By Johnathan Baines
Ruston Community Theatre has unveiled its upcoming season, featuring six can’t-miss productions that promise to entertain, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.
What began as a humble, community-driven effort in 1977 has grown into a cornerstone of the local performing arts scene, thanks to the unwavering dedication of passionate board members, the loyal support of patrons and sponsors, and the vision of leaders who have guided RCT through decades of growth and achievement.
Blending beloved classics with fresh, exciting titles, RCT’s 49th season is poised to offer something for everyone—and plenty of reasons to take a seat and enjoy the show. The season promises not to disappoint, with four mainstage productions and two junior productions.
Kicking off the season is the darkly comedic musical The Addams Family. Then, return to Bedford Falls for the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. After the new year, set sail for the first junior cast production—a farcical rendition of Treasure Island: A New Adventure. Originally planned for 2020 and ultimately canceled due to the pandemic, the suspenseful Wait Until Dark is slated for next spring. The summer of 2027 will bring the junior musical—Disney’s hit High School Musical: On Stage. The season will close with a musical adaptation of the classic movie Meet Me in St. Louis.
2026–2027 Main Season
The Addams Family (October 8–11, 2026) – The creepy and kooky Addams family takes the stage in a comical feast that embraces the quirkiness that holds families together. In this musical adaptation, Wednesday Addams, princess of darkness, has fallen in love with a sweet, handsome, and normal boy! As Wednesday wrestles with upholding her family’s spooky legacy or trying something new, the family prepares for a “meet the parents” dinner where normal and paranormal collide. The show features a script by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. It will be directed by Tami Alexander and produced in partnership with Origin Bank.
It’s a Wonderful Life (December 10–13, 2026) – Based on the Frank Capra film, which has become a holiday tradition for many, this stage adaptation by James W. Rodgers faithfully adheres to the source material. George Bailey, an average, hard-working family man and upstanding citizen, has repeatedly denied himself for the needs of others. When a banking error leaves him in deep debt, he contemplates taking his own life as his only escape. His redemption comes by way of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who shows him a glimpse of what the world would be like if he had never been born. This show will be directed by Steele Moegle and produced in partnership with Andy Halbrook at Edward Jones Investments.
Wait Until Dark (April 8–11, 2027) – As Susan Hendrix learns to cope as a blind woman, having lost her sight a year earlier, she finds herself in a game of cat and mouse with three suspicious men. With only an adolescent girl as an ally, she plans to outwit her foes by the cunning use of darkness to gain the upper hand. The play is written by Frederick Knott and will be directed by Mary Watkins.
Meet Me in St. Louis (July 22–25, 2027) – Based on the nostalgic film, this stage musical adaptation won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1990. Return to the simpler times of the early 1900s, when everyone is eagerly awaiting the opening of the 1904 World’s Fair. The show spans the course of a year in the lives of the Smith family as they experience romance, new opportunities, and sudden change. The family’s routine life is drastically shaken when the father announces plans to move to New York. As the seasons change, the family leans on one another and rediscovers the value of love and familial bonds. The musical features well-known, warm songs by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, with a book by Hugh Wheeler. The production is directed by Dee Alexander and produced in partnership with the Chumley family.
2026–2027 Junior Shows
Treasure Island: A New Adventure (February 18–21, 2027) – Grab your eye patch and peg leg for a swashbuckling adventure across the seven seas to claim the treasure of Skull Island. This playful, comedic take on the classic story follows young Jim Hawkins as he embarks on a fortune-seeking quest after discovering a treasure map. With plenty of puns and pirate antics, this adaptation by A.J. Allegra, James Bartelle, and Alex Marinez Wallace will certainly shiver your timbers! This show is produced in partnership with Century Next Bank and directed by Tami Alexander.
High School Musical: On Stage (June 24–27, 2027) – Everyone remembers the cliques of high school. But when basketball captain and archetypal jock Troy Bolton discovers his love of singing and decides to audition for the spring musical with brainy mathlete Gabriella, the blending of social circles sends shockwaves through the school. There’s no going back to the “status quo” once everyone learns to embrace their hidden passions, regardless of social labels. Based on the smash Disney Channel movie sensation, this stage adaptation features a script by David Simpatico and music by various composers. The show will be directed by Steele Moegle and produced in partnership with Jonesboro State Bank.
From laughter to suspense to show-stopping musical numbers, this season truly has it all! Ruston Community Theatre continues its tradition of bringing exceptional, family-friendly entertainment to the stage—so grab your seats and plan to experience every show. Season memberships go on sale later this year, with details coming soon. Follow RCT on social media and join the mailing list to stay in the know. Start marking those calendars—an unforgettable 49th season awaits!
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