(Covington, KY, February 2, 2026) — The Carnegie is thrilled to unveil its 2026 season — a vibrant slate of musical theatre that promises unforgettable performances, dynamic storytelling, and opportunities for everyone in the community to experience live theatre.
“The 2026 season is built around stories that ask us to see one another more fully—whether through laughter, love, joy, or vulnerability.” said Tyler Gabbard, The Carnegie’s Director of Theatre. “Whether this is your first time through our doors or your fiftieth, the 2026 season is designed to remind you why gathering together for live theatre is such a powerful experience.”
In support of expanding access to the arts, The Carnegie is proud to launch its First Show Free initiative in the 2026 season. Designed to welcome new audiences to live theatre, the program offers two complimentary tickets to a first-time Carnegie visitor for one 2026 performance. Details can be found at thecarnegie.com/firstfree.
Tyler Gabbard says, “Live theatre thrives in community, launching our First Show Free initiative with a season this wide-ranging felt natural. These are stories meant to be shared, and this program ensures more people get to be part of that shared experience.”
From beloved classics to contemporary hits, The Carnegie’s 2026 season spans more than 90 years of musical theatre history. Audiences can expect show-stopping song and dance, intimate storytelling, and fresh approaches to beloved titles.
The 2026 SeasonShape
ANYTHING GOES
February 27 – March 8, 2026
A co-production of The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Music and Lyrics by COLE PORTER
Original Book by P.G. WODEHOUSE & GUY BOLTON and HOWARD LINDSAY & RUSSEL CROUSE
New Book by TIMOTHY CROUSE & JOHN WEIDMAN
Set sail for madcap mayhem in this tuneful, tap-dancing musical where high society and low morals collide! Aboard the S.S. American, con men are celebrated, evangelists are made showbiz sensations, and romance runs amok. Featuring Cole Porter’s sparkling score—including “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and the toe-tapping title number—this screwball spectacle proves that with a little charm (and a catchy tune), you can get away with anything.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
June 19 – 28, 2026
Book by STEVEN LEVENSON
Music and Lyrics by BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL
Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by The Washington Post, this groundbreaking musical looks at our tangled, social media-driven world. Winner of six Tony Awards, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary story that speaks to anyone who has ever felt invisible, isolated, or alone in a crowded room.
MURDER FOR TWO
July 22 – 26, 2026
Book and music by JOE KINOSIAN
Book and lyrics by KELLEN BLAIR
Everyone’s a suspect in this uproarious musical whodunit with a killer twist. One actor plays the detective, the other plays all the suspects, and together they accompany the madness on piano in a madcap homage to classic murder mysteries. This clever caper is equal parts chaos, comedy, and criminally good fun.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
August 14 – 23, 2026
Music and Lyrics by JERRY HERMAN
Book by HARVEY FIERSTEIN
Based on the Play by JEAN POIRET
Step inside the hottest drag club in town for a night of showstopping numbers, outrageous comedy, and heart as big as the spotlight. With a glittering score by Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!) and a riotously funny book by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots), this Tony Award-winning musical, which inspired the 1996 film The Birdcage, is a dazzling celebration of family, love, and unapologetic fabulousness.
CARRIE: THE MUSICAL
October 23 – November 1, 2026
A co-production of The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Music by MICHAEL GORE
Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD
Book by LAWRENCE D. COHEN
Based on the novel by STEPHEN KING
From the twisted imagination of Stephen King comes a tale of terror, power, and teenage rage like no other. CARRIE: THE MUSICAL thrusts you into the world of Carrie White — the shy outsider bullied at school and tormented at home by her fanatically religious mother. But when she discovers a strange new power, the tables turn… and the results are explosive. Fueled by a driving rock score and raw, emotional intensity, this cult classic crackles with fear, fury, and fire — until everything ignites.
Subscriptions & Tickets
Flexible subscriptions and single tickets for the 2026 season are available now at thecarnegie.com or by calling the box office at 859-957-1940. Flexible subscription options allow audiences to choose the shows, dates, and seats that work best for them — with savings up to 15% on ticket prices.