Two River Theater Reveals 2026/27 Season With Two World Premieres and August Wilson Classic

Two River Theater unveiled what audiences can expect in its 2026/27 season on March 25. Four main productions will take the stage, including two world premieres, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, and an East Coast premiere. August Wilson's The Piano Lesson opens the Red Bank theater in September 2026.

Opening night arrives Sept. 12, running through Oct 4. Francois Battiste directs The Piano Lesson. This marks the eighth play from August Wilson's American Century Cycle that the theater has staged. The Charles family wrestles over a hand-carved piano heirloom — an object carrying generations of memory and pain.

Stir makes its East Coast premiere Oct. 31 through Nov. 22. Melinda Lopez and Joel Perez wrote this comedy. Two siblings reconnect while cooking their mother's black bean recipe. Eddie Torres directs.

A world premiere musical called Loch Ness splashes onto the stage March 10 through April 4, 2027. Marshall Pailet composed the music and directs. A.D. Penedo wrote the lyrics. Sandy Rustin penned the book. A Scottish girl named Haley searches for truth in the misty waters. Misha Shields choreographs.

Trip Around the Sun wraps up the season June 5 through June 27, 2027, as a world premiere from playwright Jake Brasch. Shelley Butler directs the comedy. Phil and Suze are retirees who live in a Jimmy Buffett-themed retirement community in Florida. The story happens the night before a birthday cruise.

"Daffodils are poking up, spring is almost sprung, and as the world outside begins anew, Two River is thrilled to share our 2026–27 season with you," said Artistic Director Justin Waldman, according to Patch. "From our eighth production in August Wilson's The American Century Cycle, The Piano Lesson, to Stir, the eighth play to emerge from our Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival; from the 14th year of A Little Shakespeare with The Two Gentlemen of Verona, to two major World Premieres, Loch Ness: A New Musical and Trip Around the Sun, there is a bounty of world-class storytelling in store for you."

The education program A Little Shakespeare returns for its 14th year with The Two Gentlemen of Verona from May 1 through May 8, 2027. Illana Stein adapted and directs this production. High school students perform Shakespeare's first romantic comedy.

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The theater sits at 21 Bridge Ave. in Red Bank. Matinee performances begin at 2:00 p.m. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m.