Season 50 | Season of Celebration
To celebrate is to honour where we’ve been while boldly imagining what comes next. It’s stepping forward with heart, even when the path ahead is still unfolding. It’s the courage to be vulnerable, to stand in the spotlight and share your truth, to create something meaningful together. Celebration isn’t just about looking back—it’s about showing up, again and again, with passion, purpose, and a belief that stories have the power to change lives.
SBT’s 50th Season is a celebration of community, creativity, and courage.
For 50 seasons, StoryBook Theatre has taken chances, made mistakes, learned, grown, and dreamed bigger than before. This is our moment to celebrate the artists, audiences, students, volunteers, families, and supporters who have made every story possible.
At StoryBook Theatre, the magic lives in every audition, every rehearsal, every opening night—and in every person who walks through our doors. Each story shared on our stage reflects who we are, who we’ve been, and who we’re becoming, daring to inspire, uplift, and connect generations.
Whether this is your very first StoryBook experience or you’ve been with us for decades, you are an essential part of our story. Your laughter, tears, applause, and presence bring our performances to life and remind every artist why what we do matters. We are deeply grateful for YOU—our theatre family.
Across the productions in this landmark 50th Season, celebration takes many forms: honouring legacy, embracing identity, believing in the impossible, and daring to imagine a brighter future. Our 2026–27 season reflects five decades of storytelling while boldly stepping into the next chapter—filled with joy, ambition, love, and heart.
We invite you to celebrate with us—because sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is show up, together, and be part of something extraordinary.
2026/27 MAINSTAGE
HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
AUGUST 14 TO 30, 2026
Book, Music & Lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell
Directed by Joel Schaefer
Choreoraphed by Madison Arnason
Musical Direction by Ethan Vasquez Taylor
Produced as part of StoryBook Theatre's Student Summer Intensive Program
Blending ancient myth with a modern, folk- and jazz-inspired score, Hadestown: Teen Edition invites audiences into a haunting, hopeful world where love is tested, power is questioned, and belief can change everything. This contemporary retelling of the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, alongside Hades and Persephone, unfolds in a gritty, industrial underworld where survival often comes at a cost. Thoughtfully adapted for teen performers, the show preserves the emotional depth, musical richness, and storytelling impact of the Broadway phenomenon while remaining accessible and meaningful for young artists. With powerful ensemble storytelling, compelling featured roles, and music that demands both vulnerability and courage, it challenges teens to grow as performers and collaborators while exploring timeless questions about trust, resilience, and whether we choose fear or hope when the world tells us to stop singing.
A CONCRETE JUNGLE BOOK
OCTOBER 2 TO 31, 2026
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joe Slabe
Directed by JP Thibodeau
Choreoraphed by Mpoe Mogale
Musical Direction by Joe Slabe
In partnership with Forte Musical Theatre Guild
Rooted in the spirit of Kipling’s classic while boldly reimagined for today’s world, A Concrete Jungle Book is a contemporary musical originally conceived for StoryBook Theatre’s 40th season. Set within an urban landscape shaped by rules, hierarchies, and survival instincts, the story follows a young protagonist searching for identity, belonging, and family in a city that doesn’t always make space for difference. Featuring a driving modern score and rich ensemble storytelling, the piece offers performers dynamic characters, emotional range, and moments of both grit and heart. At its core, the show asks resonant questions for young people today: who decides where you belong, which rules are worth following, and how do you stay true to yourself while learning to stand together as a community?
DISNEY'S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 30, 2026
Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Directed by Eric Coles
Choreoraphed by Alison Jantzie
Musical Direction by Ethan Vasquez Taylor
Originally directed on Broadway by Michael Grandage
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee
Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Group
Inspired by the beloved Disney film, Frozen brings the story of sisterhood, courage, and self-discovery to the stage in a breathtaking theatrical experience. Set in the kingdom of Arendelle, the musical follows sisters Elsa and Anna as they navigate fear, isolation, and love after Elsa’s hidden powers are revealed to the world. Featuring dazzling visuals, rich storytelling, and a soaring score that includes favourite songs alongside powerful new music written for the stage, the show deepens the emotional journey of the original story. At its heart, Frozen is about learning to embrace who you are, the unbreakable bond of family, and discovering that true love comes in many forms—making it a moving, magical experience for performers and audiences of all ages.
