January in Rhode Island doesn’t exactly scream show tunes and summer nights. The beaches are quiet, the wind has a bite, and flip-flops feel very far away. But while winter settles in, Theatre By The Sea is already looking ahead. The historic Wakefield theater has announced its 2026 summer schedule, giving theatergoers something bright to anticipate long before the snow melts.
Owner and producer Bill Hanney has lined up four crowd-pleasing musicals for the 2026 season, continuing the theater’s tradition of pairing Broadway favorites with its unmistakable coastal charm. Subscriptions are now on sale, giving audiences a chance to lock in summer plans early and start counting down to warmer nights by the water.
The season opens May 28 with Little Shop of Horrors, the cult-classic musical comedy that blends camp, romance, and a very hungry plant. Running through June 20, the show follows down-on-his-luck florist Seymour Krelborn as he chases love and success, only to discover his unusual new plant comes with a dangerous appetite. With a score by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, it’s a darkly funny way to kick off the season.
Next comes a full dose of nostalgia when Grease hits the stage June 25 through July 18. Leather jackets, poodle skirts, and iconic songs like “You’re The One That I Want” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You” bring Rydell High to life in this high-energy production. As the theater promises, “Grease is the word this summer in Matunuck!”
The emotional centerpiece of the season arrives July 23 with Titanic The Broadway Musical, running through August 15. Winner of five Tony Awards, the sweeping production tells the true stories of passengers aboard the legendary ship, from hopeful third-class immigrants to privileged first-class travelers, all bound together on history’s most famous voyage.
Closing out the summer is On Your Feet!, running August 20 through September 13. The vibrant musical charts the rise of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, celebrating perseverance, love, and Latin rhythms with hits like “Conga” and “Get On Your Feet.”
Subscriptions for the 2026 summer season are available now. For show details, performance dates, and ticket information, visit theatrebythesea.com.
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