‘Outsiders,’ ‘Wicked,’ ‘Suffs’ among offerings for next season

Nothing drives the downtown economy quite like the theatrical productions coming from Broadway to the Main Street showplace.

Shea’s announced its 2026-26 season Tuesday, with these shows scheduled:

“The Outsiders,” Sept. 17-23, 2025. This musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s 1967 teen lit standard won four 2024 Tony Awards®, including best musical. It’s directed by Danya Taymor, who also won a Tony for her direction.

“The Notebook,” Oct. 7-13, 2025. Based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romance features music from music by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.

“Wicked,” Nov. 12-30, 2025: What is left to say other than that one of the most popular musicals of the past generation is back for another run. It last appeared on the Shea’s stage in 2017.

“‘Twas the Night Before … by Cirque du Soleil, Opening Dec. 17, 2025. Acrobatics and a twist on Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” fuel Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, with a soundtrack that includes the troupe’s versions of holiday classics.

“Kimberly Akimbo,” March 17-22, 2026. This show won five Tony awards, including best musical, in 2023. The play promises the title character will navigate “family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges.”

“Water for Elephants,” April 14-19, 2026. Another novel adaptation (from Sara Gruen’s 2006 historical romance),  set amid trains, circuses and memories.

“Suffs,” June 2-7, 2026. Suffs is for suffragettes and comes from Shaina Taub (Tony Awards for best book and best score in 2024).

Shea’s said Broadway season subscribers would have the opportunity to buy tickets for this summer’s run of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” before the general public.

The series is produced by Albert Nocciolino, Shea’s Broadway partner, and sponsored by Five Star Bank.

How much of an impact are these shows expected to have? Shea’s said its Broadway season has an annual economic impact of more than $50 million, drawing over 350,000 to the Theatre District.