By SDCN Staff
Carlsbad, CA–New Village Arts has announced its 25th anniversary season with a lineup of four musicals and one play that celebrate the communities they build, the families they choose, and the enduring power of human connection.
Running from August 2026 through July 2027, the new season invites audiences to experience five unforgettable stories from diverse perspectives that explore how people come together to thrive amid uncertainty, challenges, and change.
Season 25 kicks off with the electrifying global hit “We Will Rock You,” a story by Ben Elton and featuring more than 20 iconic Queen songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “We Will Rock You.” Set in a future where music and individuality have been suppressed, young revolutionaries will embark on a mission to restore the power of rock ‘n’ roll. “We Will Rock You” will run from August 7 to September 20.
Named one of The New York Times’ Best Shows of 2017, this enchanting musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy “As You Like It,” adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, features an original folk-pop score by Taub. The story follows Rosalind as she escapes to the Forest of Arden, where disguises, romance, and self-discovery intertwine. Directed by Kristianne Kurner, the production marks a return to New Village Arts’ roots: “As You Like It” was featured in the company’s inaugural season, making this its third staging in the theater’s history. “As You Like It” will run from October 16 to November 29.
Ringing in the new year is one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, Kander & Ebb’s “Cabaret.” Audiences will be transported to the Kit Kat Club, a vibrant Berlin nightclub, as the rise of the Third Reich threatens the freedoms and relationships of those who call it home. Daring, provocative, and deeply relevant, this classic explores the bonds we create in uncertain times. “Cabaret” will run January 29 to March 14, 2027.
The new season adds The Audacious Initiative, a new donor-funded program that directly supports the bold, adventurous work New Village Arts produces. The Initiative’s inaugural production will be “Furlough’s Paradise,” a poetic and powerful play by a.k. payne, that follows cousins Sade and Mina as they reunite in their childhood hometown following a family loss. Through grief, memory, and reconciliation, they explore questions of home, kinship, and the dream of a better future. Artistic Producer Kali Boston, director of New Village Art’s current production of “Hairspray,” will direct the production. “Furlough’s Paradise” will run from April 9 to May 9, 2027.
Closing the season is Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical celebration of life in New York City’s Washington Heights. Bursting with unforgettable music and heart, “In The Heights” tells the story of a neighborhood bound together by hope, ambition, and a shared sense of belonging. Maria Patrice Amon, a Dea Hurston Fellow and co-founder of San Diego’s TuYo Theatre, will return to the theater to bring this story to life. She last directed “Matt & Ben.” “In The Heights” will run from June 4 to July 18, 2027.
“25 years is a milestone all of us at New Village Arts are so proud of. Telling stories that celebrate the diversity of our world in the heart of Carlsbad Village has been an honor. This season, we are going big with stories that recognize the importance of community. The arts are one of the best ways to create a new village: a place where folks can gather to experience things outside of their own lived experiences. New Village Arts looks forward to welcoming everyone to this exciting season,” said Executive Artistic Director Kristianne Kurner, founder of New Village Arts.
Four- and five-show subscriptions for Season 25 are available now, with single tickets going on sale for “We Will Rock You” on July 1.
Subscribers receive early access to preferred seating, unlimited ticket exchanges, invitations to exclusive subscriber events, and priority renewal opportunities for the 2027 to 2028 season.
Corporate and individual sponsorships for Season 5 are available. Email Kristianne Kurner at kristianne@newvillagearts.org to inquire.
Subscriptions for the season range from $157 to $342, with 4 and 5-show subscriptions available.
Subscriptions are on sale now. Single tickets will range from $40 to $75 for plays and $45 to $85 for musicals.
For more information, visit New Village Arts’ website.
