Big Broadway hits, holiday magic and one mystery show: Center Stage Theatre reveals 2027 lineup
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IDAHO FALLS — An iconic Broadway hit, a humorous holiday classic, a sweet nostalgic tale, a poignant true story and a surprise yet to be announced.
Center Stage Theatre in Idaho Falls unveiled its 2027 season Tuesday night during a packed announcement party, treating audiences to impressive musical performances from the productions that will take the stage beginning in January.
The musicals include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Come From Away,” “Les Misérables,” “A Christmas Story,” and a summer production that will be announced at a later date.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Center Stage will kick off the year with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a Broadway musical based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic. Packed with colorful sets, imaginative songs, and unforgettable characters, the show follows young Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious Wonka Chocolate Factory alongside four other children.
Ali Rockwood, who has designed the theatre’s sets over the years, will direct the production.
“I think most of us have grown up with Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe and Willy Wonka being household names,” she said at the kick-off event. “The magic and imagination have captured us effortlessly and memorably. I hope to bring the very things that captured me as a child here to Center Stage and hope we can all experience the warmth and color and excitement of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ in the bleakest time of the year in southeastern Idaho.”
Les Misérables
“Les Misérables” is one of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals, based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Set in 19th-century France, it follows former prisoner Jean Valjean as he seeks redemption while being relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert.
Center Stage is planning 40 performances of Les Mis in the spring, “giving more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy this incredible musical.”
“The first musical I fell in love with was ‘Les Mis,'” said Justin DaBell, co-owner of The Center Stage. “When people ask me my favorite musical, I tell them it’s ‘Les Mis.’ It’s so, so good and it’s so special to so many people.”
Come From Away
“Come From Away” will be Center Stage’s fall performance, showcasing the inspiring true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.The community welcomed strangers from around the world with extraordinary kindness and lasting friendships were formed in the face of uncertainty.
“I am so excited to bring this beautiful story to this beautiful community in this beautiful space,” said director Kelsey Gillis. “I hope people come to it and think, ‘I am that person.’ Maybe it will inspire a little more kindness and maybe it helps fix some of the things that are broken in a way only people on stage bearing their souls through song can do.”
A Christmas Story: The Musical
“A Christmas Story: The Musical” will bring the beloved holiday film to life with catchy songs, colorful dance numbers, and plenty of festive cheer in November and December. Set in the 1940s, the story follows young Ralphie Parker on his determined quest to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas despite everyone insisting, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
“It’s a show about kids and it’s for the kids. Christmas is special because of the children in our lives and our memories,” DaBell said. “The musical has catchy songs. It’s written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who wrote ‘The Greatest Showman,’ ‘La La Land’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen.'”
Center Stage is finalizing plans for its summer production, which will be announced within the next month.
Early bird season tickets are $150 each and are on sale until Sept. 1. You can learn more information here.