FWD, which brings a diverse range of productions – including “Riverdance 30 – The New Generation,” “Clue,” and “The Music Man” to the Ahmanson Theatre, and “Dog Man” to the Kirk Douglas Theatre – to wider audiences. The company is too investing heavily in the development of new works, particularly musicals, recognizing that original productions offer the greatest potential for long-term success and artistic innovation.
“With ‘The Turning,’ we’re spotlighting an emerging voice that represents the future of American theater,” Desai said. He described being captivated by Zadek’s original musical, adding, “I just kept listening to it over and over again. I was like, ‘I can’t wait for the cast recording of this to be on Spotify.’”
As Desai shifts his focus from directing to broader administrative duties, he remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive theatrical experience for audiences at the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre, and Kirk Douglas Theatre. Season announcements for the Kirk Douglas Theatre are expected in the spring or early summer.
The full 2026-27 season schedule can be found here.
Looking ahead, Center Theatre Group will continue to navigate the evolving landscape of performing arts, prioritizing innovative programming and community engagement as it approaches its 60th anniversary and prepares to welcome the world to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics. The company’s commitment to presenting diverse and challenging work promises a dynamic and engaging season for theatergoers.
What are your thoughts on Center Theatre Group’s upcoming season? Share your excitement and join the conversation below.
