Queens Theatre Launches Dynamic 2026-2027 Season of Queens-Centric Music, Dance, Theatre, Cultural Events, and More

Taking Center Stage – Artists, Community, Family, and Affordability, with Throwback Ticket Prices Practically Unchanged in 30 years

QUEENS, NY, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Reflecting the extraordinary diversity of the borough it calls home, Queens Theatre is launching a 2026–2027 season that brings cultures, traditions and artists from around the world to the heart of Queens, with tickets now on sale. Featuring a robust mix of Latin music and dance, jazz, theatre, family programming, global traditions, and cultural celebrations, the new season also marks a renewed effort to deepen Queens Theatre’s connection with the communities it serves while keeping live performing arts accessible and affordable.

“Queens Theatre exists to serve this community, and this season is a true reflection of our mission,” said Julia del Palacio, Executive Director of Queens Theatre.

At Queens Theatre, creating a welcoming space means removing barriers to the performing arts while presenting programming that speaks to the borough’s multicultural and multigenerational communities.

Ticket prices have remained remarkably consistent for decades, with pricing largely unchanged since the 1990s. Many performance ticket prices begin below $30, with some family programs averaging just $17.50 per ticket, and select programming offered free of charge.

“Experiencing great live performances shouldn’t feel out of reach,” said Dr. Cameron Hernandez, Acting President of the Queens Theatre Board of Directors and President and COO of Mount Sinai Queens. “We have made a conscious effort to remain affordable throughout the years because accessibility is fundamental to our mission.”

The entire Queens Theatre is wheelchair accessible, including seating in all three performance spaces, restrooms, hallways and the main entrance, while assistive listening devices are available at most performances in the Claire Shulman Theater. Designated performances also offer services such as American Sign Language interpretation, audio description, open captioning and touch tours. Learn more about accessibility at Queens Theatre.

The 2026–2027 season opens in October with a lineup designed to reflect the extraordinary diversity of Queens, bringing together established artists, emerging voices and performances spanning cultures, traditions and genres.

Highlights include Colombian twin sisters Las Áñez; Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Día de Muertos; Xiomara Laugart: Tribute to Celia Cruz; international entertainer Charo; illusionist VITALY: An Evening of Wonders; and The Monkey King: A Kung Fu Musical, presented in celebration of Lunar New Year.

Jazz takes on an expanded presence at Queens Theatre this season, with performances by Allan Harris, Tammy McCann, and Jumaane Smith, among others. Harris brings The Poetry of Jazz as part of the “Jazz is @ Queens Theatre” series, while McCann celebrates some of the genre’s most influential women with The Legendary Ladies of Jazz, and will feature special guest David O’Rourke, long-time guitarist of the late Cassandra Wilson. Jumaane Smith brings the sounds of New Orleans to the stage with Sweet Baby!

Dance programming similarly reaches across cultures and traditions, from Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Día de Muertos celebration, to Darrah Carr Dance’s Irish-inspired St. Patrick’s Day performances, to the powerful rhythms of San Jose Taiko, which blends the powerful, traditional art of kumidaiko (ensemble drumming) with contemporary rhythms like jazz, Afro-Cuban, and rock.

Theatre continues to take center stage with Queens Theatre’s New Play Development program, which this year will feature stories about Queens. Titan Theatre Company returns to Queens Theatre with Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” opening this fall. Other readings and productions by local companies will be added to the calendar.

Family programming also remains a major part of the season, with several Rock and Roll Playhouse performances created especially for young audiences, along with Lightwire Dino-Light, which brings dinosaurs to life through electroluminescent artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Cultural celebrations are woven throughout the calendar, including programming recognizing Día de Muertos, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, Dominican Independence Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day Special featuring Uptown Royalty, Liza & Willie, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and Mother’s Day.

In addition, Queens Theatre’s B-Side Series will further expand opportunities for audiences and artists to connect through free, multidisciplinary open-stage programming. Designed to make the community part of the artistic experience rather than simply an audience for it, the series creates an inclusive space for people of all abilities and experience levels to participate, share their creativity, and engage in artistic expression. The B-Side Series is sponsored, in part, by NewYork-Presbyterian Queens.

Julia del Palacio
Queens Theatre
media@queenstheatre.org
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