2026 Season
DRUMROLL PLEASE...
DRUMROLL PLEASE...
The 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee
Book by: Rachel Sheinkin
Music & Lyrics by: William Finn
April 17, 18, 19 2026
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
The Producers Playhouse
New Works Festival
Calls for directors, actors, costumers, and dancers will go out soon!
August 14, 15, 16 2026
The Producers Playhouse New Works Festival is a celebration of creativity and community, showcasing original works by local Lynchburg artists. This grassroots event invites playwrights, composers, choreographers, designers, and performers to share fresh, innovative pieces from plays and songs to dances and costume designs. The goal is to provide a welcoming platform where artists of all backgrounds can experiment, collaborate, and bring new ideas to life.
Held in an intimate black box style setting, the festival embraces minimal sets and props, placing full focus on the raw talent and storytelling at the heart of each work. With an open, inclusive atmosphere and opportunities for artists across disciplines, the New Works Festival is a vibrant space for connection, discovery, and artistic growth in the Lynchburg creative scene.
Laughter on
the 23rd Floor
Written by: Neil Simon
October 16, 17, 18 2026
Laughter on the 23rd Floor is a semi-autobiographical comedy by Neil Simon, inspired by his early career as a television writer in the 1950s. Set in the writer’s room of a fictional TV variety show, the play follows a group of sharp-witted, eccentric writers working under the pressure of deadlines, creative clashes, and the volatile temperament of their star performer, Max Prince. The characters are loosely based on real-life comedy legends such as Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, and Sid Caesar, with the story capturing the chaos, camaraderie, and political tensions of the time.
The play debuted on Broadway in 1993, receiving generally positive reviews for its wit and nostalgic tone. The production showcased Simon's trademark humor and heart, offering a tribute to the writers who helped shape American comedy during a politically charged era.