GREAT Theatre announced its 2026/27 season during a fundraiser at Harvester Square, celebrating its community of performers, artists, subscribers, and donors. The event also raised critical funds to help bridge the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of producing high-quality theatre. For GREAT Theatre, ticket sales cover just 60% of the more than $1.8 million it takes to produce a full season. As a nonprofit organization, the remaining support comes from generous individuals and businesses in the community.
This coming season, audiences will journey from the barricades of France to a small town that welcomes the world. From snow-dusted streets on a magical Christmas Eve to a faraway swamp, each story offers a new adventure. Along the way, audiences will encounter revolutions and rescue missions, unlikely heroes and unexpected friendships, holiday magic and second chances, and stories that surprise, challenge, and delight.
“These are bold, joyful, deeply human stories rich with humor, heart, and adventure. Each one offers something different. Each one invites our community in. Each one reminds us why stories matter,” shares Artistic & Education Director Kendra Norton Dando. “Whether you’re stepping on stage or taking a seat in the audience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Last week, GREAT announced that Anon(ymous)—a powerful story of a refugee’s search for belonging in a new home—will be rescheduled for the 2026/27 season after being postponed from the 2025/26 season due to immediate safety concerns for those directly involved.
“While the immediate situation has changed, the trauma many experienced is still present,” said Executive Director Lacey Schirmers. “Our hope is that by this time next year there will be a stronger sense of safety, that healing will continue, and that when we bring this story forward, it can do what theatre does best: bring people together in meaningful and thoughtful ways.”
GREAT’s 2026/27 season includes three productions at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre, an intimate, adaptable space with state-of-the-art lighting and sound located at GREAT’s headquarters in Waite Park, as well as four productions at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud.
The season kicks off with GREAT’s eighth annual Youth Artist Project, a production directed and designed by high school students under the mentorship of professional artists. Featuring an all-youth cast, this 40-minute musical is ideal for introducing young audiences to the joy of live theatre. Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of pirate swagger, How I Became a Pirate brings the beloved book to life with lively songs and imaginative storytelling.
Also taking place at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre is Urinetown the Musical, a show GREAT has never produced before. Set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay for access to restrooms, one unlikely hero sparks a hilarious and unexpectedly thought-provoking rebellion.
GREAT will return to the Paramount Center for the Arts for 12 weekends of performances throughout the season. “GREAT plays a key role in making downtown a hub for the arts, and we’re excited to bring another season of exceptional performances to the stage at the Paramount Center for the Arts,” said Schirmers. “We know how much our volunteers love performing there and how much audiences love experiencing shows in this historic space. Our community is fortunate to have this gem in the heart of downtown, and GREAT is honored to be a primary renter of the theatre.”
GREAT received a rare early invitation to apply for the rights to Les Misérables —a highly restricted title made available to a limited number of community theatres for a limited time. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to produce this with and for our community,” said Schirmers. “This special opportunity reflects GREAT’s strong reputation in the industry and the success of our past productions, made possible by the continued support of our audiences.” GREAT will be among the first Minnesota theaters to produce Come From Away, the hit Broadway musical based on the remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world on September 11, 2001. For the holidays, A Christmas Carol will bring to life memorable characters, magical encounters, and timeless lessons about generosity and compassion that have delighted families for generations. Closing out the Paramount season, GREAT will present Shrek the Musical for the first time in over 12 years—a wildly fun adventure filled with humor, heart, and beloved fairy tale characters.
“In planning a season, we consider many factors, including securing show rights, ensuring a diverse mix of stories with roles for performers of various ages, backgrounds, and skills, and gathering input from our subscribers, volunteers, staff, and board of directors,” said Norton Dando. “We take great care in curating a season that excites, challenges, and engages both our artists and audiences, and we look forward to inviting our community to be part of the story.”
GREAT Theatre’s 2026/27 Season Includes:
HOW I BECAME A PIRATE
Sept 18–30, 2026 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
Annual Youth Artist Project: a 40-minute musical directed and designed by high school students featuring an all-youth cast
LES MISÉRABLES
Oct 16 – Nov 1, 2026 | Paramount Center for the Arts
An epic story of redemption and revolution where one act of mercy changes everything
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nov 20 – Dec 6, 2026 | Paramount Center for the Arts
Three spirits guide Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey through past, present, and future in this beloved holiday classic
COME FROM AWAY
Jan 29 – Feb 14, 2027 | Paramount Center for the Arts
The remarkable true story of the small town that welcomed the world on September 11, 2001
URINETOWN THE MUSICAL
March 5 – 21, 2027 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
In a drought-stricken city, one unlikely hero sparks a hilarious and thought-provoking rebellion
SHREK THE MUSICAL
April 9 – 25, 2027 | Paramount Center for the Arts
Ogres, dragons, and a very chatty donkey turn this fairy tale into a wildly fun adventure
ANON(YMOUS)*
May 14 – 23, 2027 | Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
A powerful journey of self-discovery, identity, and belonging
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Season subscriptions go on sale Thursday, April 2 at 10:00am at GREATTheatre.org or by calling 320.258.2787. Subscribers receive early access to the best seats, save up to 25% off single ticket prices, and never pay ticket fees.
Early subscribers receive an additional 10% discount with code EARLYBIRD, along with a concessions voucher and first access to reserve seats. Single tickets will go on sale May 12, 2026.
*Rescheduled from the 2025/26 season. Anon(ymous) is a special add-on production and is not included in season subscription packages. Subscribers receive early access to tickets.
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, GREAT Theatre’s mission is to bring our community together through shared theatre experiences, ensuring everyone has access to the transformative power of the arts. Known for high quality performances, as a leader in youth arts experiences throughout Central Minnesota, and for its commitment to community partnerships, GREAT enriches lives by inviting our community to build lasting connections through theatrical storytelling that challenges, educates, entertains, and inspires.
