The Washington Center for the Performing Arts has announced a new season filled with a mosaic of hit musicals, comedic treasures, thoughtful author discussions and much more. Whether audience members are looking to laugh, learn or get away for the evening, audience members can find their ideal lineup during the 2026/2027 season at the Washington Center.
Washington Center 26/27 Season Features a Broadway Musical and Hit Plays on the Main Stage
According to Jill Barnes, executive director of the Washington Center, building a season lineup is like a multi-dimensional puzzle, striking the right balance of genres and performances that the local community and visitors would enjoy.
The long-awaited Broadway Tour of “Waitress” is coming to the Washington Center on June 23 and June 24, 2027. The musical follows Jenna, a waitress at a small-town diner who moonlights as a prolific pie baker, incorporating the details of her life into her newest pie recipes. With dreams of escaping her troubled marriage and small town, a baking contest may set her on the road to new adventures.
Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, “Waitress” features original music and lyrics from singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, who combined beats of romantic humor through pieces like “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” with melancholy reflection of “She Used to be Mine.”
An evening of mystery and mayhem awaits through “Clue” on March 1, 2027. Based on the classic Hasbro whodunit board game and 1985 film, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock and all the classic characters gather at Boddy Manor in a tale that weaves murder, blackmail and slapstick for an evening of deduction and laughter.
“FDR’s Very Happy Hour” will run from November 5 through November 7 in the intimate Black Box Theater. This immersive show chronicles Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s journey as the 32nd president of the United States, including tumultuous years of the Great Depression and World War II, with candor, humor and reflection. “FDR’s Very Happy Hour” will also emphasize accessibility through captioning, wheelchair access and ASL Interpretation.
On April 25, 2027, the play “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” will chronicle the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon, detailing this powerful, funny and inspirational story.
A Season of Laughter Awaits at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The “Randy Rainbow: National Freakin’ Treasure” tour is set to arrive at the Washington Center on October 15, 2026. Comedian, actor and writer Randy Rainbow has garnered millions of views across social media by blending top political headlines with Broadway and pop hits. Audience members can look forward to an evening of sequins, showtunes and sharp political commentary.
Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Tig Notaro will be at the Washington Center on November 13, 2026, as part of the “Out of Nowhere” tour. And get into the holiday spirit through the return of “God is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special” on December 4, 2026. On March 27, 2027, the improv comedy sensation BATSU! will deliver chaos and laughs through the lens of a Japanese “batsu” style game show.
Many more evenings of laughs abound through the Seattle International Comedy Competition on November 19, 2026, Ladies of Laughter on March 19, 2027, and installments of Comedy Underground on January 28, February 25, March 25 and April 22, 2027.
“It’s great to walk into the theater and just leave your cares and worries behind and come into a new realm to experience something else,” says Barnes.
Music, Dance and Literary Legends Arrive at the Washington Center for the 26/27 Season
The Washington Center will showcase immersive and innovative dance performances through “Sol Invictus” on February 9, 2027, and the innovative multimedia dance company MOMIX’s surreal and beautiful “Botanica” on May 18, 2027.
“Sol Invictus” is from the company of esteemed French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi, featuring dance styles from across the globe, representing unity and the creative spirit. “MOMIX Botanica” is a stunning visual feast of choreography and costume inspired by the seasons and cycles of the natural world.
Black Box Jazz returns with trumpeter Nathan Breedlove and pianist David Lee Joyner on January 15, 2027, vocalist Eugenie Jones on February 19, trumpeter Cyrus Nabipoor on March 26 and the Duende Libre Trio on May 21.
Other musical acts include Skerryvore on October 9, 2026, International Guitar Night on January 31, 2027, and Blind Boys of Alabama’s “Songs in the Key of Life” on April 1. On April 16, The Wellermen will bring a fresh take to traditional folk sounds through their iconic “sea shanty” harmonies.
The Washington Center will also host conversations from authors, including “An Evening with Amy Tan” on October 7, 2026, “Rick Steves: Travel as a Political Act” on January 8, 2027, and Timothy Egan on February 5, 2027. Adventure Series returns for the 26/27 season and will include “Among Wild Predators” with National Geographic explorer Casey Anderson on January 24, and “Forces of Nature” with filmmaker and photographer Keith Ladzinski on April 29.
Ahead of The Wellerman, Skerryvore, BATSU! and International Guitar Night, ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a pre-show experience located in the Black Box Theater, where attendees will be able to enjoy refreshments and activities tailored to each show.
If audience members are interested in attending multiple shows throughout the 26/27 season, subscription packages are available. For patrons who choose a minimum of five eligible performances, benefits include a 15% ticket discount, early access to purchase tickets for the season and pre-sales for special events.
Tickets for Washington Center shows can be found on the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website, by phone at 360.753.8586 or in person at the Washington Center Box Office. The Box Office is open from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and two hours ahead of ticketed events.
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