ONE CHRISTMAS CAROL
DECEMBER 21 TO 23, 2026
by Dan Baker
Directed by JP Thibodeau
Starring Natasha Girgis
Rooted in Dickens’ timeless tale and brought vividly to life onstage, One Christmas Carol returns for the fourth time as a beloved StoryBook Theatre holiday tradition. Set on a snowy Christmas Eve, the musical follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by three spirits who challenge him to confront his past, understand his present, and reimagine his future. Rich with festive atmosphere, memorable characters, and moments of humour and tenderness, the show blends meaningful ensemble storytelling with iconic roles that have resonated with audiences year after year. At its heart, One Christmas Carol is a story of generosity, redemption, and community—reminding us, season after season, that it’s never too late to open your heart and choose kindness.
OLIVER!
FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 14, 2027
Book, Music & Lyrics by Lionel Bart
Directed by Hal Kerbes
Choreoraphed by Troy Goldthorp
Musical Direction by TBA
Freely adapted from Charle's Dickens' Oliver Twist
It’s been nearly 20 years since audiences last experienced this beloved story on the StoryBook Theatre stage, and Oliver! returns as a vibrant theatrical celebration of resilience, hope, and found family. Set in the bustling streets of Victorian London, the musical follows young orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates hardship, danger, and adventure while searching for belonging in a world that often overlooks the most vulnerable. Featuring iconic songs, richly drawn characters, and large-scale ensemble storytelling, the show offers performers dynamic roles and audiences moments of both joy and poignancy. Last produced at StoryBook Theatre in spring 2007, Oliver! is a powerful reminder that compassion, courage, and community can triumph even in the harshest of circumstances.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
MAY 21 TO JUNE 20, 2027
Music by Howard Ashman
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Director & Chroeography by Greg Pember
Musical Direction by Joel Schaefer
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and theDisney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker andwritten & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Filled with imagination, heart, and soaring music, The Little Mermaid invites audiences under the sea and beyond in a vibrant stage adaptation of the beloved Disney story. The musical follows Ariel, a curious and courageous young mermaid who dreams of life beyond the ocean and is willing to risk everything to follow her heart. Featuring unforgettable songs, dazzling theatrical moments, and expanded storytelling written for the stage, the show deepens themes of identity, independence, and the courage to choose your own path. Last produced at StoryBook Theatre in the spring and summer of 2016, this return brings renewed magic and heart to a story about finding your voice, embracing who you are, and discovering that love and belonging often require bravery.
2026/27 FUNDRAISERS
SINGERS @ SUNSET
JULY 21 and JANUARY 22
In Support of the Ellie Tims Project
Singers @ Sunset is a beloved concert event that has always been a fundraiser, bringing together some of the very best voices from the StoryBook Theatre community for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and connection. Showcasing outstanding performers from across StoryBook’s stages and programs, this intimate concert highlights the depth of talent, artistry, and heart that defines our theatre family.
This year, Singers @ Sunset continues its tradition of giving back by supporting the Ellie Tims Project, helping to fund bursaries and scholarships so children and youth can access theatre education and performance opportunities regardless of financial barriers. With only two concerts presented this year, each performance is a special opportunity to experience exceptional talent while directly supporting a program that ensures StoryBook Theatre remains accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.
TOP SECRET MUSICAL
OCTOBER 20, 2026
In Support of the Ellie Tims Project
Directed & Choreographed by Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan
Musical Direction by Ian Roberston
Top Secret Musical is one of StoryBook Theatre’s most anticipated and celebrated fundraising events, returning in 2027 for its 12th year (first launched in 2015). This high-energy, surprise-filled concert brings together exceptional performers from across the StoryBook community for one night only, with the repertoire kept completely under wraps until the curtain goes up.
Always a fundraiser at its core, Top Secret Musical directly supports StoryBook Theatre’s programs and initiatives, helping ensure access, opportunity, and artistic excellence remain at the heart of everything we do. Showcasing the very best talent StoryBook has to offer, the event is equal parts celebration, generosity, and theatrical joy—an audience favourite that continues to grow in impact and excitement year after year.
MISCAST 2027
APRIL 30, 2027
In support of the Ellie Tims Project
Directed by JP Thibodeau
Choreographed by TBA
Muscical Directed by TBA
MisCast is one of StoryBook Theatre’s most popular and joyfully subversive fundraising events, returning in spring 2027 for its 10th year, having first launched in the fall of 2017. This high-energy concert turns casting expectations upside down, inviting performers to take on roles and songs they would never traditionally be cast in—resulting in bold choices, surprising performances, and unforgettable moments.
Always conceived as a fundraiser, MisCast supports StoryBook Theatre’s programs and initiatives while celebrating creativity, inclusivity, and the extraordinary range of talent within our community. Showcasing some of the very best artists StoryBook has to offer, the event is equal parts theatrical experiment, celebration, and generosity—an audience favourite that continues to delight while investing in the future of StoryBook Theatre.