Open Stage, the city's regional theater in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, has announced its 40th anniversary season, themed "The Next Chapter." The milestone year invites audiences to celebrate the legacy of Open Stage through productions such as the world premiere of "Stoney Brook," a parody reunion of the world's most iconic babysitters, and "Jesus Christ Superstar" in a one-weekend-only musical event at The Forum.

The season will begin with "Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles" and the slapstick spectacle of "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors." The season also features the Pennsylvania premiere of "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas," a nostalgic holiday celebration inspired by the television special.

The season also includes student productions from The Alsedek Theater School, Open Stage's educational program, including "Shrek Kids" and "Beetlejuice JR."; the musical theater workshop; and "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales." These productions give young artists the opportunity to perform, grow and share their talents with the community.

In addition, Open Stage will launch new tours of "The Diary of Anne Frank," "A Christmas Carol" and more, designed to bring theater to students across Central Pennsylvania.

Full highlights of "The Next Chapter" season include the following: Saturdays, Sept. 6 through 27, "Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles; Saturdays, Oct. 4 through Nov. 1, "Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors"; and Saturday, Nov. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 23, "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas."

Productions in 2026 will include the following: Thursday, Jan. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 11, "Beetlejuice JR."; Saturdays, Feb. 7 through March 7, "Stony Brook" or "The Unauthorized, Unhinged, and Unfiltered Reunion of Our Favorite Babysitters Who Are Now Forty-Something, Never Recovered from the '90s, and Might Burn the Neighborhood Down"; Tuesday, March 17, through Thursday, April 2, "The Good at Heart Festival"; March 17 through April 2, "The Diary of Anne Frank"; Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22, "Jesus Christ Superstar"; Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, "Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed"; Friday, April 24, through Monday, April 27, "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales"; Saturday, May 30, through Saturday, June 20, "The Boys in the Band"; and Thursday, June 25, through Saturday, June 27, "Shrek Kids."

Ongoing and returning programming will include Saturday, Dec. 5, through Monday, Dec. 21, "Who's Holiday!"; Sunday, Dec. 13, Figgy Pudding Court Street Cabaret; Black NewsBeat; and BaRPG, a monthly fantasy comedy night.

Tickets for Season 40 go on sale in July. Members of The Inner Circle membership program receive early access. Learn more at http://www.openstagehbg.com.