Paper Mill Playhouse announces 2026-27 season
Paper Mill Playhouse has announced its 88th season for 2026-27, featuring a lineup of four productions to be presented concurrently with major campus-wide renovations. The upcoming season includes “Mary Poppins,” Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
The season is scheduled to run from November 2026 through June 2027 while the theater undergoes the final phase of its $48.8 million “Next Act Campaign.” During this period, reconstruction of the front-of-house and lobby spaces will require audiences to enter directly into the auditorium. The 800-seat orchestra section will remain open, while the mezzanine level will be temporarily closed to accommodate the construction.
The facility upgrades follow the completion of administrative and back-of-house improvements, as well as the upcoming May 6 grand opening of the newly renovated F. M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant. Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee noted the essential role of theater in the community, highlighting that Paper Mill serves more than 200,000 audience members annually. He also recognized the success of “Wanted,” which was produced at Paper Mill in 2024 as “Gun & Powder” and is set to open on Broadway this fall.
Executive Director Mike Stotts expressed gratitude to the residents of Millburn-Short Hills and the State of New Jersey for their support of the modernization project. Subscription packages for the three- and four-show season are currently available starting at $120, with individual tickets scheduled to go on sale Aug. 24. The theater plans to return to a five-production schedule and full audience capacity for the 2027-28 season upon the completion of renovations.
