by Wayne Harada
MVT’S 2026-27 SLATE GLOWS
Manoa Valley Theatre has assembled a stellar, glowing quilt work of music, drama and comedy for its 2026-27 beginning this fall. Its six-show season reflects the pinnacle of storytelling, from the ridiculous to the sublime.
“This season is a celebration of storytelling at its most impactful—from bold contemporary works to crowd-pleasing favorites and deeply rooted local voices,” said Kathleen Young, executive director of MVT. “We’re especially excited about the range of experiences this lineup offers—there is truly something for everyone, and each production reflects the creativity, heart, and diversity of our community.”
The season includes:
- “Jagged Little Pill: The Musical,” from Sept. to 27 – Singer Alanis Morissette is the lyricist and co-composer with Glen Ballard of this show, with book by Diablo Cody. Its source is Morissette’s groundbreaking album, which delves into the complexities of modern family life; beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect suburban family thrives a story of identity, addiction, trauma and resilience fueled by her emotionally charged production comprising raw and unforgettable theatrical experiences.
- “Peter Pan Goes Wrong,” from Nov. 12 to 29 – This comedy, with non-stop laughs, is by the team of Jonathan Sayer, Henry Lewis, and Henry Shields, who were the creators of “The Play That Goes Wrong,”about the accident-prone Cornley Drama Society. This farce packs flying mishaps, technical disasters, and backstage chaos, and is loaded with physical comedy.
- “Purpose,” Jan. 21 to Feb. 7, 2027 – This drama, by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, earned the 2025 Pulitzer Price for Drama. It is a gripping and intimate portrait of a prominent family confronting long-buried truths. When a son returns home with an unexpected guest, tensions rise and secrets unravel, forcing reckoning with legacy, identity and belief.
- “The Producers: A Mel Brooks Musical, March 18 to April 4, 2027 – This Tony-winning musical comedy features a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Brooks. The plot features a scheming Broadway producer and his timid accountant, attempting to stage the biggest flop in history, only to create a runaway hit with non-stop laughs,
- “Folks You Meet in Longs,” May 13 to 30 2027 – This is a beloved comedic classic by Lee Cataluna, set in Hawaii’s most popular gathering place, Longs, where lives intersect in unexpected ways.
And since the Longs Drugs Manoa branch is in close proximity to the MVT stage, the neighborly thing to do was to set the show in the Manoa Longs, making it a uniquely local and deeply relatable experience. - “Shakespeare in Love,” July 15 – August 1, 2027 – Staged in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival, this play is
based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, and adapted by Lee Hall.
In this retelling, young William Shakespeare struggles with writer’s block—until he meets Viola, his muse and greatest inspiration. This romantic and witty play blends comedy, drama, and backstage intrigue, providing a charming glimpse into the creative spark behind one of the world’s greatest love stories.
“Once Upon One Kapakahi Time,” Lisa Matsumoto’s pidgin musical comedy, will be staged June 24 to July 11 as a summertime “extra,” not part of the six-play season, at the Kaimuki High School’s Performing Arts Center. Music and lyrics by Roslyn Catracchia, with additional lyrics by Matsumoto. “Kapakahi” (“mixed up” in pidgin lingo) features tunes from the collaborators’ “Once Upon One Time” trilogy, and contains the humor heart and localism adored island fans.
Dates to remember
- Season subscribers must renew by April 16, to retain their seats.
- New subscriptions begin April 6.
- Single ticket sales start July 1.
For details, visit manoavalleytheatre.com/new-2026-2027-season …
And that’s Show Biz…