Virginia Theatre Festival Announces 2026 Season
SEASON TO KICK OFF WITH KEN LUDWIG’S MORIARTY; FOLLOWED BY TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL DISNEY’S NEWSIES; AND POWERFUL ONE-WOMAN-PLAY FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – February 3, 2026 – The Virginia Theatre Festival’s 2026 season will open on Saturday, June 20 with the melodramatic madcap romp, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty. VTF’s 52nd season runs through July 26 and will also feature the Tony Award-winning musical Disney’s Newsies and Frida…A Self Portrait, a one-woman show that explores and celebrates the life, art, and enduring legacy of legendary artist and cultural icon Frida Kahlo.
The Virginia Theatre Festival is a program of the University of Virginia, with support from the Office of the Provost, Vice Provost for the Arts, College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Drama, and The Caplin Foundation.
“We are very excited to share another season of outstanding professional theatre with our community and to once again welcome directors, actors, designers, and technicians whose work has been seen on some of the nation’s leading stages, from Broadway to regional theatres, touring houses, and more,” said VTF Artistic Director Jenny Wales. “This is a season that promises something for every theatre lover, from the thrill ride of Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty to the inspiring story, rousing score, and stunning choreography of Disney’s Newsies, to the singular artistry of Frida…A Self Portrait, which celebrates the remarkable life and art of Frida Kahlo.”
VTF’s 2026 season kicks off with Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty. Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Watson are on the case when an investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. Joined by American actress Irene Adler, Holmes and Watson face off against the brilliant criminal mastermind Professor James Moriarty and his network of devious henchmen. Tony Award-winner Ken Ludwig’s latest features five actors playing countless roles in an adventure where disguises, danger, and laughter lurk around every corner.
Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, directed by Nicolas Minas, will run June 20-28 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre.
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Tony Award-winning musical, Disney’s Newsies tells the tale of young Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow turn-of-the-century New York “newsies” to strike back against the leading media moguls of the day to protest unfair conditions and to fight for what is right. This inspiring underdog tale urges us all to “Seize the Day” and features empowering anthems from the legendary Alan Menken and spectacular choreography by returning VTF and UVA alum Matthew Steffens, who will also direct the production. Steffens credits include Associate Choreographer on the recent Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of Into the Woods as well as director and choreographer of the acclaimed VTF productions of Cabaret (2023) and Into the Woods (2025).
Disney’s Newsies, directed and choreographed by Matthew Steffens, will run July 9-19 in the Culbreth Theatre.
The 2026 VTF season will close with Frida…A Self Portrait. Acclaimed actor and playwright Vanessa Severo brings to life one of the world’s most iconic and enduring cultural figures in an unfailingly original and boldly theatrical experience that sheds light on the artist as well as the performer while exploring how we shape ourselves through the art we love. Severo unlocks moving parallels between herself and Frida Kahlo while crafting a poetic performance that explores Kahlo’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius.
Frida…A Self Portrait, written and performed by Vanessa Severo and directed by Joanie Schultz, will run July 23-26 in the Ruth Caplin Theatre.
Local auditions for roles in Disney’s Newsies and Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty will be held February 20-21. Callbacks for Disney’s Newsies will be held February 22-24. Callbacks for Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty will occur at a later date. An additional call will be held on February 23 for local youth, ages 8-17, to audition for “Brooklyn Boys” roles in Disney’s Newsies. VTF also offers seasonal employment opportunities for theatre artists, technicians, and administrators. More information on job openings and auditions can be found at virginiatheatrefestival.org/jobs.
VTF is proud to be partnering with Charlottesville’s acclaimed performing arts academy DMR Adventures to support the local young actors cast in VTF’s production of Disney’s Newsies.
VTF donors provide essential support to the organization, while enjoying exclusive benefits like gaining access to purchase tickets in advance of public sales, invitations to special events, behind-the-scenes access, and more. For more information on ways to support the upcoming season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org/support.
Tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale on April 17.
To learn more about the Virginia Theatre Festival and the upcoming season, visit virginiatheatrefestival.org.
Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure was originally produced by Cleveland Play House, Guest Artistic & Managing Director, Mark Cuddy and is presented by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals company. www.concordtheatricals.com.
The Virginia Theatre Festival’s Production of Disney’s Newsies The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Disney’s Newsies music is by Alan Menken, lyrics are by Jack Feldman, and the book is by Harvey Fierstein. The show is based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and was originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Frida…A Self Portrait is written and performed by Vanessa Severo and directed by Joanie Schultz.
